In Australia, 1 in 10 babies are born prematurely, with almost half of these babies needing to spend time in a neonatal intensive care unit.  The National Premature Babies Awareness creates awareness for the medical research and equipment required for these special little premature babies. With vital medical equipment over half of the babies placed in intensive care units survive and go on to live normal lives without complications.  The Bonnie Babes Foundation would like to increase their chances of survival by placing further life saving equipment into intensive care units across Australia.

The Definition of a miscarriage is birth prior to the 20th week of pregnancy, but usually in the first 12 weeks. One in every four pregnancies result in a miscarriage.

Preterm birth is defined by birth before the 37th week of pregnancy. In 2005, over 8% of births in Australia were preterm or premature. For indigenous women, this rate was 14%.

Stillbirth is the loss of a baby in utero after 20 weeks, prior to or during birth. The baby is born ’still’, showing no signs of life.

The Bonnie Babes Foundation is a non-profit volunteer based charity which is established for the health and well-being of families. Sadly one in every four pregnancies ends in a loss from miscarriage and stillbirth. Over 17,000 babies are born prematurely, many of them often struggling for life.

The Bonnie Babes Foundation helps to save babies lives and counsel families through this extreme hardship. All proceeds the Foundation raises are for vital medical research projects, and for our 24 hour, 7 day per week family counselling services which support families with seriously ill babies and infants with childhood illnesses.

Major Sponsor

Brian Naylor

The Bonnie Babes Foundation acknowledges Brian Naylor’s 15 years contribution as a caring and compassionate patron.

Brian started with the charity when we were first established visiting Intensive Care Units where babies were born prematurely.

Brian was always a passionate supporter of the charity saying “Children are our future and we need to take care of them”

Our heart goes out to Brian’s family and all those who knew this very dignified and caring man. Brian will always be remembered fondly by all the volunteers at the Bonnie Babes Foundation.

Kirribilli House Garden Party - 22nd March 2009

Guests were pampered and waited on while they dined at the Prime Minister’s residence.

Kirribilli House

An exclusive fundraising event was held on 22nd March 2009 at Kirribilli House - the Prime Minister’s residence.

Pride of the Nation

Pride of the Nation needs kids from newborn to 15 years old to be professionally photographed and appear in the Bonnie Babes Annual Book. This exceptional quality coffee table book will be something that each participant will cherish in the years to come. Call 1300 693 686 or visit Pride of the Nation for more information.

Of the 250,000 Australian babies born each year, about 17,500 are premature.  A baby born before 37 weeks gestation is called premature or pre-term.  Any baby born weighing less than 5¹/₂lb (2.5kg) is said to have a low birth weight.  Babies who weigh less than 3lb (1.4kg) are called very low birth weight.  The closer the baby is to full term, the greater the chances of surviving.  While less than half of the babies born between 23 and 25 weeks survive.

Being born too early can be a major health setback for a child.  It may compromise not only mental, but also physical health and development.

There is an immeasurable social and emotional cost to families and staff caring for such infants, and the financial cost of their treatment needs for the Australian community is also considerable, amounting to more than $150 million per annum.

In the majority of cases, the basic underlying reasons why some babies are born early are poorly understood.

A rational basis for preventing the occurrence of preterm labour is therefore lacking.

Features of pre-eclampsia include high blood pressure, the appearance of protein in the urine, and generalised swelling of bodily tissues.  Pre-eclampsia can effect many parts of the body, including the brain, heart, kidneys, blood cells, clotting systems, and the placenta. When it affects the placenta, the baby’s growth and health may be compromised.  One particularly feared complication of pre-eclampsia is eclampsia, which is the name given to generalised convulsions associated with this disorder.  Each year, 50,000 women die world-wide from eclampsia alone.  In Australia, although deaths during pregnancy are rare, pre-eclampsia and its complications are a major cause of maternal and perinatal mortality.

Pre-eclampsia only occurs during pregnancy.  It usually arises in the second half of pregnancy and is more common in first pregnancies.  In its milder forms, it can complicate as many as one in ten pregnancies.  Its severer forms can affect one in every hundred pregnancies.

The only known cure for pre-eclampsia is ending the pregnancy, which may mean that a baby needs to be delivered prematurely for the sake of the mother’s health, despite the fact that such a delivery may jeopardise the baby’s welfare.

Pre-eclampsia is a particularly sinister disease because in its early stages a woman may be totally unaware of its presence.  It is only by taking a blood pressure measurement and testing the urine for the presence of protein that the presence of the disease may be revealed.  The detection of pre-eclampsia is therefore one of the most important reasons for regularly attending a doctor for medical check-ups during pregnancy.

