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I have been thinking about those ppecial songs that remind me of NICU time and all our special moment. Some are scary some are angry, sad, happy, filled with love and every other emotion you could possibly think of! I have put together a few songs that have a impacted me during my daughters time in NICU and when she came home from hosptials.
What songs remind you of your time in NICU? Post a comment and let us know what songs and why if you would like to share that.
Stay tuned to the Moment by Moment website as we have some very speical exciting things about to happen to help you more during your time as a parent of a premmie baby or a friend or family member of those who do have a premmie baby.
If you think something is missing on our website maybe information, support or a product please email us and share your thoughts with us. We are doing our best to make you feel not so alone during this unexpected time in your life.
take a few minutes to listen and comment.
Take care and best wishes to those tiny premmie babies and parents out there xxxx
Don't forget to visit our Premmie Baby Store for Premmie Baby Clothing, Cuski a perfect Baby Comforter, premmie dummy,premature baby nappy packs and much much more.
1:11 PM - Thursday 28 August 2008 - {0} -
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We are very excited today as two of our very good friends FROCK YOU and ITTY BITTY YUPPY have both been named on A Current Affair ( ACA ) in a report about Streetsmart Shoppers going online. Both these lovely ladies have great stores so I urge you to go and visit them to find all the latest designer baby clothing and items like CUSKI BABY COMFORTER. Frock You also has a great range of womens designer brands too so make sure you stop by and grab yourself a great gift as well as baby or big kids too.
Check out the link and watch the video on ACA website http://aca.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=616268
11:30 AM - Tuesday 19 August 2008 - {0} -
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About Cuski
Cuski was created to provide parents with a stylish, natural and compact alternative to dummies or bulky blankets.  Made from the softest natural cotton, Cuski is simple in design to help stimulate and develop your baby’s imagination.
The sense of smell is important to infants and help them to feel secure and loved. Cuski absorbs familiar scents that reassure your baby.
To help your child to bond with Cuski, mummy or daddy sleeps with it on the first night to transfer their comforting scents to its super-soft material.
In the morning, give Cuski to your baby and they will naturally adopt a new friend.
 Your baby will associate Cuski with reassurance and security, safe in the knowledge that mummy or daddy is always near by.
From then on your baby will feel safe and secure, morning, noon and night – allowing you to get a well deserved rest at bedtime!
Cuski® is available in the following colours:
Original Creamee Cuski® (Ecru), Minty, Reddy. Blue-ee and Pinkee.
Single $39.95 (RRP)
Cuski® Cuski Kids Orthopeadic Sleep Pillow – 99.95
9:52 PM - Thursday 14 August 2008 - {1} -
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Cuski® Revolutionizes Bonding…
Happy Baby – Happy Parents!
Cuskiboo® is due to arrive June 2008 - She is made entirely from a special bamboo yarn that the Cuski® Team lovingly found on their travels. Bamboo is organically grown and totally sustainable. Ultra absorbent (like the original Cuski®), antibacterial, eco-friendly, bio-degradable, beautifully soft and naturally loveable... plus the most amazing find midwives discovered during tests with new born babies, was because of the extra absorbency Cuskiboo® holds, and in those early days when mummy/baby scents are so crucial, she not only carries mummy’s scents to baby but carries baby’s scent to mummy, so this is ultimately beneficial for mummy/baby bonding and also helps to bring on mummy’s milk flow, thus helping to make breast feeding easier. Cuskiboo® is a truly amazing comforter and it is always best to have 2 during the early days especially if planning to breast feed, one with baby one with mummy and keep swapping…
Cuskiboo® is designed to stimulate baby’s awareness of mummy’s unique familiar aroma, helping to promote a feeling of security and well-being in your baby.
Research has shown that babies with comforters are much happier and more secure as they progress through certain milestones in their lives. Babies at about nine months old often become very clingy to mum as they realise they are individuals and not part of their mothers. A comforter seems to help with this transition.
"Everyone had bought me all sorts of comforters when my little one was born. They were all furry , had rattles or not machine washable. She would chew them and the hairs of the fabric went in her mouth. I bought Cuski, looking for a replacement comforter, I have not gone back. She does not sleep without her Cuski!
- She chews it – the hairs of the fabric DO NOT come out.
- Machine washable – so all the dirt and germs can be removed.
- Breathable material – my baby shoves it in her face to sleep with, I feel safe because of the way it has been designed. It is not a square piece of cloth, its arms and legs and head ensures baby doesn’t get trapped or suffocated. Overall it is by far the best cute comforter available!"
Ms. Syeda Rizvi
Cuskiboo®
- The Original Baby Comforter - The Ultimate Gift For Babies & Parents
- Naturally Safe and an Alternative To Pacifiers, Dummies Or Soothers
- Cuskiboo’s Unique Concept Soothes, Calms & Comforts Your Baby
- Extra Cuddly Soft Hygroscopic Material - Fully Machine Washable
- Anti-Bacterial Properties Which Are Sustained Wash After Wash
- Made From Organically Grown Bamboo - Eco Friendly, Biodegradable
Precious directions for use:
Keep Cuskiboo® close to you, either inside your clothing or next to you in bed for a few days; it will absorb all those comforting mummy/daddy scents, then introduce to baby to create a naturally safe comforting environment. Cuskiboo® helps to soothe and reassure your baby whilst giving you some well deserved mummy/daddy time!
Cuskiboo® is a calming, safe and a healthy alternative to other infant comforters. Cuskiboo® has been fully tested and conforms to all relevant UK, European & International safety standards.
It is machine washable and retains its comforting softness, wash after wash. Suitable from birth Cuskiboo® has all the qualities a child looks for in a comforter, softness, suckability, sheer lovability and of a course a label to twiddle but unlike a traditional blanket it can be easily replaced if lost or damaged.
Cuskis unique shape stimulates your child’s imagination- a round shape is the first shape a baby recognizes.
Bamboo
Cuskiboo® is made lovingly from a special bamboo yarn which has many wonderful properties. It is ultra absorbent, anti- bacterial, and importantly eco-friendly. Bamboo is highly sustainable and grows organically without the need for harmful chemical pesticides or fertilizers. It has a very short growth cycle, is easily cultivated and is totally bio-degradable. Additionally, when growing bamboo, it absorbs all those nasty green house gases and produces about 35% more oxygen than normal trees. So… by developing Cuskiboo® we are helping our planet.
Cuski® is the anglised Welsh term, meaning to sleep, and was created to bring comfort to babies and toddlers all over the world.
 RRP 39.95
contact Moment by Moment to pre-order yours today!
Made in Turkey under Fair European Conditions.
