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Local Support Group For Children With Complex Needs

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Local Support Group For Children With Complex Needs

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Twinkling Stars Support Group (babies 0 to 3)

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A Support Group for families with babies with complex needs, early diagnosis and disabilities aged 0-2 in West Kent

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What is a maternity and neonatal independent senior advocate?

Our advocates help make sure the voices of women and families are listened to, heard and acted upon by their maternity and neonatal services.

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What is a maternity and neonatal independent senior advocate?

Our advocates help make sure the voices of women and families are listened to, heard and acted upon by their maternity and neonatal services.
This form can be translated or made easier to read by opening the 'show accessibility tools' tab at the bottom of the web page; click the tab to open the toolbar.
If while using maternity or neonatal services in Kent or Medway you have experienced any of the following, our independent senior advocates should be able to help you.

After 24 weeks of your pregnancy, your baby died (stillbirth).

Your baby died within the first 28 days after they were born.

The person who was pregnant died.

You had a hysterectomy (your womb was removed) within six weeks of giving birth, and you did not expect this to happen.

You were cared for on the intensive care unit or high dependency unit, and you did not expect this to happen.

You were told that your baby had or might have a brain injury (HIE).

We are really sorry you have experienced any of these.

Your advocate is here for you and can:

take the time to listen to you and understand what has happened

go to meetings with you

explain your options and support you in your next steps

help you if you want someone to know you are unhappy about your care

support you through investigation and complaints processes.

Our service is free, there is no charge.

You do not need to be sure if there were mistakes to ask for support. You don't have to use a maternity and neonatal independent senior advocate if you do not want to, and you can stop contact at any time without giving a reason.

Although you may have had a very distressing experience of maternity or neonatal services, we are currently only able to support those in the situations listed at the top of this page.

If the advocate is not the right person to support you, they will tell you about other services available.

An advocate is not the right person to help if:

all your investigations or complaints have been concluded and you were actively included in these

you have general queries related to maternity and neonatal services.

Who is my maternity and neonatal independent senior advocate?

Email: kmicb.mnisa@nhs.net
Phone Carole Whittaker on 07766 997930 Phone Juliette Wales on 07385 399517

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Maternity and neonatal independent senior advocates

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What is a maternity and neonatal independent senior advocate? Our advocates help make sure the voices of women and families are listened to, heard and acted upon by their maternity and neonatal services. This form can be translated or made easier to read by opening the 'show accessibility tools' tab at the bottom of the web page; click the tab to open the toolbar.

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We are really excited to launch a Padlet specifically for infant feeding. Please click on the link below to explore!  

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We are really excited to launch a Padlet specifically for infant feeding. Please click on the link below to explore!  

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https://padlet.com/MTWNeonatalUnit/infant-feeding-qa9g66tu4cq952rn

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You can call the unit anytime of the day or night - We only take calls from parents or a nominated carer

Tel: 01892 633359

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Welcome to the Neonatal Unit. Please feel free to have a wander around the unit via the virtual tour.

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Explore Tunbridge Wells Hospital LNU in 3D

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This page talks about the different members of the neonatal care team, and provides some suggestions for questions you can ask them about your baby’s care.

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About neonatal care - a quick guide | Bliss

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This page contains brief answers to some of the questions you may have about neonatal care, or for when you arrive on a neonatal unit.

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Bliss offers a wide range of free services for the families of premature and sick babies including a video call support service.

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Tests and vaccinations for your premature baby

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Tests and vaccinations for your premature baby

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A short animation that explains what a neonatal unit is

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Neonatal Animation: A guide for parents on what to expect when on a neonatal unit

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Your Experience of Parent Led Ward Rounds 

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Your Experience of Parent Led Ward Rounds 

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Going home from the neonatal unit | Bliss

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You may have a lot to think about when you go home from the neonatal unit with your premature or sick baby. Find out more about preparing to go home, and what support is avaliable.

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A short video put together by parents and vCreate to support families who are moving units

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Transfer Closer to Home: The neonatal repatriation of your baby

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Here is our unit leaflet for parents, usually given on admission. Full of general information about the unit that might be useful during your stay with us.

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Our unit recently partnered with the Ickle Pickles Charity  - You can work with them to fundraise or donate money for our unit and become a neoHero 🦸‍♀️

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The Ickle Pickles Children's Charity | The Ickle Pickles

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Giving every newborn a chance, One in 8 babies are born sick or prematurely each year in the UK, that's over 95,000 babies every year

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Learning what your new baby is saying to you

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Learning what your new baby is saying to you

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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…

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How can health professionals support my family to get involved?

The nurses, doctors and other health professionals on a neonatal unit can support you to feel more confident in caring for your baby.

They can help by talking through anything that might be stopping you being more involved.

You might like to ask a nurse of other health professional on the unit to support you by:

Showing you how to do your baby's daily cares, like changing nappies, washing them, and dressing them

Giving you clear information about your baby's care, in a way that you understand

Understanding your emotional needs and how staff can support you

Making sure you understand and agree to the treatment your baby needs - this is called consent

Giving you practical information about how the unit works and the policies they have

Giving you any financial help that's available for car parking, hospital food, or other expenses

Showing you where to find further financial support if needed

Showing you where to find support if you are having to travel a long way from home to see your baby

Supporting you to help them, by letting you be a part of life on the unit. For example, many units let parents be there for the health professionals' ward rounds

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Getting involved in your baby's care | Bliss

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Find out how you can be involved in caring for your baby during their stay on a neonatal unit.

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Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative | Hand expression

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Support for families on the Neonatal unit 

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Support for families on the Neonatal unit 

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Tara is the unit's Family Support Sister, her usual days on the unit are Monday's, Tuesday's and Thursday's - these are subject to change. There is a board on the right as you enter the unit with her up to date working pattern for that week.
Tara will aim to introduce herself early on in your journey with us, but please do make yourself known to Tara if you would like to chat, she also has a contact number if sending a message is easier for you which is displayed on the unit.

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Special care baby unit (SCBU, SCU or low dependency) - Level 1

This is for babies who do not need intensive care. Often, this will be for babies born after 32 weeks' gestation.

Care can include:

Monitoring their breathing or heart rate

Giving them more oxygen

Treating low body temperature

Treating low blood sugar

Helping them feed, sometimes by using a tube

Helping babies who become unwell soon after birth

Sometimes, a baby might be admitted to a special care baby unit for phototherapy to treat jaundice. But sometimes, this condition is treated in transitional or postnatal care (see above).

Local neonatal unit (LNU) - Level 2

This is for babies who need a higher level of medical and nursing support. If your baby was, or will be, born between 27 and 31 weeks' gestation, you may be transferred to an LNU.

Care on an LNU might include:

Short-term intensive care (usually up to 48 hours)

Short-term ventilation, continuous positive airway pressure (called CPAP) or high flow therapy, for breathing support

Care during periods where their breathing pauses briefly, called 'apnoea' (pronounced ap-knee-ya)

Feeding through a drip in their vein (called parenteral nutrition)

Cooling treatment for babies who have had difficult births or are unwell soon after birth (before being transferred to a neonatal intensive care unit - see below)

Helping babies who become unwell soon after birth

Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) - Level 3

This is for babies with the highest need for support lasting more than 48 hours. Often these babies will have been born before 28 weeks' gestation, or be very unwell after birth.

You might have been transferred to a different hospital which has a neonatal intensive care unit before your baby was born. This is usually because the staff feel your baby would benefit from this level of care, but that it is safer to transfer your baby before they are born.

Some of the reasons babies are cared for here are when they:

Need help with their breathing (called ventilation)

Need help with their heartbeat and blood pressure

Have a moderate to severe condition affecting their breathing (called respiratory distress)

Need longer-term feeding support through an intravenous (intra-venus) tube or general nutritional support

Need or have just had surgery - including cooling treatment for brain injuries

At a neonatal intensive care unit, all levels of care may also be given to babies from the local area.

Our friends at the Cambridge University Hospitals Trust and Rosie Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership have made a video about NICU, especially aimed at big brothers and sisters that helps to explain what NICU is.

I'm confused by the different levels of neonatal care

It can be confusing to understand your baby's level of care.

Sometimes babies might be treated in different types of units because their condition has changed. It might not be clear straight away what type of care your baby is getting.

For example, your baby could be in a neonatal intensive care unit, but getting special care. You can always ask the staff if you want more information about the level of care your baby is getting.

You might hear staff on the unit call the different levels of care by different names than we've used here. Have a look through our neonatal words for some other ways people talk about levels of care.

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It can be confusing to understand your baby's level of care. Here, we talk about the different levels of care neonatal units provide.

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Bliss offers a wide range of free services for the families of premature and sick babies including a video call support service.

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Getting involved in your babies care (Video)

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Getting involved in your babies care (Video)

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Neonatal Unit Facebook Page for Parents 

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Neonatal Unit Facebook Page for Parents 

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Here is our Facebook page. As it is a closed group - you will be required to answer some security questions to join

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Tunbridge Wells Hospital Neonatal Unit Support Group | Facebook

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Our newly designed group to support parents who have or have had a baby on Tunbridge Wells Neonatal Unit. Providing relevant information, feedback, updates and charitable/fundraising contributions…

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Find support here for you and your child on the journey from pregnancy to starting school!

