Red Nose Day
This year, Red Nose Day falls on Friday 13th August. You’ve probably heard about Red Nose Day, after all it has been around for over 30 years! But do you know what it’s all about?
What does Red Nose do?
Education: Provides education that has resulted in an 85% reduction in sudden infant deaths over 30 years (saving the lives of 10,857 babies). This education has reached over 250,000 parents and carers and over 10,000 early childhood educators and health professionals.
Research: Over $17 million has been invested into researching why babies die suddenly. Thanks to this research, there are now six evidence-based steps all parents can use to promote safe sleep and reduce the risk of their baby dying in their sleep.
Support: 24/7 grief and loss helpline available for families dealing with loss. Red Nose provides over 6389 counselling sessions to families every single year.
Did you know?
9 babies die suddenly and unexpectantly in Australia every day - this equates to 3000 babies every year, doubling the national road toll
2,107 babies are born still in Australia every year – that’s one baby every six hours
1/3 of new parents don’t know how to safely sleep their baby
Many expectant parents don’t know that there are steps that they can take to reduce their risk of stillbirth
How can I help?
Download the red nose filter on your phone - Once you’ve captured your silly selfie, make sure you tag @RedNoseAus and @rednoseaustralia, and use #RedNoseDay to help spread the word – awareness is just as important as raising funds!
Red Nose Merchandise - purchase some Red Nose merchandise including pins, red noses, silly socks, aprons and reusable face masks!
Little Rockers Disco - childcare, early learning centres, kindergartens and individuals are encouraged to put on their dancing shoes and have some fun while raising money for Red Nose Day. Downloadable Disco Kits and a playlist are available in the link above.
Rock the Red - Get involved in the workplace! Get silly for a serious cause! Dress up in red, in silly socks, red noses, or all of the above, raising money and awareness, all while having fun!
Support a local - There are many people who have created fundraisers and tribute pages for their children in order to support Red Nose and live in honour of their children. Below I have linked a local family from Orange who are raising funds in their daughter’s name. Take a look at their story and if you aren’t ready to dress up or download filters, perhaps a small donation is more your style. I know it is greatly appreciated.
Where does my money go?
24/7 bereavement support line
One-on-one bereavement counselling
Group counselling and peer support services
Safe sleeping education for all new parents and carers Australia wide
Safer pregnancy advice for all expectant parents to help reduce the risk of stillbirth
Research grants to help end preventable infant and child deaths
What is the Bereavement Support Line?
This line was created to assist anyone who has been impacted by the loss of a child. Whether that is the parents, siblings, grandparents, friends, this line is available 24/7 at absolutely no charge. Their contact number for the grief and loss line is 1300 308 307, they also have live chat and a support library available for you to find a range of information that can assist during these times. This is an invaluable service that provides ongoing support and I highly recommend reaching out if you need someone to speak to at any time.
What are the 6 steps that can help prevent SUDI (Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy)?
Always sleep baby on their back.
Keep baby’s face and head uncovered.
Keep baby smoke free, before and after birth.
Safe sleeping environment. night and day.
Sleep baby in a safe cot in parents’ room for the first 6-12 months.
Breastfeed baby.
What are some of the preventative measures mothers can take to reduce the risk of Stillbirth?
“In Australia over 50% of stillbirths that occur each year, in the last weeks of an otherwise healthy pregnancy, have no known cause or causes. While not all stillbirths can be prevented, there are steps women can take to reduce the risk of a stillbirth and stay healthy during their pregnancy:”
Not smoke or be around people smoking
Sleep on their side in their last trimester
Be conscious of their baby’s movements, and seek immediate medical assistance if something changes.
Lead a healthy lifestyle.
Further information and resources:
For more information on Red Nose, SUDI/SIDS and stillbirth visit:
To learn more about Red Nose Day, safe sleep and stillbirth prevention, The Nurtured Village podcast Episode 31 is an incredible listen, alongside Red Nose’s Chief Midwife Jane Wiggill. I highly recommend taking the time to listen to this one!
For information on the support available to you, please visit our support page.
We hope you get on board this Red Nose Day, no matter how you choose to help. Whether you are able to spare the cost of a coffee, or just prefer to spread awareness, your contribution has an impact on the lives of families all across Australia.
Made to Bloom decided to donate this year to our local tribute page listed above, and will also be using the Red Nose Filter this year to raise awareness! Make sure you tag @madetobloomau so we can share your contribution!
I want to thank you for being a part of this, for improving your education, spreading awareness and contributing to the cause to ensure Red Nose can continue their important work in getting this number to Zero.
So much love,
Jess xx