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Neonatal charities can help in giving advice and support with practical, emotional and mental health. Please utilize some of the neonatal charities who are always happy to help and listen and support!

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Below are some resources for financial help whilst your baby is with us on the unit. Having a baby is expensive and we wish to support you with relevant services available.

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We want you to be involved in all aspects of your baby's care throughout your journey.

You are the most important person for your baby.

We will help and support you to learn care such as nappy changes, temperature taking, taking baby out of incubator & changing wires and probes around.

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We realize that having a baby on the Neonatal Unit who may be small and/or unwell is an extremely challenging time for you and your family. Below are some resources on what to expect whilst you are on a Neonatal Unit.

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This video gives you a small tour around our Neonatal Unit and explains some of the special design features to help protect your baby.

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Tour around the Neonatal Unit at the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital

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Below, you will find information, resources and videos on all things related to feeding your baby whether via breast or bottle.

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Here are some of the medical conditions found on a Neonatal Unit. Please note, this is not all.

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Keeping your baby safe is crucially important. Have a look below for common ways to keep your baby safe. You will find information about safe sleeping, reducing infection and the general do's and dont's of safety for your baby.

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We understand that having your baby born early or poorly is an emotionally challenging time. If you need support, please reach out to the nurse looking after your baby- we aren't here to judge! Alternatively, below you will find some resources to support you.

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Parents are welcome anytime to spend time with their baby and are encouraged to do so every day.

Visiting for anyone else is from 1pm-7pm, only 2 people per cot side please!

A parent must be present with other visitors.

Food vouchers are given to parents who stay for a prolonged period of time.

Free car parking passes are available on exit of the unit, speak to Kath or Nicky.

Let us know if you require help with travel costs via the bus, we may be able to help you.

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We know that lots of questions arise for parents and caregivers when their baby is in hospital with us. Here are some questions below that might help you feel better by being addressed.

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Reception: 0121 507 5138

Squirrel: 0121 507 2772

Hedgehog: 0121 507 2450

Bumblebee: 0121 507 6459

Ladybird: 0121 507 2421

Caterpillar: 0121 507 2420

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The aim of NCOT is to facilitate early discharge from hospital of babies with on-going medical/nursing needs. Babies may be able to go home earlier than normal provided families are happy to be trained on certain treatments like NGT feeding.

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Both of these rooms are used for babies whom are needing the most support. It is likely that your baby will be admitted to these rooms first. In this room, it is likely that your baby's nurse will be looking after just your baby or a maximum of 2 babies.

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All of these rooms are for babies needing medium/minimal support but are well enough to move from Squirrel or Hedgehog. It is likely that the nurse caring for your baby will be caring for your baby and up to 3 others.

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It is usual for your baby to undergo certain tests whilst a patient on the Neonatal Unit.

Information on certain screening & investigations are below.

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Welcome to our hospital!

In this section, you will find information about the facilities available throughout the rest of the hospital.

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Effective hand washing is the best way that you can protect your baby from infection & germs.

Please wash your hands on entry to the unit, before you touch your baby, after you touch your baby and when you leave the unit.

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All of these rooms are 'isolation' rooms and your baby may be moved into one of them if he or she has a contagious infection.

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Honeysuckle, Primrose, Snowdrop & Bluebell 

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The flower named rooms are rooms where you can come and stay with your baby to establish feeding or feel supported before discharge.

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This section will prepare you for discharge when your baby is ready to go home.

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https://www.canopie.health/download

The Canopie App is specifically tailored for Neonatal parents & carers- this is an extremely useful app which supports mental health.

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Parking for families is accessible from Grove Lane and is at the front of the hospital by the main entrance. You will see a sign for patient parking.

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When your baby is getting close to discharge, we recommend that you room in with your baby overnight or slightly longer if you feel like you need more time.

Rooming in will help you to feel confident in caring for your baby and we can support you in those final days whilst your with us.

We have 4 rooming in rooms available where you can stay with your baby.

If you would like to room in, please let your nurse know.

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You are welcome to access the other food venues in and around the hospital.

Greggs (Level 0): Mon - Fri 7am - 6pm, Sat 8am - 6pm, Sun 9am - 5pm.

Costa Coffee (Level 0): Mon - Fri 7am - 6pm.

Costa Coffee (Level 2 A&E): Daily - 7:30am - 9pm.

Costa Coffee (Level 5): Daily - 8am - 8pm.

M&S Food (Level 5): Daily - 7am - 8pm.

Winter Garden Restaurant (Level 5): Daily 7:30am - 7pm.

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What is reflux?

Reflux happens when some of the partly digested milk or food in the stomach comes back up the tube from the mouth to the stomach (oesophagus). It can sometimes reach the baby's throat and mouth.

The stomach contains acid that helps to digest food. The acidity of the food coming back up to the throat can cause some discomfort and burning sensations. This can be painful for babies and they may become irritable during and after feeding.

Why does reflux happen?

Reflux happens when the band of muscle between the food pipe and the stomach opening is weak and cannot close properly. This band usually opens when food is about to enter the stomach and closes so that food stays in the stomach.

Babies born premature or sick are more likely to experience reflux, but it is very common and affects nearly half of all babies in some way.

What are the signs of reflux in babies?

Signs of reflux in babies can include the following:

Bringing milk back up during or after feeds.

Vomiting that often shows no clear pattern in terms of timing or amount.

Persistent hiccups and coughing.

Fussiness, crying and restlessness.

Refusing feeds or only taking small amounts of food.

Choking or gagging.

If untreated, more severe complications of reflux can include the following:

Frequent chest infections.

Poor weight gain.

Difficulties with feeding, including a reluctance to feed.

If your baby is showing signs of reflux, talk to a medical professional such as your GP or health visitor.

What treatment is available for reflux?

Mild reflux usually improves on its own and gets better when your baby begins to wean onto solids. Treatment depends on the severity of the reflux. But there are ways you can help too. Here are some ways you can help your baby:

Give your baby skin-to-skin after a feed, to allow the food to settle.

For some babies it is helpful for them to be fed in different positions. You could try to feed your baby in a more upright position. Speak to staff on the neonatal unit if you have questions or need support with positioning your baby for feeding.