You should receive a visit from your health visitor shortly after discharge from NNU - here you can find contact details of how to get in touch, if you need any advice or support after discharge from your health visiting team

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The Health Visiting Service is here to support you and your baby before and after birth right up until your child starts school.

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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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Sands - Saving babies' lives. Supporting bereaved families.

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Sands supports anyone who has been affected by the death of a baby before, during or shortly after birth. Bereavement support is at the core of everything we do.

Sands is here to help you choose the right support for you. Some of the services that we offer include a Helpline for parents, families, carers and health professionals; a UK-wide network of support groups with trained befrienders; an online Facebook support group; a Sands online message board enabling bereaved families to connect with others and a wide range of leaflets, books and other resources available online and in print.

Although we don't offer counselling, our Helpline can help you find what is available in your area and help you request a referral from your GP.

Our free to call Helpline

The Sands National Helpline provides a safe, confidential place for anyone who has been affected by the death of a baby. Whether your baby died long ago or recently, we are here for you.

The telephone helpline is free to call from landlines and mobiles on 0808 164 3332.
Helpline calls are answered by trained bereavement support staff. If counselling is needed we recommend you seek support via your GP who can help you with a referral to your local team.
Language interpreters can be accessed via Language Line. If you are ringing to request support for for a non-English speaker please ring our Helpline and our staff will be happy to help.

The helpline team can also be contacted at helpline@sands.org.uk
Find out about more about our Helpline here
In 2017-18

The Sands Bereavement Support app

The Sands Bereavement Support app was created for anyone who has experienced the death of a baby.

It aims to help bereaved parents and families to find the right information and support at the right time. The app can also be used by healthcare professionals, who would like to know how best to support bereaved parents and their families.
Find out more about the App and how you can download here
Our Sands Groups

Many parents feel that only others who have experienced the death of a baby can offer real understanding. Our countrywide network of over 104 local support Groups, usually run by bereaved parents and family members, offer you the chance to meet others, gain support and share your experience.

Most Sands Groups offer either regular support meetings, telephone support or email support.

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Support for you | Sands - Saving babies' lives. Supporting bereaved families.

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Sands supports anyone who has been affected by the death of a baby before, during or shortly after birth. Bereavement support is at the core of everything we do.

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Caring for your baby on the neonatal unit  

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Caring for your baby on the neonatal unit  

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Research shows that parents being involved in their baby's care on the neonatal unit can have positive effects on them and their baby.

Being involved in your baby's care

Some research shows that being more involved can mean that:

Babies spend less time in hospital

Parents feel less stressed

Babies are more likely to gain weight

Parents feel happier with the care their baby is getting

Parents have more success with breastfeeding

Parents are more comfortable and confident when their baby goes home

Babies are less likely to be re-admitted to hospital after they go home

You might not be able to get as involved as you'd like straight away. This might be because you are recovering from the birth, or if you have to return to work.

Whatever your situation, the staff on the unit will work with you to get involved when you can, and in a way that is right for you and your family.

Some parents find that starting with one thing, and building up to take on more care can be a good way to begin.

Skin-to-skin

Research shows that doing skin-to-skin care can help to create connections between you and your baby. Being physically close can help you to feel emotionally close too.

Skin-to-skin care can also help:

Start breastmilk production and breastfeeding, if you've chosen to feed this way

Your baby to sleep better

For you to learn each other's smell, which can help with feeding and creating an emotional connection

For dads and partners to feel physically close to your baby too

There is also some evidence to show that doing skin-to-skin can help to calm your baby, and can reduce any stress or anxiety you feel as a parent, too. It can especially help to soothe them if your baby is having any painful or distressing procedures.

Some evidence also shows that in premature babies, those who had skin-to-skin care had better longer-term outcomes.

Staff on the neonatal unit are likely to ask if you'd like to try skin-to-skin care with your baby, if your baby is well enough. They will also help you to find the best way to do this, for you and your baby.

This means making sure you feel confident and comfortable, and that you take things at your own pace.

Speaking to your baby

Talking to your baby can help them, as well as help you feel more connected to them. Some research shows that parents speaking to their baby in hospital can increase how much oxygen is in your baby's blood, something which is very important to their overall health.

Some research also shows that your baby's heart rate can increase when hearing their mother's voice. You might like to try reading or singing softly to your baby. This is something that wider members of your family can get involved with too.

It is also something which is easy to do even if you aren't able to hold your baby. You might feel a bit self-conscious to begin with, but your baby knows your voice, and hearing it will let them know you are there.

Being physically and emotionally close

Researchers have looked into the differences between being physically close with your baby, and being emotionally close with them.

If you are able to be with them physically, and do things like skin-to-skin, this can help you feel more emotionally connected with your baby too. But the two might not always go hand in hand.

You might be physically close to your baby but find it hard to feel connected with them. Or, you might not be able to spend much time on the unit, but feel connected with them emotionally through photos or videos you've taken, or through clothing that smells of your baby.

It can be really hard to feel connected with your baby in both ways. Some parents feel a lot of pressure to bond, and can feel that their baby's stay in neonatal care is getting in the way of being able to do this.

You're not alone, and there is support for you. You might find it helpful to chat with the staff on the unit and tell them how you're feeling and what you're worried about.

They will be able to suggest ways you can feel closer with your baby, both physically and emotionally.

Getting used to holding your baby

Research looking at the experiences of first time parents whose baby was in hospital found that parents were often nervous or unsure when it came to holding their baby, because they were scared of hurting them.

But the research also showed that once parents in neonatal care did connect physically with their baby, the emotional connection really grew.

If you're unsure of how to hold your baby, or you're worried you might hurt them, you can speak to the neonatal staff. They will explain how best to handle your baby, and what is the safest and best way to do this.

Staff are also very used to these worries from parents, and will be able to reassure you.

We surveyed over 1,200 parents to find out more about how they felt when they arrived on the unit, how they got involved in their baby's care, and how this affected them and their baby.

The most empowering part of getting involved

The parents we surveyed told us that the most empowering parts of getting involved in their baby's care were:

Skin-to-skin

Holding them

Feeding them

Bathing them

Touching them

Clothing them

Talking to them

Reading to them

Singing to them

Watching them

Changing their nappy

Expressing milk

Being involved in ward rounds

There might be other things you would like to do with your baby. Staff on the unit will be able to talk through all the options with you, to help you be as involved as you'd like to be.

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How getting involved on the neonatal unit helps | Bliss

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We often hear that parents find it hard to know how to look after their baby on the neonatal unit. But what are the benefits of being involved? And what do other parents say?

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The neonatal unit provides milton tanks and a microwave for steam sterilisation of equipment.

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It's important to sterilise all your baby's feeding equipment, including bottles and teats, until they're at least 12 months old.
This will protect your baby against infections, in particular diarrhoea and vomiting.

Before sterilising, you need to:

Clean bottles, teats and other feeding equipment in hot, soapy water as soon as possible after feeds.

Use a clean bottle brush to clean bottles (only use this brush for cleaning bottles), and a small teat brush to clean the inside of teats. You can also turn teats inside out then wash them in hot soapy water. Do not use salt to clean teats, as this can be dangerous for your baby.

Rinse all your equipment in clean, cold running water before sterilising.

You can put your baby's feeding equipment in the dishwasher to clean it if you prefer. Putting feeding equipment through the dishwasher will clean it but it does not sterilise it. Make sure bottles, lids and teats are facing downwards. You may prefer to wash teats separately by hand to make sure they are completely clean.

The advice about how to clean your baby's feeding equipment applies to all of the equipment, and whether you are using expressed breast milk or formula milk.

How to sterilise baby feeding equipment

There are several ways you can sterilise your baby's feeding equipment. These include:

cold water sterilising solution

steam sterilising

boiling

Cold water sterilising solution

Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Leave feeding equipment in the sterilising solution for at least 30 minutes.

Change the sterilising solution every 24 hours.

Make sure there are no air bubbles trapped in the bottles or teats when putting them in the sterilising solution.

Your steriliser should have a floating cover or a plunger to keep all the equipment under the solution.

Steam sterilising (electric steriliser or microwave)

It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions, as there are several different types of sterilisers.

Sterilising by boiling

Make sure the items you want to sterilise in this way are safe to boil.

Boil the feeding equipment in a large pan of water for at least 10 minutes, making sure it all stays under the surface.

Set a timer so you do not forget to turn the heat off.

Remember that teats tend to get damaged faster with this method. Regularly check that teats and bottles are not torn, cracked or damaged.

After you've finished sterilising

It's best to leave bottles and teats in the steriliser or pan until you need them.

If you do take them out, put the teats and lids on the bottles straight away.

Wash and dry your hands before handling sterilised equipment. Better still, use some sterile tongs.

Assemble the bottles on a clean, disinfected surface or the upturned lid of the steriliser.

Find out more about expressing breast milk and how to make up formula feeds.