Recyclable & Bio-degradable Packaging – Cuski® is watching its carbon footprint…
9:47 PM - Thursday 14 August 2008 - {0} -
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As the mother of a premmie I understand that there are other issues you worry about while you premmie babay is in NICU. Yes you worry about them constantly but you also hvae a whole other bag of issues to worry about which I think most people don't think about. Things such as *siblings *schooling *money*accomodation while your in NICU*Parking*Healthy Eating etc There is quite alot there so today we will chat aout Accomodation services and what is available.
In my own experience we used a service called Rotary Lodge that was based on the hospital grounds it was a lifesaver for us because we had no where else to go and we were not use to being in the city and could no afford to go and stay at a hotel either. The rooms were made up of basic beds with an small bathroom, tv, kitchen although due to safety were unable to cook in it, telephone for those all important NICU phone calls and calls to home. We were charge around $40 a night so by the end of our 6week stay it definatly added up but with help from other services such as the salvos we were able to stay with our daughter. Many parents are put in these situations and thankfully most hospitals have places such as Rotary Lodge or in one Melbourne Hospital they have Lions House. Other hospitals are also really lucky to have a Ronald McDonald House which can be an amazing home away from home for families with sick and early babies and children. We also stayed at Ronald McDonald House while Airlie had her operation for her bilateral ingual hernias. Airlie stayed in the Grace Ward and I stayed in some onsite parent accomdation so I could be there to breasfeed her. My husband and son both stayed down at Ronald McDonald House and it made our whole experience at Westmead Children's Hospital alot easier.
I was prompted to write about this today after reading yet another story online about a premmie baby and his parents who are having to stay in accomodation far away from home while he fight for life 14weeks too early. Jack the little boy is doing well and his parents also have had help from Lion House while Jack has been in NICU.Jacks Mum Mrs Coulthard said "Without Lions House, I don't know where we would be," "It's been such an horrific time but the staff at the hospital, social services, everyone have been fantastic."
"Having a sick baby is a roller coaster ride," Ms Godbolt said.
"They might look like they are improving, but then they get an infection and they take a step back. It's so tough on the parents.
"That's why they appreciate being so close by, rather than being back at home, receiving updates over the phone.''
She said many parents stayed for three or four weeks and there had been cases where they had needed accommodation for up to four months.
Ms Coulthard said her husband was racking up the kilometres, working in Portland and returning to Heidelberg almost every second day.
"It's tough on both of us, but we couldn't ask for any more. We are just five minutes from the hospital," she said.
"Even if we transferred to the hospital in Warrnambool, it would still be more than an hour away from home, which would mean constant trips back and forth."
Sharing the house with other couples in similar positions has also made the ordeal more bearable.
"We have made life-long friendships with them because of what we've gone through," she said.
"If I'm having a bad day and I feel like a cry there is always someone there for you."
The foundation will hold a gala ball on August 23, with Fox FM comedian Matt Tilley as MC, to raise money for the new accommodation centre.
The State Government has already promised land for the development, which will be near the hospitals
The charity is trying to raise $5 million for a new 30-bedroom building.
Foundation member Katherine Godbolt, who set up Lions House Foundation with the help of Lions Victoria in 2005, said more than 300 families had already used the service. HOW YOU CAN HELP:
- What: Lions House gala ball fundraiser
- Where: RACV City Club, 501 Bourke St, Melbourne
- When: Saturday, August 23
- Details: 0418 553 144
If you can support this cause in sme way please do so. Thanks to the Lions House for providing the accomodation and lets hope the 5million can be raisied and build ASAP
Source Diamond Valley Leader
Have you had an experience with accomodation in hospitals or though services linked to your or babys hospital stay that you woud like to share with us? please share your comments or feel free to email me anytime.
8:25 AM - Wednesday 13 August 2008 - {0} -
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In our travels online recently we came across this great new Australian site - Babyology.
Started by a very style savvy Sydney based mum Mandi Gunsberger, Babyology is a trend report for bubs- dishing up only the hottest, newest, most wanted products for kids and where to find them (anywhere in the world). There’s a discussion board so you can chat with other hip parents, a product chooser to help guide you in selecting the right products for your child and of course the daily stream of hot new finds (everything from maternity to nursery). Add it to your favourites and check back regularly- we’re sure you’ll become addicted!
Do you have a favourite site? email us at fiona@momentbymoment.com.au and we will share it will all our friends.
4:53 PM - Monday 11 August 2008 - {1} -
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So as you know there is quite alot out there on the world wide web. We here at Moment by Moment thought we would share some great links and information with you. Below is some great resources and keep a look out on our blog as we add more great finds including great sales, information sites and much more.
www.busymothers.com.au
Busy Mothers is a website devoted to helping parents, and mums especially, get and stay organised.
Running a household, managing a family is a full time job. However most parents these days do more than just that. Often dad and mum work, and often on top of that they also study, look after relatives and volunteer too!! The last thing they want to be doing is spending more time away from their family as they grapple with the paperwork of running a house. That is why The Busy Mothers Companion was created. The original and best resource created by mums for mums, The Busy Mothers Companion aims to give mums back some time (and brain space J) by giving them a place to keep everything they need in order to run their home and family life successfully.
The Busy Mothers Companion has been a big success in Australia and we have recently released a New Zealand and International version as well. Mums love a place to store everything and the fact that you purchase it as an eBook, so you get immediate delivery. When you purchase The Busy Mothers Companion you get over 180 pages of checklists and templates to record all your important information, and you also get lots of hints and tips on how to get and stay organised.
Here are some comments about The Busy Mothers Companion; even sleep expert and author Pinky McKay loves it.
"The Busy Mothers folder is great - you have left no event unplanned and the tips are fabulous "
Pinky McKay, parenting expert, certified lactation consultant, mother of five and author (Sleeping like a Baby)
This companion is a great assistant to any harried mother or father and an ideal gift for a new parent. I have already recommended it to my friends and will be purchasing copies for gifts in the future. Congratulations Gillian and Catherine
Susan Whelan, NSW
As soon as I heard about your companion I knew I had to have it ..... Just knowing that I can record every little aspect of our day to day lives in one spot (where it cant get lost) and it will all be there to refer to it when I need it ....
Sally, Qld
The Busy Mothers website also has a number of useful resources for parents like book reviews, web links and downloadable craft activities. There is also a Forum and Chat Room so you an talk to other busy parents.
