Baby Bundles
Our Baby Bundles program provides essential babywear and blankets to mothers and babies in crisis situations
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Women’s Care Packages
We provide essential items to women in emergency situations, such as toiletries, underwear, sanitary items and clothing to get through their hospital stay.
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Pregnancy information
Our preterm birth prevention public health campaign contains important information every pregnant woman needs to know to ensure the best possible outcomes from their pregnancy.
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WIRF Scientific Dialogue
Our premier scientific event showcases new and innovative home-grown research programs and fosters collaboration.
Find out moreWhy our work is so important?
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13.4M
Number of babies born preterm each year worldwide.
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1M
Number of deaths due to preterm birth worldwide each year
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8%
reduction in the rate of preterm birth due to our WA Preterm Birth Prevention Initiative (2015 v 2013).
Supporting healthier lives for women, babies, and families
WIRF is dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of women, babies, and families through groundbreaking research, education and outreach activities, and vital support services. Explore how we make an impact across all areas of health and support.
Research
WIRF is at the forefront of research aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of women, babies and families. From preventing preterm birth to advancing cancer care, our research makes a difference for future generations.
Outreach and education
Our outreach and education programs engage families, health professionals, researchers, and students, empowering them with knowledge and resources to drive better care and support for women, babies, and families – building brighter futures for all.
Local Initiatives
Enjoy great food and discover unique finds at our Café and Gift Shop, or dress up for a memorable night at our special Gala event. Every purchase and participation directly supports the wellbeing of women, babies, and families in our community.
Support services
We provide essential items and comfort to mothers and babies facing crisis situations, ensuring they receive the care and support they need during challenging times.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Whether through donations, volunteering, or partnerships, you can help us transform the future of women’s and babies’ health.
Stories of Hope and Impact
Meet the families and researchers who have benefited from WIRF’s work in research, outreach, and care. These stories show the true impact of your support.
Josh and Lauren Catalano’s story
Lenny Catalano was born in July 2016 at just 24 weeks “en caul” or in the amniotic sac, something that happens in less
than one in 80,000 births. Due to his almost four month premature birth Lenny would weigh just 620g.
Soon after the birth, the Catalanos were told to prepare for the worst because Lenny had a stage-four brain bleed. Doctors later revealed they gave Lenny a 30 per cent chance of survival. But Lenny overcame the challenges he faced.
Amy and Mike Hussey’s story
Of their four pregnancies, Amy and Mike would have not one, but two preterm birth experiences.
In May 2007, Amy gave birth to Molly Mae at just 28 weeks and weighing little over one kilo. Five years later, in June 2012, their son Oscar would mirror the three month early birth of his sister, also weighing just one kilo.
Liz and Todd Daly’s story
After losing their twin boys, Max and Noah, to the very rare twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome in 2015, Liz and Todd Daly realised just how many babies are lost preterm and how special a full term baby really is.
Following their heart-breaking loss, the couple battled multiple rounds of IVF and a cervical cancer diagnosis for Liz which put their family dreams on hold. However, Liz never gave up hope of having more children and 18 months later her miracle child, Jack, was born. She and Todd went on to have two further children, Philippa and Tom.
Sarra and Jarrad’s story
Sarra and Jarrad’s twins, Hunter and Heath, were born 15 weeks too soon.
Delivered at 25 weeks, Hunter was born at just 1015 grams and went on to spend 97 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Sadly, Heath was delivered stillborn due to severe complications caused by enlarged ventricles in the brain.
Rachael and Murray Tegart’s story
For Rachael and Murray Tegart, the start of their parenting journey was marked by the unexpected early arrival of both their children, Will and Rosie, who were born premature.
Their experience is one of resilience and hope—highlighting not only the strength of preterm babies and their families, but also the incredible advances in neonatal care.
Georgie and Daniel Turco’s story
Georgina and Daniel Turco tragically lost their first born son, Kai in May 2018 after complications from his extremely premature birth.
Georgie continues to bravely share her story in the hope to help others and we thank her and Daniel from the bottom of our hearts.
Latest News For you
WIRF welcomes two new board members
The Women and Infants Research Foundation (WIRF) is excited to announce the appointment of two highly accomplished professionals to its Board of Directors: Adjunct Associate Professor Peta Fisher and Scott Steinkrug. Their diverse expertise and shared passion for improving healthcare outcomes for women and babies will be invaluable as WIRF embarks on a new year of innovation and impact.
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WIRF embraces AI for preterm birth prevention
The Women and Infants Research Foundation (WIRF), a leader in maternal and infant health for nearly five decades, is harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to advance its mission of reducing preterm birth rates across Australia.
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Our partners and sponsors
We are proud to work with leading organisations and sponsors who support our mission.