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How to sterilise your baby's bottles and other feeding equipment safely and effectively, whether you're using boiling, steam or cold water sterilising equipment.

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Before you leave the neonatal unit, a trained doctor or nurse will show you how to resuscitate your baby if they stop breathing.

The thought of having to resuscitate your baby can be very scary, and is something that no parent or carer ever wants to have to do or think about. But the training is designed to help you be as prepared as possible.

Research suggests that learning how to resuscitate your baby could help increase your confidence and reduce any anxiety you may have.

If your baby stops breathing, it is important to stay calm and call 999; the emergency call handler will help. If you need to perform CPR on your baby, the call handler will talk you through the process until the ambulance arrives.

We have more information on what to do if you think your baby is becoming unwell.

We are currently reviewing our resuscitation video and will upload the new version later this year. Until then, our friends at the St John's Ambulance have an instructional video about what to do if your baby stops breathing.

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Having resuscitation training can help you be more prepared to care for your premature or sick baby after leaving the neonatal unit.

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More information on psychological support is available on the signpost board opposite the family room.

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Ashford and St. Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust serves a population of more than 410,000 people living in north Surrey.

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Get free specialist support with breastfeeding and early parenting in West Kent. Face to face and zoom appointments available now.

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The Oliver Fisher Baby Unit is a tertiary neonatal facility caring for babies who require intensive care. We care for babies from Medway and the surrounding South East Thames region including Dartford, Gravesend, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells. We also accept referrals from outside Kent.

Our 36-cot unit provides intensive care, high dependency, special and transitional care services for babies born prematurely or who are sick and require specialist treatment. Around 1,000 babies are treated here each year as part of our neonatal and maternity service.

Babies and families are cared for by a specialist team led by seven consultants and a neonatal matron.

Parents are invited to be with their babies at all times supporting our family integrated care model. Other family members and friends may visit with the parents.

Please contact us for further information:
Anna Francis, Neonatal Matron
Tel: 01634 830000 Ext 5125

Dr Ghada Ramadan, Speciality Lead Neonatal Services
Tel: 01634 830000 Ext 5146
Oliver Fisher Neonatal Unit

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This 26-cot unit provides intensive care for babies born prematurely or who are sick require specialist treatment.

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HIE Awareness and Support - A great charity that supports families that have a bay diagnosed with Hypoxic ischemic injury

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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

2

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...

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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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Another way to support the unit is to purchase something from our Wishlist. No matter how big or small, every item is so gratefully received

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We use cookies and similar tools that are necessary to enable you to make purchases, to enhance your shopping experiences and to provide our services, as detailed in our Cookie Notice. We also use these cookies to understand how customers use our services (for example, by measuring site visits) so we can make improvements.

If you agree, we'll also use cookies to complement your shopping experience across the Amazon stores as described in our Cookie Notice. This includes using first- and third-party cookies, which store or access standard device information such as a unique identifier. Third parties use cookies for their purposes of displaying and measuring personalised ads, generating audience insights, and developing and improving products. Click 'Customise Cookies' to decline these cookies, make more detailed choices, or learn more. You can change your choices at any time by visiting Cookie Preferences, as described in the Cookie Notice. To learn more about how and for what purposes Amazon uses personal information (such as Amazon Store order history), please visit our Privacy Notice.

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Select Your Cookie Preferences We use cookies and similar tools that are necessary to enable you to make purchases, to enhance your shopping experiences and to provide our services, as detailed in our Cookie Notice. We also use these cookies to understand how customers use our services (for example, by measuring site visits) so we can make improvements.

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Support and advice to twin loss

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The Butterfly Project | Co-twin loss; Healthcare education; Neonatal Research

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Find below a range of useful resources for parents on infant feeding and relationship building, as well as information on overcoming common breastfeeding challenges.

There are various mother support groups which offer infant feeding support:

Find more useful organisations.

Breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed your baby. If you decide not to breastfeed or to stop breastfeeding, it is possible to restart. Giving infant formula to a breastfed baby will reduce your milk supply. You do not need to eat any special foods while breastfeeding, but it is a good idea for you, just like everyone else, to eat a healthy diet.

Resources to support you

Below is a selection of resources to support you with feeding, caring, and building a close and loving relationship with your baby.

Overcoming breastfeeding problems

You may find whilst trying to establish breastfeeding that you run into problems. Whilst these can be debilitating and painful, thankfully the most common ones can be solved relatively quickly and easily - given the right support.

Unfortunately, support is often not available or, what is worse, mothers are told that problems such as engorgement and sore nipples are a normal part of breastfeeding. This is not true.

Below you can read about how different problems develop, how to spot them at a early stage, and how to solve them by yourself or with the support of a health professional.

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Support for parents - Baby Friendly Initiative

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Resources and information for parents to support with feeding and developing close and loving relationships with their baby.

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Support and ad I’ve for those with Twins and more

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Finding out you are pregnant with twins, triplets or more can be an exciting but sometimes overwhelming time. We have all the support you need.

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Trevor Mann Baby Unit/Brighton Neonatal Unit 

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Trevor Mann Baby Unit/Brighton Neonatal Unit 

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Information on how to get to Trevor Mann Baby Unit Brighton and unit information

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University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust

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We give extra medical, surgical and nursing care to premature and sick newborn babies. We have special care, high dependency and intensive care neonatal units.

We also take part in many local and national research projects. These help us to drive improvements and make sure we are providing the best and most up-to-date care.

How we help

Our units have specialist facilities, equipment and skilled staff to give the best care to premature and sick newborn babies.

It can be a very anxious time for you when your baby is in the neonatal unit. We will support you during your baby's stay with us and help to prepare you for taking them home. We will involve you in your baby's daily care and feeding and help you to get to know each other.

We will also advise you how to access support at the end of your baby's stay with us.

We have our own neonatal transport ambulance for babies who need a higher level of specialist care. They can be moved safely from the hospital they were born to other units in within Kent, Surrey, Sussex and beyond.

Where we are

Visitors

We do not consider parents as visitors. You are an integral part of your baby's care with the neonatal team. You are welcome to be with your baby whenever you wish; day or night. If you'd like to bring visitors please check your unit's individual visiting policy.
Read more about caring for your baby
Meet the Team

Our consultants are specialist doctors who manage the overall treatment of each baby. They are supported by a team of Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioners (ANNPs) and doctors. Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioners are nurses who have had specialist training in neonatology.
Neonatal consultants
Helpful resources
Patient information leaflets
Service performance
Neonatology department annual reports

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Neonatology - University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust

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Our neonatal service provides extra medical, surgical and nursing care to premature and sick newborn babies.

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Ward rounds take place each day, starting at around 09.00am. We encourage all parents to attend and take part in ward round when possible.
Please speak to your nurse if you would like to speak with a Doctor out of this time.

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Our unit runs parent led ward rounds on Thursday (and sometimes Friday) mornings from 10am in the special care nursery. The ward rounds are an opportunity for you to tell us about your baby.

As parents, you know your baby best and we want to hear your voice. Our aim is for parents to feel they are partners in the care of their infant.

At the parent led ward round, you will be invited to tell us about your baby. This just means saying how old they are, what they weigh now, how they are doing with feeding, their likes/dislikes and to ask any questions or tell us about any concerns you may have.​ We have designed a poster to guide you through this process. The poster will be used each week and will become part of recording your baby’s journey. We hope it will help you to see how far your baby has come.

Taking part in the parent led ward round is not compulsory so if you don’t want to, or don’t feel able to, don’t worry; we’ll just carry on as normal and you can tell us or ask us anything at any time.

Here is a video of a parent led ward round in action

https://twitter.com/OliverRackham/status/1117854264049557504?s=19

If you would like to know more, have any questions or concerns, please speak to the nurse caring for your baby. You can find the sheet to book your time slot on the nursery door.

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What is NNAP and what do we do with the information 

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What is NNAP and what do we do with the information 

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Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) | East Kent Hospitals

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Service overview including locations, contact details and visiting information.

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Parents are welcome 24/7

Grandparents are also welcome to visit at any time with parents' consent

Siblings of your baby are welcome between 09:00 - 19.00

One additional adult per day from 15.00-17.00

See above for the current 'Parent Information Letter' with further details regarding access to the NNU.

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Alongside giving grants, we offer families raising a disabled or seriously ill child, on a low income, wider support, including information and resources on where to go for help with money and benefits, budget planning, their children's education, mental health and wellbeing, digital training and creative workshops.

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Use our wider support section to find information and resources to help with finances, caring and education as well as digital technology.

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Information and support of your baby has had a NEC (Necrotising Enterocolitis ) diagnosis.

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

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Positive touch is a way of communicating your love and reassurance to your baby and hearing your baby's needs in return. Babies do communicate, and by watching and listening to your baby you can learn what kind of touch to use and when it is appropriate, safe and pleasurable for your baby.

It's harder for your baby to communicate when exposed to too much noise, too much light, too much cool air, or an uncomfortable lying position. See whether the environment can be calmed down first. In time, you will get to know your baby's individual ways and you may find your baby responding more often and for longer.