Keep your baby's head gently raised during the day, especially after a feed. Reflux is worse when a baby is lying flat on their back. Do not put anything directly under your baby's head, and never use a pillow with a baby under 12 months old.

Change your baby's nappy before feeding.

Feed your baby with smaller amounts of milk more often.

Wind your baby more frequently. To wind, rub rather than tap your baby.

Your GP may also give you some medications to help. These may include feed thickeners, which are added to your baby's milk to help reduce the effect of reflux. Thickeners work by making the food more solid once it is in the stomach and this makes it harder to bring back up. Other medications may help to stop your baby's stomach producing too much acid and speed up food passing through the stomach. Feed thickeners should only be used if they have been prescribed by a medical professional such as a GP.

Reflux usually gets better on its own, as babies' muscles develop. If treatments and medications do not help, then your baby may need to be referred to a specialist. They will be able to tell you if your baby needs any further tests.

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Find out more about what reflux us, the signs to look out for in your baby, and the treatment available.

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Read about how newborn hearing screening is carried out, what is screened for, and when you can expect to get the results.

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On level 5, we have our winter garden. This is a great place to come and relax if you feel you need time away from the Neonatal Unit.

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We encourage all parents to participate in the daily ward rounds with the nursing and medical team.

Ward round is a time for you to present your baby.

Ward rounds usually start around 9:30am.

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All caregivers are required to complete a short programme named 'stork' prior to discharge to enable learning and education surrounding vital topics.

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A parent awareness/education programme which focuses on common risk factors for infant mortality in the West Midlands. It covers basic aspects of parent care that could potentially impact on this over time.

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How to install your baby in the Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360

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Sometimes its helpful to read about other peoples experiences of having a premature or poorly baby in hospital. You will find such stories if you click on this link.

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"Be kind to yourselves, take all the support you can get and accept help" - Elspeth's and Craig's story

Elspeth and Craig's identical twins Remy and Forrest were born at 29 weeks and five days. In their story, they share all the ups and down of their journey to bringing their boys home after 74 days in neonatal care.

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Stories and features about babies born premature or sick, their families and the health professionals who care for them.

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Find out how to access urgent help for young people in Birmingham in a mental health crisis.

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Please watch this video to give you an overview of what to expect on a Neonatal Unit.

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A stay in neonatal care - An animated guide

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We know our patient spaces can appear daunting at first. This is a guide which shows speaks about what equipment we commonly use.

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We hear from parents that the equipment on the neonatal unit can seem overwhelming when you first arrive.

In this page, we explain what some of the equipment looks like and what it does.

The NICU was a room that never slept - it was a sensory overload. It's crazy that today, at one year old, Leo's favourite things are flashing lights and saying 'beep'.

Destiny, mum to Leo

You might not have had any time with your baby after they were born and before they went to the unit.

Many parents tell us that seeing their baby in the incubator and attached to wires makes them feel distanced from them. There can also be sounds from equipment which can seem alarming at first. This can feel very upsetting.

Some parents find it helpful to know what the equipment does and how it helps to monitor and provide support for their baby. If you are ever unsure about the equipment used for your baby, ask the neonatal team - they will be happy to explain.

Incubators are clear boxes which help keep your baby warm. Premature or sick babies can struggle to stay warm on their own.

Some incubators are closed boxes with hand holes on the side. This helps keep the heat and humidity in the incubator, stopping too much moisture evaporating from your baby's fine skin.

Other incubators have open tops and an overhead heater or heated mattresses.

The temperature is controlled in two ways - either with controls or using an automatic sensor on your baby's skin. If the sensor falls off or is not working properly, an alarm sounds, and a nurse will check the temperature of the incubator.

Ventilators and breathing machines

Before your baby was born, they received all the oxygen they needed from their birth parent. The oxygen in the birth parent's blood passes across the placenta and into the umbilical cord (the cord that connects the baby to the placenta and which is cut at birth).

Once they are born, babies get their oxygen by breathing. If a baby is born prematurely or with a medical condition, they may struggle to breathe by themselves. Premature babies' lungs in particular might not be developed enough to manage breathing by themselves yet.

Depending on what your baby needs, they might be put on a machine called a ventilator - this helps your baby to breathe.

There are two types of basic ventilator:

Ventilators: These blow air with or without added oxygen (depending on what your baby needs) gently into your baby's lungs through a tube which is passed through their nose or mouth. This inflates your baby's lungs and is adjusted depending on what your baby needs.

High frequency oscillating ventilators: These blow small amounts of air, with or without added oxygen, (depending on what your baby needs) into the lungs very quickly, hundreds of times a minute. Your baby's chest will look like it is vibrating. This might look worrying, but it can work very well for some kinds of lung conditions.

Other breathing machines can include:

Continuous positive airway pressure (often shortened to 'CPAP')
These blow air, with or without oxygen, (depending on what your baby needs) through two thin tubes in your baby's nose, or through a small mask over their nose. CPAP slightly raises the pressure of the air, which helps keep your baby's lungs inflated.

Non-invasic positive pressure ventilations (also called BiPap)
This is given through a mask or a small tube in your baby's nose and helps to regulate their breathing.

Heated, humidified high-flow nasal cannula (also called 'high-flow' or 'optiflow')
Some babies need help with their breathing but do not need something as strong as a ventilator. High-flow is where warm, moist air with or without oxygen (depending on what your baby needs) flows into your baby's lungs through small tubes in their nose.

Endotracheal (pronounced en-doe-track-eel) tube

This is put down your baby's windpipe (called a trachea by health professionals) if they are on a ventilator. It is either put in through your baby's nose or mouth. It is the tube which passes the air into your baby's lungs from the ventilator.

Vital signs monitor

These machines pick up electrical signals given out from your baby's heart, and always check that it is beating properly. They can also pick up changes in your baby's breathing. These monitors pick up these signals through small pads put on your baby's chest. Wires run from the pads to the monitoring machine.

Oxygen saturation monitor

These monitors check the amount of oxygen in your baby's blood, by shining a light through their skin. The sensors are strapped gently to your baby's foot or hand.

