About Us About LLTF
We are an Australian charity dedicated to supporting families of premature and sick babies
Most parents don’t expect to be spending time in the neonatal unit…
but when they do, we are here to guide the way.
Since 2005, we’ve provided crucial information, community connection and support to families facing the life-changing experience of having a premature or sick baby. We know too well how the circumstances of your baby’s birth can have an impact on the whole family. Many of our team members having the lived experience of welcoming a premature or sick baby into the world so we ‘get it’.
We’re on the journey with you
Over 48,000 babies are born premature or sick every year and most will start their lives in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) or Special Care Nurseries (SCN).
We know that parents are often totally unprepared for this situation and all the emotions that come with it. It can be a heartbreaking and exhausting journey that can take an emotional and psychological toll on all family members.
The LLTF team identifies and delivers targeted products and services to help reduce the very real issues that affect families:
Reduce social isolation
Parents can spend weeks or months with their babies in hospital, which can make them feel cut off from regular life. We provide avenues for families to connect with others in a similar situation.
Improve mental health outcomes
Parents with babies in the NICU are much more likely to suffer from feelings of grief, depression and anxiety than parents of healthy full-term babies.
Reduce financial hardship
Extended hospital stays carry the associated costs of travel, accommodation, parking, food, childcare for siblings which can take a financial toll on families.
Whether it’s a support group for concerned dads, care packages for overwhelmed mums, a tip sheet for well-meaning family members or even financial assistance for those in need – we have a range of services to help.
NICU Connections events
‘A Guiding Hand’ Guidebooks
Little Treasures Welcome Pack
Financial Assistance
Our vision and mission
Vision
To be Australia’s leading provider of critical information, education, and community support to ensure optimal outcomes for families who have had the life-changing experience of having a premature or sick baby.
Mission
To provide families, their support networks and health providers with the tools to ensure optimal outcomes for families of premature and sick babies.
All services are backed by leading health professionals and have been developed based on the lived experience of our staff and volunteers – all of whom have a unique understanding of the fears, hopes and uncertainties that come with having a baby in neonatal care.
Felicia Welstead, CEO
We advocate for your family
We advocate to ensure better outcomes for families. This includes meeting with government officials at all levels – local, state and federal – to explain the difficulties families endure when their baby starts their journey in NICU or SCN. We also raise awareness by attending and seeking speaking opportunities at meetings or events.
If you would like a staff member to speak at your next event, reach out to us.
Get in touch
Quick Links
Order a Little Treasure Welcome Pack
A beautiful pack with information for you and items for baby
I’m in NICU/SCN
What services are available to me?
I’m about to go home with my baby
What services are available to me?
I’m feeling lonely
Join one of our NICU Connections events
I’d like some more information
Check out our Knowledge Exchange
Advice
Tips and support from those who have been there