10:13 PM - Sunday 10 August 2008 - {0} -
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To Fiona Dixon she is just doing what needs to be done and to those who experience her services its the soul saving support they longed for andreally needed. Anyone can plainly see the understanding that Fiona provides at Moment by Moment is so much more then just shopping online for premmie baby clothing and gifts. Fiona understands her tiny clients because she is a mirror image of their mums as she stood in their bewildered shoes just a few short years ago. Fiona puts 110% into every single tiny babies gift and has the product in the post within hours of purchase just so the families get that great surprise of finding a present even if they have purchased it themselves. Fiona admits that she does take her job very serious, so serious infact that she has been known to email and phone those just to check up on the baby and parents to make sure they are doing okay.
All this hard work is paying off for Fiona but she is very humble when it comes to all the fuss. Fiona was recently nominated , became a finalist and the went on to win the NEW BUSINESS Award at the Central Coast NSW Busines Awards on Tuesday 5th Augst 2008. Fiona was very shocked but very honoured to have such an award given to Moment by Moment. Fiona said she hopes that by winning these awards it will highlight the premmie baby issues and premature birth in her community both online and in her local community.
If you would like to conact Fiona regading media please phone 0408689330 or email fiona@momentbymoment.com.au
12:00 AM - Friday 8 August 2008 - {0} -
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 You find yourself inside the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit ( NICU ) and you wonder how you got here? How long will I be here? How did this happened?
Moment by Moment is here to help and support you by providing information, support, and understanding. We pride ourselves on sourcing the best suitable clothes for a premmie baby and gifts that any premature baby would love to recieve.
Bonding is highly important and we have many items here to help you do that. Make sure you take a close look at the Cuski Baby Comforter. Dressing your baby can be a vital bonding experience and we provide you with beautifully made nicu safe premature baby clothing from earlybirds, teeny weeny, premi-kidz and more. We also great little outfits from Noo Designs for going home and growing up in style have a great supply of premmie dummies, premature baby nappies, gifts such as the Cuski Baby Comforter which can be used as a natural therapy through smell between mummy and baby. Cuski also is great for settleing your baby when born full term too so don't think they are just for premmie babys. Cuski is a fashionable chic comforter that is functional too.
Moment by Moment truely understand what its like to be inside the NICU as we have been there with our own daughter who was born at 27weeker. This provides us with a real understanding of what happens inside a nicu, knowing what products are suitable and understanding from a parents point of view what can really make a difference during this time.
Please feel free to contact us via our website as we are more then happy to provide you additional service. We do our best to getthe product to you in the quickest time possible as we understand you want to shower your premmie baby with these precious baby gifts.
Please note we deliever directly to hospital beds, nicu and Ronald McDonald House so if you have to be away from home while your baby is in NICU we are here to help you with getting what you need fast. If your the family or friend of someone who has just had a premature baby we are happy to help you find a gift and post it directly to them while still in hospital. Its really imporant for the parents to know that you are thinking of them and that you acknowledge this precious baby so please don't wait till baby comes home send a gift and card today! Moment by Moment accepts credit card via our online store via both online secure banking system and paypal. we also offer bank deposit, money order and cheque for you too.
visit www.momentbymoment.com.au
Thank you to those family and friends who purchase gifts for the premmie baby in your life. Many choose not to celebrate because of the unknown outcomes of our babies but this just makes it even more important to celebrate every second they are with us.
10:57 PM - Thursday 7 August 2008 - {0} -
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I was honored recently to be nominated for the Pride of Australia Awards in the Role Model category. Below is the newspaper clipping where Airlie and I appeared on page 2 of the Sunday Telegraph. I will also post some pictures that the wonderful Ella the Sunday Telegraphs photographer took of us. Thanks to Ella and Miawling. Thankyou to also to those who contacted me via phone, email and text to say congrats on my nomination. That meant alot to me.
Airlie and Mummy walking along blue bay beach central coast NSW
Running Mummy Airlie and Pinkee Cuski
1:27 AM - Tuesday 5 August 2008 - {0} -
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Thanks to one of our stockiest Kat from Frock You the beautiful Cuski has been featured on the Shoptilyoudrop E-Boutique at www.shoptilyoudrop.com.au and will be also featured in the Shop4Kids magazine due out any day now!! Make sure you grab a copy and don't forget to visit Kat or Moment by Momnt to grab your Cuski today!!
1:22 AM - Tuesday 5 August 2008 - {0} -
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Premmie Mums have their pregnancy cut short but we they still need to wear breastfeeding tops. I have come across a beautiful store called Sweet Lilly Maternity who ships out your order super quick and stocks a great range of products. They also stock a fantastic range of maternity wear for those of us who will go back again and know just how precious our pregnancies are. Visit Sweet Lilly Maternity today and tell them Moment by Moment sent you. Sweet Lilly have also recently become a proud stockiest of the beautiful Cuski Baby Comforter.
1:05 AM - Tuesday 5 August 2008 - {1} -
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Corrected Age, Actual Age, Birth Age What does it all mean?
When it comes to premmie babies and their birthdays it can be a little hard to follow if you have had no experience with premmie babies before. There are so many dates that are important in your tiny premmie baby's life and so many people seem to have dfferent names for each on it can become just a little hard to keep track of. You can go on correcting a premmie baby's age between the ages of 2 and 5 depending on their gestational age when born, their weight and also what ongoing issues they may have to deal with after experiencing premature birth.
When speaking in regards to my own daughter Airlie Fae who was born at 27weeks +5 days gestation due to pre eclampsia and HELLP Syndrome I would tell people that she was born 12weeks and 2 days early or 3months early. For the first 3 months of her life she grew inside the nicu and didn't really get to do a lot of what a newborn full term baby would do. Her gestational age was what was written on her chart (the number of weeks mum was pregnant when baby wasborn) as well as how many weeks she had been outside the womb. Both of these numbers are very important factor and continued on for qutie some time after a premmie babies birth as this impacted on the milestones and when they would reach them.
In Airlie case I liked to explain to people that she was given an extra 3months to reach those milestones. For exapmple when she was 6months old (birth age - the day they came into the world early or sometimes called their actual age) she was actually only suppose to be 3months old had she been born full term so this was called her corrected age which was her due date age and sometimes you hear others call this their adjusted age. Airlie was born (6.1.06) which was classed as her birthday /birth age or actual age and this was when she would go on have her needles as long as she was well. As she got bigger we also went on her weight for other meds under our doctors advice. If you have questions regading your baby please always contact your baby's doctor.
Having to correct your premmie baby's age all the time can become hard when having to explain to well meaning people just what it all means??? It also can be a stress for the parents when they attend mothers groups and they are asked why their baby is 14months old but not yet walking? or some other milestone that full term babies would have reached by that age. If you have questions for a mum of a premmie try to ask them in a minful way. To the premmie mums I would say try to use these questions as a way of educating the general public about premmie babies and how amazing they are.
