Canadian Premature Babies Foundation

05/19/2026

Today is World Day of Human Milk Donation 💜

Celebrated worldwide, this day highlights the importance of donating human milk to non-profit human milk banks helping provide safe, life-saving nutrition to the most vulnerable babies, including those born prematurely.

For many families in the NICU, donor milk can make a meaningful difference in a baby’s growth, health, and recovery.

To every donor your generosity is truly powerful. And to the families receiving this support, we see you and stand with you. 💜

05/18/2026

What does a Neonatal Follow-Up Clinic visit actually look like?

If you’re unsure what to expect, this video walks you through a typical appointment from developmental assessments to conversations with your care team, helping you feel more prepared and supported along the way.

Follow-up visits are an important part of your baby’s journey after the NICU, focusing on their growth, development, and early support if needed.

We’re here to support you and your baby every step of the way 🤍

05/17/2026

Today is NEC Awareness Day

For many families in the NICU, NEC (necrotizing enterocolitis) is one of the hardest words they will ever hear. It is sudden, frightening, and often life-altering.

NEC remains one of the most serious conditions affecting premature babies, causing inflammation and damage to the bowel and continuing to be one of the leading causes of death in extremely preterm infants.

That is why prevention matters so deeply.

This year, there is important new momentum in Canada. A newly published paper, co-authored by CPBF’s Fabiana Bacchini, calls for renewed national access to regulated multi-strain probiotics. This intervention has strong evidence for reducing NEC and improving outcomes for preterm infants.

Families need more than awareness. They need research, access, and action.

Learn more: https://www.cpbf-fbpc.org/post/necrotizing-enterocolitis-nec

Photo Credit: https://www.sickkids.ca/

05/16/2026

“Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for gifting me the opportunity to be in the room. What incredible energy. You've created a true legacy with the foundation.” - Gala Guest

The Little Lights, Big Hearts Gala is more than a night—it’s a reflection of the community we’ve built together 💜

It’s about the families we support, the stories we honour, and the future we continue to shape for premature babies across Canada.

We are so grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey and continues to stand with CPBF.

💜 Save the date: November 5, 2026
Let’s continue to celebrate the strength of this remarkable community.

Sign up now:www.cpbf-fbpc.org/little-lights-big-hearts-gala

05/15/2026

May 15 is Kangaroo Care, or Skin-to-Skin Care, Awareness Day. To celebrate, we have a special edition of the Preemie Chats.

Our guests will talk about perspectives and progress of kangaroo care around he world. Based on studies from different countries, we will learn how kangaro care can help improve preterm babies’ health.

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05/15/2026

Only 7 more days until NICU teams and families gain access to a powerful new resource designed to help turn evidence into everyday practice.
CPBF is proud to partner with the Family-Centered Taskforce, whose work is helping NICUs recognize parent presence as essential, evidence-based care.

Today is Kangaroo Care Day, a global reminder of the power of closeness, connection and skin-to-skin care.And in just one week, the Family-Centered Taskforce...

05/15/2026

Today is International Kangaroo Care Day

Some of the most important care a premature baby receives in the NICU does not come from a machine or medication, but from being held skin-to-skin by a parent.

What can look like a quiet moment between parent and baby is, in reality, one of the most important interventions in NICU care. It supports regulation, attachment, brain development, comfort, and the early foundation of wellbeing for both baby and parent.

For many families, Kangaroo Care becomes more than a practice. It becomes the moment fear softens, confidence begins, and connection grows in the middle of an experience that can feel overwhelming.

As one preemie mom, Anitha, shared:

“When I’m holding her for hours each day, I talk to her a lot and tell her the same three things I’ve been saying since the day she was born…‘You’re strong, you’re beautiful and you’re healthy.’”

What did Kangaroo Care mean to you during your NICU journey?

05/14/2026

Meet Elliot

Elliot Bonner came into the world on Easter Sunday in 2021—tiny, fragile, and already showing incredible strength. Born at just 25 weeks gestation, Elliot weighed 2 pounds, 1 ounce—small enough to fit in the palms of both hands, yet from the very beginning he showed the fierce resilience that so many preemie families come to recognize.

For the first month of his life, Elliot grew stronger in the NICU at Victoria General Hospital while his parents, Liz and Trevor, learned the rhythms of monitors, ventilators, and long days spent beside an incubator.

Just as things seemed to be stabilizing, another challenge appeared. Doctors noticed swelling in Elliot’s brain.

In the middle of the night, the family was rushed by helicopter to Vancouver, where Elliot was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition where excess fluid builds up around the brain and creates dangerous pressure. At just 31 days old, Elliot underwent brain surgery to relieve that pressure.

For the next three months, Elliot remained under the care of specialists at BC Children’s Hospital as doctors carefully monitored his recovery and growth. During that time, his parents stayed close by at Ronald McDonald House, navigating the emotional rollercoaster that so many NICU families know well. Those early months were filled with uncertainty, patience, and hope—milestones that many families take for granted suddenly felt enormous.

Today, Elliot’s story has a very positive outlook.

This April he will turn five years old, and he’s already planning a big birthday celebration at the local community centre—complete with a bouncy castle, face painting, and Power Rangers–themed activities.

He’s also looking forward to another exciting milestone: starting kindergarten in the fall and meeting lots of new friends.

Elliot is a happy, joyful child who loves making friends, adventuring, and living fully in the moment. His days are filled with dancing, swimming, playing baseball, and going on nature walks with his daycare friends. Whether he’s exploring outside or laughing with the people around him, Elliot approaches life with curiosity, energy, and enthusiasm.

For a baby who was once small enough to fit in the palms of both hands, Elliot’s world today is full of big adventures, big friendships, and an even bigger spirit.

His journey is a reminder that preemies may begin life small—but they are truly mighty. 💜"

Liz, Mom

05/13/2026

This Thursday at 12 PM EDT, join us for our weekly drop-in peer support on Zoom for NICU families. It's a chance to connect with others who understand the unique NICU journey.

Share your story, listen to the experiences of others, and find comfort in this safe, supportive community.

Whether you’re currently in the NICU, recently graduated from it, or have an older child, everyone is welcome to be part of this group.



For more information: www.cpbf-fbpc.org/peer-support-for-nicu-families

05/13/2026

May 15 is Kangaroo Care, or Skin-to-Skin Care, Awareness Day. To celebrate, we have a special edition of the Preemie Chats.

Our guests will talk about perspectives and progress of kangaroo care around he world. Based on studies from different countries, we will learn how kangaro care can help improve preterm babies’ health.

🗓️ When: Friday at 1 PM EDT
📍 Where: Facebook | X | YouTube

05/12/2026

NICU Families know exactly what this means.

There are nurses whose presence changes the atmosphere the moment they walk into the room. They are the ones who bring calm, confidence, and a sense that for this shift, your baby is being carefully watched by someone you trust.

As we mark National Nursing Week, we want to thank the neonatal nurses who carry extraordinary skill alongside extraordinary compassion.

So many families remember the nurse who explained what felt overwhelming, noticed what others might miss, and made a hard day feel manageable.

To NICU nurses everywhere: thank you for the care you give, the trust you build, and the difference you make every day.