Help needed!
Printed From: OHbaby!
Category: General Chat
Forum Name: General Chat
Forum Description: For mums, dads, parents-to-be, grandparents, friends -- you name it! And you name the topic you want to chat about!
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41563
Printed Date: 26 August 2025 at 10:18am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.10 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Help needed!
Posted By: LittleBug
Subject: Help needed!
Date Posted: 14 February 2012 at 3:27pm
|
I'm a third year midwifery student (and OhBaby! mum of two), and I'm heading away on a volunteer elective placement to Vanuatu in March for a month.
Vanuatu is a small island nation in the South Pacific, between Fiji and Australia. I will be volunteering at the maternity centre in the town of Port Vila, on Efate. Here, health services suffer from a lack of facilities, but more importantly, trained staff. Much responsibility is given to the students in the hospital (a student is better than no one!). The maternity unit handles the bulk of the births in Vanuatu, as it is the capital city where the largest concentration of the population live. In addition, all complicated cases from outlying islands are referred to the main hospital in Port Vila. They have approximately 2200 births per year. Women birth in a shared room containing four beds, and share a communal toilet and shower block. Equipment is very basic, and very outdated. Being a student and having a little family of four supported only on my husbands minimal wage has been a struggle, but I have managed to fundraise over half of what I need to do this trip, so far. I am staying with a local family to keep costs down. Sooo... I was hoping that to get donations of newborn or prem clothes (short sleeved cotton grow suits) and cotton/muslin baby wraps. Donations would need to be new or near new, in good condition. There is a definite need for these basic things on the island and they would really appreciate anything I could take over with me. If you have anything items you are able to send me, or wish to sponsor me, reply here or send me a PM. Thank you!!!!!  ------------- Chloe (4 years) and Oliver (3 years). |
Replies:
Posted By: mylilmosaic
Date Posted: 14 February 2012 at 3:40pm
|
Hi Littlebug, what a lovely thing to do. We went to Vanuatu on our honeymoon so I have a soft spot for it. I am sure I can send you a package of prem & newborn outfits as my wee baby girl was born 4lb 14oz and only fit prem and I also have a few almost unused newborn summer onsies that button under the crotch. I will package them up and post to you, maybe you could pm me your address and I will get them off by next week :) ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
|
Posted By: LittleBug
Date Posted: 14 February 2012 at 3:47pm
|
Thanks mylilmosaic, that would be fabulous!! ------------- Chloe (4 years) and Oliver (3 years). |
Posted By: LittleBug
Date Posted: 16 February 2012 at 12:04pm
|
*BUMP*
It's a really good cause, ladies!!! ------------- Chloe (4 years) and Oliver (3 years). |
Posted By: Hopes
Date Posted: 16 February 2012 at 12:07pm
|
I was given a new prem sleep gown for our 9lb1oz baby (?!), I'd happily post that to you. Can you PM your addy? -------------   
|
Posted By: LittleBug
Date Posted: 16 February 2012 at 12:21pm
Thanks Hopes!!!  ------------- Chloe (4 years) and Oliver (3 years). |
Posted By: MissJen
Date Posted: 16 February 2012 at 6:46pm
|
Hey there
I am about to sort through a whole heap of clothes and im pretty sure there is alot of prem clothes in there alot of it will be boys though. I have alot of muslin wraps too that have never been used If you want to pm me your address ill send them too you once ive gone though everything  ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
|
Posted By: Jam08
Date Posted: 17 February 2012 at 2:24am
|
Tried to pm you but it wouldn't work. Would love to send a small donation if you let me know your address.
A great cause and a big sacrifice from you being away from young family etc. Good on you. |
Posted By: AandCsmum
Date Posted: 17 February 2012 at 7:37am
|
DO you know if anyone is going after March? As I'll have some clothing that I could donate but I'll need them in march/april for myself first. ------------- Kel http://lilypie.com"> 
A = 01.02.04 & C = 16.01.09 & G = 30.03.12 |
Posted By: LittleBug
Date Posted: 17 February 2012 at 11:32am
|
Thank you, you girls are awesome!!
AandCsmum, I do actually know someone that is going around August, so that is a wonderful offer. Should I PM you my address? Jam08, Yeah, it will be tough being away from hubby and the kiddies. I'm a bit nervous. I'm staying with locals so won't have internet access for skype  But hopefully I can get to internet cafes to see the kids online. Although I will be working pretty long days. *breathes deeply* We will all be fine, I'm sure!! lol  ------------- Chloe (4 years) and Oliver (3 years). |
Posted By: AandCsmum
Date Posted: 17 February 2012 at 1:03pm
|
Yes, but I'll probably forget!! PM and if you remember to bump this thread then? Maybe that way you'll get more people then to take stuff over for her?
------------- Kel http://lilypie.com">
A = 01.02.04 & C = 16.01.09 & G = 30.03.12 |
Posted By: mylilmosaic
Date Posted: 17 February 2012 at 1:47pm
|
Hi Littlebug, I also have just afew longsleeve outfits, would you like to take them as well? Winter nights, maybe :) ------------- http://lilypie.com">
|
Posted By: LittleBug
Date Posted: 17 February 2012 at 8:04pm
|
AandCsmum, I will try and remember to do that!
mylilmosaic, I can always take them over and offer them, anyway. ------------- Chloe (4 years) and Oliver (3 years). |
Posted By: LittleBug
Date Posted: 21 February 2012 at 8:39pm
Thank you SO much to the nameless mums that have PM'd me with offers of newborn gear (you know who you are!). Your generosity is very much appreciated. I know that the Vanuatu mums will just be so thankful and love how big-hearted you are.  ------------- Chloe (4 years) and Oliver (3 years). |
Posted By: mylilmosaic
Date Posted: 29 February 2012 at 1:56pm
|
LittleBug I have got the box all packed, have I still got time to get it to you before you go? ------------- http://lilypie.com">
|
Posted By: snugglebug
Date Posted: 29 February 2012 at 8:46pm
|
I have got quite a few muslin wraps etc is it too late to get them to you? ------------- Me 28, DH 29 DS born 20 Nov 2010 (4 years old) #2 due October 7 http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> 
|
Posted By: LittleBug
Date Posted: 07 March 2012 at 12:16pm
|
Sorry I didn't check this sooner!
Yes, send it down! I leave on Saturday, so if sent today it should still get here in time. Will PM my address.
Thank you so much to those that have sent things, I have two nice piles of baby clothes packed into my suitcase, and two muslin wraps. And yesterday two lovely ladies working at BabyCity in Dunedin bought a few things for me to take as well - I love how generous people are.  Thank you so much!!!!!------------- Chloe (4 years) and Oliver (3 years). |
Posted By: andweknowthis
Date Posted: 07 March 2012 at 12:50pm
| Oh damn, I wish I'd seen this earlier - I just gave away a bag full of muslin wraps and facecloths :( What a great cause. |