I hope in time to come the general public will become well informed about premature birth and premmie babies and all that impacts them.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KALLI
I am a little late but I really wanted to share this special birthday with you.
Little Kalli turned 1 on the 23rd June. Her Birth weight 1505 grams
See the amazing pictures below. Kalli's Mum promises us that she is going to write her story and share it with us all soon.
7 - 7.5 kg on her first birthday 23rd June 2008.
Congrats to Kalli and her family. I remember the first email I got from Kalli's mummy who was looking for my tiny baby tights for Kalli to wear. I am so amazing and very happy to know Kalli one year on after her early arrival into the world.
Do you have a special day you would like to share with us? If so please contact us at fiona@momentbymoment.com.au and we will post your pictures here to share and celebrate your amazing days.
Don't forget to visit Moment by Moment for all your premmie needs including premmie clothes, cuski baby comforter, premmie nappy, premature baby dummy, cuski kds pillow and much more.
12:04 AM - Tuesday 5 August 2008 - {0} -
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The Miracle Babies girls are at it again doing their wonderful work to raise much needed support, funds and awareness to premmie babies and sick newborns in the 2008 city to surf funrun in August Sydney Australia.
One of Cafe Prem 's resident bloggers Miss Keria-lee and her Mummy were cared for at Liverpool hospital when Keria-Lee was born. You can read their journey by following their link below. Leave them a comment I Know they would love to hear from you. http://www.momentbymoment.com.au/cafeprem/keiralee/
If you can support the Mums and Dads of Miracle Babies please do as they are doing some fantastic work.
I recently seen them on Ready Steady Cook and both girls did a fantastic job as they always do.
Good Luck with the fun run Miracle Babies and remember to visit their site www.miraclebabies.com.au
1:56 PM - Monday 21 July 2008 - {2} -
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As you all know I am a very big supporter of charity and to those who go out of their way to support the charities that in turn help us all so much. Below is a little interview with one such person. Jenny is a mother of 2 and a small business owner. Please support Jenny with a few dollars.
I decided to do the City2Surf with my 2 children (10 and 4) for no particular reason other than that my husband had entered, he'll be running/jogging (I'll be walking and pushing a stroller for when my son won't walk any further! ;) ). I figured we were going to be there anyway cheering on and waiting for my husband, so we may as well participate. I'd spoken to a friend who's done the run twice before and she said there are lots of people there pushing strollers and walking and that I should give it a go.
Once I signed up to do the City2Surf via the Sun Herald Web site, at the end of the process there was an option to do some fund-raising for your favorite charity. I thought, why not? I'm all for helping a good cause, and all the nominated charities for this year were fantastic, and it was a difficult choice which one to choose.
In the end I chose The Starlight Foundation, thankfully, I've never needed their assistance, but I know that they do such wonderful work, and thought they would be a great charity to raise money for. Children are our future, and we need to protect and take care of them the best way we know how.
My name is Jenny Kohen and I own ID Your Child. My website is dedicated to providing products that will assist people in reconnecting with a lost, missing or injured loved one. I produce ID Cards for those with small children, as we all know small children have a tendency to wander off from you when you least expect it. The ID cards can also be used by those with special needs, illness or impairment. We also sell ID wristbands and Sport ID wristbands for children as well as adults.
On Sunday, August 10, I am participating in The Sun-Herald City2Surf along with my 2 children aged 10 and 4. We are trying to raise as much money as I can for a great cause by taking the 14km journey to Bondi. You can find out more about the charity (The Starlight Foundation) which we are raising money for, by clicking on the link below to visit my very own fundraising page. Please dig deep to sponsor me in this event, it only takes a few seconds.
You can also help my fundraising efforts, by sending this page onto as many people as possible.
Thank you very much.
http://city2surf.everydayhero.com.au/Jennifer_Kohen
10:53 PM - Wednesday 2 July 2008 - {0} -
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Fiona Dixon is the driver and inspiration behind Moment by Moment
The concept and business was born after her daughter Airlie Fae was born due to Pre Eclampsia and HELLP Syndrome3months early weighing 861grams (1lb 14oz) This equates to the same size as a 600ml Mount Franklin water bottle Moment by Moment leads the way when it comes to providing premature baby products in a supportive and informative environment.
Moment by Moment has been nominated for the Central Coast Business Awards in the category of New Business This will help to grow the awareness for premmie babies and the issues surrounding prematurity so please vote! Click the read more to learn how to do this
Inspiration, Education, and Understanding is what Fiona provides to her tiny customers and their families.
Through Fiona’s passion, caring and driven potential Moment by Moment has proudly become the Exclusive Australian Distributor of Cuski Baby Comforter. Cuski is an Award Winning European Comforter that is not only fashionably chic but practical too. Used by premmie babies, newborns and big kids too the Cuski is a special friend for all.
Fiona has gone on to achieve great things since the birth of her daughter Airlie, which anyone can clearly see motivates her rather then holds her back.
Fiona believes you must be the change you wish to see in the world and she is doing just that!
I am very excited and would love your support by asking you to please vote for Moment by Moment. Please pass this info on to all your friends. I really appreciate your help with this.
It takes all but a few minutes to vote through the link below. - Vote 1 -NEW BUSINESS then choose Moment by Moment
Alternatively you can download a form that can be printed filled out and posted back
This is a great way to improve my local and national name among my business peers. It also grows the awareness for premmie babies and the issues surrounding prematurity so please vote!
CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR MOMENT BY MOMENT http://www.precedent.net/public/forms/nsw_form_vote_for_a_business.aspx?ID=centra
7:54 AM - Wednesday 25 June 2008 - {1} -
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Online Event
Fiona Dixon
Mother Airlie Fae born premmie at 861 grams
Founder
www.momentbymoment.com.au
Topic: Pre Eclampsia and Premature Baby
Wednesday June 25th 7pm-9pm www.parentingaustralia.com.au
Inspiration-Support-Understanding
Call in 1300 766 859
Online event with Fiona Dixon
Fiona Dixon founded www.momentbymoment.com.au after her daughter Airlie Fae was born due to Pre Eclampsia and HELLP Syndrome. 3 months early weighing 861grams (1lb 14oz). This equates to the same size as a 600ml Mount Franklin water bottle.
Inspiration, Education, and Understanding is what Fiona provides to her tiny customers and their families.
Fiona has gone on to achieve great things since the birth of her daughter Airlie and supported many families along the way. We are looking forward to welcoming Fiona to Live InfoStream this week and to hearing her story of experience, strength and hope.