Intravenous (pronounced in-tra-vee-nus, and sometimes shortened to IV) drip

Your baby might have thin tubes (sometimes called IVs, drips or cannulae) put into a tiny blood vessel. The IV is usually put in a hand, foot, arm or leg. Sometimes the staff might have to use one of the tiny veins on the surface of your baby's head. These tubes are there to give fluids or medication, like antibiotics.

Feeding tube

If your baby can't feed by themselves yet, they might be able to have breast milk or formula through a tube that goes down their mouth or nose and into their stomach. Doctors might use a nasogastric (pronounced nase-oh-gas-trick) or orogastric (pronounced or-oh-gas-trick) tube.

For more information about feeding, visit our page about being a parent on the neonatal unit.

As soon as you know what all the machinery does, and why they beep and alarm, you will feel more comfortable in this unfamiliar place. Ask questions - no one will judge you.

Annie, mum to Alfie

Umbilical catheter (pronounced umm-bill-like-al cath-it-er)

These long, soft tubes are put into the blood vessels in your baby's belly button. Umbilical catheters are mostly used in the first few days after birth.

There are two types - one goes into an artery (blood vessels which carry blood full of oxygen from the heart and to the rest of the body) and is used to measure blood pressure and to take blood samples to check levels of certain important gases.

The other kind goes into a vein (smaller blood vessels which take blood with less oxygen back to the heart) and gives your baby nutrition or medicine. These catheters can have one or more tubes, allowing for different tests to be taken at the same time and avoiding disturbing your baby.

Long lines

These are very thin tubes passed into one of your baby's larger veins. Long lines are often used for giving nutrition an certain medication. Placing these can be a fiddly procedure if your baby is very small, but it is non-invasive.

The procedure might be done in a sterile environment to protect your baby from infections, where you may not be able to join. Your care team will explain all of this to you.

Phototherapy lamp or light blanket

If your baby has jaundice, they may be treated with blue light lamps (called 'phototherapy lamps') or a special light blanket (called a 'bili-blanket'). Jaundice (pronounced 'jawn-diss') is the name for yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes.

It is very common for newborn babies to get jaundice. In most cases it is harmless and goes away without needing treatment by the time your baby is about two weeks old.

For more information about jaundice, visit our page about jaundice.

The information in this section is due for review November 2025

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We hear from parents that the equipment on the neonatal unit can seem overwhelming when you first arrive. In this page, we explain what some of the equipment looks like and what it does.

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Protecting against infections

Babies in the neonatal unit are vulnerable to infections so there are hygiene policies to protect them. The nurses on your unit can explain the details to you.

Everyone coming into the neonatal unit must wash their hands and forearms thoroughly and, after drying, use the sanitising hand gel provided.

The unit might also have what's called a 'bare arm policy'. This means no clothing or loose jewellery can be worn below the elbow.

Family members will need to stay away if they have COVID-19, a cold, the flu or a tummy bug, or if they have whooping cough, measles, chickenpox or other contagious infections. This will apply to siblings and other family members, and may also apply to you if you are seriously ill.

This can be hard. If you are not able to be with your baby because you are sick, then the unit will arrange other ways for you to stay up to date with their condition.

Your baby might be tested for infections when they are first admitted into the unit. This is done by lightly brushing your baby's skin with a cotton swab. This is to help the staff know what they might need to treat.

Read more about washing your hands in our information on common infectious illnesses.

Being with your baby

Parents are not considered visitors, as you should be able to be with your baby as much as you would like. It will be very important to the staff that you are not separated from your baby unnecessarily.

For security reasons, the unit will only be accessible to staff with relevant passes. Parents and visitors will usually be able to ring a doorbell to gain access. Each unit has its own visiting policy.

The unit may have set visiting hours for other family members, and might ask you to limit the number of people. This allows the babies to get enough rest and lowers the risk of infections.

Sometimes there is not much space and the staff need room to work safely. Most units encourage brothers and sisters, grandparents and other family members to visit. This will depend on current restrictions which can change due to infection control measures.

If you can, it may be nice to bring your children to see their new sibling in hospital. Even when they can't visit, your children can stay in touch with your new baby. You might like to give your child a picture of their sibling to keep, or organise a video call with the staff or when you are there.

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This page talks about how babies are cared for on units and daily routines.

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We champion their right to receive the best care by supporting families, campaigning for change and supporting professionals, and enabling life-changing research.

Bliss was founded in 1979 by a group of concerned parents who discovered that no hospital had all the equipment nor the trained staff it needed to safely care for premature and sick babies.

Determined to do something, these volunteers formed a charity to give vulnerable babies the care they deserve. 40 years later Bliss has grown into the leading UK charity for the 90,000 babies born needing neonatal care every year.

Our vision

Bliss' vision is that every baby born premature or sick in the UK has the best chance of survival and quality of life.

Our mission

We exist to ensure all babies in neonatal care:

have the best chance of survival

have well-supported parents playing an active role in their decision-making and care

are cared for in neonatal environments that best support their development

benefit from neonatal research that can lead to practical improvements in their care

receive high-quality care within a neonatal health system which is appropriately funded, structured and staffed.

Over the next three years (2019-2022) our ambition is for every baby born premature or sick in the UK to have the best chance of survival and quality of life.

Trusted

We are entrusted to give voice to all babies born premature or sick. We believe that trust is earned and our actions must always be based on what is best for babies.

Supportive

We believe that developing supportive relationships is at the heart of what we do, and only by supporting others are we able to achieve our goals.

Ambitious

We always go the extra mile to deliver excellence and seek improvement in all we do.

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Bliss exists to give every baby born premature or sick in the UK the best chance of survival and quality of life.

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Unexpected Beginnings: The Neonatal Unit

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Unexpected Beginnings: The Neonatal Unit

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Podcast · Giovanna Fletcher · In the Happy Mum, Happy Baby Podcast, Giovanna Fletcher continues the conversation about motherhood she began in her bestselling book of the same title. In a series of frank and warm conversations with other high-profile mums and dads, Gi discusses all aspects of parenthood - the highs, the lows, the challenges and rewards.

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Did you know we have Spiritual Care Centre where any faith or religion is welcome? It is located on level 5.

