With Father’s Day a little under two months away, fathers of premature and critically ill babies will receive a reminder that they are not alone, thanks to a partnership between Klosters Hyundai and Miracle Babies Foundation.
The Newcastle dealership team came together to pack Father’s Day gifts for dads whose babies are receiving neonatal care.
Miracle Babies Foundation Chief Operating Officer Danielle Hodgson said fathers could often feel overlooked during a family’s neonatal intensive care unit journey.
“Sadly, there’s often no room in the hospital for both parents to stay,” she said.
“Mum may need to remain by the baby’s side, while dad is dealing with keeping the household running, returning to work and managing the financial and emotional pressures.
“We provide support to the entire family, and it’s really important that dads know we’re here for them as well.”
Miracle Babies Foundation supports premature and sick newborns, their parents and families throughout their hospital stay and after they return home.
The organisation has worked with Hyundai for the past three years, with the partnership helping increase its cot-side emotional support at John Hunter Children’s Hospital from one day to three days each week.
Ms Hodgson said the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit had about 55 beds and cared for families from across regional NSW.
Many parents were hours away from their usual support networks while their babies received treatment.
“John Hunter is caring for tiny babies who may be born as early as 23 weeks, which can mean months and months of care,” she said.
“The emotional rollercoaster can lead to post-traumatic stress, depression and a huge amount of anxiety, particularly when families eventually go home.”
Hyundai’s support also helps the foundation provide resources to regional hospitals where face-to-face assistance is not yet available, as well as access to its 24-hour support line.
Klosters Hyundai General Sales Manager Nikki Carter said the partnership held personal significance after her own son was born four weeks premature and experienced medical complications.
“When I went home with my son, I was very nervous,” she said.
“He lost a lot of weight and we were rushed back to hospital, so I understand how important that support can be.
“Having someone there who has been through something similar can feel like having a good friend beside you, even though they may not know you personally.”
“Most of us are parents or know someone with children, so it’s a cause that means a lot to our team.”
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