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Please feel free to add your story, please email to chloe.packham@nhs.net

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This study will determine if it is safe to feed babies during blood transfusions

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The National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit (NPEU) is a multidisciplinary research unit based at the University of Oxford. Our work involves running randomised con

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This study is about the safest way to establish full feed volumes in premature babies

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The National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit (NPEU) is a multidisciplinary research unit based at the University of Oxford. Our work involves running randomised con

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This study is about the best treatment for babies with mild brain injury from lack of oxygen

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This study involves a daily nutritional supplement to determine if it helps promote brain development in high risk babies.

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The National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit (NPEU) is a multidisciplinary research unit based at the University of Oxford. Our work involves running randomised con

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Nappies.

Cotton wool pads/balls.

Skin barrier nappy cream to prevent nappy rash babies have very delicate sensitive skin that is easily irritated and many medications such as antibiotics cause frequent loose stools.

Dummy for non-nutritive sucking, this benefits babies developing their suck and learning to co-ordinate their suck, swallow and breathing patterns. Sucking during tube feeds helps to stimulate the digestive system and starts helping babies recognise the association between sucking and becoming full. Your baby can progress to dummy dips in milk to sucking on the breast or bottle.

Expressed breast milk if you are expressing at home.

Moisturising oil if they develop dry skin, you can chose any that you like but we suggest a natural virgin coconut oil, grapeseed oil or sunflower oil.

Your baby will have a daily top and tail wash until they are ready for a bath, you can discuss this with the nurses. When your baby is ready for their first bath this will be arranged at a time that is convenient for parents, baby and staff. You may bring your own baby bath, shampoo and towel or feel free to use ours on the unit.

Your babies own clothes and blankets or we have a large choice on the ward for you to chose from.

A small washable toy can be in the babies cot/incubator. Some parents also place a photograph of the family, pictures the siblings have drawn, a bible, book of prayers or other religious items.

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Video for children to explain why their baby is in hospital

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Video for children to explain why their baby is in hospital

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Childhood immunisations start at 8 weeks of age, if your baby is still in hospital we can give them on the ward, or if at home the GP will give them. They do not need to be delayed because your baby was born prematurely but they will be delayed if your baby is unwell when they are due.

It is a good idea to have a recent weight for your baby when the immunisations are given to guide how much paracetamol is safe for your baby

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KMLMNS PARENTAL EXPERIENCE  EQUITY SURVEY-NEONATAL (1)

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We know that Black families experience neonatal care differently and that mental health doesn’t look the same for everyone. This page is specifically to support Black families.

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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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Bliss facebook national support page for parents

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Bliss facebook national support page for parents

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Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.

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Certificate for all babies born before 24weeks including missed miscarriage

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If your pregnancy ends before 24 weeks, you can get a certificate in memory of your baby. It's free to get a certificate.

You do not need to request a certificate if you prefer not to. It's optional.

The certificate is not a legal document - for example you cannot use it to claim benefits. The certificate will not be added to your GP record.

If your pregnancy ends from 24 weeks onwards, you need to register a stillbirth instead.

Before you start

You'll need:

your NHS number or postcode registered with your GP

the mobile phone number or email address registered with your GP

permission from the other parent and their email address, if you want their name on the certificate

You can find out your NHS number on the NHS website.

Request a certificate

You can ask for a certificate if all these apply:

you've lost a baby before the 24th week of pregnancy

you're one of the baby's parents or surrogate

you're at least 16 years old

your pregnancy ended on or after 1 September 2018

you lived in England when you lost your baby

you live in England

If you've lost more than one pregnancy, you can apply separately to get a certificate for each baby loss.

Your certificate should arrive in the post within 14 days. If you do not receive it, you can request another certificate.

Get help to request a certificate

If you want your certificate in a different format or cannot request the certificate online, email or call the helpline.

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If your pregnancy ends before 24 weeks, you can get a free certificate in memory of your baby.

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An app to help parents manage their emotions when having a baby, especially if the baby is in a neonatal unit

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Download the app and commit to 10 minutes for 10 days to feel better for your baby and yourself.

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Describes how to read what your baby is trying to say

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Speak to a Bliss volunteer who is trained to understand neonatal care and experienced in supporting families. You can use this talking service if your baby is in hospital or at home.

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When you need someone to talk to, we’re here. Our Bliss Champion volunteers are available for a one-to-one conversation via video call.

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Dad space, local fun events for dads and groups to talk, listen and share

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Support for non-binary and transgender parents

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Support for non-binary and transgender parents

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La Leche League is an international, nonprofit, nonsectarian organisation. 1 LLLGB supports everyone who wants to breastfeed or chestfeed in reaching their goals. We do not discriminate based on sex, gender or gender identity.

Trans men, trans women and non-binary individuals may choose to breastfeed or chestfeed their babies. You do not need to have given birth to breastfeed or chestfeed, as we can also see in the experiences of those nursing adopted babies.

Transgender dad Trevor MacDonald writes that, "It is equally important to note that some trans people experience severe gender dysphoria when breast or chestfeeding, and that they may decide not to nurse their babies for mental health reasons. Trans parents choosing to breast or chestfeed and those choosing to suppress lactation and bottlefeed may require the support of breastfeeding counsellors or lactation professionals." 2

Amazing milk

One of the concepts La Leche League is founded on is that: human milk is the natural food for babies, uniquely meeting their changing needs. Human milk is amazing. It has everything a growing baby needs in exactly the right amounts and babies can easily digest it all. Research shows that a baby who is not fed on human milk is more likely to suffer from illnesses and diseases, both as a child and later in life. By meeting your baby's needs for warmth, food and security at your chest you give them a secure attachment so they can develop into a conﬁdent child.

Skin-to-skin

Skin-to-skin contact is beneficial for babies and parents; it simply means holding your naked baby on your bare chest. You can drape a blanket over you both for warmth. Within minutes, you will see the benefits of skin-to-skin as you and your baby relax. Your baby's body temperature, breathing, and heart rate will stabilise. Babies often latch on and nurse more efficiently during and after skin-to-skin contact.
It is a lovely way to nurture your baby even if you are not nursing.

Your milk supply

Some transgender and non-binary parents have a full milk supply. If you have had chest (top) surgery you may be able to produce some milk. Many factors will affect the amount of milk you can make.

Two reasons that a trans man might have a reduced milk supply are:
1. Milk-making tissue has been surgically removed, and/or ducts have been damaged in surgery.
2. Testosterone interferes with the hormone necessary for lactation (prolactin) and can cause a significant decrease in milk supply. However, taking testosterone would not prevent someone from using an at-chest supplementer and having a nursing relationship.

Trans women can use a protocol similar to adoptive and other non-gestational mothers and stimulate their milk supply: it is called the Newman-Goldfarb protocol. You can read more here https://laleche.org.uk/relactation-induced-lactation/ and here http://www.asklenore.info/breastfeeding/induced_lactation/protocols4print.shtml.

You can also give human milk or formula supplements using an at-breast supplementer. Your healthcare provider can help you look at your options, and your local LLL Leader can offer support with your breast or chestfeeding goals and journey.

You may find the following websites have useful information:
Breastfeeding After Breast and Nipple Surgery http://bfar.org/index.shtml?fref=gc
Low Milk Supply http://www.lowmilksupply.org/

Many parents worry about whether their baby is 'getting enough'. LLL meetings are a good place to get support from others. These LLL posts are great for checking signs your baby is feeding effectively:
https://laleche.org.uk/is-my-baby-getting-enough-milk/
https://laleche.org.uk/signs-effective-feeding-early-days-2/

Using a nursing supplementer

If your baby needs a supplement of expressed milk or formula you might want to consider using a nursing supplementer. Doing this can give your baby that extra milk while they are nursing.
Supplementers can help parents have an at-breast or at-chest relationship with their baby whether or not they are able to produce milk.

This post has lots of useful information about nursing supplementers: https://laleche.org.uk/nursing-supplementers/.

Milk sharing

Some transgender and non-binary parents use milk banks to acquire human milk for their babies. La Leche League fully supports the use of human milk for babies; we cannot facilitate or set up milk sharing networks, though your local LLL Leader can help you with contact information for non-profit human milk banks, other regulated collection centres, and formal/medically supervised or informal milk sharing networks. 3 Human milk banks provide pasteurised, screened donor milk.

There are documented benefits and risks to informal milk sharing. Benefits of human milk include, but are not limited to:

optimal nutrition

easy digestibility

immunological protection

Risks of sharing milk can include, but are not limited to:

transmission of certain infectious agents, like bacteria or viruses, some of which may be found in milk expressed by asymptomatic people

medicines and other drugs

environmental contaminants as a result of unhygienic storage and handling of unprocessed donated milk

Human Milk for Human Babies (HM4HB) is an "informed milk sharing network", and is an international organisation that many parents use to source human milk: https://www.facebook.com/HM4HBUK/

LLL Support

All parents need support and La Leche League is a great place to find it. There are over 70 LLL groups across Great Britain, most offer meetings open to all - contact your local group to find out how they can support you. Many groups also have closed Facebook groups where you can ask questions and connect with other nursing parents.

LLL meetings are held in a wide range of venues - LLLGB is not affiliated to, and does not endorse or support, any business, organisation or religion whose premises we use. https://laleche.org.uk/find-lll-support-group/?fref=gc

LLLGB also offers these services:
National Helpline: 0345 120 2918 https://laleche.org.uk/telephone-helpline/
Online Helpform support: https://laleche.org.uk/submit-help-request/
Contact us for non judgmental information and support.

Find more LLLGB support listed here:
https://laleche.org.uk/get-support/?fref=gc<

Other support

International Facebook group for 'birthing and breast or chestfeeding trans people and allies': https://www.facebook.com/groups/TransReproductiveSupport/?fref=gc&hc_location=ufi

La Leche League - Inducing lactation and relactation Facebook group

Resources

Where's the Mother? Stories from a Transgender Dad. Trevor MacDonald: Trans Canada Press, 2016

LLL article: Support for Transgender and Non-binary parents

Defining Your Own Success: Breastfeeding After Breast Reduction Surgery. Diana West: LLLI, 2001:
https://www.bfar.org/book.shtml

My Journey: Non-binary Nursing - from LLLUS
https://lllusa.org/my-journey-non-binary-nursing/

Trans breastfeeding FAQ:
http://dianawest.com/trans-breastfeeding-faq/?fref=gc

US based website Kellymom's post:
http://kellymom.com/bf/got-milk/transgender-parents-chestbreastfeeding/?fref=gc

Transmasculine individuals' experiences with lactation, chestfeeding, and gender identity: a qualitative study:
https://bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12884-016-0907-y?fref=gc

Transgender/transsexual/genderfluid Tip Sheet - General Information, LLL Canada
https://www.lllc.ca/sites/default/files/REVISED-Trans-Nursing_Tip-Sheet.pdf

Breastfeeding without giving birth, LLLI article by Aylssa Schnell
https://www.llli.org/breastfeeding-without-giving-birth-2

Language

We are aware that transgender and non-binary individuals use a variety of different terms to describe their anatomy and the acts of feeding and nurturing their babies. We have used the terms "chestfeeding" and "nursing", with the second of these capturing the nurturing relationship associated with this way of feeding a baby.

