Event raises awareness about premature babies
In South Africa, one in seven babies are born pre-term. These statistics are made up of both low and high income groups.
Chubby Bunny, in collaboration with Me, Mom and Dad Baby Store, held an event to highlight Prematurity Awareness where guests learnt more about what causes prematurity and where parents can find support.
The event was held at the Greenstone Shopping Centre on November 15.
November is World Prematurity Awareness Month. According to a report released by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in November 2014, internationally an estimate of 15 million babies are born pre-term, which is more than one in 10 babies. In South Africa, one in seven babies are born pre-term. These statistics are made up of both low and high income groups.
Ms Sian Mc Farlane of Chubby Bunny said the main objective of the campaign was to spread prematurity awareness while painting it in a positive light.
“With the right support and knowledge it doesn’t have to be a scary experience for parents,” said Ms Mc Farlane.
Six lucky winners went home with hampers donated by Pigeon and Bennetts.
Some of the expert speakers at the event were Sr Megan Whiley, a veteran midwife and childbirth educator, Ms Anneline Vieira a physiotherapist specialising in paediatric therapy, Ms Sian Mc Farlane from Chubby Bunny, Mr Andrew McFarlane and Mr Rob Crosbie, who spoke about prematurity from a father’s perspective, Ms Margo Kilborn, an international infant massage instructor and Ms Chrissie Smith-Schuler.