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Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection. It happens when the body's normal immune system reacts to an infection and starts to damage the body's tissues and organs.

What causes sepsis in babies?

Babies born premature are more likely to get infections that can lead to sepsis. This is because they have a weaker immune system, and their skin and gut is more fragile than in babies born at term. Babies born premature are also more likely to develop infections that lead to late-onset sepsis (sepsis that happens over 72 hours after birth).

Infection can happen through equipment such as tubes into a vein (intravenous, or IV lines) or ventilation tubes, which help support your baby's breathing.

Babies born at term can also develop sepsis. In some cases, problems in pregnancy or labour can increase the risk of infection in the baby. An example of this can include pre-labour rupture of membranes (PROM), which is when the mother's waters break after 37+0 weeks of pregnancy and labour has not started.

The most common cause of early-onset sepsis (sepsis that happens in the first 72 hours after birth) is an infection caused by bacteria known as group B streptococcus (GBS). If this, or other bacteria is present in the mother's birth canal it can pass to the baby during birth. This can sometimes cause an infection which can lead to sepsis.

Signs of sepsis can be non-specific and difficult to spot in babies. This is because the signs of sepsis can also happen for other reasons. Some signs include, but are not limited to, the following:

A high or very low temperature.

Breathing difficulties.

Changes in skin colour. For example, this could include jaundice (yellowing of skin and whites of eyes) or going blue.

Changes in behaviour. For example, they could be more irritable or not feeding as usual.

If your baby is on the neonatal unit, the healthcare team looking after your baby will look for these signs.

Babies are also treated for sepsis if there are risk factors at birth that suggest that they are at risk of infection. These risk factors may include signs of sepsis in the mother or if the mother has pre-labour rupture of membranes (see above). This is usually done as a precaution.

If you are at home, the NHS website has guidance on what to do if you are concerned your baby or child may be showing some of the signs of sepsis.

How are infections and sepsis treated?

If doctors suspect that your baby has an infection and is developing sepsis, they will admit your baby to the neonatal unit (if they have not already been admitted). They may use several tests to confirm diagnosis, including the following:

Blood tests - to see if there has been an increase in white blood cells (if low white cell count is low), or if there is inflammation or infection present.

Blood cultures - which checks for any bacteria in the blood.

Urine tests.

X-rays.

Lumbar puncture - which tests the liquid around the brain and spinal cord. To do this, your baby's doctor or nurse will gently put your baby is a curled position on their side. They then put a small needle into one of the spaces low down in your baby's back. The liquid that is taken is sent for testing.

You may hear the staff on the neonatal unit use the term 'suspected sepsis' to describe your baby's condition. This is where there are concerns that a baby might have an infection but blood results have not confirmed this.

Doctors will treat any infections with antibiotics. Doctors will give these to your baby through a small plastic tube into a vein called a cannula or line. Sepsis can develop and get worse very quickly, so the earlier your baby is treated, the more likely they are to make a full recovery.

The length of your baby's treatment will depend on whether their blood test and lumbar puncture results show any signs of infection. Your baby's doctor will discuss their course of antibiotics with you.

If your baby is very sick, doctors may need to provide support for your baby in other ways. This might include more support with breathing using a ventilator, drugs to support the function of the heart or sugar water through a tube into a vein.

Sadly, in rare cases, sepsis can lead to septic shock, which can lead to organ failure. This can be fatal. We have more information about making critical care decisions, palliative care and bereavement, and links to some more sources of support further down this page.

Where can I find more information and support about sepsis?

Having a baby on a neonatal unit can be a stressful and scary experience. Your baby's healthcare team should talk to you about the tests or procedures your baby will need, what will happen and what they are for. If you are unsure about any part of your baby's diagnosis, treatment or care, speak to the healthcare professionals looking after your baby. It is okay to ask again if you need information repeated or made clearer. The healthcare professionals will understand and want to support you.

We have included some links to charities and organisations who can provide more support. Social media websites such as Facebook may also be able to provide information about local support groups where you can talk to other parents who have a baby with sepsis. If you need someone to talk to, you can also contact us on hello@bliss.org.uk. If your baby is on the neonatal unit or has recently been discharged, you can also arrange a video call with one of our volunteers.

Contact- Support families with disabled children. You can call their free helpline on 0808 808 3555

Group B Strep Support - Work to stop group B strep (GBS) infection in babies. Have a helpline that provides confidential support and information to families about GBS. You can call 0330 120 0796 or email info@gbss.org.uk

The UK Sepsis Trust - Have a helpline, support groups and information for anyone affected by sepsis. You can call 0808 800 0029 or send a request for email support through their website.

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Find out more about what sepsis is, the signs to look out for in your baby, and the treatment available.

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Find out more about jaundice, a common and usually harmless condition in newborn babies that causes yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes.

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What is a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)?

The ductus arteriosus is an extra blood vessel which all babies have in the womb. It connects the two main blood vessels leaving the heart. These are called the aorta and pulmonary artery. Before a baby is born, the ductus arteriosus diverts blood from the lungs to the rest of the body.

After your baby is born, their lungs will fill with air, and blood will flow to their lungs. The ductus arteriosus is then not needed, and usually closes over the first few days of life.

In some babies, particularly babies born premature, the ductus arteriosus may not close properly. If it stays open (patent), it is called a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). You may hear this being called persistent ductal arteriosus.

Although PDAs are more common in babies born premature, they can also occur in babies born at term.

What are the signs of a PDA?

Your baby is likely to be diagnosed with a PDA on the neonatal unit.

Doctors may suspect a PDA in your baby if they have had difficulty coming off a mechanical ventilator or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. Your baby may have needed one of these treatments if they had experienced respiratory (breathing) distress shortly after birth.

If your baby's doctor suspects that your baby has a PDA, they detect it by using a device that is used to listen to the heart called a stethoscope.

The most common sign of a PDA is a heart murmur. This is an extra or unusual sound that is made by your baby's heart. Other signs that your baby might have a PDA include:

having a fast heart rate

low blood pressure

low blood oxygen levels

pauses in breathing (apnoea)

poor feeding or poor weight gain

chest infections.

