Half a century of support from Orange Premi-Babes Association

The Premi-babes Association of Orange are celebrating 50 years of providing vital support to Orange Health Service and other local district hospitals. 

It was an organisation formed by concerned parents, said President of Premi-Babes Association of Orange Maggie Steventon, who realised that our local hospitals could use extra support.

“Although the hospital, in the day, did have the bare basics to look after these little babies, by having a fundraising group they could make things a lot better,” Maggie said.

“They could use the money to buy more humidicribs, and purchase other pieces of equipment which would make things easier for the nursing staff looking after the babies, the babies and for the parents of these babies – that was really the driving force behind it.”

Fundraising is run by a small team of dedicated volunteers, conducting barbecues, raffles and donations, however, the results have been a godsend for many families.

The Association has been able to purchase items such as humidicribs, neonatal monitors, portable ultrasound units, jaundice meters, oximeters, blood pressure monitors, humidifiers, breast pumps and bottle warmers, weighing scales and carry packs.

“A couple years ago we donated about $30,000 to enable the hospital to set up another room with a crib that was away from the special care nursery –  a separate room in case they needed a bit of privacy for parents,” Maggie said.

“Most of the time we’re donating money for smaller pieces of equipment like breast pumps and bottle warmers, things that just make life a little easier.

“Another thing we do is we make little pack— because, of course, people don’t expect they’ll have premi-babes — in them we have beanies and a few booties, and 000000 Bonds suits. And we just put in some information about Premi-babes in case they’d like to join us,” Maggie said.

Recently, the group’s financial assistance has included support for midwives, and community nurses to attend training courses.

The past 50 years have seen many improvements in technology and training around supporting women during pregnancy, and when premature babies are born. 

But Maggie said there is still a great need for the support the Association provides and they always looking for more volunteers.

Then and now

As part of the 50-year celebrations of the Premi-Babes Association of Orange, they are calling for anyone born prematurely at Orange Hospital between 1923 and now to get in touch for a special photo exhibition at the Orange Health Service.

“Were you a premature baby born between 1973 and now? Were you born at Orange Base Hospital, or transferred there? This year the Premi-Babes Association of Orange celebrate 50 years… To help us celebrate, we would appreciate you sharing "then and now" photos of yourself, along with brief testimonials,” reads the group’s appeal on social media.

For more information, or to get involved find The Premi-Babes Association of Orange Inc on Facebook.