If you had a premature baby or Pre Eclampsia please call in on 1300 766 859 between 7pm and 9pm Wednesday June 25th, we would love to hear from you.
To listen to the Parenting Australia Live Info Stream with Fiona Dixon
CLICK HERE - Broadband Stream
CLICK HERE - Dial-Up Stream
between 7pm - 9pm, Wednesday 25th of June.
Alternatively paste this URL http://203.191.175.192:88/broadwave.asx?src=1&kbps=56 or http://203.191.175.192:88/broadwave.asx?src=1&kbps=24 into your Media Player
To ask Fiona Dixon a question ring 1300 766 859
Software Requirements:
Windows XP & Vista: Windows Media Player 11
MacOS: VLC Media Player 0.8.6e
9:20 PM - Tuesday 24 June 2008 - {0} -
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It saddens me today to hear that Jane McGrath has passed away today. I have to say I am in shock and very saddened by this. The McGrath's seem to be a very loving family and it is tragic that such a young woman that is married and has two young children.
Jane McGrath, wife of former Australian cricketer Glenn McGrath, has died after a long battle with breast cancer, Cricket Australia announced Sunday22 June 2008. Jane passed away with her family by her side early this morning.
Jane has left a last legacy through the McGrath Foundation, an organisation that is providing thousands of women hope - and support - in their fight against breast cancer," the statement said.
"The McGrath Family have requested their privacy be respected at this very difficult time."
I watched both Jane and Glenn's interview with Andrew Denton on Enough Rope ABC and they were the couple that you would hope to be when faced with such issues like breast cancer. They were both very open and loving towards each other and showed their true strength while sharing those times when Jane had found the lump that lead to be diagnosed with breast cancer and then secondary bone cancer in her hip and then recently a brain tumor.
Our thoughts go out to Glenn , James, Holly and all their extended family and friends.
This is yet just another reminder that life is precious. Jane has touched many people but still had so much to do.
3:42 PM - Sunday 22 June 2008 - {0} -
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Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude. Denis Waitley
11:19 PM - Friday 20 June 2008 - {0} -
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While Airlie was in NICU (born at 27weeks weighing 861grams due to pre eclampsia and HELLP Syndrome) there were times when there just wasn't any beds available in the NICU. Babies were constantly being born before the babies before them could grow big enough and become healthy enough to move onto to high dependency, special care or out the door and home. This is some newborn care units is called a RED LIGHT where if your baby was born and there were no beds available your child would be transfered to the closes treating hospital with a NICU this also could mean you would be transferred interstate. Now this seems outrageous to many but I can totally understand how this can happen. In times where medial marvels are allowing our most precious tiny microprems to survive and giving all babies a better outcome the demand is far out weighing the resources. The research and medical equipment along with our antenatal care has improved over time so people such as myself who suffered from pre eclampsia are given the educated support to save our babies when in the past the condition may not have been picked up, treated and managed. There are many more advances to come and there are much room for education and prevention so our systems don't continue to overload. I do think that the government should be providing educational programs on pre eclampsia and HELLP Syndrome because as far as I am aware there is no Australian Education program in place. I think also raising the general awareness of prematurity and premmie babies is a very important factor. I don't think the public fully understand what is going on behind the doors of a neonatal intensive care unit and maybe if they did maybe it would be more of a reason to be spoken about during election times and when policies are being made that parents of premmie babies are also thought about and included if it effects them too.
Now I for one am very grateful for the care we were given at Royal North Shore Hospital but know that with every system there can be improvements but first you must understand really what we have been given and be grateful for it. Many people don't understand that Australia has a far better system then some countries.
Below is a story that I found online. I will let you read it and form your own opinion. Please share it with us at the end of the story with a comment. I have left my comment below also.
Outcry over intensive care shortage for babies
Article from: 
Grant McArthur
June 17, 2008 12:00am
THE state's most fragile newborns are being sent interstate because Victoria's neonatal intensive care units are stretched to breaking point.
Over the past week, Victoria's 72 neonatal intensive care cots have been full, forcing dangerously premature babies or mothers with high-risk pregnancies to be flown interstate for life-preserving care.
Four acute babies or mothers with high-risk pregnancies have been flown to Canberra or Adelaide in the past fortnight.
At the same time, the Brumby Government celebrated the opening of the new $250 million Royal Women's Hospital, which has been widely criticised for being too small to cope with a rising birthrate.
The Department of Human Services yesterday revealed that 12 newborns from regional areas, who would normally be treated at Melbourne hospitals, had been flown interstate for care in the past year.
This was up from just three in 2005-06 and nine in 2006-07.
The new Royal Women's is equipped with 18 neonatal intensive care cots but can accommodate an extra two when stretched -- the same as the hospital it replaced.
Newborn Emergency Transport Service state medical director Dr Michael Stewart said the system was under pressure from a surge in demand.
He said no babies had been harmed by the recent journeys.
"It is obviously not ideal to have to do this, but we are looking at what is the safest and most effective for the whole system at the time as well as being very cognisant of the individual baby and their families," he said.
"I don't think in the ideal world it is good to move an adult, a child or a baby from one hospital to another or out of the state if they need intensive care, but the reality is that is occasionally what we need to do.
"These peaks can last for a few days to a week or so, sometimes they last several months, but the tip of the peak we hope just lasts for several days because that does get very difficult to manage."
The new $1 billion Royal Children's Hospital will have an increase in its number of neonatal intensive care cots when it is completed in 2011.
Monash Medical Centre and Mercy Hospital for Women are the only other Victorian hospitals with units to sustain the dangerously premature newborns who need help to breath.
Dr Stewart said the state usually coped with less than 60 babies needing intensive care at any one time and "cot-block" had improved since 2000 when there were just 48 Victorian neonatal intensive care unit cots.
But Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists president Christine Tippett said there were simply not enough neonatal intensive care cots to meet demand.
"The four units are constantly running at or near capacity and the pressure on staff and equipment is at an unsustainable level," she said.
Department of Human Services spokesman Steve Pivetta said babies in border areas were often closer to interstate hospitals and denied a lack of resources was to blame.
My Reply after a number of other public members posted with very dry and narrow minded comments about the government doing the wrong thing and why don't toyota give back the money the govement gave them last week to fund this and a few comments over the baby bonus too.
You can see why I wanted to share my opinion.
Just for your information Victoria has some of the best survival rates in the world and have wonderful hospitals and staff running them. For the size of the VIC state, birth rate and population maybe this has been suffice up until now and in the future it will grow with the demand.
10:00 PM - Friday 20 June 2008 - {1} -
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The Royal Women's Hospital Melbourne has been given a much needed upgrade and this weekend will be moving addresses to the new hospital in Parkville. With such upgrades there are always people who believe it could have been done better or different. I think its fine to share your opinion but I don't believe that you need to be rude or negative about it.