Comfort holding

Comfort holding is one of many ways for you and your baby to get to know each other. Your baby may be more comfortable lying in the incubator than being held. In this case, the staff may suggest that you try comfort holding if they think your baby is well enough. Comfort holding is 'still touch'. Cradling your baby with still, resting hands can be more comforting than stroking or massage, which are more stimulating.

Comfort holding can:

soothe your baby during uncomfortable procedures.

settle a restless baby.

help your baby to get back to sleep after feeds and care.

encourage your baby to be quietly awake and responsive.

Comfort holding is a way to experience loving touch when your baby is not ready to be held.

Talk to your baby's nurse about comfort holding. Together you can watch for signs from your baby that will guide you as to when and how to do it.

Be careful to:

Remove watches and jewellery, pull your sleeves up to the elbows, and wash your hands and lower arms. This reduces the risk of infection inside the incubator.

Always make sure that your hands are warm before touching your baby.

If your baby has difficulty keeping warm, make sure there is a layer of fabric (a hat, vest or blanket) between you.

Speak to your baby before touching, so that they are aware of your presence before you start.

Cradle one or both hands around your baby's feet, head or body, and keep them still. Your baby may also like to grasp one of your fingers.

Wait and watch for signs that tell you that your baby is relaxed.

You can continue for as long as you are both comfortable. When you finish comfort holding, move your hands away from your baby very slowly.

Kangaroo Care

Kangaroo Care is skin-to-skin contact when a baby is placed against the parent's chest. Benefits include improvements with lactation and with establishing breastfeeding, and better weight gain for the baby. In the longer term, it helps parents to feel closer to their babies and more confident in caring for them. Kangaroo Care can be used with babies with high medical needs, but this will require careful planning and collaboration with the neonatal staff.

Talk to staff and plan a good time and comfortable place for you to try Kangaroo Care.

While Kangaroo Care is based on direct skin-to-skin contact, removing your baby's clothes is not vital if this is upsetting for him or her. A hat and a blanket for extra warmth might be necessary for very small babies.

Hold your baby chest-to-chest tucked inside your clothes, enclosing him/her to keep his/her temperature stable. Check that the head is well supported and if you can't see your baby easily, try using a hand mirror.

Explore what you both like to enjoy together. Some babies like to have their eyes shielded, others like to be sung to softly or while having a tube feed. Allow time for your baby to settle and get the full benefit.

If you baby is happy, you can cuddle for as long as you are both comfortable. Lie back, relax and enjoy.

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Premature and sick babies undergo many medical procedures that can cause them some discomfort. As your baby's parents, you are the best people to balance this with a positive, reassuring touch.

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Some parents feed their premature or sick baby expressed milk or formula in a bottle. Some babies will transition to bottle feeding after being tube fed.

You may prefer to feed your baby expressed milk and/or formula in a bottle alongside breastfeeding. This is called mixed or combination feeding. If you are thinking about mixed or combination feeding, talk to your neonatal team, feeding specialist, midwife, health visitor or GP.

Like other types of feeding, it is important to recognise the signs that your baby is hungry (feeding cues) before bottle feeding. Your baby may demonstrate early feeding cues by putting their fingers into their mouth, making sucking motions (rooting) and becoming restless.

Your baby will want to be close to you while being bottle fed, so this is a great time to have skin-to-skin. When possible, it is best for you or your partner to give bottle feeds so that your baby can learn with you. Doing the following while bottle feeding your baby can help them to feed successfully and be more comfortable:

Make sure you are close to your baby and hold them in the best position suited to your baby, with their head supported. This may be upright or elevated on their side. Some units may advise you to try different positions.

Offer the bottle when your baby shows feeding cues.

Gently invite your baby to take the teat.

Avoid forcing your baby to take the teat or finish the feed.

If the milk comes too quickly, it can be difficult for your baby to coordinate their sucking, swallowing and breathing. A nurse or feeding specialist on the unit will show you teats, bottles and positions that can help your baby to do this more effectively.

Some babies have periods of low oxygen (desaturations) and/or low heart rate (bradycardia) when they are starting to bottle feed or breastfeed. This is normal in some cases and will improve with time, but can be a sign that your baby is not ready for feeding yet. If this happens, it may need to be looked at by a doctor or a speech and language therapist who specialises in swallowing.

Low oxygen and heart rate while feeding can also be a sign of reflux. Reflux happens when some of the partly digested milk or food in the stomach comes back up the tube from the mouth to the stomach (oesophagus). This is common in all babies, but is more common in babies born premature or sick. We have more information about reflux.

Staff on the neonatal unit should support you and show you how to make feeds and clean and sterilise your baby's bottles (see below). They could also encourage you to bring bottles in from home so that your baby can get used to them. For more help and support with bottle feeding, speak to your neonatal team, feeding specialist, midwife, health visitor or GP.

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Find out how to feed your premature or sick baby expressed milk or formula in a bottle.

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Information on getting to St Peter NICU and Parking

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Parents

They are a key part of their baby's care team. Not only does this have benefits for babies, but the whole family. This involvement has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety in parents, and improve bonding and attachment.

Evidence is clear that babies have the very best outcomes when their parents are able to be partners in delivering their baby's care. Research has shown babies cared for in this way have increased weight gain and improved breastfeeding rates, and some studies have even shown that babies may go home from hospital earlier.

Meeting New Brothers and Sisters

Having a sibling in neonatal care can be an incredibly stressful time for a child. The disruption in routine, the financial, physical, and emotional strain on the family can evoke a strong emotional response in siblings. It is important to involve your other children in what's happening, and talking to them about how they, and you, are feeling.
We welcome siblings of the baby/ies on NICU between 10am-10pm every day.
All siblings need to be supervised by a parent at all times. When a sibling visits, a maximum of 3 people can stay at the cot side, depending on how busy the Nursery is at that time.

It is important that there is some preparation for what the environment will look like.

Take time to describe what the NICU looks like, talk about photos, and discuss the sensory environment. Describe what they will be able to do during the visit; the need to wash hands, how they may read a book, help with cares or hold their sibling.

Visitors

Visitors of your choice are welcome to visit between 10am-10pm. We ask you to limit the number of peoples at the cot side to 2 people for short periods of time only.

Please explain to your family and friends that they may only visit with you and that we are unable to give them any information about your baby's condition.

However, we ask you, your children and any visitors NOT to come into the nursery if they have a cough, cold, tummy upset or other infections due to the risk of passing it on to your baby or others. Please discuss with the nurse in charge if you are unsure.

No other children (under the age of 16) except baby's siblings may visit.

Please note there may be times when you will be asked to vacate the Nursery, when more space is required to facilitate emergency procedures or there is reduced space. We ask that you respect such requests.

Quiet time

As part of our commitment to family-centred care, we have a period of quiet time each day in our nurseries. The neonatal unit can be a stressful environment for babies and their families.

Quiet time is from 12.30hrs - 14.30hrs daily unless otherwise noted by the staff. During this time you are encouraged to spend time with your baby. This can be a good time for you to have some quality time with your baby and have skin to skin time or just quiet cuddles. We suggest that you ask your visitors to avoid this special time. We recommend that this should be time just for you as parents, or parent and one other nominated visitor. Please feel free to discuss your individual needs with the nurse in charge.

During quiet time the blinds will be closed and the lights dimmed or turned off. Nurses will have planned routine cares for before and after this time and the medical staff will avoid unnecessary procedures at this point. The nursing staff will endeavour to cancel alarms as quickly as they can to avoid extra noise.

However, due to the nature of intensive care and unexpected admissions happening, there will be times where quiet time is postponed or suspended in order to prioritise and provide appropriate care in a nursery.

Infection control

Please help us protect your baby by adhering to the following guidance:

Parents and visitors please remove your coat / jacket and hang it on the clothes rail in the waiting area. Bags should be placed in a the lockers provided.

We ask that all parents and visitors remove wrist watches and bracelets to help reduce the risk of infection.

Prior to entering the clinical area, please disinfect your hands with alcohol hand sanitiser.

You should disinfect / wash your hands again on entering the nurseries and prior to contact with your baby.

Please clean you phone with alcohol wipes as directed by the posters in the nurseries and place in the green tray at your baby's cotside to dry.

We ask that you do not come to NICU if you are unwell e.g., have a cough, cold or tummy bug.

Face Masks

We have made the decision that from Monday 17th 2023 face mask wearing for visitors, patients, and staff will no longer be a mandatory requirement in non-clinical areas of our hospitals.

Face masks will still be available in the main entrances of the hospitals, for those who would prefer to continue to wear face masks, and in clinical areas.

We will continue to monitor the situation and will update you with any further changes to our Infection Prevention and Control measures.

Thank you for your continued support.
David Fluck, Medical Director
Travelling to St Peter's

On our Trust webpages we have details on bus and train time tables. There is also a site map which shows the many car parks at St Peter's Hospital but they do get busy at certain times of the day. As with most hospitals there is a car parking charge. Payments should be made at a nearby machine. All parents who have a baby on the unit are entitled to parking concessions. Please talk to your nurse for further details Note that penalty charges may be enforced by the car parks management company.

