The birth of any child is a miracle, but for parents of the 1 in 10 (9%) babies born prematurely, it can be a traumatic journey.
Kylie Pussell co-founded Miracle Babies Foundation in 2005 after several traumatic experiences.
She says Miracle Month of May is a time to talk about the work her foundation does with families of premature and sick babies and to share some of the emotional trauma that these parents go through.
Mothers and fathers face different stressors following a preterm birth. With less awareness and research into the challenges faced by fathers, they lack proper support or insight into their trauma.
Subsequently, more than a third (36%) of fathers to very preterm babies experience high rates of depression, while one in two (47%) suffer from elevated anxiety levels.
Kylie Pussell is calling on members of different communities, particularly Indigenous communities, to support and join the foundation to help them deliver culturally tailored services.
In Australia, over 27,000 babies are born premature and sadly 1,000 babies lose their fight for life each year.
or call a dedicated 24 hour help-line: 1300 622 243