I have read a number of articles and comments over the past few weeks from a number of newspapers both online and off line who have shared their opinions on the subject.
No one likes to have to change rooms while in hospital let alone a whole new building but I suppose there is really no ideal time to do this. We have some very special little friends at the Royal both premature babies and sick newborns so we are wishing them all the very best for their little adventure down the road.
Best wishing to all the Royal Women's Hospital staff, the premmie babies and their families. We wish you all a stress free transfer into a much newer complex.
Don't forget if you are looking to purchase a special gift for a premature baby we offer premmie baby clothing, cuski baby comforter (used as a natural form of therapy with smell/bonding feature between mummy/daddy and baby) premmie nappies, premmie dummies and a whole lot more.
We accept credit card payments online though a secure banking system, we take credit card payments over the phone, paypal, direct bank deposit, money order and cheque * must be cleared before stock is released.
Items are sent over night and we do our very best to service all your needs as we understand just how important these items are to you as our daughter was born at 27weeks gestation.
Please Note
PHONE ORDERS ARE ACCEPTED AND ORDERS CAN BE POSTED DIRECT TO HOSPITAL SPECIAL CARE OR NICU JUST PROVIDE US WITH BOTH MUM AND BUBS NAME AND ROOM NUMBER IF POSSIBLE. WE ARE ALSO ABLE TO POST DIRECT TO RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AGAIN JUST PROVIDE US WITH NAME AND ROOM NUMBER.
PHONE 0408689330 to place your order today for premature baby clothing, premmie dummies, prem nappy and more.
www.momentbymoment.com.au
9:16 PM - Friday 20 June 2008 - {0} -
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I was reading online papers as I do frequently and came across the below story.
A picture emailed by DLP Upper House MP Peter Kavanagh has struck a cord with politicians. Mr Kevanagh emailed the image which consisted of a premature baby being operated on while still in utero. The picture which I have seen in the past before this story has the preterm baby gripping a doctors hand while preforming an operation. The image was sent to politicians as an anti-abortion stand pointing out that life actually doesn't start when the child is born.
Mr Kavanagah receieved a number of responses including those from Ken Smith.
Liberal MP Ken Smith was upset the image was sent, adding that only "a very sick man" would use the operation to back his case.
"I just can't believe he could send that stuff around," Mr Smith said.
"It looks so awful. It's no way to present an argument; it turns out it's a premature baby. I just find what he's done is despicable."
Mr Kavanagh along with the greens hold the balance of power in the upper house and who won by a shock result due to new voting reform. Mr Kavangah said there had been mixed reaction to the picture but was concerned that many did not realise that the baby in this picture was actually still alive.
"It isn't an abortion," he said. " It was a powerful image and it was unfortunate that MPs did not engage in the debate.
"I think they're required to debate and keep an open mind," he said.
"It has relevance to the abortion debate."
This comes to light as the Victorian MPs decide if abortion should still be illegal in their state.
Note : the newspaper itself did not post the picture but I have found a copy here 21week gestation 
where I commented on their blog too. my comments
I have to say I am not pro or anti abortion it all comes down to choice for me.I do not judge because you never really know what others are going through. I live in Australia and have also been effected by prematurity with my daughter being born at 27weeks gestation weighing 861grams.
I suppose you could say that I am condition by these types of photos because like many my daughter has experience much more then many in their whole life. I don't see the picture as gruesome infact its the total opposite. I see it as an amazing moment that was saving a baby's life and I am sure it has touched that doctors life forever too.
Many things happen in life that until we it is thrust upon us we are none the wiser that these things exists.
Try to see this picture for what it is really for.. The purely amazing experience that it is not a horrible bloody event but one that is full of hope.
    
What do you think? Leave me a message
  
10:36 AM - Sunday 8 June 2008 - {0} -
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We come across competitions every day and most of us never enter (well I know thats what I do) Well I decided to enter a competition and I won!
I have been receiving this email newsletter for some time now and after reading through and seeing their latest helpful information for women and gadgets I decided to enter their competition. Please see the details below about my win and how I won. Please visit the website and sign up for their newsletter and take a look around the website it is really a great read, I know I have picked up some great info there.
Thank you to Claire, Siobhan and the connect women team for my new wonderful phone and for the kind words.
Connected Women
Last issue's winner
The prize offered in the last issue of ConnectedWomen was a spectacular Shine Slide from LG Electronics valued at $249 (pictured right). The Shine Slide is part of LG's Black Label series of fashion-inspired mobile phones. It incorporates a silver-mirror finish LCD screen, two megapixel camera, and video and MP3 player.
We received a record number of entries, which is testimony not only to the desirability of the Shine, but also to our growing readership.
There can only be one winner, however, and the phone goes to Fiona Dixon of Toowoon Bay, NSW. We were very moved by Fiona's story about the premature birth of her daughter, Airlie Fae, and how her digital camera helped capture every magic moment in their lives together since. Fiona's experience also inspired her to set up a business devoted to providing products such as clothes, dummies and feeding equipment especially for premmie babies.
Here is Fiona's submission, and scroll down to see her beautiful pictures:
"My favourite appliance/gadget is my digital camera and I can't be without it. I use it for both personal use and for my business, Moment by Moment, and find it's the very best thing to capture all those special moments. Our daughter was born at 27 weeks, so since her birth we have been clicking away. Without pictures, no one would have ever believed that she was 861grams, as now she is a happy healthy 2 year old girl. Our camera has caught some amazing moments in our life and now we can share them with you and share in our future."
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Airlie weighed just 861 grams at birth.
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| By age one, Airlie weighed a "huge" 6.7 kilos. |
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| Fiona with her happy and healthy two-year-old. |
12:05 PM - Friday 30 May 2008 - {0} -
Yay just had to share with you all that my bizness babes course is now finished! I attended my last workshop today. Airlie has traveled down with me either on the train or in the car and has been really good (well most of the time) I graduate next Monday which is really exciting and then its full steam ahead from there.
If you are a mother and would like to start your own business I urge you to contact bizness babes via their website.
below you can see our super cool group. one of the ladies came across the supper cool green glassed sunnies and couldn't go past them as they looked just like the bizness babes green/ body shop green.
That's me on the front row in the blue. I show you all the grad pics after Monday.
11:39 AM - Thursday 29 May 2008 - {0} -
If you have been reading my blog of late you would know that Miss Airlie was going to start Pre-School soon. Well the big day arrived today and she had her very first day!