Elsewhere on the site we use 'breastfeeding', 'breastmilk' and 'mother': they reflect the founding and unchanged mission of LLLI to provide mother-to-mother support for breastfeeding. They also reflect the stated identity and valued role of the majority of people whom we support and provide information to - those who identify as breastfeeding mothers.

Whatever language you use we hope that much of the information we share is still helpful and relevant.

References
1 La Leche League International Bylaws, Section 1: General Purpose
2 http://kellymom.com/bf/got-milk/transgender-parents-chestbreastfeeding/?fref=gc
3 http://leadertoday.breastfeedingtoday-llli.org/milk-donation-policy/

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Support for Transgender & Non-binary Parents - La Leche League GB

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La Leche League is an international, nonprofit, nonsectarian organisation.1 LLLGB supports everyone who wants to breastfeed or chestfeed in reaching their goals. We do not discriminate based on sex, gender or gender identity. Trans men, trans women and non-binary individuals may choose to breastfeed or chestfeed their babies.

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'I was 11 weeks pregnant when we discovered that our son would have Down's syndrome. It was a shock and it took a few weeks to adjust to the news. We concentrated on getting some basic information to discuss with our children. Needless to say he is gorgeous and our kids love that he looks just like them when they were babies. They are not really interested in chromosome counts!'

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Looking forward to your baby - Downs Syndrome Association

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'I was 11 weeks pregnant when we discovered that our son would have Down's syndrome. It was a shock and it took a few weeks to adjust to the news. We concentrated on getting some basic information to discuss with our children.

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That's why Bliss is here to support all parents of premature or sick babies.

Having a baby in neonatal care is emotionally challenging for all parents, but for parents whose babies have been born since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, it's been even harder. Ongoing neonatal access restrictions continue to have a serious impact on families.

Parents have been unable to be with their baby as much as they need to be and some parents - often fathers and partners - have been unable to spend time with or be involved in their baby's care at all.

It can be especially tough for dads who are often forced to return to work while their baby is still in a neonatal unit.

That's why Bliss has long been calling on the Government to give both dads and mums an extra paid week off work for every week their baby is in neonatal care, to ensure the best outcomes for babies, families and employers.

Our parental leave page has more information on current entitlements.

We know many dads find it really difficult to talk about their feelings and often experience a sense of guilt when separated from their partner and baby. At Bliss, we're keen to let all dads know that our services are there for them too, whether they need information or support while their baby is in neonatal care.

Carl, a parent in North Lincolnshire, speaks to Bliss about how he felt when his twin sons were born premature in 2019 and why dads need more support. Listen to his podcast and read his open letter.

Bliss offers a wide range of services to provide support to parents and families of babies born premature or sick.

If you would like to talk to someone or get some support, you can email hello@bliss.org.uk and and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Find full details on our email page.

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Becoming a dad and welcoming a baby into the world should be one of the happiest moments in life. But for dads whose babies start life in neonatal care, those positive feelings of optimism and joy can quickly be replaced by doubt, worry and fear.

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Information for fathers and non-birth partners

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Information for fathers and non-birth partners

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Role of Fathers and Non-Birthing Partners in NICU | Pampers UK

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Fathers play an important role in the NICU. Learn all about the role dads can play, the challenges they face, and tips on what they can do in the NICU.

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Support for dads and non-birthing partners 

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Support for dads and non-birthing partners 

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Planning a pregnancy and having a baby are life-changing and exciting events. We have lots of information and and support to help you.

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Support for dads co-parenting after separation and for male victims of domestic abuse

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Support for dads co-parenting after separation and for male victims of domestic abuse

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Dads Unlimited - Supporting the emotional safety of men and those they care about

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Dads Unlimited is an award-winning charity that supports the emotional safety of men and those they care about.

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For families of children with life limiting illnesses

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Children's Services

We provide care at home for both adults and children and still one of the only hospices providing acute oncology care and end of life care to seriously ill children in their own home. We provide a wide range of care for babies, children and young people of all ages (0-19 years).

We serve a population of more than 500,000 in Kent with over 90% of our care services provided at home. We offer a care service for children of all ages with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, In Dartford Gravesham and Swanley we provide clinical nursing support working with children's families to provide care at their place of choice, which is often their own home. This means the children can receive care in familiar surroundings. Across Dartford Gravesham Swanley and Bexley in addition we provide respite and wellbeing services which include, Play therapy, Music Therapy, Counselling, Bereavement support to mention just a few.

We work closely with a variety of care providers to deliver chemotherapy, palliative care and end of life care to children 24 hours a day, for 365 days a year. We are able to care for your child and enable them to die at home, surrounded by their family.

Music Therapy

A therapeutic intervention which uses music to form a relationship with another person, irrespective of musical ability. It's an emotional outlet for patients and carers and can distract those from feeling pain or stress.

* Our Music Therapy has been kindly contributed to by The Radcliffe Trust.

If you would like more information about our services, please contact our Children's team on 01474 320007

All hospices and care providers are given a CQC rating, which reflects the level of care provided. This rates the quality of 5 key areas: safety, effectiveness, caring, responsiveness and leadership. At ellenor, we are proud of our CQC rating which reflects the efforts of our staff, from strategy planners, to carers, to cleaners.

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Children's Services | Our Care | ellenor

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We are the only UK hospice to provide at-home care for seriously ill adults and children. Read about our children's services.

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Supporting families of children with a life limiting diagnosis

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We pride ourselves in taking the time to get to know your family when we support you, to enable us to provide the care and support that meets your needs. We understand that one size doesn't fit all and our services are personalised to meet the needs of the babies, children, young people and families we support.

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About us | Demelza Hospice Care for Children

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At Demelza, we are passionate about every individual in our care. We seek to create an environment that celebrates children and their families, supporting them every step of the way. We bring compassion, understanding and positivity at an uncertain and anxious time.

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CLAPA - Cleft Lip and Palate Association UK

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Support for families with a baby diagnosed with Pataus or Edwards syndromes

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A diagnosis of Trisomy 13 or Trisomy 18 can feel isolating. Our primary mission at SOFT UK is to ensure families can access support when they need it.

The SOFT UK support line provides a safe, confidential place for anyone whose pregnancy or child is affected by Edwards' syndrome (also called Trisomy 18) or Patau's syndrome (also called Trisomy 13). Whether your experience is recent or happened long ago, we aim to support you for as long as you need us.

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Information & Support - Group B Strep Support

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This section covers everything you need to know about group B Strep during pregnancy, labour and the first few months after birth, with links to where you can find out more. We provide information and support to families, including parents suffering what can be devastating consequences of GBS infection.

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You will be given your babies red book for recording their health and development

Your baby's health and development reviews - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

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Information on the screening tests for your baby including

NIPE, Blood spot test, hearing test.

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Public Health England ( PHE) created this information on behalf of the NHS. In this information, the word 'we' refers to the NHS service that provides screening.

This leaflet is for parents of babies who are in a special care baby unit, neonatal intensive care unit or paediatric intensive care unit.

We understand this is likely to be a stressful time for you and your family. This information will help you and your health professionals to talk through how newborn screening tests fit into all the other parts of your baby's care. This information should support, but not replace, discussions you have with health professionals.

It explains some important differences in the way newborn screening tests are carried out for babies in special care baby units. It is important you also read the Screening tests for you and your baby booklet that you received during your pregnancy. This explains all the screening tests offered for newborn babies.

The screening tests covered here should ideally be completed before you take your baby home.

If your baby was born very prematurely, born before 28 weeks, you may need to wait a few weeks for some tests. Newborn hearing screening testing can only happen once a baby reaches 34 weeks corrected age.

Corrected age is the number of weeks after becoming pregnant, rather than the number of weeks after birth.

For example, a baby born after 28 weeks of pregnancy would need to wait 6 weeks after birth to have their newborn hearing screening test.

Your baby's health care team will be able to answer any questions you might have.

It is your choice whether or not to have any of the tests described in this booklet.

The NHS Screening Programmes use your personal information to ensure you are invited for screening at the right time. PHE also uses your information to ensure you receive high quality care. You can find out more about how your information is used and protected, and your options.

1. Eyes, heart, hips and testes (physical examination)

1.1 The purpose of the screening test

All babies should be offered a newborn physical examination after birth. This includes examination of the eyes, heart, hips and testes (in boys).

1.2 How the test is different

The newborn physical examination screening tests will not be done until your baby is well enough. If you choose to have this screening test, the examination should take place before your baby goes home.

You will be offered a further examination when your baby is 6 to 8 weeks of age, as some conditions can become apparent later.

2. Blood spot

2.1 The purpose of the screening test

The test is to find out if your baby has any of 9 rare but serious health conditions. These are:

sickle cell disease (SCD)

cystic fibrosis (CF)

congenital hypothyroidism (CHT)

6 inherited metabolic diseases (IMDs):

phenylketonuria (PKU)

medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD)

maple syrup urine disease (MSUD)

isovaleric acidaemia (IVA)

glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA1)

homocystinuria (pyridoxine unresponsive) (HCU)

Early treatment can improve your baby's health and prevent severe disability or even death. If you or a family member already has one of these conditions, please tell your baby's health care team straight away.

2.2 Why screening is different for babies in special care units

The blood spot sample is usually taken when a baby is 5 days old. However, the timing is different when a baby is ill and in a special care baby unit.

2.3 How the test is different

The blood spot sample needs to be taken as soon as possible after your baby is born to screen for SCD. This is in case your baby needs a blood transfusion - the test for SCD would be inaccurate if a sample for screening is taken after a transfusion.

Another blood spot sample to screen for the other conditions will then be taken when your baby is 5 days old. If your baby has a transfusion, this test might be delayed until they are 8 days old.

If your baby is born before 32 weeks of pregnancy, another sample should be taken to test for CHT. This should happen when your baby is 28 days old or when you take your baby home, whichever comes first.

2.4 Getting my results

You should receive your baby's results by letter or from your health visitor within 6 weeks.

3. Hearing loss

3.1 The purpose of the screening test

To find babies who have a permanent hearing loss so that support and advice can be offered right from the start.

