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While the majority of pregnancies are uncomplicated, the sad fact is that one in four women will lose a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth or prematurity every year in the UK. With up to 140 babies being born prematurely each day and two out of three baby deaths happening because babies are born too soon, there is an acute need for funding in this area.
FAMILY START provides a unique partnership to make a big difference to the future lives of newborn babies. Free information and support for parents provides the key to improving their prospects.
For Tommy's that means giving parents the information to minimise the risk factors in pregnancy. BLISS steps in after birth to ensure that parents have all the information they need to care for their sick or premature babies, and that the health professionals working in neonatal units have up-to-date information and training.
"Tommy's and BLISS complement each other very well," says Jane Brewin, chief executive of Tommy's. "We're both concerned with giving every baby the best quality of life. Tommy's focus is on the health of baby during pregnancy, from conception to birth; BLISS concentrates on the health of a baby once they are born.
"Together, we have the power to make a huge difference to the lives of thousands of babies conceived each year in the UK. With regular funding from Candis Club, we're determined to ensure that more babies have the absolute best start in life."
FAMILY START helps BLISS, the premature baby charity, to provide:
*A wide range of free leaflets
*A website offering a host of information, a parents' message board and help with bereavement
*A helpline for parents staffed by trained advisors (tel. FREEPHONE 0500 618 140)
*Parent support groups backed by regional officers
*Family days
*Special support for fathers
*Special information for community health professionals
*Bursaries for research and training
*Information and support for neonatal staff
Website: www.bliss.org.uk
FAMILY START is also helping Tommy's, the baby charity, to provide:
*A wide range of free leaflets
*A website offering a host of information and downloading facilities
*A free pregnancy guide
*An information line staff by midwives (tel. 0870 777 30 60)
*Funding for research programmes
*Guides for managers and employers on reducing stress for pregnant staff
*Information for midwives
*Pregnancy Health Month
*Parent-friendly awards
Website: www.tommys.org