I was so proud of her she didn't cry or anything. The center encourages you to say good-bye and not to sneak off because it only causes distress to the child. When we arrived I don't think Airlie quite knew what to do? She could see lots of other children her age and lots of fun things to do like playdough, painting, puzzles and soooo much more. We put her bag away and her lunch the teachers asked her to do this so she learns where they go. She was such a big girl doing all of these things just as they asked her too.
When it was time for mum and dad to go we said good bye and she just waved and said "bye mum bye dad" and went on playing. I walked to the car with my head held high but my heart was happy, proud and a little sad at the same time. When we arrived home my husband and I were talking and I got upset. I was so proud of her I was just crying happy tears. I pulled myself together after a little sob and validated those feelings of how it made me feel but knew that she was having the most amazing time. The teachers said I could call as many times as I liked but I didn't I just let her be. I knew they were taking very good care of her and that they would call if anything was wrong.
so what is a girl to do when her kids are at school?
I took the time to go and pamper myself and I will tell you about that in my next post.
When we picked Airlie up from Pre-School she was so excited. She showed us her painting and took her brother and showed him around her school. It was so cute to see how excited she was to show Mason her big brother. After again coaxing her out of the pre-school we headed home where we were in a bit of a rush because the children were being babysat (another first) and my husband and I are attending the PRaMM dinner tonight in Sydney. I will let you know more about what happened there later.
11:18 AM - Friday 23 May 2008 - {0} -
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So back to our pre school hunt. After getting a really great vibe and having to physically remove Airlie Fae from the first pre school we visited a long day care center that opened at 7am and closed 6pm they were open m-f even during school holidays. We checked out the centre which was very different to the pre school. This center provided all the food at the centre. They also took the approach that the child chooses their activity and the center then bases their care around this.. (there is a certain educational term for this but it escapes me right now.. if you know what it is called please leave me a message)
At this stage there were no places at the centre but we still put Airlie's name down just incase some came available. By the next day we had chosen to enroll Airlie in the first preschool we visited and had chosen to send her 2 days a week (yes i know i am very brave aren't I) The same day we were also called back by the second center and told that there was 1 day available at the long day care center too. We discussed the concept of sending her both or letting her go 3 days a week but we decided that 2 days was enough right now and that we had both like the educational and social program at the first preschool so we decided to go there. So we again visited the pre school and this time we enrolled Airlie. What a big moment that was. It ha been almost 4 years since mason was in preschool so I had forgotten so much.
Again when we had to leave we had to pry Airlie away from the center. This made me know although painfully due to the tears from her because she didn't want to leave that we were doing the right thing and that she was going to have a ball!!!!
Now I just had to make myself get use to the fact that on the 23rd of May my once little premmie baby girl was actually going to star pre school 2 days a week.
10:48 AM - Monday 19 May 2008 - {0} -
How do you know when your ex premmie is ready to attend pre-school or daycare or more to the point when are you??????
Well the time has come to finally look into a pre school for Miss Airlie. For those of you who don't know about our story Airlie was born at 27weeks weighing 861grams and was born at Royal North Shore Sydney. I suffered from the pregnancy induced complications called pre eclampsia and hellp syndrome. Since Airlie was born either my husband or myself has always been with her. There has been a couple of times where my parents have taken the kids for a holiday but other then that we have never been apart.
On starting my business course Bizness Babes in Sydney I was able to take her along as they provided us with Nannies (yes I know LUCKY) to care for our children in another room in the building so again even though someone else was watching her for the very first time it was along a room or two away. This was still a big moment for me to allow someone else to look after my precious premmie girl but Airlie as always took it in her stride with no tears. Airlie loved attending Bizness Babes telling everyone she was going to play with the babies (she was the big girl of the group) and the Nannies.
In the past when anyone asked me about childcare I use to brush it off saying Airlie will go to pre school when she is old enough and until that time she will be with me! I had done something similar with Mason but both my husband and I worked at that stage outside the home but were able to rotate out rosters so someone was always with him or he attended pre-school one day a week.
So back to pre-school hunt...... I finally made the decision to start looking for a place for Airlie. I really didn't know if we would find a spot as in our local area (in walking distance) there were only 3 centers (1 long day care center and 2 community run pre schools) To be honest maybe I was kind of hoping the first time I looked that they didn't but at least I could have said I tried. I know silly but I was still trying to get use to the fact that I had to let go a little. I was worried about how to find a good center would they run a good balanced program between play and educational program?? It also had to be clean and safe too.
The first center we visited had a wonderful atmosphere and I felt they were a very good center. They told me they had 3 days available (8:30-3:30) SHOCK I KNOW. This pre-school is community run and is open during shcool term The center was lovely with 2 rooms and a big play area of climbing equipment and sandpit to play in. The staff were lovely and Adrian and I had to pry her out of there to look at the next center. I also felt the ladies understood me because 2 of them had had premmie babies and funnily enough had just been advertising for the central coast premmie and sick newborn support in their newsletter without us knowing. For those who don't know I set up the Central Coast Prems group on the coast after Airlie was born premmie and it is a founding member group of the National Premmie Foundation. I just kept saying to the lady showing me around that this was just such a surreal moment for me. I had always brushed off the thoughts of sending her to childcare and now I was finally thinking about doing it. The lady totally understood where i was coming from because her daughter had been born premature and she was the same way.
Must go Part 2 is coming soon...
Have a great day and remember if you need any premmie clothes, premmie dummies or other products for prems please visit our E-Boutique Moment by Moment
11:43 AM - Saturday 17 May 2008 - {0} -
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While attending the Bizness Babes course we have taken the train a few times as have a few of the other mothers attending the course. One fellow Bizness Babe told us of how her 3 year old son asked why everyone was angry? Our course is in York St at the Bowlers Club and we start at 9:30 so we have to leave quite early in the morning and leave with all of those heading into many areas of the city for work. Many people are tired and lets just say its not cheery. I think this is so sad that a 3 year old sees more in some ways then what we do as grown ups. They see the simple things they see the people they see the expressions they see the sadness. I suppose this is just another reason why working for yourself can be a good thing because you can choose not to do these things. I do understand though that others have to do this and they are doing their best but if your job is killing you either physically, mentally or emotionally is it really worth it? If anything in the last 2 years has impacted me its that life is precious no matter if your pregnant and expecting a child, elderly and spending your last years or middle aged we all have to live life and enjoy it.
Sometimes being a WAHM (work at home mum) Small Business Owner can be a tough job but after the train trips to the city and if driving the 2hour drive with most of that sitting in traffic I think its pretty tough too and thats just the traveling.