3.2 Why screening is different for babies in special care units

1 to 2 babies in every 1,000 are born with a permanent hearing loss in one or both ears. This number increases to about 1 in every 100 babies who have spent at least 48 hours in a special care unit.

Your baby will need to be at least 34 weeks corrected age before having their hearing screening test. The test can be carried out up to 3 months of age and should be done when treatment is complete and your baby is well enough.

Your baby's health care team will advise the most appropriate time for your baby's test to take place.

3.3 How the test is different

If your baby has been in a special care baby unit for more than 48 hours, they will need to have 2 types of hearing screening tests.

These are an AOAE (automated otoacoustic emission) test and an AABR (automated auditory brainstem response) test.

If the test results do not show a clear response, an appointment will be made with a hearing specialist in the audiology department. About 9 babies in every 100 cared for in a special care unit for more than 48 hours do not show a clear response to the screening tests. It is very important that you attend the appointment in case your baby has a hearing loss.

Finding out about hearing loss early gives babies a better chance of developing language, speech and communication skills.

Screening does not pick up all types of hearing loss, so it is important to check your child's hearing as they grow up. If you have any concerns about your child's hearing, you should tell your health visitor or GP.

4. Infectious diseases

4.1 The purpose of the screening test

During pregnancy, we offer and recommend women a blood test to screen for infectious diseases like hepatitis B, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and syphilis.

Premature babies born to mothers who have tested positive for hepatitis B will need special monitoring and care.

4.2 How follow-on care is different

Babies born weighing less than 1500g need immunoglobulin (antibodies that fight infection) and the hepatitis B vaccination.

It is very important premature babies have all 6 recommended hepatitis B vaccinations at the right age. Very premature babies (born before 28 weeks) may need their breathing monitored for 2 to 3 days after their first vaccination.

Vaccinations should take place:

within 24 hours at birth (and immunoglobulin)

at 4 weeks of age

at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age (part of routine childhood immunisation schedule)

at one year of age

Babies also need to have a blood test at their final vaccination at one year to check if infection has been avoided.

5. More information

Details of organisations that can provide support for parents when their baby needs special care are available on NHS.UK.

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Screening tests for you and your baby: babies in special care units

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Public Health England ( PHE) created this information on behalf of the NHS. In this information, the word 'we' refers to the NHS service that provides screening. This leaflet is for parents of babies who are in a special care baby unit, neonatal intensive care unit or paediatric intensive care unit.

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When a baby lives only a short time or dies before birth due to miscarriage, stillbirth or a painful decision to end the pregnancy, people may assume that the loss is not important. This is simply not the case.

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You can phone 111 for medical advice or complete this online form. In an emergency always phone 999

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111 online will not give you a diagnosis, but we will direct you to the best place to get help for your symptoms.

We cannot:

issue fit notes - you need to contact your GP surgery

make or cancel appointments for you in other parts of the NHS

Read about how 111 online works in detail

NHS 111 online is available in England only.

Get help in:

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111 online will not give you a diagnosis, but we will direct you to the best place to get help for your symptoms. We cannot: issue fit notes - you need to contact your GP surgery make or cancel appointments for you in other parts of the NHS Read about how 111 online works in detail NHS 111 online is available in England only.

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Information on protecting your baby and when to ask for medical advice

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All adults, children and babies experience illnesses. We become protected from infections by either catching them or through vaccination.

Babies and young children get more colds than adults as their resistance to infections builds up over time. For babies born premature or sick, the risk of complications can be higher.

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All adults, children and babies experience illnesses. We become protected from infections by either catching them or through vaccination. Babies and young children get more colds than adults as their resistance to infections builds up over time. For babies born premature or sick, the risk of...

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Downs Syndrome Charity

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21 Together is here to provide support for family members, carers, friends, and professionals supporting children and young people with Down's syndrome.

Everyone has the right to live their lives to the fullest of their potential. Our specialist services provide the tools for our community to realise that potential.

For all the latest news, opportunities and information straight to your phone, simply join our mailing list.

We promise to only send you information relevant to 21 Together and you can unsubscribe at the click of a button!

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Providing training, therapy, resources, interventions, peer support and expert guidance to support children and young people with Down's syndrome, their families and the professionals that support them. Includes the Teach Me Too resource library.

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Some babies will go home tube feeding if they are unable to feed orally for example those with HIE (brain injury from lack of oxygen), with some babies genetic/chromosomal conditions or some babies with severe cleft palate.

Premature babies are likely to stay in hospital until feeding well from breast and/or bottle but the outreach team are soon to be supporting some premature babies going home NG feeding.

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Supporting families after the loss of a twin or triplet

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Supporting families after the loss of a twin or triplet

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The purple butterfly

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A local charity providing items for families

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If you have good quality items that you no longer require and are able to donate free of charge, please contact us to arrange collection. We accept newborn equipment such as moses baskets, chairs, cribs/cots, Prams/strollers, baby clothes 0-18 mths, bouncers, changing mats/bags, bottles/sterilisers, unopened nappies and toiletries, maternity products such as pad, breast pads and toiletries. If you are unsure just contact us for advice

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If you have good quality items that you no longer require and are able to donate free of charge, please contact us to arrange collection. We accept newborn equipment such as moses baskets, chairs, cribs/cots, Prams/strollers, baby clothes 0-18 mths, bouncers, changing mats/bags, bottles/sterilisers, unopened nappies and toiletries, maternity products such as pad, breast pads and toiletries.

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If your baby is in SCBU for more than a few days you may wish to start learning how to tube feed them in hospital. Some babies can even go home tube feeding until they are able to feed themselves. You can start by holding your babies feed then preparing the milk before giving it with supervision. You can give mouthcare with milk or water and offer non nutritive sucking, a nurse will show you how.

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Evidence suggests there are 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing. Trying these things could help you feel more positive and able to get the most out of life.
1. Connect with other people

Good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing. They can:

help you to build a sense of belonging and self-worth

give you an opportunity to share positive experiences

provide emotional support and allow you to support others

There are lots of things you could try to help build stronger and closer relationships:

2. Be physically active

Being active is not only great for your physical health and fitness. Evidence also shows it can also improve your mental wellbeing by:

raising your self-esteem

helping you to set goals or challenges and achieve them

causing chemical changes in your brain which can help to positively change your mood

Read about exercise guidelines and workouts to help improve your fitness and wellbeing

3. Learn new skills

Research shows that learning new skills can also improve your mental wellbeing by:

boosting self-confidence and raising self-esteem

helping you to build a sense of purpose

helping you to connect with others

Even if you feel like you do not have enough time, or you may not need to learn new things, there are lots of different ways to bring learning into your life.

Some of the things you could try include:

4. Give to others

Research suggests that acts of giving and kindness can help improve your mental wellbeing by:

creating positive feelings and a sense of reward

giving you a feeling of purpose and self-worth

helping you connect with other people

It could be small acts of kindness towards other people, or larger ones like volunteering in your local community.

Some examples of the things you could try include:

saying thank you to someone for something they have done for you

asking friends, family or colleagues how they are and really listening to their answer

spending time with friends or relatives who need support or company

offering to help someone you know with DIY or a work project

volunteering in your community, such as helping at a school, hospital or care home

5. Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)

Paying more attention to the present moment can improve your mental wellbeing. This includes your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you.

Some people call this awareness "mindfulness". Mindfulness can help you enjoy life more and understand yourself better. It can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges.

Read more about mindfulness, including steps you can take to be more mindful in your everyday life.

Further information

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Read about 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing.

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Domestic violence or abuse can happen to anyone. Find out how to recognise the signs and where to get help.
If you're worried someone might see you have visited this page, the Women's Aid website tells you how to cover your tracks online.

Domestic violence, also called domestic abuse, includes physical, emotional and sexual abuse in couple relationships or between family members.

Domestic violence can happen against anyone, and anybody can be an abuser.

Getting help and support for domestic violence

You do not have to wait for an emergency situation to find help. If domestic abuse is happening to you, it's important to tell someone and remember you're not alone.

Other ways to get support:

You can also email for support. It is important that you specify when and if it is safe to respond and to which email address:

The Survivor's Handbook from the charity Women's Aid is free and provides information for women on a wide range of issues, such as housing, money, helping your children, and your legal rights.

If you are worried that you are abusive, you can contact the free Respect helpline on 0808 802 4040.

Signs of domestic violence and abuse

There are different kinds of abuse, but it's always about having power and control over you.

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you might be in an abusive relationship or experiencing domestic abuse.

Emotional abuse

Does your partner or someone you live with ever:

belittle you, or put you down?

blame you for the abuse or arguments?

deny that abuse is happening, or downplay it?

isolate you from your family and friends?

stop you going to college or work?

make unreasonable demands for your attention?

accuse you of flirting or having affairs?

tell you what to wear, who to see, where to go, and what to think?

control your money, or not give you enough to buy food or other essential things?

monitor your social media profiles, share photos or videos of you without your consent or use GPS locators to know where you are?

Threats and intimidation

Does your partner or someone you live with ever:

threaten to hurt or kill you?

destroy things that belong to you?

stand over you, invade your personal space?

threaten to kill themselves or the children?

read your emails, texts or letters?

harass or follow you?

Physical abuse

The person abusing you may hurt you in a number of ways.

Does your partner or someone you live with ever:

slap, hit or punch you?

push or shove you?

bite or kick you?

burn you?

choke you or hold you down?

throw things?

Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse can happen to anyone.

Does your partner or someone you live with ever:

touch you in a way you do not want to be touched?

make unwanted sexual demands?

hurt you during sex?

pressure you to have unsafe sex - for example, not using a condom?

pressure you to have sex?

If anyone has sex with you when you do not want to, this is rape. It is still rape if that person is your partner.

Have you ever felt afraid of your partner?

Have you ever changed your behaviour because you're afraid of what your partner might do?

If you think you may be in an abusive relationship, there are lots of people who can help you.

Domestic violence and abuse against women often starts during pregnancy. If the relationship is already abusive, it can get worse.

Find out more about domestic abuse in pregnancy.

If you decide to leave

The first step in escaping an abusive situation is realising that you're not alone and it's not your fault.

Before you go, try to get advice from an organisation such as:

If you're considering leaving, be careful who you tell. It's important the person abusing you does not know where you're going.

Women's Aid has useful information about making a safety plan that applies to both women and men, including advice if you decide to leave.

Helping a friend if they're being abused

If you're worried a friend is being abused, let them know you've noticed something is wrong.

They might not be ready to talk, but try to find quiet times when they can talk if they choose to.