The signs that your baby will have will depend on the size of the PDA. A baby who has a small PDA may have no signs at all.

What tests might my baby have?

Your baby will have an echocardiogram (ECHO). This is an ultrasound scan that uses waves to look at the heart and nearby blood vessels. It is used to confirm a diagnosis of a PDA and to look at its size.

What treatment is available for PDA?

The treatment that is used to treat the PDA will depend on its size. Possible treatments include the following:

Monitoring

Doctors may monitor the PDA to see if it closes on its own before starting treatment.

Your baby may be discharged from the neonatal unit during this time, but will have follow-up appointments to monitor the progress of the PDA.

You know your baby best. You should speak to someone if you are worried about your baby when you are at home, such as your GP or health visitor.
If, when your baby is at home, they show signs of shortness of breath, long pauses in their breathing or go pale or blue, call 999 straight away.
Medication

If the PDA is large, doctors may give your baby a water medicine called a diuretic. Diuretics help to reduce the amount of fluid on the lungs. This should help your baby to breathe more comfortably.

If, after some time, the PDA does not close and your baby has difficulty coming off breathing support, medication such as ibuprofen is used to try to close it. This is given intravenously (into a vein). Other medications may be used if your baby is unable to take ibuprofen.

Your doctor will explain the benefits and risks of any medications to you. If you have any questions or there is anything you do not understand, ask your doctor to explain it again or in a different way. They are there to help and answer any questions you have.

Surgery

If medication does not close the PDA, doctors may suggest surgery. There are two types of surgery that are used to close a PDA:

Keyhole surgery

Most PDAs are small, so can be successfully closed using keyhole surgery. This surgery involves passing a long thin tube (catheter) through a vein or artery in the heart. The ductus arteriosus is then sealed using a small stainless-steel coil or plug.

Surgical ligation

This may be needed if your baby has a large PDA. During this surgery, a surgeon will make a small cut on the left side of your baby's chest. They will then put a metal clip around the ductus arteriosus to close it.

For both types of surgery, your baby will be put under general anaesthetic (put to sleep).

The idea of your baby having surgery may seem like a scary thought. But surgery to treat a PDA is usually successful and many babies recover quickly. The surgeons will explain what they plan to do before surgery and talk about what will happen and any risks with you.

The British Heart Foundation has a factsheet about PDA which includes more information about these types of surgery.

Are there any short or long-term effects from having a PDA?

Most babies who have a PDA will need no further treatment once it is closed successfully and will have no ongoing health problems.

If the ductus arteriosus is large and is left untreated, this can cause pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs). It can also increase the risk of developing a condition called necrotising enterocolitis (NEC).

Babies who need surgery to close the ductus arteriosus may already have existing conditions that are linked to their prematurity. This might mean that there is a higher risk of them developing problems with their lungs such as chronic lung disease (CLD).

If you have any questions or concerns about any effects of having a PDA, speak to your baby's healthcare team. They are there to help and answer any questions you have.

Where can I get more help and support?

In a survey we conducted of 190 parents, 86% of parents had never heard of or knew little about PDA before their baby had it.

If your baby has a condition that you don't know much about or is new to you, you may feel overwhelmed and worried. How you feel and process what has happened to you might be different to others who face these challenges.

If you are unsure about any part of your baby's diagnosis, treatment or care, the staff on the unit will help you in any way they can. It is okay to ask again if you need information repeated or made clearer. The team will understand and want to support you.

We have included some links to charities and organisations who can provide more support.

Social media websites such as Facebook may also be able to provide information about local support groups and charities where you can talk to other parents who have a baby with a condition such as a PDA.

Your unit may also be able to provide you with this information. If you need someone to talk to, you can also contact us on hello@bliss.org.uk or arrange a video call with one of our volunteers.

British Heart Foundation (BHF) funds research into heart and circulatory diseases and provides information and support. They have a helpline and email support service, and a factsheet on their website for parents with a baby with a PDA. Call 0300 330 3311, weekdays, 9am to 5pm or email hearthelpline@bhf.org.uk

Children's Heart Foundation (CHF) provides information and support for children with heart conditions and their families and has a factsheet on PDA. You can call their Infoline on 0300 561 0065, email info@chfed.org.uk, or visit chfed.org.uk

Tiny Tickers works to improve the early detection and care of babies with heart conditions and has a fact sheet on PDA. Visit tinytickers.org for more support and information.

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Find out more about what PDA is, the signs to look out for in your baby, and the treatment available.

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This page explains some of the tests, scans and care given to babies in a neonatal unit.

For any test or treatment your baby may need, health professionals will talk to you and answer your questions.

It is likely that your baby will have different tests whilst they are in the unit. This is so that your baby's needs can be met as they change. They allow the neonatal team to see how they are responding to their care.

This helps with making decisions about whether to continue with a treatment, try something new, and whether your baby needs to be moved to a different hospital for more specialist care.

During these procedures you may be able to comfort your baby to reduce their discomfort. This can be done through comfort holding (cradling their hands and feet), skin-to-skin or giving them a dummy and some expressed milk.

Tests and procedures will only be done when your baby needs them. The neonatal staff will always try to reduce pain, discomfort and the disturbance caused to your baby.

There are some common tests and procedures you might come across. You can read more about the tests and care your baby may receive on this page.

The nurses were lovely and so much more than nurses! Although NICU is so hard and you are constantly worrying when a beep goes off, I couldn't have felt like I was in more caring hands.

Samantha, mum to Bowie and Honey

Blood is the body's transport system, moving oxygen, nutrients, waste products and chemical messages to all the right places. Your baby's blood does many jobs, including fighting infection. Because of this, blood tests can show how your baby is progressing.

Most blood samples are taken by pricking the skin to get blood from the back of your baby's hand or heel.

The team might check the following things:

Sugar levels

Blood carries energy in the form of sugar. This test tells the doctors whether your baby's blood sugar levels are being properly controlled.

There are many reasons why your baby may need their blood sugar monitored. Most commonly, babies born to mums with diabetes (a condition which causes blood sugar levels to be too high) or babies born with a very low birthweight will be monitored more closely.

This is because they may have problems keeping a healthy blood sugar level.

