Our vision is to improve the health and wellbeing of mothers enduring high risk pregnancies, newborns requiring the neonatal intensive care unit or special care nursery, and the communities supporting them in Western Australia.
The incidence of preterm birth is increasing. In Western Australia in 2011 2,755 babies were born pre-term (before 37 weeks); 10.5% of all babies born required the care of a Level 3 or Level 2 Special Care Nursery; and there were 332 perinatal deaths.
The rate of anxiety, post natal depression and post traumatic stress is significantly higher in mothers who have endured a high risk pregnancy and/or have had a baby in special care. Post the perinatal period, the ongoing follow-up appointments and concern over their child's health and development issues, all place a heavy toll on the wellbeing of families.