If someone confides in you that they're suffering domestic abuse:

listen, and take care not to blame them

acknowledge it takes strength to talk to someone about experiencing abuse

give them time to talk, but do not push them to talk if they do not want to

acknowledge they're in a frightening and difficult situation

tell them nobody deserves to be threatened or beaten, despite what the abuser has said

support them as a friend, encourage them to express their feelings, and allow them to make their own decisions

do not tell them to leave the relationship or leave home if they're not ready - that's their decision

ask if they have suffered physical harm and if they have, offer to go with them to a hospital or GP

help them report the assault to the police if they choose to

be ready to provide information about organisations that offer help for people experiencing domestic abuse

Video: domestic violence

In this video, 2 women describe their experiences of domestic abuse.

Sexual assault

Anyone who has been sexually assaulted can get confidential help, treatment and support at a sexual assault referral centre.
Read more about getting help after rape and sexual assault Find your nearest sexual assault referral centre

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Getting help for domestic violence and abuse

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Find out about the signs of domestic violence and abuse, and where to get help. Domestic violence and abuse can happen against women and against men, and anyone can be an abuser.

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Did you know that we have tea, coffee, hot chocolate and snacks in our kitchen for parents donated for you or provided by the little buds charity.

You are also free to use the fridge, microwave, toaster, hot water and water cooler to prepare your own food and drink on the ward.

Also one meal for lunch and/or dinner can be ordered from Aspen each day, speak to the ward clerk or nurse on the ward.

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NICU is led by a team of consultants (doctors), who specialise in Neonatal Intensive Care.

Key staff

Speciality Lead: Simon Hannam

Matron: Deborah Lees

Lead Sisters: Annabel Linger & Emma Hart

Family Liaison Sisters: Esther Rose, Emily Cantrell and Katie Dettmer

Other staff who work on the ward include doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, students, health care assistants, ventilator technicians, physiotherapists, dieticians, pharmacists, housekeepers, family liaison nurses, play specialists, psychologists, social workers, chaplains, interpreters and volunteers.

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Patient and family information on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Great Ormond Street Hospital, including staff list, contacts and conditions treated.

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King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

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What we do

We specialise in caring for infants who are born prematurely as well as newborns with a variety of complex surgical problems.

We also work closely with the Harris Birthright Centre, whose antenatal diagnostic service detects conditions before babies are born, enabling them to be given appropriate treatment after birth and sometimes before.

The Neonatal Unit has many different specialists including physiotherapists, dieticians, occupational therapists and speech therapists, who all work with our team to provide the best multidisciplinary care for children while they are with us.

In addition, we provide follow-up care in outpatients to monitor the progress of many of the infants we have treated in the Neonatal Unit.

As well as providing high-quality treatment for infants, we also have a world-renowned research group on our unit which specialises in investigating neonatal respiratory illnesses.

Location

Fourth floor, Golden Jubilee Wing, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS

Contact Details

Main Reception: +44 (0)20 3299 3553

Neonatal secretary: +44 (0)20 3299 8134

Patient information leaflets

Conditions we treat

We treat paediatric neonatal conditions.

Booking a patient at King's

Routine Referrals

For routine referrals, contact the Newborn Unit on 020 3299 4564, Beep 698

Emergency Referrals

For emergency referrals, contact the Newborn Unit on 020 3299 4564, Beep 698

Other Queries

For all other enquiries, contact 020 3299 3553

Key Clinical Staff

Dr Kamal Ali

Consultant

Dr Anusha Arasu

Consultant Neonatologist with Lead for Neonatal Neurodevelopmental Follow-up

Dr Mohammed Bahari

Doctor

Dr Poonam Belani

Consultant

Dr Ravi Bhat

Consultant neonatologist

Mr Paul Blackwell

Medical technician

Mrs Geraldine Cochrane

Modern Matron

Dr Theodore Dassios

Consultant

Dr Svilena Dimitrova

Consultant Neonatologist

Miss Kristin Ford

Staff Nurse

Mr Rashmi Gandhi

Consultant Neonatologist

Dr Eniko Grozdics

Neonatal Consultant

Dr Christopher Harris

Neonatal Consultant

Ms Harbi Kaur

Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practioner

Mr Humphrey Kauseni

Senior Specialist Charge Nurse

Dr Abhi Lall

Consultant in Neonatal Medicine

Dr Edit Molnar

Consultant Neonatologist

Mr Rezi Morales

Modern Matron

Dr Vadivelam Murthy

Locum Consultant

Mr Mahesh Nanjundappa

Consultant Neonatologist

Miss Salve Nievarez

Junior Sister

Mr Zahara Nizarali

Consultant

Ms Imelda Ann Nolan

Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Dr Grace Okoye

Consultant in Neonatal Medicine

Miss Sophia Porteous

Sister

Dr Russell Pryce

Consultant Neonatologist

Dr Tharshi Santhalingam

Consultant Neonatologist

Mr Lekshmi Sasidharan

Consultant Neonatologist

Dr Raghavendra Subba Rao

Neonatal Consultant

Miss Liz Tackie

Practice Development Nurse

Dr Sophia Teoh

Neonatal Consultant

Dr Carolina Zorro

Consultant in Neonatal Medicine

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Neonatal - King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

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We specialise in caring for infants who are born prematurely as well as newborns with a variety of complex surgical problems. We also work closely with the Harris Birthright Centre, whose antenatal diagnostic service detects conditions before babies are born, enabling them to be given appropriate treatment after birth and sometimes before.

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Neonatal units in Kent, Surrey and Sussex

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Neonatal units in Kent, Surrey and Sussex

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Kent and Medway - Bump, Birth and Beyond

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Neonatal unit information :: Kent and Medway - Bump, Birth and Beyond

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Thank you to the Kent Surrey & Sussex parent advisory group for kindly sharing their photographs that are featured throughout this platform.

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We encourage neonatal units and networks to share this animation with parents and disseminate the resource widely.

There is also a QR code that takes you directly to the animation.

The NNAP produces a number of resources specifically for parents and carers. These include:

Your baby's care - the parent and carer guide to the NNAP summary report

Unit posters - these highlight how each unit is performing against a selection of audit measures and what unit's are doing in response to these results

Privacy notices - these outline how the audit collects and uses data on babies and what parents can do if they want to opt out of this data collection process.

Neonatal unit and neonatal network annual NNAP results can be accessed via NNAP Online

Audit results are also available via the interactive NNAP Data Dashboard based on 2023 measure definitions. The dashboard presents results for each of the 10 NNAP performance metrics as annual rolling averages and will be updated quarterly. It can be found here: National Neonatal Audit Programme - Data dashboard | RCPCH

The NNAP publishes an annual summary report as well as an at a glance guide and an extended analysis report.
View NNAP summary report on 2021 data
You can follow the NNAP on Twitter @nnap_rcpch

If you have any questions about the audit, please email: NNAP@rcpch.ac.uk

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What is the National Neonatal Audit Programme?

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The National Neonatal Audit Programme (NNAP) looks at the care babies receive if they are born early or unwell and need to be admitted to a neonatal unit. We have created a short animation designed to introduce the NNAP to parents and carers. The animation outlines how the audit works and what resources it produces.

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Go up to level 3 (stairs or lift) and turn right. Junction 11. Walnut ward is opposite delivery suite.

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You can use your mobile phone in the nursery for taking photographs and videos of your baby and family.

We ask that phone calls and video calls are not made or answered in the nursery to keep noise levels down. Please do not photograph anyone outside your family on the ward without their consent.

Mobile phones can harbor a lot germs so we advise you to clean it regularly and disinfect your hands between using your phone and handling your baby.

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Anna is our psychologist who can talk to parents and/or siblings while the baby is on Walnut Ward, about their experiences, thoughts, emotions and feelings on the ward on in private.  All conversations are confidential and will not be shared with staff on the ward.

For further information or to make an appointment email: dgn-tr.paediatricpsychology@nhs.net

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We encourage you to sit and talk or read to your baby, Your baby knows your voice and appreciates you reading to them from birth even in the incubator. We have a selection of books you can borrow on the ward or you can bring in your own. It doesn't matter what you chose your baby will enjoy listening to you.

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Expressing milk can take time to learn. Find out how to express in neonatal care and how to look after yourself while expressing.

Expressing means collecting breast milk which you can store and feed to your baby later. You can express milk by hand or with a breast pump, which can be electric or manual.

Expressing can be helpful:

If your baby is not well enough or strong enough to feed from the breast straight away

So that both partners or others are able to share feeding

If you are too sick to feed your baby from the breast

If you cannot be near your baby and want to establish a good milk supply

If your baby has difficulty latching on to the breast, but you still want to give them your breast milk.

If your baby is not able to breastfeed straight away, the staff at the hospital will help you to express (collect) your breast milk as soon as possible after your baby is born. This means that your baby will still get the benefits of breast milk until they are ready to feed from the breast or bottle, as it can be given to them by a feeding tube.
It is important to express in the way that is most comfortable and convenient for you.
A small amount of milk is produced in the first few days after a baby is born. This milk is called colostrum, and is often thicker and more yellow in colour than breastmilk. Colostrum is really important for your baby. It helps to boost your baby's immune system, protect them from infections and helps them grow.

Some parents are worried that they are not producing enough milk in these first few days. This is normal - most parents start by expressing less than 1ml of milk at a time. This will increase gradually the more times you express. Around two to four days after giving birth, you will notice your milk becoming more white and your breasts might feel fuller. This is often referred to as your milk 'coming in'.

Later on, the amount of milk you express may change depending on the time of day and how you feel.

After expressing your milk, the milk can be kept in the fridge or be frozen and stored until your baby is ready to have feeds. We have some more information about how to store breast milk at the bottom of this page.

Your milk is best suited to your baby's needs, but sometimes premature or sick babies need more nutrients than are provided in breastmilk alone. If this is the case for your baby, your baby's doctor may prescribe a preterm fortifier (which is usually a powder made from cow's milk) to go in your milk. This will provide more nutrients that will help with your baby's growth and bone health.

Many parents tell us that expressing can feel like a big pressure. It is important not to be too hard on yourself if you are not able to express a lot of milk in the early stages. No matter how much or how little you can express, your baby will benefit.

Many parents find comfort in expressing as it is something positive and important they can do for their baby. Try not to compare the amount you are expressing with others, as they may have faced different challenges or situations to you.

Expressing breast milk can also take time to learn. The staff looking after your baby will give you support and practical help with this. Speak to your neonatal nurse, feeding specialist or midwife for more support.

In this section, we have more specific information about:

If you have any questions about expressing or are not sure what to do, you should always ask questions or seek more support. Most units will provide specific support with expressing, and your neonatal nurse will be happy to help with any questions that you have.

How often should I be expressing milk for my baby?

It is important to start expressing milk as soon as possible after your baby is born - ideally within two hours. It is recommended you express frequently to keep your milk supply up. To begin with, this is around eight to ten times in 24 hours, including at least once at night. This is because breast milk is produced on a demand and supply system, so you are likely to produce less milk overall if long periods of time are left between expressing.

