MEG Munro knows the value of family rooms when it comes to premature babies.
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She gave birth to identical twin boys just over two weeks ago at Wodonga Hospital — six weeks early.
Zachary weighed 2.8 kilograms and Harrison a tiny 2.2 kilograms.
The family room has supported Mrs Munro to breastfeed and care for her boys.
“It has been heaven-sent,” she said yesterday at a morning tea for Premmies Day.
“I was in constant fear they wouldn’t be OK. It’s completely different to having a full-term birth.”
Ms Munro, of Yarrawonga, said staying in one of the two family rooms since the birth had also allowed her daughters Olivia, 10, and Isobel, 4, and partner Steve Johnson to be with her.
The Ronald McDonald room’s co-ordinator Karen Trenchard said 8 per cent of births at Wodonga were premature and only half the babies went home with their mums.
“No mum wants to be separated from her baby,” she said.
Ms Trenchard said Premmies Day was a way for new mums to shout from the rooftops how grateful they were.
The family room has accommodated 360 families since it opened in 2010. Another 480 have been day guests.
The Rotary Club of Albury Foundation donated $21,000 for a mothers and babies group.