Blood gases

As well as carrying oxygen from the lungs, blood also carries carbon dioxide back to the lungs so we can breathe it out as waste gas.

Measuring the levels of carbon dioxide, as well as other waste chemicals carried by the blood, can give information about how your baby is breathing. Blood gases can also help tell how other organs, such as kidneys, are working.

Platelets

These are important for controlling bleeding. In premature and sick babies, the platelet count can be too low. This is why it is monitored. If the level does get too low, your baby might need a platelet transfusion.

Haemoglobin (pronounced hee-mo-glow-bin)

This chemical helps blood to transport oxygen. It is carried by red blood cells. If your baby does not have enough red blood cells, the body may not get enough oxygen. This is called being 'anaemic' (pronounced an-ee-mick).

If your baby's haemoglobin gets very low, they might need a blood transfusion.

White blood cells

These cells play a big role in fighting infections. You may hear your care team talking about 'C-reactive protein' or 'CRP'. These are part of your immune system and their levels go up with infection. Checking these levels helps to see how well your baby is fighting an infection, or if an infection is starting.

Multiple tests

Sometimes, your baby might need to have multiple blood samples taken over a short period of time. This might mean that they need a blood transfusion to replace the blood that is used for testing.

This is nothing to worry about and you can ask the care team about comfort holding and other forms of parental touch to help soothe your baby during these procedures.

Scans can help doctors to see inside your baby's body. Your baby may have one or more of the following types of scan:

X-ray

X-rays are often used to look at your baby's chest, especially when they are having breathing support. They are also sometimes used to check for problems in the gut if your baby is not feeding well.

X-rays use tiny amounts of radiation, so they are only used when they are really needed. You might need to leave the room when the X-ray is taking place but they are not harmful to your baby.

Ultrasound

This type of scan uses ultrasound waves to build a picture of inside the body. A common use of these scans is to see if there is bleeding or other problems on your baby's brain. You can stay with your baby when they have an ultrasound scan.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Many units have access to an MRI scanner, which uses a magnetic field to show pictures of your baby's internal organs. These scanners are usually in a different part of the hospital from the neonatal unit.

Sometimes they may be in a different hospital altogether and your baby will need to be transferred. This means your baby might have to wait until they are ready to be moved.

Sometimes, your baby might need to be sedated for their scan to make sure they stay still enough for the scanner to work.

I struggled with seeing my baby boy in an incubator in the first few days. However, talking to the nurses really helped.

Claire, mum to Joshua

All babies will have vision and hearing tests after they are born. Babies who are born prematurely are more likely to have problems with their sight and hearing, so they may have some extra tests.

Some babies with particular medical conditions may also have their sight and hearing tested whilst on the neonatal unit.

Babies born before 31 weeks' gestation or below 1500g of weight at birth will be screened for a condition called 'retinopathy of prematurity', or 'ROP'. This can be a serious eye condition if it isn't picked up and treated quickly.

Babies who are at risk are screened as soon as their eyes have developed enough. The specialist doctors who carry out these tests, called ophthalmologists (optal-molo-gists) can also look for other eye problems.

Babies born prematurely or with other medical conditions can also be at higher risk of hearing problems. Their hearing will be tested before they leave hospital.

Screening for genetic conditions

Sometimes, the neonatal team might want to check to see if your baby could have a condition they were born with. These can be passed on genetically - which means they are passed down from parents to their children. They can also develop on their own for other reasons that are not genetic. The doctors will talk to you about these tests, if they think they are needed.

Lumbar puncture

Some babies can get a very bad infection around the outside layers (called meninges) of their brain and spinal cord. This infection is called meningitis. If doctors are worried your baby might be getting this condition, they will take action quickly, as it can become serious.

In a lumbar puncture, the liquid around the spinal cord is taken and sent for testing. To do a lumbar puncture, the doctor or nurse will gently put your baby in a curled position on their side - this helps to make the space between the bones in their spine bigger.

Then, whilst a nurse is watching your baby closely, a doctor or nurse practitioner will put a small needle into one of the spaces low down in your baby's back. The team will offer your baby things like expressed breast milk to help ease any pain.

Emergency resuscitation (pronounced ree-sus-a-tay-shon)

It is possible that your baby might need urgent help with their breathing if they are not breathing by themselves. If your baby can't breathe for themselves, this can mean that their heart stops beating properly. This can happen straight after they are born, or during their time on the unit (if they have a serious infection, for example).

Resuscitation is where doctors help your baby to start breathing again and for their heart to start beating properly. This is usually done with equipment on the unit which focusses on your baby's airway and breathing.

Sometimes, doctors might press on your baby's chest in a special rhythm which can help start their heart again. These are called cardiac (pronounced car-dee-ack) compressions.

Important to remember

If you think that your baby has stopped breathing, there will be a red button somewhere around their incubator or cot that you should press. This will sound an alarm that immediately calls the care team to come to your baby.

The best way to help in this situation is to make sure you give the care team space to work. This can be extremely difficult but it is vital to allow space for them to help your baby.

The information in this section is due for review November 2025

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Tests and care your baby might be given | Bliss

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This page explains some of the tests, scans and care given to babies in a neonatal unit. For any test or treatment your baby may need, health professionals will talk to you and answer your questions.

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Most of the important information applies across the UK, but some of it is specific to England.

If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, entitlements may vary. Although the information in this section is correct at the time of writing, benefits are always subject to change.

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Having a new born baby in special care brings a lot of extra expense, including travel costs, parking, extra child care and missed days at work. Take a look through our information for support on this.Bliss recognises this dilemma is faced by many parents. Although we are unable to provide...

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Family Fund deliver grants for families raising a disabled or seriously ill child or young people on a low income across the UK

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Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs. It's paid monthly - or twice a month for some people in Scotland.

You may be able to get it if you're on a low income, out of work or you cannot work.

If you live in Northern Ireland, go to Universal Credit in Northern Ireland.

Sign in

Sign in to your Universal Credit account if you already have one.