In time you will find what works best for you. You may find that your milk flow responds to a fixed routine and will trigger a let-down reflex (see below), which will make it easier to express. This might include actions when you prepare to express, such as removing equipment from the steriliser, or putting the pump together.

The let-down reflex

When you express milk, you may notice tingling or prickling in your breasts and nipples, or a feeling as if the milk is rushing in to fill them. This is called the let-down reflex (it is sometimes called the milk ejection reflex). During the let-down reflex, a hormone called oxytocin is released, which helps with milk flow. This takes a few minutes to appear at first, but later it will happen in a few seconds.

The let-down reflex feels different to different women. Some mothers describe a slight pain and some mothers have no sensations at all. Your body may respond to certain things you do, which can trigger your let-down reflex. For example, it is normal for the let-down reflex to happen in response to having a warm bath or shower, or to breast massage (see below). It can also happen in response to being close to your baby, hearing your baby cry or having a picture or something close by that smells of them.

Staying as relaxed as possible and having skin-to-skin contact with your baby can all help to trigger the let-down reflex. Taking some deep breaths and concentrating on your breathing can help with this. It will also help to express at your baby's cotside if this is possible, so you can be close to your baby. Speak to the staff looking after your baby about this.

Gentle breast massage

Breast massage before expressing can help to trigger the let-down reflex and stimulate your milk flow. You can do this by gently stroking, rolling, kneading, and tapping your breasts with warm hands before hand expressing and/or using a breast pump. You should do this for at least two minutes. Breast massage during expressing can help to drain your breasts.

Looking after yourself when expressing

Expressing milk for your baby can be a great way for parents to feel more empowered and in control of their baby's care. Many mothers also tell us how difficult and exhausting it can be to express, especially at night. This can be a particularly difficult experience if their baby is not with them.

It can be a very stressful time, but it is important that you try to stay as relaxed as possible when expressing, as this helps with the let-down reflex and milk flow. Some research has shown that higher stress levels may contribute to the delay of milk production. Some parents find that having a photograph or something that smells of their baby nearby when expressing helps. It may also help to distract yourself by doing something like reading a book or watching TV when you express. Listening to soothing music, meditation or taking time to focus on your breathing may also help you to relax.

Partners can help with expressing. For example, they can offer encouragement, help you to relax, or get equipment ready.

It is not unusual to find feeding your baby a difficult experience. In our survey of over 100 parents, over 60% said that their mental health got slightly or significantly worse during the experience of feeding their premature or sick baby. It is okay to find the experience difficult, no matter your situation. Every parent will have a very different experience of neonatal care.

It is important to talk to someone if feeding your baby is having an impact on your mental health. This could come from your feeding specialist, neonatal nurse, midwife, doctor, partner, or friends and family. We have lots of information about the impact having a premature or sick baby can have on your mental health, and where you can get support.

How to store expressed milk safely

You can store milk if your baby is unable to drink it at the time it is expressed. It is very important that expressed milk is stored safely. This is something that partners can be involved with. On the neonatal unit, breast milk is stored in fridges and freezers that only store infant milk.

Many units supply sterile disposable bottles and labels for you to use. You should label each container with your baby's name, the date and time of collection.

If you will be using your breast milk within 48 hours of expressing, you should refrigerate it. If you are at home, breast milk that has recently been expressed will keep in a refrigerator for 48 hours (24 hours if it is defrosted). The breast milk should be stored at the back of the fridge and not in the fridge door. This is because the temperature in the door compartments goes up and down when the fridge is opened and closed.

If you will not be using your breast milk within 48 hours of expressing, it should be frozen. Milk can be frozen for up to 6 months in a home freezer. If you are freezing your milk, always leave at least one centimetre of free space at the top of the milk container. This is because milk will expand when frozen.

If you are on the neonatal unit, ask the unit staff about the best way to safely refrigerate and freeze milk. Different units may have different guidelines.

Once your milk is defrosted, it will need to be used within 24 hours. Try to use small containers to freeze your milk so that no milk is wasted. Defrosted milk may have a slightly soapy or sour smell, but this will not be harmful to your baby.

Fortified b reast milk that has been supplemented with addi tives should be used with the following one to two feeds. It is not suitable f or freezing and defrosting.

Talk to the hospital staff looking after your baby for more guidance on storing and defrosting breast milk.

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Expressing milk can take time to learn. Find out how to express in neonatal care and how to look after yourself while expressing. Expressing means collecting breast milk which you can store and feed to your baby later. You can express milk by hand or with a breast pump, which can be electric or manual.

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Get 3months feeding support free on this app

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Using smart technology, we provide parents and parents-to-be with vital support on their breastfeeding and parenting journey, anytime, anywhere.

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Nominate a member of staff if they have been exceptional

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To nominate a member of staff or team at there are just three criteria that must be met:

The nomination has to be something that makes you feel that your colleague has gone above and beyond to help you or others (including patients).

The nomination needs to be about a recent experience not something that took place years ago.

It must be about a genuine experience, something that has happened to you or you have witnessed.

Nominations can be for individuals, team, wards or departments.

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To nominate a member of staff or team at there are just three criteria that must be met: The nomination has to be something that makes you feel that your colleague has gone above and beyond to help you or others (including patients).

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Join our Facebook group for peer support from other parents who had a baby on Walnut ward and see how these children grow

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Join our Facebook group for peer support from other parents who had a baby on Walnut ward and see how these children grow

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A special group for parents that have had a baby admitted to walnut ward or at home under the Darent valley outreach team.

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A Kent based birth trauma and baby bereavement care charity offering families the support, services and tools they need to help find their “new normal” following trauma and grief.

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A national charity supporting anyone affected by miscarriage, stillbirth, and the death of a baby or child.

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4Louis works across the country to support anyone affected by miscarriage, stillbirth, and the death of a baby or child. We understand the pain and heartbreak that families go through and are dedicated to providing support and comfort during this difficult time.

We provide memory boxes filled with keepsakes and mementos to help families create lasting memories of their loved one. We also provide useful tools, equipment, and training free of charge to hospital units, hospices, and other professionals who work with grieving families.

We understand that every family's journey is unique, and we strive to improve the services given to families who have lost a baby or child. We want to make sure that no family has to go through this alone.

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4Louis works across the country to support anyone affected by miscarriage, stillbirth, and the death of a baby or child. We understand the pain and heartbreak that families go through and are dedicated to providing support and comfort during this difficult time.

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Welcome to Abigail's Footsteps... We are a baby loss charity providing support and counselling for bereaved parents and families as well as specialist bereavement training for midwives and healthcare professionals. Since 2010, we have worked to improve the way bereaved parents are cared for by hospitals and to better educate midwives on how to care for grieving parents.

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The Newborn physical examination (NIPE) is usually done within 72hours of birth but may be delayed if your baby is very premature or very sick. Premature babies under 34weeks will be examined again at 34 weeks.

The doctor performing the examination will ask you about your family history and will print a copy of the NIPE to be kept in your babies red book.

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All parents are offered a thorough physical examination for their baby within 72 hours of giving birth.
The examination includes screening tests to find out if your baby has any problems with their eyes, heart, hips and, in boys, testicles (testes).

What is the newborn physical examination?

The newborn physical examination is usually carried out in hospital before you go home.

Sometimes it's done at a hospital or community clinic, GP surgery, children's centre or at home. Ideally, both parents should be there when the examination is done.

The healthcare professional doing the examination should explain what it involves. This could be a doctor, midwife, nurse or health visitor who's been trained to do the examination.

Some parts of the examination may be a bit uncomfortable for your baby, but it will not cause them any pain.

The aim is to spot any problems early so treatment can be started as soon as possible. Usually, nothing of concern is found.

If the healthcare professional doing the examination does find a possible problem, they may refer your baby for more tests.

You'll be offered another physical examination for your baby at 6 to 8 weeks, as some of the conditions it screens for can take a while to develop.

This 2nd examination is usually done at your GP surgery.

How is the newborn physical examination done?

The healthcare professional will give your baby a thorough physical examination.

They'll also ask you questions about how your baby is feeding, how alert they are, and about their general wellbeing.

Your baby will need to be undressed for part of the examination.

During the examination, the healthcare professional will also:

look into your baby's eyes with a special torch to check how their eyes look and move

listen to your baby's heart to check their heart sounds

examine their hips to check the joints

examine baby boys to see if their testicles have descended into the scrotum

What does the newborn physical examination check for?

The examination includes an overall physical check, plus 4 different screening tests.

Eyes

The health professional will check the appearance and movement of your baby's eyes.

They're looking for cataracts, which is a clouding of the transparent lens inside the eye, and other conditions.

About 2 or 3 in 10,000 babies are born with cataracts in one or both eyes that need treatment.

But the examination cannot tell you how well your baby can see.
Find out more about childhood cataracts
Heart

The healthcare professional will check your baby's heart. This is done by observing your baby, feeling your baby's pulses, and listening to their heart with a stethoscope.

Sometimes heart murmurs are picked up. A heart murmur is where the heartbeat has an extra or unusual sound caused by a disturbed blood flow through the heart.

Heart murmurs are common in babies. The heart is normal in almost all cases where a murmur is heard.

But about 8 in 1,000 babies have congenital heart disease that needs treatment.
Find out more about congenital heart disease
Hips

Some newborns have hip joints that are not formed properly. This is known as developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).

Left untreated, DDH can cause a limp or joint problems.

About 1 or 2 in 1,000 babies have hip problems that need to be treated.
Find out more about developmental dysplasia of the hip
Testicles

Baby boys are checked to make sure their testicles are in the right place.

During pregnancy, the testicles form inside the baby's body. They may not drop down into the scrotum until a few months after birth.

Around 2 to 6 in 100 baby boys have testicles that descend partially or not at all.

This needs to be treated to prevent possible problems later in life, such as reduced fertility.
Find out more about undescended testicles

Does my baby have to have the examination?

The aim of the examination is to identify any of the problems early so treatment can be started as soon as possible.

It's strongly recommended for your baby, but not compulsory.

You can decide to have your baby examined and screened for any or all of the conditions.

If you have any concerns, you should talk to your midwife or the healthcare professional offering the examination.

When will we get the results?

The healthcare professional who does the examination will give you the results straight away.

If your baby needs to be referred for more tests, they'll discuss this with you there and then, too.

The results will be recorded in your baby's personal child health record (red book).

You'll need to keep this safe and have it to hand whenever your baby sees a healthcare professional.

