Now More Than Ever Miracle Babies Needs Your Help
Founded in San Diego in 2009, Miracle Babies provides transportation and supportive services to families with critically ill newborns in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Miracle Babies tagline is “Together for a better beginning,” reflecting the importance of this family connection in the critical early weeks and months of an infant’s life and its linkage to improved health outcomes.
Miracle Babies helps NICU families in three important ways: Transportation services “Special Delivery” shuttle van provides home-to-hospital-to-home service enabling new parents to be united with their newborn. Miracle Hours provide a unique opportunity for NICU parents to get together, share concerns and feel the support of peers who understand the intricacies and challenges of having a baby in the NICU. Often these parents struggle with feelings of isolation, causing anxiety and depression at the precise time their baby needs them most. Additionally, MB Care Packages are provided to NICU parents containing essential items and resource materials to aid and comfort families during their baby’s NICU stay.
NICU admissions continue to climb nationwide, representing 10-15 percent of all births. In San Diego County alone, more than 6,000 babies are admitted to the NICU each year. Miracle Babies has seen growing demand for services over their 11-year history and through surveys, have identified a need to provide convenient and affordable home-to-hospital-to-home transportation options.
Recently launched, Miracle Babies’ Special Delivery program enables parents to remain united with their infants in the NICU. Home-to-hospital-to-home shuttle service is provided to mothers who cannot drive upon discharge because of c-section deliveries, pregnancy complications, or financial barriers and who have babies in the NICU. By bringing together mothers and their hospitalized newborns during the early developmental window, Miracle Babies allows infants to breastfeed and enjoy skin-to-skin contact. This has the potential to make a lasting impact on the lives of babies in the NICU, their families, society, and possibly future generations.
Given all the hardships that our community has had to endure due to COVID-19, Miracle Babies has continued to provide direct support to NICU parents throughout the pandemic. Additionally, Miracle Babies has been hosting diaper distributions throughout the county for families in need during this difficult time. Over the past three months 447,475 diapers have been distributed to 3,000 parents!
In extraordinary times like this, may we all continue to support one another, our most vulnerable populations, and our community.
To learn more or participate in the upcoming Miracle Babies Phantom Gala on October 31, 2020 please visit www.miraclebabies.org. This year the Gala will have no guests, no elaborate dinners, no lengthy programs, and no need to leave your home. You can support Miracle Babies from the comfort of your own home!