If you already get other benefits

Universal Credit is replacing the following benefits and tax credits:

Child Tax Credit

Housing Benefit

Income Support

income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)

income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

Working Tax Credit

If you're getting any of these benefits or tax credits, you do not need to do anything unless either:

your circumstances change

you get a letter called a 'Migration Notice' telling you that you must claim Universal Credit

You'll stop getting these benefits and tax credits when you or your partner claims Universal Credit. If you or your partner gets Pension Credit, this will also stop if one of you claims Universal Credit.

This will not affect any other benefits you're getting, such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Carer's Allowance.

You can read more about how tax credits and Universal Credit affect each other.

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Universal Credit is replacing 6 other benefits with a single monthly payment if you're out of work or on a low income - eligibility, how to prepare.

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How to prepare your dog for a new baby | Dogs Trust

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Most expectant parents have plenty of time to spend preparing for a baby, but for unsuspecting dogs their new housemate appears overnight!

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Rainbow Trust Children's Charity works with the whole family. We focus on supporting the baby's siblings, who are often very confused and upset, and unable to visit for a variety of reasons. We also provide a transition service for parents whose babies do recover sufficiently to go home and offer a continued service at home.

Parents eagerly look forward to bringing their new-born baby home, so it can be extremely disorienting when they are admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Parents can experience loss of expectation and normality and young siblings cannot often visit the Neonatal Unit.

​Emotional support

Someone to talk to during and after your baby's time on the neonatal unit

Support during difficult appointments and conversations with doctors

Emotional support for your baby's siblings

Bereavement support for the whole family.

"Rainbow Trust allowed me to see my baby more than once a week."

Practical support

Respite - Sit with your baby if you would like some time to yourself and a break from the unit

​Hospital support - Support you whilst you are on the unit, attending appointments with you and being there to talk when needed

Sibling support - Help with care of siblings, supporting them at home, the hospital or taking them out for the day so they don't feel left out or forgotten. Can also help with school drop-off and pickups

Transport - Help you with transport to and from hospital.

Flexible support

Neonatal Support Workers are extremely flexible to help families in the best way possible.

Timeframe

​Once Rainbow Trust has received your referral, a Neonatal Support Worker will contact you to arrange an assessment visit, which can be in the hospital, your home, or wherever is convenient for you. Support will begin after we have completed this. We aim for the service to be responsive to your individual needs and this part of the process will be flexible and aim to accommodate to your needs.

After discharge

Rainbow Trust can also help your family once your baby is discharged from hospital, with sibling support, and support when attending follow-up appointments.

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Rainbow Trust Children's Charity provides emotional and practical support to families who have a child with life-threatening or terminal illness.

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Did you know we have an amazon wishlist?

If you are feeling kind and generous, we would really appreciate anything that is purchased from this list for our current and future patients and families.

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It's not known why some babies die suddenly and for no apparent reason from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), or cot death.

Experts do know placing a baby to sleep on their back reduces the risk, and exposing a baby to cigarette smoke or allowing them to overheat increases the risk.

It's also known there's an association between sleeping with your baby on a sofa or chair and SIDS.

Follow the advice on this page to reduce the risks as much as possible.

How to reduce the risk of SIDS

To reduce the risk of SIDS:

place your baby on their back to sleep, in the same room as you, for the first 6 months

keep your baby's head uncovered - their blanket should be tucked in no higher than their shoulders

if wearing your baby in a sling or carrier, do not cover their head with the sling material or with a muslin

place your baby in the "feet to foot" position, with their feet at the end of the cot or Moses basket

do not let your baby get too hot or cold

never sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair

do not smoke when you're pregnant or around your baby after they're born, and do not let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby

Place your baby on their back to sleep

Place your baby on their back to sleep from the very beginning for both day and night sleeps. This will reduce the risk of cot death.

Do not put your baby to sleep on their side or tummy.

Once your baby is old enough to roll over, there's no need to worry if they turn onto their tummy or side while sleeping.

Do not let your baby's head become covered

Babies whose heads are covered with bedding are at an increased risk of SIDS.

To prevent your baby wriggling down under the covers, place them in the "feet to foot" position. This means their feet are at the end of the crib, cot or Moses basket.

To put your baby in the feet to foot position:

tuck the covers in securely under your baby's arms so they cannot slip over their head - use 1 or more layers of lightweight blankets

use a baby mattress that's firm, flat, well-fitting, clean and waterproof on the outside - cover the mattress with a single sheet

do not use duvets, quilts, baby nests, wedges, bedding rolls or pillows

If you use a sling or carrier, make sure you use it safely.
The Lullaby Trust has more information and advice about swaddling your baby and using slings

Do not let your baby get too hot or too cold

Overheating can increase the risk of SIDS. Babies can overheat because of too much bedding or clothing, or because the room is too hot.

When you check your baby, make sure they're not too hot. If your baby is sweating or their tummy feels hot to the touch, take off some of the bedding. Do not worry if their hands or feet feel cool - this is normal.

It's easier to adjust for the temperature by using layers of lightweight blankets. Remember, a folded blanket counts as 2 blankets. Lightweight, well-fitting baby sleeping bags are a good choice, too.

Babies do not need hot rooms. All-night heating is rarely necessary. Keep the room at a temperature that's comfortable - about 16 to 20C is ideal.

If it's very warm, your baby may not need any bedclothes other than a sheet.

Even in winter, most babies who are unwell or feverish do not need extra clothes.

Babies should never sleep with a hot water bottle or electric blanket, next to a radiator, heater or fire, or in direct sunshine.

Babies lose excess heat through their heads, so make sure their heads cannot be covered by bedclothes, slings or carriers while they're asleep.

Remove hats and extra clothing as soon as you come indoors or enter a warm car, bus or train, even if it means waking your baby.

Be safe if you share a bed with your baby

If you share a bed with your baby (co-sleeping), you should:

make sure they sleep on a firm, flat mattress lying on their back

not have any pillows or duvets near them

not have other children or pets in the bed at the same time

It's important not to share a bed with your baby if they had a low birthweight (less than 2.5kg or 5.5lb) or if you or your partner:

smoke (no matter where or when you smoke and even if you never smoke in bed)

have had 2 or more units of alcohol

have taken recreational drugs

have taken medicine that causes drowsiness

Never sleep with a baby on a sofa or armchair

It's lovely to have your baby with you for a cuddle or a feed, but sleeping with your baby on a sofa or armchair is linked to a higher risk of SIDS.