If you have any concerns, you can discuss them with your midwife or the healthcare professional who does the examination.
Download a leaflet about screening tests for you and your baby from GOV.UK

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All new parents are offered a newborn physical examination for their baby. Your baby's eyes, heart, hips and, in boys, testicles will be checked.

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A common virus that makes babies very unwell. Some babies qualify for RSV immunisation and if so the outreach team will discuss this with you.

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You can translate information on this page using Google translate at the top of this webpage and selecting your language.

Please note Google translate is a machine automated translation tool. Find out more about Google translate in our accessibility information.

What is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)?

RSV is a common virus that causes cold-like symptoms. It is very contagious and passes easily between people through hand contact or in droplets produced by coughing and sneezing.

It's known to infect almost all children by the age of two, and often parents will not know that the colds and sniffles their baby is experiencing are caused by RSV.

What are the signs and symptoms of RSV?

In the early stages, RSV symptoms are similar to a common cold (runny or blocked nose, cough, sneezing and high temperature).

Symptoms usually last between one and three weeks. If the lungs are affected, one or more of the following symptoms will develop or get worse:

A cough that gets worse

Wheezing - a whistling sound when breathing out

Difficulty or distress when breathing

Reduction in feeding and drinking because of breathing difficulties.

RSV can lead to bronchiolitis and viral pneumonia, which can be serious conditions.

RSV can cause critical illness in babies born premature or sick, and those with underlying medical conditions such as chronic lung disease (also known as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, or BPD) congenital heart disease, and other conditions affecting the immune system.

If the lungs become affected it can lead to breathing difficulties and may require hospital treatment. Risk of severe infection and hospitalisation decreases as your baby gets older.

When is RSV likely to be a problem for my baby?

If your baby was born prematurely, is prone to lung infections or was born with a congenital heart problem, they could be at greater risk of becoming seriously ill if infected with RSV.

Like other seasonal coughs, colds and flu, RSV is usually most prevalent in the UK between October and March each year.

Through the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, restrictions in social contact meant that cases of RSV were reduced.

Since people began mixing again, there has been an increase in cases ahead of the usual seasonal trend, from June, mainly in children aged under five.

How can RSV infections be prevented in premature and sick babies?

A monthly antibody injection (palivizumab) has proved effective at protecting against severe infection and reducing hospitalisation.

It is recommended by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) for children under two years who are considered to be high-risk.

This includes some babies born premature or sick with chronic lung disease or congenital heart problems, and those known to have a weakened immune system.

This injection must be given once a month over the RSV season, and healthcare professionals will give up to seven doses.

Because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, more babies are eligible to receive the jab. This includes most babies who have been discharged from hospital on oxygen in the last nine months.

Since RSV infections are on the rise out of the usual seasonal cycle, you can speak with your GP or neonatal staff to understand whether preventative antibody treatment might be available for your child.

If your baby is in the neonatal unit, staff may arrange for RSV immunisations to take place before they are discharged from hospital.

Even with palivizumab treatment, your baby could become infected with RSV, but they are less likely to to need to be treated in hospital.

Is there a vaccine for RSV?

Currently injections of preventative antibodies in the form of palivizumab are the best protection against severe infection.

Several vaccines that create longer-lasting immunity are in the late stages of clinical trials.

The World Health Organization (WHO) expects one to be available within a few years.

Can I reduce the risk of my baby getting RSV?

RSV is very contagious and passes easily between people via droplets from the nose or mouth. It can survive on surfaces for up to 24 hours.

Practice good hygiene by washing hands regularly, discourage adults and children with cold-like symptoms from handling, kissing and cuddling your baby, and try to reduce your baby's exposure to crowds and public transport.

Previous infection does not provide immunity, meaning that your child can get RSV again even if they've had it before.

RSV is more likely to spread where there are groups of young children, for example in nurseries, playgroups and schools, and in babies with preschool-age siblings.

Exclusive breastfeeding reduces the risk of severe infection and hospitalisation with RSV. If you would like to breastfeed and need support, speak with healthcare professionals who will be able to help.

If your baby is in the neonatal unit and you are not able to breastfeed them, you may want to express your milk.

This can be fed to your baby through a tube into their tummy, giving them the benefits of breast milk. Visit our pages on feeding for more information.

Smoking or allowing others to smoke near your baby increases their risk of hospitalisation with RSV.

The NHS runs free stop smoking services that can support you or members of your household to quit smoking.

My child is older than two. Are they still at risk of RSV?

The risk of hospitalisation due to an RSV infection is greatest in the first few months of life. Being infected again is common and can occur at any age, but symptoms are usually less severe.

If you are concerned, speak with a GP, neonatal staff or another healthcare professional, such as a health visitor or community nurse.

They will be able to tell you if your child is in the at-risk category and therefore qualifies for preventative treatment.

When to seek help from a hospital

Babies who show any of the following symptoms should be taken to hospital immediately:

Apnoea (pauses in breathing, particularly during sleep)

Infant appears to be seriously unwell

Severe respiratory problems (such as grunting), a marked chest recession (where the chest seems to sink inwards), or a respiratory rate of over 60 breaths per minute

Central cyanosis (blue or purple discolouration of the skin due to lack of oxygen).

What are the possible hospital treatments for RSV?

If your baby needs to stay in hospital due to an RSV infection, they will be monitored closely. They may be given oxygen support, fluids directly into their veins (IV fluids) and assistance with breathing.

What are the long-term effects of RSV?

Wheezing that keeps returning, asthma, and other problems with breathing have been seen in children who had hospital treatment for RSV.

Some studies have also shown that children who had a severe RSV infection may be more likely to develop sensitivities to allergens such as pollen or dust mites.

Where can I get more help and support for RSV?

In the first instance, always speak with a healthcare professional such as your neonatal team, your consultant, your GP, health visitor, or community nurse.

If your baby is in the neonatal unit, staff may arrange for RSV immunisations to take place before they are discharged from hospital.

You can also dial 111 or use these out-of-hours services:

NHS 111 England

NHS 111 Wales

NHS 24 (Scotland)

Dial 999 immediately if you think your baby might be seriously unwell.

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Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) | Bliss

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You can translate information on this page using Google translate at the top of this webpage and selecting your language. Please note Google translate is a machine automated translation tool. Find out more about Google translate in our accessibility information.

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This is often terrifying for parents but the staff will talk you through what to expect and answer your questions. Our Support Group facebook page has many parents that have experienced taking their baby home on oxygen.

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Some babies born premature or sick who need more help with their breathing will go home on oxygen. This means their breathing will be supported by additional oxygen from a tank which is given to them through a tube in their nose. This may seem scary at first. But remember that you should not be expected to do anything at home that has not been explained to you by a healthcare professional. The unit staff will give you lots of support to make sure you are comfortable with the equipment and confident and prepared to use it. You can always ask them if you have any questions.

Talk to the unit staff about your baby's oxygen requirements outside the home before you leave the unit. You should also have support from a community neonatal nurse who you can talk to when you are at home.

Why does my baby need home oxygen?

Your baby may need home oxygen because their lungs are not working well enough for them to get enough oxygen from the air. The most common reason for this is a condition called chronic lung disease (CLD). This is where fragile, immature lungs become scarred because of inflammation. It is also called bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Your baby may need to go home on oxygen for other reasons. Ask the staff at the unit if you are unsure.

Where can I get oxygen equipment?

Before the oxygen is ordered, your community neonatal nurse or other healthcare professional should fill in an Initial Home Oxygen Risk Mitigation (IHORM) form and a Home Oxygen Consent Form (HOCF). To do this, they will ask you some questions which will assess any risks to you or your baby if home oxygen is installed. Completing these forms will help to make sure that your home is suitable for home oxygen.

A member of unit staff will order your baby's oxygen on a Home Oxygen Order Form (HOOF). They will also write a HOOF prescription for the amount of oxygen your baby will need. This will be given to the oxygen supplier in your area. They will contact you and arrange to deliver and install the oxygen supply to your home. The unit staff will ask for your consent for the supplier to contact you.

All oxygen equipment is supplied by one of four suppliers depending on where you live in the UK. The oxygen supplier is responsible for maintenance and any equipment failures. They will also provide emergency cylinders in case of electricity or equipment failure. You can find more information about these suppliers on the NHS website. Your supplier will give you information packs, training and a number to call if you have any questions.

Preparing for your baby to go home on oxygen

Before you go home, you will have a discharge planning meeting which will include healthcare professionals involved in your baby's care. In this meeting, they will plan for your baby to go home on oxygen. You can use this opportunity to ask any questions you have.

A healthcare professional will visit your home to support you with any practical issues. For example, this could include where to store the oxygen tanks or install more plug points. They will also visit you regularly to support you with any practical issues and will tell you as early as possible if you need to make any adaptations to your home. Your oxygen supplier will tell your gas and electricity supplier that you are storing oxygen in the home. This is important so that they can prioritise you if there is a power cut in the home.

Here are some things you should consider doing before you go home from the unit:

Ask questions about the equipment and how to monitor the oxygen supply so that you feel comfortable using it.

Ask a healthcare professional how to check the prongs and tubes are connected correctly and how to check for blockages.

Contact your home and car insurers and your landlord, if you have one, to tell them you will be using home oxygen.

Check your smoke alarms so you know that they work properly. Some oxygen suppliers will also contact the Fire and Rescue service to tell them that you are using home oxygen. The Fire and Rescue service may contact you to do a fire safety check for your home.

The supplier will show you how to use the equipment and will talk to you about the safety measures when you have oxygen at home. Unit staff will also train you to use the equipment. You could ask a family member or a friend to be there when the oxygen is installed, so that they also know what to do.

Safety when your baby is going home on oxygen

Oxygen is a fire hazard, so it is important to be very careful around flammable substances and to keep cylinders away from heat sources. Is it very important that you do not smoke or allow anyone to smoke near your baby. This include e-cigarettes. The NHS website has some more information about what to be aware of.

How will I know what level of oxygen to use?

A healthcare professional supporting you with your discharge from the unit will explain the amount of oxygen that your baby needs. It is not advised to reduce or increase oxygen over a long period of time without your healthcare professional's advice, as this can be dangerous. If you think the level needs changing, talk to your community neonatal nurse. You should expect the levels to vary as the needs of your baby change.

Going outside with your baby on oxygen

Some parents worry about going outside with their baby on oxygen, especially as there is a lot of equipment to move about. But many parents are able to go out and about with oxygen.

You will need to have a supply of portable oxygen to do this. Portable oxygen is prescribed with the oxygen supply requested for use inside your home. Portable cylinders will come with a carry bag to make it easier to travel in the pushchair or car.

When you are ready to go out, remember to check the oxygen flow and contents of your portable oxygen supply before leaving the home. When using a portable cylinder, check that the oxygen supply is enough for the time you will be out.

