World Prematurity Day is celebrated to raise awareness for premature births, the babies, the mothers, and the challenges faced by everyone affected by them.
Johannesburg, South Africa – November is Premature Awareness Month, with the 17th being World Prematurity Day. The Baby Box Project visited the Leratong hospital in Krugersdorp to celebrate World Prematurity Day with some new moms and their tiny prems.
The charity even got the opportunity to meet 15-year-old twins that were born prem, weighing in at 600 and 800 grams, respectively.
Lena Clark launched the Baby Box Project to help mothers who live below the poverty line; the boxes are filled with items to help reduce some of the stress of having a premature baby while living in poverty. The intention is to inspire hope for overwhelmed mothers.
World Prematurity Day was established to create an opportunity to call attention to the heavy burden of death and disability and the pain and suffering that preterm birth causes. It is also a chance to talk about solutions.
The baby boxes contain the following:
- One baby grow (0-3 months)
- One “outfit” or another baby grow (season-specific)
- Two vests
- One pair of socks
- One hat
- One small blanket
- One face cloth
- One baby soap
- One tub vaseline
- Roll cotton wool
- One pack Sanitary pads for mom
- One pack nappies (+-20 Nappies)
The “boxes” are actually box bags, the reusable ones you get from most major retailers (much like the brightly coloured Woolworths ones). The charity asks that a personal note of encouragement for the mother is included in the pack. The Baby Box Project also welcomes financial donations (you can find their banking details here).
You can find out more about the project via their Facebook page here. Take a look at their celebrations below.
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