World Prematurity Day is marked on the 17^th November each year to raise awareness about preterm birth and its impact on families. The day highlights the challenges faced by premature babies and their families and celebrates the advancements in local neonatal care that have improved outcomes for these babies.

World Prematurity Day aims to:

Raise Awareness: Educate our community about the occurrence, causes, and consequences of preterm birth.

Support Families: Provide a platform to share stories and support parents of preterm babies.

Celebrate Progress: Highlight medical advancements in neonatal care and their positive impact on survival and quality of life.

Hull NICU Facts

• A baby is considered premature if born before 37 weeks gestation.
• Hull NICU is one of four Level 3 NICU’s within the Yorkshire and Humber region, caring for babies from 22 weeks gestation offering specialist intensive care for babies locally and across the country. Due to complexity of medical needs, some  babies can stay for up to 49 gestational weeks on the unit.
• Hull NICU cares for over 500 premature babies each year, some stay for hours or days, whilst others stay for weeks and months.
• Sadly, some babies are #BornTooSoon and receive care and support from Hull’s Midwifery Bereavement team.

Help us mark this day

Purple is associated with World Prematurity Day, symbolising sensitivity and compassion for premature babies and their families.

• Shine a purple light and wear it purple to honour the day.
• Become involved in a fundraising or community events to raise funds to support Hull NICU and the Bereavement Midwifery team. Keep an eye on @HullNICU socials for activities planned, including NICU Graduates and remembrance for babies born too soon.
• Social Media – parents and families can share stories using hashtags #WorldPrematurityDay and #BornTooSoon

World Prematurity Day brings communities together to raise awareness, compassion, and action for premature babies and their families, striving to ensure every child where possible has a healthy start to life.

Donate:

If you wish to donate, hold a fundraising to support Hull NICU/Hull Maternity Bereavement Midwives, please use the links below.

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/hull-nicu

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/wishh-baby-loss

Visit our https://www.wishhcharity.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising-tips/ for an A-Z of fundraising ideas for inspiration or join in one of our many events.