If you use public transport or taxis, some transport companies may not take oxygen on board, so check this is okay first.

Moving around the home with oxygen

Moving around the home may seem challenging. The best and safest way to move around is to take your baby to the room you want to go to, and then come back for the low flow meter and tubing. The oxygen supplier may be able to provide long tubing to allow you to move around the house.

Before going home, your baby will be monitored without oxygen for a short time to check their reaction. This should help reassure you that it is okay to quickly move from room to room when needed.

If your baby has not been monitored without oxygen, talk to your community neonatal nurse. Some babies do not respond well to being disconnected, so it is important to be clear what to do before you go home.

What to do in an emergency

The unit staff will talk to you about who to contact if you have concerns about your baby when they have left hospital. Your oxygen supplier will provide you with a 24-hour emergency contact number. If you are worried your baby is not getting enough oxygen, is having difficulty breathing or might be seriously ill, call 999.

We have more information about signs to look out for if you think your baby might be becoming unwell.

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Some babies born premature or sick who need more help with their breathing will go home on oxygen. This means their breathing will be supported by additional oxygen from a tank which is given to them through a tube in their nose. This may seem scary at first.

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Our outreach team work 07.30 - 20.00, 7 days a week and support babies going home if they were born under 35 weeks gestation, are under 2kg, are going home on oxygen, have HIE, other medical or social issues.

They also support some babies going home on phototherapy for jaundice and some babies going home NG feeding.

If your baby meet their criteria a nurse will discuss the referral with you. They can be contacted on 01322428486

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Come along to our monthly group at Swanscombe Children's centre which is drop in and very friendly and relaxed. For parents that have been through the trauma of having a premature, low birthweight or sick baby.

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Before your baby goes home we will ensure they are safe in their car seat. We measure their oxygen level for at least 30mins and this is best done several days before discharge in case adjustments need to be made.

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It is recommended that you avoid travelling in cars with pre-term and young babies for long distances. Research into the link between car seats and SIDS found young babies may be at risk of breathing difficulties if they sleep in a seated position for too long.

If your trip involves driving for long periods of time, you should stop for frequent breaks. This will allow you to check on your baby, take them out of the car seat and let them stretch and move around.

Ideally, a second adult should travel in the back of the car with your baby, or if travelling alone use a mirror to keep an eye on your baby. If your baby changes their position and slumps forward, then you should immediately stop, take them out of the car seat and sit them upright before continuing on your journey.

It is essential for safety that babies travel in a rearward-facing baby seats. Rearward-facing seats provide greater protection for the baby's head, neck and spine than forward-facing seats.

Babies should not sleep in car seats for long periods

Car seats are designed to keep babies safe while travelling, not as a main sleeping place. Car seats should only be used for transport and not as an alternative for cots or high chairs. It's OK for your baby to fall asleep in a car seat when travelling, but they should be taken out as soon as you get to your destination, and placed onto a firm, flat surface to sleep.

Overheating

Babies that get too hot are at a greater risk of SIDS. We advise removing any hats or outdoor clothing such as snowsuits and coats once your baby is in the car. The best way to check your baby isn't getting too hot is to feel their tummy or back of their neck. If their skin feels clammy or sweaty they are too hot, so remove a layer of clothing.

Make sure you have the right car seat for your baby's weight and it is fitted properly (many shops will help with this).

It is recommended that you do not buy or use a second-hand car seat as you cannot be certain of its history. It could have been involved in an accident and the damage may not be visible.

Car seats must conform to safety standards - United Nations standard, ECE Regulation 44.04 (or R 44.03) or to the new i-size regulation, R129. Look for the 'E' mark label on the seat.

Car seats and SIDS FAQs

Are babies at a greater risk of SIDS in a car seat?

Click here to open this question

Avoid travelling in cars with pre-term and young babies for long distances. Research published in 2016 by the University of Bristol looked at the health effects on babies of travelling in car seats. The study found pre-term and young babies may be at risk of breathing difficulties if travelling in an upright position in car seats for a long period of time.

You can read the findings of the research here: https://fn.bmj.com/content/102/2/F136

My baby often falls asleep in their car seat - can I leave them in there?

Click here to open this question

It's OK for your baby to fall asleep in a car seat when travelling, but they should be taken out of the car seat as soon as you get to your destination, and placed onto a firm, flat surface to sleep such as a cot or Moses basket.

For more information, download our car seats and SIDS fact sheet
Further safer sleep information available here

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It's OK for your baby to fall asleep in a car seat when travelling but research does show a link between car seats and SIDS

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Please tell us! It makes such a difference to us and developing our services for others.

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The experiences you might face on the neonatal unit can affect your emotional well-being and mental health, which can sometimes stay with you beyond your time in hospital.

Bliss is here to support and empower you to be involved in your baby's care, and you are best able to do this when you are supported to look after yourself too.

This information is for mums, dads and all parents to help you find the support that's right for you. Find out more about how being in neonatal care can affect your mental health and where to get support, how to support someone you know, and how other parents have coped and handled their challenges.

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Information about parents' mental health | Bliss

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The experiences you might face on the neonatal unit can affect your emotional well-being and mental health, which can sometimes stay with you beyond your time in hospital. Bliss is here to support and empower you to be involved in your baby's care, and you are best able to do this when you are supported to look after yourself too.

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Caroline Jordan
Infant Feeding Specialist Midwife
As the lead for infant feeding for Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, I am responsible for training staff so that they are able to support women and their families in their chosen mode of feeding. I have worked for the trust for 12 years and have led our Unicef Baby Friendly journey, which culminated in full accreditation in 2017.

I am passionate about supporting women and families through their parenting journeys. I and have undertaken additional training to become a lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and a Professional Midwifery Advocate (PMA).

Ana Llorente
Clinical Support Worker to Specialist Midwives
I am a Maternity Support Worker providing clinical assistance to the Infant Feeding, Parent Education and Diabetes specialist teams. An important part of my work is dedicated to supporting families clinically and providing feeding and general antenatal education. I also support the Infant Feeding midwife in running the service in accordance to Unicef's Baby Friendly Initiative and providing staff training.

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Infant Feeding Specialist Midwife As the lead for infant feeding for Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, I am responsible for training staff so that they are able to support women and their families in their chosen mode of feeding.

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Advice and support for you and your partner.

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Pregnancy is often a very exciting and joyful time however, not every woman feels this way. Often women can have mixed, or even negative, feelings about being pregnant. Some find it more difficult to than others to cope with the changes and uncertainties which pregnancy brings. Physical, Social and financial stresses can affect how you feel in pregnancy e.g. morning sickness, the support you have at home and stressful events in your life.

Naturally there can be some worry when you are pregnant; it is common to worry about:

The changes in your role (becoming a mother, stopping work).

The changes in your relationships.

Whether you will be a good parent.

Fear that there will be problems with the pregnancy or the baby.

Physical health problems and pregnancy complications.

Fear of childbirth.

Lack of support and being alone.

As many as 1 in 5 women have mental health problems in pregnancy or after birth.1-3 It can happen to anyone and just like physical problems, the severity can vary. For some women, a mental health issues can develop for the first time during pregnancy.

Many women have already have had a mental illness before pregnancy, and this can raise the risk of becoming unwell, particularly after birth. Whether it is your first episode of a mental health problem or an enduring condition, we have a specialist team and partnership with mental health services to hopefully prevent this happening.

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Pregnancy is often a very exciting and joyful time however, not every woman feels this way. Often women can have mixed, or even negative, feelings about being pregnant. Some find it more difficult to than others to cope with the changes and uncertainties which pregnancy brings.

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Information about the donor breast milk we use on the ward and how to donate breast milk.

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Hearts Milk Bank - Human Milk Foundation

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Welcome to The Hearts Milk Bank, set up as part of The HMF to provide donor human milk to hospitals and community-based clinicians for babies.

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We offer additional SCID screening with your baby's newborn blood spot test, please tell the nurse if you consent or not to this additional screen.

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This information was created on behalf of the NHS. In it, the word 'we' refers to the NHS service that provides screening.

The NHS is considering introducing screening for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). SCID makes it very hard to fight off infections like pneumonia and meningitis. Screening would help to find and treat babies with this condition earlier.

After about 3 months of age infections can be life-threatening for babies with SCID. Without treatment they rarely survive past the age of one.

You may have heard of babies with SCID having to live in a 'bubble' to avoid infections. About 14 babies a year in England will have SCID.

Screening your baby

The NHS offers newborn blood spot screening (using a heel prick to take blood) when a baby is 5 days old. It looks for 9 rare but serious conditions, including sickle cell disease and cystic fibrosis.

Most babies will not have any of these conditions. For those who do, finding them early through screening is very important. Early treatment can stop the baby becoming severely disabled or even save their life.

Screening tests for you and your baby information is available, which can help you make an informed choice about screening for your baby.

Same sample

The test for SCID uses the same blood taken from the heel prick. No further blood sample will usually need to be taken. Premature babies may need a second test because their immune system is still developing.

If the test, using a small fragment of DNA, shows your baby has fewer white blood cells than usual, it could be a sign they have SCID. White blood cells are important because they protect against infections.

SCID screening evaluation

We're offering screening for SCID in some hospitals to see how it could best be introduced across England. Your hospital is one and that's why you've been offered the test.

It is your choice whether or not your baby has the test for SCID.

If you decide that you want your baby to have the test, we will use your information as part of the evaluation. If you decide you do not want your baby to have the test, we can still screen your baby for the 9 other conditions covered by newborn blood spot screening.

SCID results

Lower chance result

Most babies will get a lower chance result, which means it is very unlikely they have SCID. Parents will get the result by the time their baby is 6 weeks old.

Higher chance result

A higher chance result means it is more likely, but not certain, that your baby will have the condition.

We estimate that around 1 in 1,500 babies will get a higher chance result for SCID.

You will be contacted within a few days and invited to see a specialist team if your baby gets a higher chance result. You will be offered a diagnostic test for your baby (blood test).

This diagnostic test will confirm if your baby:

does not have SCID or another condition, and can be discharged

has another condition affecting the immune system

One of the aims of the SCID evaluation is to find out how many babies are in each of these 3 groups.

BCG vaccine

Some parents will be offered the BCG vaccine for their baby. The BCG clinic will check your baby's SCID screening result before giving it. This is because treatment for SCID is more complicated if a baby has had the BCG vaccine.

The BCG vaccine will only be offered if it is safe for your baby to have it.

Treatment

Treatment for SCID is far more likely to be successful if started early, rather than waiting until a baby becomes ill.

If tests show your baby has SCID, a bone marrow transplant can fix their body's defences against infections.

Some types of SCID respond to gene therapy. This involves replacing an unhealthy gene in your baby's body with a healthy one.