When pre-eclampsia occurs, many women find it hard to accept the diagnosis.  This is because they may feel quite well in themselves and because they may initially believe that such a complication could not possibly trouble their pregnancy.  Many women also find it difficult initially to deal with the change in expectations involved, when what they hoped would be a normal, healthy pregnancy suddenly becomes complicated by a serious disease which threatens not only their own health but also that of their unborn baby.  Suddenly, much modern medical technology becomes necessary to improve the welfare of both mother and baby.  Many tests are required to check on the progress of the disease.  Many drugs may be necessary to improve the health of both mother and baby and to slow the progress of the disorder.  Inevitably, delivery will be necessary, often either by labour induction or by Caesarean section.  It is not uncommon for both the mother and the father to be very confused or frightened by such a turn of events.  The father may feel quite powerless and unable to provide the support and assistance he had anticipated being able to give during the course of a normal labour and delivery.

For these reasons, it is important that when the medical emergency has been dealt with, there be an opportunity for a couple to spend time with their doctor so that explanations can be given and questions answered in an unhurried fashion.

Unfortunately, the cause of pre-eclampsia is as yet unknown.  It is thought that the fault may lie with a deficient attachment of the placenta to the womb and this may have a genetic basis in many cases.

The possibility is currently the subject of intense research, because it is hoped that a clearer understanding of what causes pre-eclampsia may allow the development of logical treatments to either prevent it occurring or cure it when it does occur.

Fortunately, most women who suffer from pre-eclampsia in their first pregnancy are not troubled by it in subsequent pregnancies, or if they are, it recurs in a milder way.  Women who have suffered from severe early onset pre-eclampsia may benefit from taking low-dose aspirin in their next pregnancy to help prevent a recurrence of the disease.

When severe pre-eclampsia does occur, it is usually necessary to lower high blood pressure with anti-hypertensive medication and to prevent eclampsia with anti-convulsant medication.  Because pre-eclampsia does not usually resolve immediately upon delivery, these therapies may need to be continued for several days at least after the baby is born.

The Bonnie Babes Foundation’s grief counselling services are provided by professionally trained and caring individuals. There are no prerequisites for participating in the counselling course, people from all walks of life complete the course.

The Bonnie Babes Foundation Grief Counselling Certificate training for peer support counsellors is presented over two days and facilitated by Dr Eleonora Cattini, Clinical Psychologist BA, BAppSci, DPsych and Psychologist Betty Chetcuti BBSc (Hons), MEdPsych, MAPS. The course equips peer support counsellors with the ability to listen to and validate effectively the grief of an individual experiencing a pregnancy loss through miscarriage, stillbirth or premature birth.

Grief Counsellors learn strategies to help individuals in their journey through the grief process and counsellors are encouraged to recognise and work within their level of expertise.

Counsellors are offered follow up supervision and support from our honorary psychologists and other experienced counsellors.

If you would like to join our caring team of dedicated counsellors, please contact the Foundation by telephoning  1300 Bonnie (1300 266 643), fax on (03) 9803 2699 or enquiry@bonniebabes.org.au

Grief Counselling Training Courses 2009

The Bonnie Babes Foundation will be running a Grief Counselling Course on

Melbourne Course - 17th and 18th October

at a venue yet to be advised.  If you are interested in participating in this course please contact the Foundation for your registration form.

Hurry places are limited and filling fast!

If you would you like to become a grief counsellor for the Bonnie Babes Foundation? Register now and join this worthy cause.

For information on all courses or for registration forms, please email enquiry@bonniebabes.org.au.

This range has been specially designed for tiny and premature babies.  Each piece is made from 100% combed cotton interlock and features pretty embroidery and detailed accents.  In special sizes from 000000 to 000.

Matching mittens, hats and booties also available in this range.  Each of these sets are available in pink, white and blue for all ages 0 to 3 months.

Target will donate 10% of the proceeds of your Early Arrivals purchase to the Bonnie Babes Foundation.  Available in selected Target stores.  http://www.target.com.au/

The Bonnie Babes Foundation has funded the purchase of critical medical equipment that is used to help save the lives of babies all over Australia.

Fetal ECG Recorder

The Bonnie Babes Foundation funded the Perinatal Research Centre at the Royal Women’s Hospital Brisbane in supplying a fetal electrocardiogram (ECG) machine.

During the birth process there is a risk that the baby will suffer a shortage of oxygen. The effects of this may range from no ill effects though to death or brain damage if the shortage of oxygen is more severe. It is unlikely that any serious effects of a shortage of oxygen will occur until the heart activity is impaired. Impaired heart function may be detected by analysis of the shape of the ECG.

The Perinatal Research Centre is a world research leader in a new method that directly monitors the oxygen level of the fetus. Combining the ability to measure fetal oxygen levels with the ECG analysis will result in marked improvements in the detection of those fetuses who truly are distressed and at risk of an adverse outcome. Prevention of death or brain damage in the baby during labour is the target of this research and vital equipment.

Intensive Care Incubator Cot

This new model incubator is for intensive care babies requiring constant monitoring and treatment. It opens at both sides for quick and easy access for emergency treatment procedures and has double insulation for more even temperature control.

This incubator can be a very important part of the care of babies in intensive care.

The Foundation is currently raising funds to purchase one such cot for a maternity hospital in Victoria. Our ultimate aim is to purchase even more cots with funds raised in the future.

