A new support group for parents of premature babies has opened its doors in South Africa.
SA Preemies Inc was started in February 2002 by Lavonne Prinsloo, herself the mother of a premature baby. She was pregant with twins but "Alexander died at 12 weeks of pregnancy. I was on semi-bed rest till 28 weeks, and Simone was born at 34 weeks, weighing 1,5kg". Simone is now two years old.
Lavonne's initial idea was to get parents of premature babies to talk to one another via email. But as she investigated, other needs emerged.
A Section 21 company was formed, with other parents of premature babies registered as members of the company.
SA Preemies aims to:
- Provide support on a national basis, in the state and private sector, to parents with premature babies while in Neo-Natal Intensive Care Units, and during the growing up years.
- Provide information about the development of premature babies.
- Make the general public aware of what having a preemie entails.
- Improve the situation for premature babies in South Africa.
- Reach out to less privileged parents of premature babies who do not have access to the specialist services required to help them develop their children to their best potential.
SA Preemies is working on a variety of projects, to accomplish these aims - but many of these projects cannot be undertaken until crucial sponsorships are secured.
Some of the organisation's current projects include various forms of support (for example 24-hour telephone support, support chat groups for parents and nursing staff), a neuro-development programme and a hospital clothing range.
SA Preemies can be contacted on 0860 SA PREM (0860 727 736) or visit their website at www.sapreemies.za.org, or email them on [email protected].