Research

You may be contacted by researchers and asked to take part in research linked to newborn blood spot screening. Please tell your midwife if you want to take part or not. It is completely up to you, and will have no effect on your care.

Confidentiality

The NHS screening programmes use personal information from your NHS records to invite you for screening at the right time. PHE also uses your information to ensure you receive high quality care and to improve the screening programmes. Find out more about how your information is used and protected and also what your options are.

Further information and support

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SCID screening: helping you decide if you want this for your baby

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This information was created on behalf of the NHS. In it, the word 'we' refers to the NHS service that provides screening. The NHS is considering introducing screening for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). SCID makes it very hard to fight off infections like pneumonia and meningitis.

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Sometimes babies need to be moved to another hospital, this maybe to get closer to home or for more specialist care.

We have 22 beds for babies over 31weeks gestation requiring high dependency care, special care or transitional care.

Babies under 31 weeks gestation at birth or those that need intensive care will be stabilised and then transferred to a hospital that can provide the care they need by a specialist neonatal ambulance and transfer team.  There is usually space in the front of the ambulance for one parent to accompany however they can only take mothers discharged from maternity care in case of adult medical emergency and please be aware that it is not a smooth or comfortable journey for women post birth, in pain or people that suffer with motion sickness.

Sometimes babies need to see a specialist in another hospital and the specialist ambulance and transfer team will take them and bring them back.

All babies can return to walnut ward at DVH as soon as they are ready if we have a bed available. They may be in a side room or an incubator until swabs have been taken and results available for hospital infections before they can be in the main nursery.

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Red uniform Matron

Navy uniform Senior Sister

Royal blue uniform Sister

Light blue uniform Staff Nurse

Sky blue uniform Registered Nursing Associate

Light green uniform Senior Support Workers

Dark green uniform Support Worker

Navy shirt Administrator

Pink t-shirt cleaner

White uniform Allied Health Professionals e.g. Physiotherapist, Speech therapists.

Teal blue uniform Dietician

Own clothes or scrubs Doctors

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In the main entrance there are Costa coffee, WHSmiths, Chopra's pharmacy and Ellenor Lions Hospice charity shops. There is a restaurant on level one open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

On level 1 there is a multi faith prayer room that is open 24hrs a day for prayer or quiet reflection.  The chaplain offers multi faith listening and support if requested.

Parents are free to use walnut ward kitchen, can bring in food and drink from home and use the fridge, microwave, hot water and cold water dispensers. The little buds charity stock a snack cupboard on the ward with breakfast bars, biscuits, soups/noodles/snacks, tea, coffee, hot chocolate for parents on the ward.

One parent can order lunch and dinner provided by Medirest each day, ask a member of staff on walnut to order.

Please note only cold drinks are permitted in the nursery's. Food and hot drinks can be had in the family room.

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We provide family integrated care (FI care) which means parents and staff work together to provide the best possible care for your baby.

Your baby may need medical care but they still need their parents so we encourage parents to care for your baby as much as possible. Don't worry the staff will support, help and teach you.

Research proves that family integrated care (FI care) improves bonding and attachment with your baby, establish feeding faster, grow quicker and means you can take your baby home earlier. It will also help reduce your stress levels and increase your confidence, especially when your baby is ready for home.

We will give you bonding hearts on admission so your baby can smell your scent to comfort them even when not physically with you and the one that smells of your baby may comfort you and help if you are expressing breastmilk.

The nurse will teach you positive touch/containment holding, skin to skin/kangaroo care, doing mouthcare, feeds by tube, breast or bottle, nappy changes, top and tail wash and baths.

You can get to know your baby by watching them and learning their movements and responses. If you can learn how your baby usually looks and behaves you will quickly notice when they acting different and are calm and relaxed or unwell or in pain.

We encourage you to sit and talk softly to your baby, sing nursery rhymes to them or read them a book, they will recognise your voices from being inside the womb.

We know that life still goes on and you may have many other commitments and priorities outside of Walnut ward so please don't feel guilty, the staff will support you and work with you to help care for your baby.

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96, runs between Woolwich and Bluewater shopping centre via Plumstead, Welling, Bexleyheath, Crayford and Dartford.

Fastrack ‘B’, running from Temple Hill to Gravesend.

423, running from Swanley to New Ash Green, via Dartford.

428, running from Erith to Bluewater, via Crayford and Dartford.

433, running from New Ash Green to Bluewater;

477, running from Orpington to Bluewater via Swanley and Dartford.

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Studies show that music therapy has a positive impact on babies heart rate and breathing and increases their oral feeding. It is good for babies and parents well being to enjoy some music.

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Whether you are a new or expectant parent, a professional interested to know about Down syndrome or a member of the public - you've come to the right place!

We hope that our stories and photos reassure you, inspire you and show you the reality of life with Down syndrome. There is a lot of negativity, fear of and ignorance around Down syndrome, but we are the experts on living with someone with Down syndrome and these stories are written honestly from experience and absolute understanding.

#NobodyToldMe is a collection of personal experiences written by young people with Down syndrome, their friends and family.

#NobodyToldMe challenges outdated perceptions and attitudes towards those with Down syndrome by showing the reality of our lives.

We, too, have experienced receiving the news that our baby has Down syndrome, so we know how you're feeling, what you're worried about, or what you are feeling guilty for thinking. We are delighted to have this opportunity to share a little of our lives with you to try to address some of those feelings.

There are groups all around the UK, offering a range of support and community.

Click the button below to see a map showing what groups there are near you.

The stories here are our true and personal experiences. PADS is not affiliated with any religious or political organisation.

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Positive About Down Syndrome - A website by parents for parents and parents-to-be

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Whether you are a new or expectant parent, a professional interested to know about Down syndrome or a member of the public - you've come to the right place! We hope that our stories and photos reassure you, inspire you and show you the reality of life with Down syndrome.

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Information about NEC - a bowel infection

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NEC UK A UK Charity for the condition Necrotising Enterocolitis- information Section

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Supporting families that have a baby diagnosed with Hypoxic ischemic brain injury from lack of oxygen

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Peeps HIE Charity | HIE Awareness & Support

Welcome to Peeps HIE

We provide support to parents, families & friends of those affected by HIE (Hypoxic-Ischaemic Encephalopathy), raising awareness of HIE.

Some of the things we do include:

Provide information about HIE

Buddy/peer support

Counselling and therapy

Funding for equipment

Find out more about what we do...

Our Family stories

We pride ourselves on the support we can give to families experiencing the challenges of day-to-day life with children affected by HIE.

Read our Family Stories

Peeps on Twitter

Our information leaflets are written by families, with families, for families.
They can be downloaded from our website, or printed copies sent out - please get in touch if we can help support.

https://www.peeps-hie.org/resources-downloads/

#HeardOfHIE

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If you'd like to find out more about our new book club, starting in 2024, and register an interest, please check out our website:

It will be online, peer-led, from the comfort of your own home, and just for H.I.E. parents/grandparents/carers.
Suggestions...

We recognise that each H.I.E. journey can be unique; we aim to provide support and guidance tailored to the diverse needs of our community.

Inclusion matters and is an agenda item on every meeting we have with Trustees and employees.

From informational resources to emotional...

Twitter icon
View more

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Peeps HIE Charity | HIE Awareness & Support

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Peeps is a UK charity, dedicated to supporting those affected by HIE (hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy). We provide emotional, practical and financial support.

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Available at ASDA with pharmacy - see link for your nearest ASDA

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Asda has partnered with Pampers to offer free nappies for all premature babies from its 254 instore pharmacies across the UK.

The Asda & Pampers partnership is a first for a UK retailer as nappies for babies born pre-term have previously only been available in hospitals or from healthcare providers.

The nappies are available free of charge and parents can pick them up by visiting an Asda pharmacy, which are open from 8am - 8pm Monday - Saturday and 10am - 4pm or 11am - 5pm on Sundays. Parents can find their nearest pharmacy by visiting

Around 1 in 13 babies are born pre-term in the UK, meaning that 60,000 babies each year require specialised care and need smaller sized nappies to protect their delicate skin during critical stages of their development. Pampers Preemie Protection Nappies are Pampers' smallest nappy and are up to three times smaller than a regular newborn nappy. They come in three sizes for babies weighing less than 1.1lbs up to 4lbs when they would move into standard newborn sized nappies.

The nappies have been specially designed in collaboration with neonatal nurses for the most delicate skin with all over fastening for a customisable fit which adapts around medical leads and lines, helping minimise disruption and irritation during nappy changing. A contour fit core provides a narrow, contoured fit between the legs, allowing baby's legs and hips to rest comfortably and support their healthy development.

With no front or back, the nappies have end-to-end absorbency to prevent leakage, and the nappy liner quickly pulls wetness and runny mess away from baby's skin into the core of the nappy to help keep baby's delicate skin dry whilst asleep.

Faisal Tuddy, Asda's Superintendent Pharmacist said: "We are proud to be the first retailer to partner with Pampers, and hope that by offering these nappies for free to new parents from our 254 Asda Pharmacies, those early weeks with a premature baby are made slightly easier. Within our in-store pharmacies, customers can also speak to trained professionals for healthcare advice relating to baby and parent."
Sonal Dash, Asda's VP for Non-Edible and Healthcare said: Nicole Hallak, Brand Director, Pampers UK & Ireland commented: "We are thrilled to be partnering with Asda Pharmacies to offer our Pampers Preemie Protection Nappies free of charge to new parents with premature babies. Pampers is committed to the happy, healthy development of every baby and this partnership allows all UK parents to access quality nappies with our trusted Pampers promise for their precious little ones." "Asda is a values-led organisation and we always put our customers first. We focus our efforts in delivering products to support our communities. This partnership with P&G supports new parents at times which can be scary and challenging, and this is testimony to Asda's culture and purpose."
Pampers continues to work with their long-term partner, Bliss, to support parents with the resources to help them feel more involved & confident in the care of their premature or sick babies and give them the best start in life. For more information and advice, please visit or call their careline on 020 7378 1122.

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Asda Becomes First Retailer to Offer Free Nappies for Premature Babies

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Asda has partnered with Pampers to offer free nappies for all premature babies from its 254 instore pharmacies across the UK.The Asda & Pampers partnership is a first for a UK retailer as nappies for babies born pre-term have previously only been available in hospitals or from healthcare...

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A charity that supplies all newborn/preterm babies with a free outfit

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As much as we would love to supply every hospital with Emily’s Gift Neonatal Boxes this just isn’t possible however as we would love to provide all babies born with an outfit we can offer to post our a Mini Gift Bag.
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Each bag contains:
1 x Vest
​1 x Baby-Grow
1 x Knitted Cardigan
1 x Knitted Hat
1…