Parking

If your baby has been admitted to the NICU or Transitional Care Unit you can apply for extended parking. Please buy a one off £25 weekly parking ticket and speak to the receptionist on NICU to extend your parking. You will be required to give details of your car registration and show your ticket as proof of purchase. This will then extend your parking for the duration of your stay until your baby has been discharged.

How to find us

The unit is located on the 4th Floor of Abbey Wing at St Peters Hospital

Postal Address is:

Neonatal Unit
4th Floor Abbey Wing
St Peter's Hospital
Guildford Road
Chertsey
Surrey
KT16 0PZ

Access to the Unit

For security reasons, the doors to NICU are kept locked. During office hours please ring the buzzer for reception and when asked, state who you are and the name of the child you have come to visit. Out of these hours please ring the room buzzer your child is in.

Please respect the enormous efforts we make to protect all babies. NEVER allow people to enter the unit when we open the door to you, staff wearing a visible Ashford and St Peter's badge can be let through. All of our staff must wear an identity badge at all times.

If someone not wearing an identity badge approaches you or your child at any time, please check with a member of staff.

At night the maternity entrance is locked this is between 21.00hrs and 06.30hrs. If you wish to visit at night you will need to ring the doorbell to the right of the night door.

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Ashford and St. Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust serves a population of more than 410,000 people living in north Surrey.

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Government support with travel

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If you’re referred to hospital or other NHS premises for specialist NHS treatment or diagnostic tests by a doctor, dentist or another primary care health professional, you may be able to claim a refund of reasonable travel costs under the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS).

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Skin-to-skin contact - Baby Friendly Initiative

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Skin-to-skin contact is important for babies and mothers to develop close, loving parent-infant relationships and to initiate breastfeeding.

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This leaflet is designed to give parents comfort and confidence in the care of their sick or premature baby.

This leaflet covers a wide range of issues and provides a useful tool to help conversations with parents on the neonatal unit.

Printed copies are available for £15 per pack (1-9 packs) or £11 per pack (10 or more packs). There are 50 leaflets per pack and this price includes P&P within UK. Order using the Baby Friendly Resources order form, which you can download from our Resources page.

Public Health Wales have produced a version of the You and Your Baby neonatal leaflet in Welsh, which is free to download.
Orders for UK delivery only, and include postage and packaging costs. Orders may take up to 7 working days to process. The Baby Friendly Initiative reserve the right to re-print items at any time. If you are looking to order audit tools or e-learning, please use our digital resources order form.

You and Your Baby: Supporting Love and Nurture on the Neonatal Unit leaflet

More neonatal resources to support you

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You and your baby leaflet - Baby Friendly Initiative

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This leaflet covers a wide range of issues and provides a useful tool to help conversations with parents on the neonatal unit.

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Every baby is offered newborn blood spot screening, also known as the heel prick test, ideally when they're 5 days old.

What is the blood spot test?

Newborn blood spot screening involves taking a blood sample to find out if your baby has 1 of 9 rare but serious health conditions.

Most babies won't have any of these conditions but, for the few who do, the benefits of screening are enormous.

Early treatment can improve their health, and prevent severe disability or even death.

What does the blood spot test involve?

When your baby is 5 days old, a healthcare professional will prick their heel and collect 4 drops of blood on a special card.

You can ease any distress for your baby by cuddling and feeding them, and making sure they're warm and comfortable.

Occasionally, the sample may need to be taken when your baby is 6, 7 or 8 days old.

Sometimes a second blood spot sample is needed. The reason for this will be explained to you. It doesn't necessarily mean there's something wrong with your baby.

The test doesn't carry any known risks for your baby.

Which conditions is the blood spot test for?

The blood spot test screens for the following 9 rare but serious conditions.

If you, your partner or a family member already has one of these conditions (or a family history of it), tell your healthcare professional straight away.

Sickle cell disease

About 270 babies are born with sickle cell disease in the UK each year. This is a serious inherited blood disease.

Sickle cell disease affects haemoglobin, the iron-rich protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body.

Babies who have this condition will need specialist care throughout their lives.

People with sickle cell disease can have attacks of severe pain and get serious, life-threatening infections. They're usually anaemic because their blood cells have difficulty carrying oxygen.

The blood spot screening test means that babies with sickle cell disease can receive early treatment to help them live healthier lives. This may include vaccinations and antibiotics to prevent serious illnesses.

Pregnant women are also routinely tested for sickle cell disease early in pregnancy.

Read more about sickle cell disease.
GOV.UK also has a factsheet about sickle cell disease
Cystic fibrosis

About 1 in 2,500 babies born in the UK has cystic fibrosis. This inherited condition affects the digestion and lungs.

Babies with cystic fibrosis may not gain weight well and are prone to chest infections.

Babies with the condition can be treated early with a high-energy diet, medicines and physiotherapy.

Although children with cystic fibrosis may still become very ill, early treatment can help them live longer, healthier lives.

Read more about cystic fibrosis.
GOV.UK also has a leaflet for parents whose baby has suspected cystic fibrosis
Congenital hypothyroidism

About 1 in every 2,000 to 3,000 babies born in the UK has congenital hypothyroidism. Babies with congenital hypothyroidism don't have enough of the hormone thyroxine.

Without thyroxine, babies don't grow properly and can develop learning disabilities.

Babies who have the condition can be treated early with thyroxine tablets, and this allows them to develop normally.
The British Thyroid Foundation has more information about congenital hypothyroidism
Inherited metabolic diseases

It's important to let your healthcare professional know if you have a family history of a metabolic disease (a disease that affects your metabolism).

Babies are screened for 6 inherited metabolic diseases. These are:

About 1 in 10,000 babies born in the UK has PKU or MCADD. The other conditions are rarer, occurring in 1 in 100,000 to 150,000 babies.

Without treatment, babies with inherited metabolic diseases can become suddenly and seriously ill. The diseases all have different symptoms.

Depending on which one affects your baby, the condition may be life threatening or cause severe developmental problems.

They can all be treated with a carefully managed diet and, in some cases, medicines as well.

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)

In some areas of England, screening for a condition called severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is also being offered as part of the newborn blood spot test. This is to help the NHS decide if screening for SCID should be offered to all babies in England.

SCID causes problems with the immune system. It makes it very hard for a baby to fight off infections like meningitis and pneumonia, which can be life-threatening. About 14 babies born each year in England have SCID.

Ask your midwife if screening for SCID is being offered in your area.
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children has more information on severe combined immunodeficiency

Does my baby have to have the blood spot test?

The blood spot test is not compulsory, but it's recommended because it could save your baby's life.

You can choose to have screening for sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis or congenital hypothyroidism individually, but you can only choose to have screening for all 6 inherited metabolic diseases or none at all.

If you don't want your baby to be screened for any of these conditions, discuss it with your midwife.

You should be given information about the blood spot test and the diseases it screens for in advance so you can make an informed decision for your baby.

If you change your mind, babies can be screened up to the age of 12 months for all the conditions except cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis can only be screened for up to 8 weeks of age.

If you have any concerns about the tests, speak to your midwife, health visitor or GP.

When will we get the results?

You should receive the results either by letter or from a healthcare professional by the time your baby is 6 to 8 weeks old.

The results should be recorded in your baby's personal child health record (red book). It's important to keep this safe and take it with you to all your baby's appointments.

If you haven't received your baby's results, speak to your health visitor or GP.

You'll be contacted sooner if your baby screens positive. This means they're more likely to have one of the conditions tested for.

You'll be contacted:

the day the result is available, or the next working day, if your baby is thought to have congenital hypothyroidism (CHT) - you'll be given an appointment to see a specialist

before your baby's 4 weeks old if they're thought to have cystic fibrosis

before your baby's 6 weeks old if they're thought to have sickle cell disease

Screening for cystic fibrosis finds some babies who may be genetic carriers of the condition. These babies may need further testing.

Screening for sickle cell disease also finds babies who are carriers of this or other red blood cell diseases.

Carriers are healthy, although they can experience problems in situations where their bodies aren't getting much oxygen - for example, if they're having an anaesthetic.

Parents of babies who are found to be carriers should be told by the time they're 6 to 8 weeks old.

What do the results mean?

Most babies will have a normal result, which means it's unlikely that they have any of the conditions.

A small number of babies will screen positive for one of the conditions. This doesn't mean they have the condition, but they're more likely to have it. They'll be referred to a specialist for more tests.

It's important to know that screening isn't 100% certain. A baby with a negative screening result may later turn out to have the disease screened for. This is known as a false negative.

Babies with a positive result sometimes turn out not to have the disease - what's known as a false positive.

Occasionally, other medical conditions are picked up by blood spot test screening. For example, babies with beta thalassaemia major, a serious blood disease, will usually be detected. These babies also need to be referred for early treatment.

