NurtureGroup

Miracle Babies Foundation NurtureGroup is free play and support groups for families who have experienced the birth of a premature or sick newborn. We welcome all NICU and Special Care Nursery families.

We offer a safe and secure environment for children from birth to starting school, who have been challenged by prematurity or sickness in which they can learn and develop through play, whilst offering families ongoing parent support after leaving the safety of a NICU/Special Care Nursery.

Parents and carers can exchange ideas on parenting, tackle medical issues, share stories, build support networks, form friendships and ease the isolation that can often be felt by families of premature and sick newborns.

NurtureGroup Locations

Click on one of the locations below to find out more information and to register:

NurtureGroup sessions are managed by an appointed NurtureGroup Coordinator who is also an approved Miracle Babies Foundation parent support volunteer.

Attendance is FREE for all sessions.

NurtureGroup is geared specifically towards the needs of premature and sick newborns and are equipped with toys and activities recommended by therapists to help advance physical development, to encourage sensory play and development.

Health professionals in maternal and child health fields attend NurtureGroup intermittently to provide information, assistance and expert advice of the children's development. Professionals may include Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Dietetics, Social Work, Psychology, Nursing and more.

A general Miracle Babies Foundation NurtureGroup session will include time for:

• Setting up
• Playtime
• Morning tea
• Playtime
• General clean up and pack away

Wellness Policy

Due to the ongoing health concerns of children challenged by prematurity or sickness we do not allow attendance of children or parents/carers, who are unwell, have a temperature, sickness, diarrhoea, or who have an infectious disease.

REGISTER NOW

Hear from our Miracle Parents directly about how NurtureGroup has supported them:

"The Miracle Babies Foundation NurtureGroup is a great place to meet other families  who really understand the emotional roller coaster we went through and issues that still affect us today. The support we receive from other families is so uplifting and to watch the children together is very special"

– Miracle Mum Kelly 

"NurtureGroup is such a special place. Having a premmie baby is a life changing experience and just being in a supportive space with others who know exactly what you've been through is comforting and nurturing. Sometimes it's good to talk about the experience (it never truly leaves you) and other times it's just lovely to sit and chat, play with our beautiful miracle babies (and their siblings who are made to feel welcome) and enjoy a hot coffee."

– Miracle Mum Joanne

"Having a support group specifically for sick/premmie babies is such a blessing and comfort. I tried attending a regular (non-premmie) mother’s group once my baby came home from hospital and it was just too difficult. I couldn’t relate to any of the mother’s and the information we received was irrelevant. I love this group as it’s very inviting and welcoming, and everyone has their own unique story and they understand the NICU journey."

– Miracle Mum Nicole