Baby loving volunteers wanted

Because of our involvement in setting up the volunteer service in the Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the Nurse Maude Crickets Service is often referred prem and multiple birth babies when mums and dads need an extra pair of hands.

Recently we provided intensive, short-term, in-home support for the first few weeks to a new mum from Colombia with premature twins.  The mum had a health issue as well as some initial feeding and reflux problems with the babies. Often, the volunteer gave the new mum her only opportunity to shower or take  a nap, as well as being a much-needed second pair of hands for feeding, bathing, and winding. “It’s just been amazing! I honestly don’t know how I would have survived without it. All the volunteers are just lovely. I can’t even express how grateful I am. It’s been a lifesaver and just given me such peace of mind having that support”.

The Crickets team are now looking to expand this service for other families in similar situations,  especially for multiple births, mums recovering from complex births, parenting alone, or isolated from their usual support systems.

We are recruiting a pool of experienced volunteers who enjoy working with babies and new parents.

Volunteers would be called on a casual, as-needed basis to provide support to new parents in the short and mid-term for two to three hours at a time.

If you or someone you know would like to be involved or you would like more information, please contact Fleur fleur.hope@nursemaude.org.nz

Please note: These roles are subject to police vetting and vaccine mandate (including boosters) requirements.