More information

Take our survey

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Your guide to the newborn blood spot (heel prick) test, including which diseases it screens for and when to expect the results

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You maybe entitled to a sure start grant

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

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In the first instance please talk to the nurse looking after you and your baby. The ward manager and matron are also available to talk with you during normal working hours.
If you feel you need further assistance you con contact the Patient Advice and Liaison (PALS)

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Perinatal mental health issues can happen in pregnancy and in the first years of being a parent (antenatal and postnatal). Problems can affect new mums as well as dads, people with no history of mental health problems as well as those who have. The word perinatal simply means the time around (peri) childbirth (natal). 

Perinatal Positivity uses the real voices and experiences of women and men who have had mental wellbeing difficulties around the time of pregnancy, childbirth and beyond. We hope it will help you emotionally prepare and find support, if needed, at this time.

ForMed films would like to especially thank the women and men who agreed to be interviewed, to tell their stories and share their experiences to help others. These eight hours of interviews have formed the six minute film.

The film and a number of translations and versions are available to download or embed for free from www.perinatalpositivity.org

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Psychological support for families

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You're not alone, find out what emotional and practical support is available to you here.

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Screening for retinopathy of prematurity - information for parents and carers

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You have been given this leaflet because your baby was born at less than 31 weeks of pregnancy (very premature birth) or had a birthweight under 1501 grams and is at risk of developing ROP. It will give you more information about ROP, clarify what happens during screening and how you can support your baby and explain what happens after screening.

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The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) offices at Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone hospitals will resume face to face services on 4 July 2022.

The offices will be open to visitors from 10.00am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public and bank holidays). No appointment is necessary, but if the team are already dealing with an enquirer when you arrive, you may be asked to wait.

Patients and relatives are still welcome to contact us by telephone on: 01892 632953 or 01622 224960. If there is no-one available to answer your call, please leave a message on our voicemail facility and we will contact you as soon as possible. Alternatively you can email us on mtw-tr.palsoffice@nhs.net.

If it matters to you, it matters to us...

The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) offers support, information and assistance to patients, relatives and visitors. PALS can:

help answer any questions you may have about Trust services

provide information on Trust services

record and pass on your comments and compliments

help resolve any concerns you have about the services provided at our hospitals

signpost you to our formal complaints process

help you access leaflets in other formats (e.g. Braille, large print, easy read, other languages)

You can also read our Patient Information Leaflet on PALS.

Unfortunately, PALS cannot give out clinical advice (including test results). If you need clinical advice, we would encourage you to contact your GP or NHS 111 in the first instance.

We have offices located at Maidstone Hospital and Tunbridge Wells Hospital, Pembury. Staff in either hospital can help you, regardless of which hospital you are calling about.

Maidstone Hospital

Tunbridge Wells Hospital

You can also write to us at: PALS Team Leader Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, Maidstone Hospital, Hermitage Lane, Kent, ME16 9QQ

Patient transport complaints

From 1 July 2016, the patient transport service for patients attending Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Hospital has been provided by G4S. We hope that they provide you with a high standard of service, but if you have any concerns or complaints about their service, please contact them directly at: Telephone: 0800 096 0211 email: km.pts1@nhs.net, or, by post, Kent and Medway PTS Contract, Swift House, 18 Hoffmanns Way, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1GU. Feedback can also be given online at www.km-pts.co.uk

Frequently asked questions

Your common questions answered:

How can I obtain a copy of my / my relative's hospital notes (health records)?

Can my appointment be brought forwards?

Can my admission date be brought forwards?

My last admission to hospital was cancelled. Can you guarantee it won't happen again?

Some items of property went missing during my recent admission. Will you reimburse me?

I'm a Blue Badge holder. Why am I being charged for parking?

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Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALS) - Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

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The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) offices at Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone hospitals will resume face to face services on 4 July 2022. The offices will be open to visitors from 10.00am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public and bank holidays).

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Postnatal depression is a type of depression that many parents experience after having a baby.
It's a common problem, affecting more than 1 in every 10 women within a year of giving birth. It can also affect fathers and partners.

It's important to get help as soon as possible if you think you might be depressed, as your symptoms could last for months or get worse and have a significant impact on you, your baby and your family.

With the right support most people make a full recovery.

Depression during pregnancy

Depression in pregnancy (antenatal depression) is also common, affecting more than 1 in 10 women.

Other mental health symptoms that can occur during or after your pregnancy include anxiety, panic attacks and psychosis.
Read more about mental health in pregnancy

Symptoms of postnatal depression

Many women feel a bit down, tearful or anxious in the first week after giving birth.

This is often called the " baby blues" and is so common that it's considered normal.

The "baby blues" do not last for more than 2 weeks after giving birth.

If your symptoms last longer or start later, you could have postnatal depression.

Postnatal depression can start any time in the first year after giving birth.

Signs that you or someone you know might be depressed include:

a persistent feeling of sadness and low mood

lack of enjoyment and loss of interest in the wider world

lack of energy and feeling tired all the time

trouble sleeping at night and feeling sleepy during the day

finding it difficult to look after yourself and your baby

withdrawing from contact with other people

problems concentrating and making decisions

frightening thoughts - for example, about hurting your baby

Many women do not realise they have postnatal depression because it can develop gradually.

Speak to a GP, midwife or health visitor as soon as possible if:

you think you may be depressed

Many midwives and health visitors have been trained to recognise postnatal depression and have techniques that can help.

Remember that:

a range of help and support is available, including talking therapy

depression is an illness like any other

it's not your fault you're depressed - it can happen to anyone

being depressed does not mean you're a bad parent

it does not mean you're going mad

your baby will not be taken away from you - babies are only taken into care in very exceptional circumstances

Treatments for postnatal depression

Postnatal depression can be lonely, distressing and frightening, but support and effective treatments are available.

These include:

self-help - things you can try yourself include talking to your family and friends about your feelings and what they can do to help, making time for yourself to do things you enjoy, resting whenever you get the chance, getting as much sleep as you can at night, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet

talking therapy - a GP may be able to recommend a self-help course or may refer you for a course of therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

antidepressants - these may be recommended if your depression is more severe or other treatments have not helped; your doctor can prescribe a medicine that's safe to take while breastfeeding

Local and national organisations, such as the Association for Post Natal Illness (APNI) and Pre and Postnatal Depression Advice and Support (PANDAS), can also be useful sources of help and advice.

Causes of postnatal depression

The cause of postnatal depression is not completely clear.

There are a number of things that may make you more likely to have postnatal depression. These include:

a history of mental health problems, particularly depression, earlier in life

a history of mental health problems during pregnancy

having no close family or friends to support you

a difficult relationship with your partner

recent stressful life events, such as a bereavement

physical or psychological trauma, such as domestic violence

Even if you do not have any of these, having a baby is a life-changing event that can sometimes trigger depression.

It often takes time to adapt to becoming a new parent. Looking after a baby can be stressful and exhausting.

Preventing postnatal depression

There are things you can do during pregnancy to help you keep well, such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle and having someone you can talk to and turn to for support.

Going to antenatal classes and making friends with other pregnant women or new parents can also be helpful.

If you are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant, talk to a GP or your mental health team if:

you have a history of depression or mental health problems

someone in your family has had mental health problems after childbirth (for example, your mother or sister)

This is so they can offer you appropriate treatment.

You can also talk to a midwife, who can support you or refer you to specialist mental health services if needed. If you have had a mental health problem while pregnant, your doctor should arrange for you to be seen regularly in the first few weeks after birth.

The mental health team, maternity team and GP will work closely with you during your pregnancy and after you have given birth.

Myths about postnatal depression

Postnatal depression is often misunderstood and there are many myths surrounding it.

These include:

postnatal depression is less severe than other types of depression - in fact, it's as serious as other types of depression

postnatal depression is entirely caused by hormonal changes - it's actually caused by many different factors

postnatal depression will soon pass - unlike the "baby blues", postnatal depression can persist for months if left untreated and in a minority of cases it can become a long-term problem

postnatal depression only affects women - research has actually found that up to 1 in 10 new fathers become depressed after having a baby

These factors are equally true of antenatal depression.

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Postnatal depression is a type of depression that many parents experience after having a baby. It's a common problem. Depression in pregnancy (antenatal depression) is also common.

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St George's Hospital

Address:
Blackshaw Road
Tooting
London SW17 0QT

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St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

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On this page:

At St George's we provide specialist care for the smallest and sickest babies, including those that are born prematurely and those that require surgery. We are the regional centre for the South West London Neonatal Network. Our network has 5 hospitals providing maternity and newborn services. St George's has a large specialist fetal medicine unit, and many women with complex pregnancies are referred to us for expert care. We provide the majority of intensive care for newborn babies in south west London as well as providing some specialist services for neighbouring networks, covering a large geographical area extending down to the south coast. Once babies no longer require specialist care at St George's, we move them to a neonatal unit at one of our network hospitals so that families can be closer to home, and to allow us to take new babies that require our specialist services.

What we offer:

An integrated neonatal unit where babies receive specialist medical and surgical intensive care.

43 cots (12 intensive care, 13 high dependency care, and 18 special care).

4 parent bedrooms where parents can stay on the unit - these are allocated depending on need, and are also used for parents to stay with their baby for 1 or 2 nights before going home.