An oxygen Microblender for the John Flynn Hospital

The Microblender blends air and oxygen together ensuring the preterm infant is receiving an accurate delivery of oxygen for their individual needs. Infants not receiving the correct amount of oxygen can suffer brain damage.

Actigraph Monitor

The Bonnie Babes Foundation has also purchased an Actigraph Mini Motion logger for the research team at Monash University Department of Pediatrics. The Monash team is studying breathing patterns in infants during sleep, particularly those babies born prematurely who are more likely to have unstable breathing.

The Actigraph Monitor, an essential tool for this research, is attached to the baby’s chest and records the activity of the breathing muscles during a night’s sleep. To understand how these breathing patterns develop in early infancy will improve treatment of unstable breathing in premature babies.

Pregnancy Probe

The Bonnie Babes Foundation has funded the purchase of an Ultrasound Probe in a Recurrent Miscarriage service in hospitals to help with the assessment and surveillance of the early weeks of pregnancy in women attending this service. This probe is designed for and dedicated to the needs of this particular recurrent miscarriage clinical service. Such a probe replaces and significantly upgrades the current ultrasound probe in several hospitals for the Recurrent Miscarriage Clinic assessments.

The Bonnie Babes Foundation was founded in 1994 and is a non government funded, non-profit, volunteer based charity which provides:

The Bonnie Babes Foundation;

• Provides medical equipment to hospitals for premature babies struggling for life in intensive care.
• Assists vital medical research projects into pregnancy loss and complications to women’s health during and following pregnancy.
• Provides education and training for health professionals.
• Provides 24 hour, 7 day per week free family crisis phone lines for those who have lost a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth or prematurity.
• Provides health nutrition and wellness advice for women prior to and during pregnancy.
• Provides support for families with infertility issues and assists with counselling relating to infertility.
• Provides support for babies born with abnormalities.
• Supports women who develop pre-eclampsia and other medical conditions during pregnancy.
• The Foundation also provides education and training for health professionals.

Sadly one in every four pregnancies ends in a loss from miscarriage and stillbirth. One in every twenty babies are born prematurely.

In Australia, 1 in 10 babies are born prematurely, with almost half of these babies needing life support in a neonatal intensive care unit.  Tiny premature babies are often struggling on life support systems.  The equipment is expensive and technology can help these babies.  The Foundation’s aim is to raise much needed funds to help these special babies and increase their chances of survival.

The Bonnie Babes Foundation has helped thousands of families since its inception.  The Charity is a national grief counselling organisation and is the only organisation of its type in Australia covering all pregnancy loss issues.

The money raised contributes to purchasing new equipment, scholarships for young researchers, special research projects involving pregnant women, and most importantly, the provision of grief counselling services and grief support groups for families suffering this traumatic loss Australia wide.

Our honorary Lawyers are Wisewoulds Lawyers - Mr Robert Toth.

Medical Committee Members

• Professor Lesley Barclay - Professor and Director Northern Rivers University Department of Rural Health (NSW)
• Associate Professor Fiona Bogossian – University of Queensland
• Associate Professor Leonie Callaway - Head of Royal Brisbane Clinical School, Staff Specialist in Internal and Obstetric Medicine, Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital
• Professor Paul Colditz - Director Perinatal Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Brisbane
• Dr John Drew – Pediatrician
• Associate Professor Roger Hart – Specialist in Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, Fertility Specialists of Western Australia
• Associate Professor Ross Haslam – Head Neonatal Medicine, Women’s & Children’s Hospital (SA)
• Associate Professor Rosemary Horne, NHMRC Research Fellow, Scientific Director of the Ritchie centre, Monash Institute of Medical Research
• Professor Ian Macreadie - CSIRO Molecular and Health Technologies (Vic)
• Leah Magliano – Hobart Private Hospital, NUM
• Meredith McIntyre – Monash University, Senior Lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery
• Dr Lisa McKenna – Monash University, Senior Lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery
• Professor Helen McCutcheon – Head School of Nursing & Midwifery (SA)
• Dr Peter McDougall – Chief of Medicine, Director, Department of Neonatology, The Royal Children’s Hospital
• Professor Jeremy Oats – Director, Gynaecology & CPIU, The Royal Women’s Hospital (Vic)
• Dr C. Andrew Ramsden - Director Newborn Services, Monash Medical Centre
• Professor Karen Simmer - Professor of Newborn Medicine, University of Western Australia
• Dr Anne Sneddon – Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Canberra Hospital
• Dr Brendan Steele - Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sandringham & District Memorial Hospital
• Dr Christine Tippett - Director Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit, Monash Medical Centre
• Dr Stephen Tong - Clinician and Research Scientist, Monash Institute of Medical Research Monash University
• Professor Brian Trudinger – Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Westmead Hospital (NSW)
• Professor Euan Wallace – Clinical Director, Centre for Women’s Health Research, Monash Institute Medical Research

The Bonnie Babes Foundation is a free grief counselling service for families that have experienced the loss of a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth or prematurity and related issues such as infertility.