The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) team at Westmead Hospital recently stepped out in support of Life’s Little Treasures Foundation’s Sydney-to-Melbourne incubator walk – a symbolic initiative raising awareness for premature and sick babies and the families who care for them.
Members of the NICU team joined the community at Five Dock, pushing incubators along the Bay Walk as part of the Foundation’s Mighty Trek.
The following Monday, Life’s Little Treasures (LLT) visited Westmead Hospital’s NICU, bringing an incubator and morning tea for staff and families.
“It is exciting to be able to raise awareness for our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and the challenges faced by the babies that we care for,” said Gabrielle Kerslake, Clinical Midwifery Consultant Infant Feeding and Lactation.
The incubator reflects the ‘home’ for the baby – this may be for days or months, until they are ready to go home. So it is an important part of each baby’s journey.
Gabrielle Kerslake
Each year, approximately 1,200 babies are cared for in Westmead’s NICU and Special Care Nursery (SCN).
While neonatal care is critical, it often goes unnoticed in the broader landscape of paediatrics and maternity care.
“Neonatal care feels like it’s a relatively unknown speciality, unless you are living it,” Gabrielle explained.
“The nurses provide critical care nursing whilst supporting breastfeeding, educating parents, and often acting as unofficial counsellors during what can be a traumatic time.”
Events like the incubator walk help bridge that gap in understanding.
“Being able to showcase the care we provide to the wider community is so important.
“The walk provides a greater understanding of the work that we do and a way we can support and show appreciation for neonatal care.”
The impact of the walk was felt deeply by families currently in the NICU.
“They were touched that it was happening and keen to be involved. Some are even planning to attend next year.
It’s good for them to see that others have been through this journey before them. It shines a light on neonatal care and shows families they are not alone.
Westmead Hospital maintains a strong partnership with Life’s Little Treasures throughout the year.
The Foundation provides resources designed by parents with lived NICU experience, including gift packs, support materials, and sibling colouring books to help older children understand the NICU environment.
“We also take part in LLT’s Read-a-thon each year,” Gabrielle added.
“Reading to babies has been shown to positively affect language and brain development. It’s something meaningful parents can do while their babies are growing in the NICU.”
Community support plays a vital role in enhancing the NICU environment.
To the broader Western Sydney community, Gabrielle shared a heartfelt message:
Neonatal Intensive Care is a world few people know exists until they have lived or are living in it.
“It isn’t just about medical equipment – it’s about providing critical care not just to the tiniest patients, but to the families who never imagined their journey into parenthood would begin this way.”