Facilities in the hospital grounds where parents who live far away can stay (Ronald McDonald House).

Specialist multi-professional paediatric surgical services - including general surgery, ENT, neurosurgery, urology, and a specialist spina bifida service.

Highly trained nurses, including a surgical nurse specialist and a team of Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioners. We have one of the lowest rates of agency staff use in London.

Paediatric infectious diseases service - we are one of 3 centres in the UK designated to look after children with HIV.

Close links with the Royal Brompton Hospital for the management of babies with heart problems, including weekly visits from a fetal cardiologist.

Weekly eye-checks for babies at risk of retinopathy of prematurity by doctors from Moorfields Eye Hospital, and facilities for laser therapy.

Weekly neonatal follow-up clinic.

Specialist neonatal developmental clinic for babies born before 30 weeks gestation.

Community neonatal nursing team to support babies in the community discharged to Wandsworth from our unit.

Antenatal (before birth) counselling of prospective parents by appropriate healthcare professionals if problems are expected; this may include neonatologist, cardiologist, geneticist or surgeon alongside our fetal medicine colleagues.

monthly neonatal respiratory clinic for infants with chronic lung disease and congenital lung lesions

Specialist neonatal developmental clinic for babies born before 30 weeks gestation.

Community neonatal nursing team to support babies in the community discharged to Wandsworth.

Our clinics are designed to allow follow-up of babies discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit, and we are unable to accommodate direct referrals to outpatients.

Quality Measures

The survival rates for babies in the SW London Network are better than national averages.

The most recent national parent survey (Picker Institute, 2010) was favourable, and highlighted good communication with families and excellent communication and practice relating to infection control.

We have weekly team meetings where key people involved with the care of babies on the neonatal unit meet. These include fetal medicine, surgical, perinatal, X-ray, and microbiology/infectious diseases meetings.

Grand Round - our consultant neonatologists do a joint weekly ward round to ensure that care is consistent and quality is maintained.

We regularly audit the quality of our care locally, and have 100% participation in the National Neonatal Audits to ensure quality standards are maintained.

We monitor and comply with relevant national standards.

We are on the same site as St George's University, and have close links allowing us to provide excellent teaching and training of students and staff.

We have a specialist Breastfeeding Advisor and Discharge coordinator

An active program of simulation training involving nurses, midwives and doctors from different teams to help prepare staff for emergencies and unexpected events.

Support services for families, including a trained counsellor, and a family-centred care co-ordinator funded by First Touch.

Every year we produce a Unit Report (including mortality and morbidity figures for the unit) and a Governance Report.

Key staff
Consultant neonatologists

Dr Laura DeRooy

Dr Nigel Kennea

Dr Justin Richards

Dr Charlotte Huddy

Dr Nasreen Aziz

Dr Sijo Francis (Care Group Lead)

Dr Donovan Duffy

Dr Anay Kulkarni

Dr Sandeep Shetty

Dr Amy Reid

Head of nursing Matrons

Laura James/Mariella Tonzanu
Neonatal community nursing team Family centered care coordinator Discharge planning coordinator Neonatal counsellor
Referrals

Please note that we do not take direct referrals from GPs to our neonatal clinics, which are designed for following up patients discharged from the neonatal unit.

Contact Details

Reception
020 8725 1936

Secretaries
Sandra McLennon
020 8725 3528

Neonatal sisters office
020 8725 1934

Family Care Coordinator
020 8725 6045

Neonatal Counsellor
020 8725 0033

Key links

Related pages

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Newborn services - neonatal unit - St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

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At St George's we provide specialist care for the smallest and sickest babies, including those that are born prematurely and those that require surgery. We are the regional centre for the South West London Neonatal Network. Our network has 5 hospitals providing maternity and newborn services. St George's has a ...

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The team photo board can be found on the unit, on the right hand side once you pass the family room.
The NNU is supported by a neonatal matron, ward manager, parent support sister, neonatal nurses and nursery nurses, neonatal and specialist doctors, allied health professionals ward clerks, domestics.

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Secure video messaging service that allows the nursing team to send photos and short videos during he times you are unable to be on the unit

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NHS South East Clinical Delivery and Networks

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Being the parent of a premature baby; interview for the #ReadyforParenthood campaign

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How to find St Thomas's Neonatal unit and local information

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Coronavirus (COVID-19)- updated information for visitors

We have some visiting restrictions at this time.

Parents and siblings can be present on the unit at any time. Parents can nominate four other people (family or friend) to visit the neonatal unit with them. Ask the ward clerk or nursing team for a visiting form. Family and friends must visit with a parent, weekdays between 3pm-6.30pm and at weekends 12.30pm-6.30pm. Only 2 people can be at the bedside at anytime and one must be a parent. This will help us to minimise the number of people in the hospital and reduce the risk of spreading infection to keep you and your family safe.

There may be exceptional circumstances to this, which we will discuss with you on an individual basis. Speak to the team or refer to the admission pack for more information about visiting.

Read our latest information on coronavirus.

Location

Sixth floor, North Wing, St Thomas' Hospital.

Directions: turn right at St Thomas' main reception, walk past the toilets and shop and turn left into the North Wing lift A lobby. Take any lift up to the sixth floor.

Family Integrated Care

On the NNU, we believe that parents and staff are equal partners in the care of your baby. We will encourage you to be involved with caring for your baby as quickly as you feel able to after their birth. On our unit we follow a model of care called Family Integrated Care (FICare).

We will help to guide and support you to carry out parenting roles (like changing, cleaning, feeding and holding your baby), as soon as you are ready. Tasks that are more medical remain the responsibility of the doctors, nurses and allied health professionals. We see you as equal, essential members of the team looking after your baby, and pride ourselves on working together to get your baby home as soon as possible. We will support you to feel connected with your baby.

Facilities for parents

After birth, new mothers are cared for on the postnatal ward located opposite the Neonatal Unit.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide accommodation on the unit itself. For information about places to stay, see accommodation.

There is a parents' room on the unit where you can take a break to make something to eat or drink. This room is not for visitors and if you bring your children with you, you must supervise them at all times.

There are lockers for you to store your belongings when you come to spend time with your baby. Please hang outside coats in the designated coat hook area and bring only small essential items to the bedside.

Your nurse

At the start of each shift, your baby's care will be allocated to a nurse who will work with you to care for your baby that shift. Your bedside nurse is the best person to ask if you need help, but please don't hesitate to ask another member of staff for assistance.

Your doctor

The doctors involved in your baby's care do a ward round every morning. This is a good time to ask questions and share in decision making about your baby's care.

Psychology service

Having your baby admitted to the neonatal unit may not have been something you expected. Our psychology team are here to support you. Ask the team for a referral or for more information.

Neonatal Network

If your baby has been transferred to our unit from another hospital, or you do not live locally to St Thomas' Hospital, we will assess him/her on a daily basis. When well enough, your baby will be transferred back to your local hospital. More information can be found on the London ODN website.

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The Neonatal Unit is based at St Thomas' Hospital. It provides specialist care for premature and sick babies and includes an intensive care unit (NICU), high dependency unit (HDU) and a special care baby unit (SCBU).

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Use this link to sign up for your vCreate account

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Nestled in the heart of Chelsea and a stone's throw away from London's infamous King's Road, Royal Brompton Hospital is at the forefront of advancing heart and lung care.

Founded in the 1840s, initially to treat people suffering from tuberculosis, our hospital has a long-standing history of treating adults and children with heart and lung conditions.

We established Europe's first adult cystic fibrosis clinic in 1964 and our hospital has grown into the largest treatment centre for the condition in Europe.

Also, our adult congenital heart disease unit was the first of its kind in Europe and remains the largest.

Services and facilities

Our services and facilities include:

Sir Reginald Wilson Ward - our private inpatients ward with 28 spacious single-occupancy, en-suite rooms

five operating theatres, a hybrid theatre, four catheter laboratories and over 2,200 staff

a full range of imaging services, including ultrasound, echocardiography, nuclear medicine, CT, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), and fluoroscopy

non-invasive cardiology monitoring and lung function

dedicated high-dependency units and intensive therapy units staffed by our expert medical team 24 -hours a day.

A brand-new imaging centre opened in January 2022 providing the very latest in imaging technology. This includes some of the most advanced MRI scanners, CT, ultrasound, echocardiography, interventional radiology and bronchoscopy all in one building.

This helps to reduce scanning times and improve the overall patient experience.

Directions and opening times

Opening times

Our Royal Brompton Private Consulting Rooms, located at the Old Fire Station building on South Parade, is open from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday.

Getting here

The private facilities at Royal Brompton Hospital are based across three buildings:

Our Sydney and Chelsea wings are located within the same site, accessible via the main reception on Sydney Street, SW3 6NP.

For Royal Brompton Private Consulting Rooms, go to the Old Fire Station building on South Parade, Chelsea. We are located on the ground floor - look for signage that says, 'Private consulting rooms'.

For private inpatients, ask at the main reception in Sydney Wing to be directed to the private inpatients' reception.

