Over the last few months the Mater Mothers’ Hospital has been inundated with beanies: beanies in football club colours, Christmas beanies, and beanies of all colours of the rainbow.
According to Mater Mothers’ Nurse Unit Manager, Beth Burt, the beanies are used to help keep babies warm, particularly in the first hour following birth. “It is best that babies attach to the breast in the first hour following birth to establish successful breastfeeding. However, full-term babies are sometimes sent to the neonatal nurseries because of low core temperatures, not feeding and low blood sugars,” said Beth.
“To be able to observe babies and keep them warm at the same time we needed the beanies. The Mater has clinical white stretch knit beanies available, but mothers can’t take them home for their baby’s album.”
In November last year, an article was included in The Senior asking for hand-made beanies for the Mater Mothers’ Hospital. “The response was overwhelming— community spirit is alive and well,” said Beth.
“Midwives in the birth suites and operating theatres give the mothers a choice and let them know these beanies are made with love and for them to keep.”
If you would like to help by making beanies for the Mater Mothers’ Hospital, please contact Beth Burt on (07) 3163 2525.