Statistics show that 1 in 10 New Zealand babies arrive in the world too soon. The outlook for premature babies has improved dramatically in recent years, but despite medical advances, figures are on the increase. Learn about pre-natal complications, neonatal intensive care, early challenges and learning and development issues.

If someone you know has recently had a premature baby there are lots of things you can do to help out and to make the parents' lives just that little bit easier during the first few weeks. From celebrating the birth, to buying gifts and cards, making meals and offering more practical help so that they can focus on their baby.

As parents we all dream about the possibilities for our children long before they ever realise them. However what happens if your child does not develop like the other children of his/her age. What should you do if you have a worry about your child’s learning or development?

NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) is an intensive care unit designed with special equipment to care for premature or seriously ill newborn babies. It can be a daunting place the first time you visit either your own baby or someone else’s. Here we’ll explain some of the common terms and equipment used by the medical team to help guide you through.