We are delighted to welcome Baby Spa Perth as a Supporter of Tiny Sparks WA. They have very generously donated hydrotherapy and massage vouchers to be included in our care packages which are distributed to the smallest and sickest of WA's babies admitted to neonatal units.
Chairperson Amber with Director Anita collecting the gift vouchers.
Anita, Director of Baby Spa Perth advises there are a range off benefits to babies, especially those born sick or preterm, once they are discharged from hospital.
HYDROTHERAPY BENEFITS
The sensation of floating in warm water puts babies completely at ease and can promote a number of key benefits:
Muscular and skeletal strength is increased through the water’s gentle resistance.
Movement through the water has a positive effect on the digestive and circulatory systems, which can reduce meconium levels and lowers the risk of jaundice three or four days after birth.
Subtle water pressure on the chest can increase lung capacity by strengthening intercostal muscles and the respiratory system.
Regular visits can benefit the cardiovascular system.
Innate swimming reflexes are stimulated and co-ordination is developed as they learn to control their movements.
MASSAGE BENEFITS FOR BABY
Promotion of parent-child bonding and secure attachment. This in turn facilitates their emotional and cognitive development (i.e. ability to learn)
Supports the stimulation of digestive and circulatory systems, reducing the discomfort of constipation and colic
Relaxation - the combination of being in warm water along with massage promotes relaxation and supports the improvement of sleep patterns lead-ing to improved attention, working memory and emotional regulation in children
Lauren Catalano took her son Lenny regularly to Baby Spa Perth. Here is what she has to say about the experience.
“Our first visit too Baby Spa Perth was the day after our second son Lenny was discharged from the NICU at King Edward. After being born at 24 weeks, I made it my mission as his mother too give him the best alternative therapies outside of the hospital once he was home to allow his body to heal and thrive.
Baby Spa Perth soon became a weekly ritual for Lenny and I, Lenny grew to love the water and instinctively relax as soon as the therapist would warm the oil between her hands. The benefits were clear after just the first visit, and then even more so after a few weeks. I have no doubt in my mind that Baby Spa Perth has contributed too Lennys amazing development and health.
THANKYOU Baby Spa Perth for your gentle and loving care that you gave too both Lenny and myself during our time at Baby Spa Perth.
I would highly recommend any mother too take their baby to Baby Spa Perth. ”
Your donation will sponsor an individual Care Package and the recipient will receive your personalised message of support and encouragement.
Donations are tax deductible.
The arrival of a premature baby can be a traumatic time for families. Parents should be able to focus on each other and their new baby without having to think about unfamiliar supplies and logistics that come with being unexpectedly faced with a Neonatal Unit journey. Tiny Sparks WA aims to provide as many of these new parents as possible with a suite of Neonatal Unit essentials to assist them at this difficult time.
Neonatal Unit Care Packages are currently distributed to the following hospitals:
King Edward Memorial Hospital;
Perth Children’s Hospital;
St John of God Subiaco; and
Fiona Stanley Hospital
A Neonatal Unit Care Package includes:
A freezable cooler bag for transporting of EBM (the most popular item within the existing Care Packages based on the feedback received!).
An IV friendly NICU top or dress.
Pocket hand sanitiser for keeping germs at bay when out and about.
Hand cream to combat dry skin caused by frequent washing and use of hand sanitiser.
A reusable water bottle to help maintain hydration.
Inkless hand and foot print kit to create a treasured keepsake.
A multipurpose wrap for use as an expressing cover, for skin to skin cuddles and for baby when they are big enough.
A Tote Bag to help carry all your items to and from hospital.
A pen to keep on hand to record special moments.
A personal message of support/encouragement from the donor.
Neonatal Unit Care Packages are distributed to parents of babies born under 1500g and/or before 32 weeks gestational age, and other babies with an illness/condition requiring a lengthy stay at PCH.
We are grateful to Anita and her team for their ongoing contribution towards our care package program. The vouchers will provide parents with a safe place to take their baby for a relaxed bonding experience in their first few weeks after discharge.
Please consider sponsoring a care package, providing essential items and sending a personal message to a West Australian family in the neonatal unit. They need our support!