9:14 PM - Tuesday 13 May 2008 - {0} -
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So we have been a little MIA (Missing In Action) on our blog but its all due to work work work and not just for me (Fiona)
I was lucky enough to be accepted into a business course called Bizness Babes that was founded by The Body Shop and now works with the Australia Government giving Mothers the chance to make it in business.
We have traveled to Sydney York St Bowlers Club to attend 11 workshops and we have 1 more to attend and we will be able to graduate!! When I say we I refer to both Airlie and I as she has come along for the ride too. Due to the course being for mothers we are also provided with our own nanny service to care for the children in the same building as us. It was a big step for me to leave Airlie with strangers but she has loved it and it has made the both of us grow in many ways.
Check out our picture of Airlie off to Bizness Babes
 Airlie is always very excited to visit the bizness babes nannies and help look after the babies. She is only 2 but 'thinks' she is a very big girl.
Take a look at the bizness babes website to find out more. http://www.biznessbabes.com.au Chrissy, Vicki, Paula, Kerry and the rest of the team at Bizness Babes are great! I can't tell you just how much I have taken from this time ... Well actually I can and here are just a few time.
- time management
- teaching you to think like a business owner
- cash flow
- budgets
- marketing
- more so check it out today
One of the biggest things I have gained so far from the Bizness Babes workshops is that it is okay for me to actually become a good business person and make a living from what I do at Moment by Moment. I have stood in my customers shoes and I work twice as hard to make sure that they don't feel the anguish of not being able to find the items that I struggled to find in my journey because I know how upset it made me. I don't think some people actually understand how much time I actually put into this business to make others lives easier and it is something that is worth being rewarded for. Yes I could stock cheaper brands but those cheaper brands don't actually fit premmie babies the way the brands I purchase do. They are also not made to suit babies in NICU and they are not made out of reliable materials that wont cause premmie babies harm through stitching and or velcro that could cause harm buttons positioned in the wrong places making these types of outfits not suitable.
I spend alot of time in contact with families via email and phone and some never buy from Moment by Moment. Some people are just looking for support but others do just go to another store they can visit to pick up the clothing rather then purchasing it here from the best Australian store for Premmie Babies that stocks both premature baby clothing, twin babies clothes sets, cuski baby comforter, premmie dummies, premmie nappies and more. I don't support these families because I want them to buy I support them because I remember what it was like to be in their shoes but to keep doing what I am doing I have to make a living too.
Thank you to the bizness babes girls I have learnt many valuable lessons. To all the other inspiring mothers who attended good on you for having a go and for having the courage to turn up when it is a HUGE job to attend. I hope we all stay in contact and grow our businesses together.
8:58 PM - Tuesday 13 May 2008 - {0} -
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Airlie and I are very happy to have shared our story through www.mumzone.com.au
We have a copy below but please still go and visit the website sign up to the forum and enjoy a great site of information.
One Mum's Story: Fiona & Airlie
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Airlie Fae less then 48 hours old
next to her Daddy's hand weighing
861 grams (792g at her smallest)
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Nothing can quite prepare you for the day you are told you are going to have a premature baby. For me it was a desperate situation as I was suffering from pre eclampsia and HELLP Syndrome so both my daughter and my life were in danger. I was all but 27 weeks pregnant when it started and within days my precious baby girl was born. My health became increasingly worse but it was a game of how my welfare was managed apposed to my baby girl.
On the night of the 5th January 2006 I thought my life was going to end. It started with a pain high under my ribs. My blood pressure began to elevate and I was given medication but nothing would stop it, the onset was very fast. Everything felt like it was rushing by as I zoned in and out through the pain, it's hard to put into words. The midwives looking after me were caught off guard. It was your token scene out of a movie with medical staff pulling up the sides of my bed and rushing me to the birthing suite where I was consumed with the pain. Time lapsed between me zoning in and out, the pain was just so bad; I didn't know what was going on around me. I was given endone, pethadine, morphine and magnesium to control the pain and control my blood pressure as it was reaching the limits where ladies often have seizures and strokes and what is referred to as eclampsia. I was stabilised over night and prepared to have my baby girl early the next morning.
At 9:09am on the 6th Jan 2006 while I lay under a general anaesthetic, a c-section was performed by the amazing doctors and nurses at Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney. My daughter was born weighing a tiny 861 grams. She measured 35.5cm in length and she had a head circumference of 25.3cm. In laymen's terms she was the same size as a 600ml Mount Franklin water bottle. Due to the risk involved my husband had to wait outside and was given news to visit the NICU after our baby girl was admitted. I was admitted to ICU where I continued to be hypertensive (rising blood pressure). I spent 2 days there with very little recollection of what happened. I do remember my husband bringing me a picture of a tiny baby wrapped in plastic and telling me how a wonderful Chinese lady was caring for our little girl. I spent 6 days in hospital after the birth and the remaining time in accommodation on the hospital grounds.
The first time I met my daughter it was a very surreal moment. I was wheeled in on a bed and the most amazing song Angel by Sarah MacLauchlan was playing softly in the background. A room filled with pod like cribs surrounded me and busily doctors and nurses worked around us yet it felt like we were the only people in the world. She was tiny and fragile but yet an amazing spirit was already evident in my tiny daughter. We chose to name her Airlie as she was as breathtaking and unique and Fae in honor of her Great Nan and my mother too.
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Airlie Fae 22 months
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Over the coming weeks our lives were changed forever. We began to live inside this parallel world which is the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Inside NICU's miracles happen, battles are fought and sadly some are lost and we had no idea which we were going to do.
When I was able to hold Airlie it was the most blissful yet antagonising moments of my life. You question why this has happened to you and want to take her place. You also share in some of the most amazing experiences learning how to become a part of the team that teaches you how to heal and grow your baby.
Milestones are different but just as special and when your baby finally hits the 1kg mark or is strong enough to breath on their own it's like a tiny white light begins to shine from the end of that dark dark tunnel and you begin to believe you may actually go home. Many times my chest was tight with worry and several times I panicked but Airlie was always independent and strong. Royal North Shore NICU Staff always taught us that we were our baby's advocate. That we should always speak up for her because although they are the professionals we are her parents and we see any tiny change usually before others do.
The life of a NICU family is one that is hard to describe. You live your life moment by moment never looking too far ahead and never having a chance to look back either. We met some amazing people during our time in NICU and many after we left too. Those other parents who experienced the NICU rollercoaster have shared more with us than some of those who have known us our whole lives. I received great support from my husband Adrian, our son Mason who was 5 at the time and my family. But sadly some don't quite know how to handle a situation like this. Many people don't send you cards or gifts and very few congratulate you. I always struggled with the lack of support shown by some. Other than my closest fa | 
Cafe Prem
