Blankets, booties, and bears are among the items being bundled together and lovingly offered to new mums in need across the Hunter.
At a time when life can be quite overwhelming, this is one way Newcastle Mothers Union is supporting some of the region’s most vulnerable.
The deliveries are referred to as ‘Baby Bundles’.
They are given to new mums at John Hunter Hospital, Aboriginal Maternal and Child Health Services, and Maitland hospitals as a need arises.
Baby clothes, nappies, face washers, and sanitary items for mothers are assembled by members of the Newcastle Anglican service that has been supporting families for the past four decades.
Mothers Union currently distributes more than 140 Baby Bundles each year.
The service is part of the group’s commitment to promoting a positive family life.
‘Helping those whose family life has met with adversity’ is one of Newcastle Mothers Union’s main objectives.
Baby Bundles is a service that former Mothers Union president Denise Hird says began more than four decades ago.
“Mothers Union members began taking Baby Bundles to Royal Newcastle Hospital in 1981,” Denise says.
“The first bundles contained what would fit into a bunny rug or cloth nappy secured with nappy pins.
“We now pack items into a cloth bag made by ladies who belong to a quilters group on the Central Coast.”
The bags are filled with a collection of items to assist new mothers in the first few weeks of their baby’s life.
They are left with social workers who distribute them when they see a need.
“No matter what the mother’s circumstances, we are here to help,” Denise says.
“Mothers Union members are delighted to be able to support what we feel is a very worthwhile ministry and much needed.
“And it’s lovely to see that the bundles are always very gratefully received.”
Learn more about the Newcastle Mothers Union here.
