Marked annually on 17 November, World Prematurity Day is a time to raise awareness of the impact of preterm birth and advocate for quality care for every baby who is born too soon.
Each year, more than 26,000 babies are born prematurely in Australia, and over 15 million worldwide.
Supporting parents of premature babies - who often face long hospital stays with their newborns - is essential.
In Queensland’s Logan region, Benevolent’s team at the Brown Plains Early Years Centre provides this vital support to parents and families with babies born prematurely.
The Image above is of Jodi and Samara sitting with a family during a session.
Premmies Play & Learn Together
Benevolent’s Premmies Play & Learn Together Group has run since 2012, to provide support for families with babies born prematurely (25-35 weeks' gestation). Sessions take place weekly on Fridays from 9am to 11AM.
Jodi McMurtrie, Child Development Specialist (Advanced Practitioner) at Benevolent, says: “We welcome families to come together, have a yarn, share their celebrations, challenges, ask questions about what they need help with, and support each other.”
Positive interactions between parents and children are promoted through play-based learning experiences. A variety of developmentally appropriate play spaces are available for children and families to increase their bonding and secure attachment.
Guest speakers also attend sessions to share insights for requested support, including speech pathologists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.
“This interactive and social setting is crucial for building resilience for families. Alongside the mental health benefits, these sessions increase awareness of the children’s learning, wellbeing, and development cues. They empower parents and carers to identify and respond to their children’s needs,” added Jodi.
“It’s incredibly rewarding seeing the bonds between parents and their children grow. There is also a real sense of connection between those taking part in the sessions, with many families continuing to stay close outside of the group.”
Each session ends with an interactive story and music session promoting early literacy and connection. Benevolent’s team also facilitate referrals to other services and health checks.
World Prematurity Day
To mark World Prematurity Day, Benevolent’s Premmies Play & Learn Together team will be part of Logan Library’s First 5 Forever session at the Kingston Butter Factory.
“Families will be able to take part in a story time session with artist Tui n Friends, bringing music, movement, and culture to life for little ones. We will also be running a kindness rock activity for families, and sharing information on the resources available through our Premmies group,” said Samara Williams, Child & Family Practitioner at Benevolent.
"Local events like this are crucial to ensuring the community are aware of the support available to parents of babies born prematurely. It provides resources and opportunities for attendees to meet with parents from the group, hear firsthand what learnings they’ve taken away from Premmies sessions, and understand the support available to families in the area on a similar journey.”
For more information on our range of Early Childhood Years services and programs, click here or call 1800 236 762.