It's safest to put your baby back in their cot before you go to sleep.

Do not let anyone smoke near your baby

Babies exposed to cigarette smoke before and after birth are at an increased risk of SIDS. Do not let anyone smoke in the house, including visitors.

Ask anyone who needs to smoke to go outside. Do not take your baby into smoky places.

If you smoke, sharing a bed with your baby increases the risk of cot death.

Get help and support if you want to quit smoking

Feeding, dummies and SIDS

Breastfeeding your baby reduces the risk of SIDS.

It's possible using a dummy at the start of a sleep also reduces the risk of SIDS. But the evidence is not strong and not all experts agree that dummies should be promoted.

If you do use a dummy, do not start until breastfeeding is well established. This is usually when your baby is around 1 month old.

Stop giving them the dummy when they're between 6 and 12 months old.

Get medical help quickly if your baby is unwell

Babies often have minor illnesses that you do not need to worry about.

Give your baby plenty of fluids to drink and do not let them get too hot. If your baby sleeps a lot, wake them up regularly for a drink.

It can be difficult to judge whether an illness is more serious and needs urgent medical attention.

See spotting the signs of serious illness for guidance on when to get help.

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Reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

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Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), or cot death, is rare. Find out how you can reduce the risk even further.

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How to breastfeed comfortably | Infant Feeding Team

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Making a bottle of formula milk for your baby 

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Making a bottle of formula milk for your baby 

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How to make a bottle of formula milk up for your baby

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Safe sleeping | Tips from the Neonatal Team

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How to use a Carum breast pump | Infant Feeding team

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Keeping your kit clean and storing breast milk 

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Keeping your kit clean and storing breast milk 

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Postnatal depression (PND) is a type of depression that many parents experience after having a baby. It can affect any parent, regardless of whether they've suffered from a mental health condition before. Postnatal depression is linked directly to giving birth and is a common problem, affecting 1 in 10 women within a year of giving birth.

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The Breastfeeding Network | Independent Breastfeeding Support

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The Breastfeeding Network (BfN) is an independent source of support and information for breastfeeding women and others.

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Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative | Positioning and attachment

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Support that’s always there for you and your family

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Sure Start Maternity Grant is a £500 payment to help with the costs of a new baby: what you’ll get, eligibility and how to apply (claim form SF100).

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A Stay in Neonatal Care - Preparing to Take Your Baby Home

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Helpful Organisations

There are a wide range of organisations who provide tailored support for families of premature or sick babies.

LGBTQIA+ support

Find below organisations who provide support and advice, specifically for the LGBTQIA+ community:

Stonewall have some great information on parenting rights, including parental responsibility, family leave and pay, adopting, fostering, co-parenting, fertility treatment and surrogacy.

Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline provides a listening service for LGBT+ people over the phone, via email and online chat. It can provide you with contact details of an LGBT-friendly therapist.

Imaan is a charity that supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer or questioning (LGBTQ) Muslims, providing an online forum where people can share experiences and ask for help.

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With over 90,000 babies born premature or sick and admitted to neonatal care every year in the UK, many families are touched by a neonatal experience. However, many LGBTQIA+ parents feel underrepresented in the neonatal support available.

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This article explains what Family Integrated Care is all about and how you can become involved in your baby's care.

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Family Integrated Care (FICare) is a model of care for babies born premature or sick, which promotes a culture of partnership between parents and carers and healthcare professionals working to care for babies on the neonatal unit.

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Please let us know if you wish to dress your own baby each day and bath your baby. We can work with you to organize a schedule that suits you.

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This article explains what Family Integrated Care is all about and how you can become involved in your baby's care.

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World Prematurity Day 2016 - What is family-centred care?

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This is a story of a premature baby's journey in the Neonatal Unit with his parents involved with every aspect of his care.

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Breastfeeding videos available in other languages

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Breastfeeding videos available in other languages

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Breastfeeding Videos - Global Health Media Project

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© 2023 Global Health Media Project | a 501(c)(3) nonprofit

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For Families | Special Interest Group in Necrotizing Enterocolitis

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We want parents and members of a baby’s family to have easy access to the information they need about NEC. Whether it’s a quick guide, or more detailed information on the disease, it can be found in these sections. Click on an image, or start with the Overview.

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Expressing Breast Milk Within 2 Hours of Your Premature Baby's Birth | Infant Feeding Team

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Lots of different languages available here 

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Lots of different languages available here 

# data[].attributes.body
The Global Health Media Project is a group of videos relating to newborn babies/small babies and feeding which offers alternative languages for non english speaking parents.

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Live-action teaching videos in a variety of languages help learners at all levels understand and remember health care skills and practices.

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Expressing Breast Milk: Top tips | Infant feeding Team | Bengali

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Expressing Breast Milk Top Tips | Infant feeding Team | Polish

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How long will my baby need to stay on the Neonatal Unit 

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How long will my baby need to stay on the Neonatal Unit 

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Unfortunately we are unable to give an answer to this question because every baby's journey is different.

Whilst some babies have a short stay, other babies can have a longer stay.

Babies who are likely to stay with us for longest are extremely premature babies.

We usually aim for discharge close to the baby's due date.

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Can I bring a hot drink in the nursery rooms? 

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Can I bring a hot drink in the nursery rooms? 

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At the moment, unfortunately not :(!

Whilst this is something we may change in the future, currently we do not allow hot drinks in clinical areas for safety reasons.

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Our answer to this is of course!

When you visit your baby, it is important that you interact and have regular skin to skin contact with your baby to encourage bonding.

Please don't think you have to sit next to your baby's incubator or cot side and wait, ask the nurse caring for your baby to help you take your baby out.

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If you find yourself unhappy with any elements of care during your journey, we wish to support you in addressing this.

Discuss with nurse caring for your baby

Ask to speak to the nurse in charge

Ask for a meeting with ward manager/matron

Ask to speak to family integrated care lead

Contact PALS (patient advice and liaison) who will support, listen and advise you on the next steps. Contact number is: 0121 507 5836 or email on: swb-tr.pals@nhs.net