Travelling by public transport

To see bus and train times, you can check Citymapper, or Transport for London's Journey Planner.

London Underground

The nearest tube station is South Kensington (0.4 miles away) which is on the Circle, District and Piccadilly lines.

From there, the hospital is a 10 minutes' walk away. Alternatively, you can take bus number 49 from stop D and get off two stops later at 'Cale Street/Royal Brompton Hospital'.

Walking from South Kensington

Go up the stairs and turn left out of the tube station.

Cross the road towards Pret a Manger and turn left onto Old Brompton Road.

Walk down the road, then turn right onto Fulham Road.

Cross the road and turn left into Sydney Street.

Continue down the street until you see the hospital on your right, opposite St Luke's Church.

Walking from South Kensington to Royal Brompton Private Consulting Rooms

Go up the stairs and turn right out of the tube station.

Cross the road towards Pret a Manger and turn left onto Old Brompton Road.

Walk down the road, then turn right onto Fulham Road.

Cross the road and turn left into Dovehouse Street.

Cross over the road and continue until the road bends to your right.

Follow the road to the right onto South Parade. Continue down the street until you see the Royal Brompton Private Consulting Rooms on your right-hand side.

Bus

Several bus routes serve the hospital:

Bus numbers 14, 211, 345 and 414 stop outside the Fulham Wing on Fulham Road.

Bus numbers 49 and 211 stop on Sydney Street for our main reception.

Bus numbers 11, 19, 22, 211, 49 and 319 serve the King's Road.

Transport for London has a PDF bus route map for the area, which can be found here.

Travelling by car

Check your route using a route planner such as Google Maps. For Sat Navs, our postcode is: SW3 6NP.

Parking for patients and visitors

There is no patient or public parking at Royal Brompton Hospital other than a very limited pickup and drop off area at Sydney Street. There is metered, on-street parking, but in central London, street parking is very limited and not guaranteed. This is worth noting if you have an appointment.

There is a small public car park a few minutes' walk away on Sydney Street, near King's Road and managed by CP Plus Parking:

Sydney Street Car Park
125 Sydney St
Chelsea, London
SW3 6NR

For visitors seeing inpatients, it's easier to park your car at the weekend. Nearby roads are pay-and-display on Saturdays and free on Sundays.

Reserved parking for outpatients

We have five car parking spaces near the hospital, in Dudmaston Mews, available to reserve free of charge. Reservations can be made in the two weeks before your outpatient appointment and are subject to availability.

Please do not use these spaces unless you have a reservation. To book, call +44 (0)20 7351 8012 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Subject to availability, these five car parking spaces in Dudmaston Mews can be used by visitors after 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Parking for disabled badge holders

A small number of disabled parking spaces, owned by the council, are available near the hospital in:

Remember to always display your disabled badge. Please check on-street signage to see the maximum stay.

Congestion Charge and ULEZ zones

Royal Brompton Hospital is situated inside London's Congestion Charge/ULEZ zone. Please check the TFL website for further details on charges and times they apply, including exemptions from charges.

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Royal Brompton Hospital | RB&HH Specialist Care

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Nestled in the heart of Chelsea and a stone's throw away from London's infamous King's Road, Royal Brompton Hospital is at the forefront of advancing heart and lung care.

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Trust Charity - How to get involved and what they do

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ICON - Babies cry you can cope - Advice and Support | ICON

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ICON - Advice and support for parents when babies are crying

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Babies cry, you can cope When babies cry it can be stressful and overwhelming. Help is out there and all you need to do is ask. Latest news Testimonials

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This page contains a guide to help you understand some of the common words and terms you might hear while on a neonatal unit.

When you are new to the neonatal unit, it can feel like you hear many new words. You might hear medical words, or shortened or abbreviated words which you have not heard before. This can feel confusing and overwhelming at a difficult time.

You have the right to understand the care your baby is getting and how they are doing. The neonatal team will work to make sure they explain things in a way that you understand.

If you are ever unsure about your baby's care, or you do not know what some words mean, let the staff know. They will be happy to explain things in a different way for you, and explain anything you are unsure about.

To find the term you are interested in, scroll through the alphabetical list below.

A

Acidosis (pronounced ass-sid-oh-sis) A high level of natural acid in the blood. This can be because the lungs are not working well, or because not enough oxygen is reaching parts of the body. It can be a combination of both. Sometimes, the body produces too much acid, or the kidneys do not remove the acids from the blood. This is called metabolic acidosis.

Anaemia (pronounced anne-eem-me-ah) Too little haemoglobin in the blood (see 'Haemoglobin').

Apgar score A simple way of checking a baby's health immediately after birth, by scoring 'points' for heart rate, breathing, skin colour, tone and the baby's reactions.

Apnoea (pronounced app-knee-ah) A pause in breathing for 20 seconds or longer.

Apnoea of prematurity Premature babies may have an apnoea because of being the part of the brain that controls breathing is not developed yet. Often the baby starts breathing on their own, but might need to be gently helped by moving them slightly. Caffeine is often given to help with this. Apnoeas in premature babies might happen more than once. Most babies will grow out of apnoea of prematurity by the time they are around 36 weeks.

Apnoea alarms or monitors A monitor that checks that a baby is breathing regularly. These set off an alarm if the baby pauses for 20 seconds or longer between breaths.

Asphyxia (pronounced ass-fix-ee-ya) A condition where there is too little oxygen and too little blood flow in the body. This can cause injury to the brain and other organs in the body. The most common time for asphyxia to happen is during labour (whilst the baby is being born) or at birth.

Aspirate (pronounced ass-pi-rate) This word is used in different ways in the neonatal unit:

1. Doctors and nurses might talk about 'checking the aspirate' before putting a milk feed down a nasogastric or orogastric tube. This means that a syringe is attached to the end of the feeding tube to get a small amount of the baby's stomach contents. It will be tested by using a pH paper or stick to make sure that the tube is in the stomach and it is safe for feeding. This aspirate will be checked regularly.

2. You might hear the word 'aspirate' used when something other than air (eg. meconium) is inhaled into a baby's lungs before the baby has been fully born. This is called meconium aspiration, which can be a serious, although rare, condition (see 'Meconium' and 'Meconium aspiration' for further information).

3. Milk aspiration is when the baby inhales small amounts of milk when feeding. This can happen if they are premature and have not yet developed some skills needed for feeding.

Audiology (hearing) tests There are two ways of assessing a baby's hearing. Both involve placing earphones over the baby's ears to deliver a series of clicks. The baby's responses to the clicks are then analysed.

B

Bagging Putting a mask connected to a squeezable bag or pressure device over the baby's nose and mouth to help breathing.

Bilirubin (pronounced billy-roo-bin) A yellow part in the blood that gives a yellow colouring to the skin. High levels can be dangerous, and cause jaundice.

Blood cultures If doctors think that a baby may have an infection, a small blood sample is taken and added to and sent to the laboratory for testing. Results are available after 48 hours. When it is known what bacteria are in the baby's body, the team can check that the baby is on the right antibiotics to kill that bacteria.

Blood gases This is a test done in a laboratory to find out the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide gases and acids in the blood. Medical staff do this to work out how well the lungs and circulation are functioning, and to make sure any breathing help they are getting is working well. The number of gases that need to be checked will depend on the problems the baby is having. Some blood gas tests also measure the amount of salt (often called sodium) in a baby's blood.

Blood pressure This is the pressure generated in the body's arteries by the pumping of the heart. It is often monitored in babies who are unwell. They can do this using a cuff on the baby's leg or arm, or a line in their vein. If the blood pressure is too low, the baby may be treated with medicine.

Blood transfusion This is when extra blood is given from a donor. A blood transfusion might be needed to treat severe anaemia (a serious lack of red blood cells), low blood pressure, or during or after an operation.

Bradycardia (brad-ee-card-ee-ah) This is when the heart rate slows down for a period of time. This is common in premature babies. It is usually part of apnoea of prematurity (see above). The baby usual recovers on their own. Sometimes, the staff might need to stimulate the baby to make them respond. Bradycardia usually stops after about 36 weeks' gestation.

Breast pump Piece of equipment used forexpressing breast milk. They can be manual (done by hand) or electric.

Broncho Pulmonary Dysplasia (pronounced bron-co pul-mon-air-ree dis-play-zee-a) See 'Chronic lung disease'.

C

Candida (pronounced can-di-dah) A yeast infection (where fungus grows) of the skin, mouth, gut, groin or inside parts of the genitals).

Cannula (pronounced can-you-la) A very small, short, soft plastic tube that is put into a baby's vein to give fluids or medicines straight into the bloodstream without having to keep using needles. Veins in the arms and legs are usually used, although sometimes the veins in the baby's scalp have to be used. A cannula can last for several days but can also need to be changed every few hours.

Cannulae (pronounced can-you-lee)

Soft plastic prongs which go into the nose to send oxygen into the lungs.

Centile charts (pronounced sen-tile) Graphs showing the normal ranges of body measurements at different ages, like weight and the size of the baby's head.

Cerebrospinal fluid (sometimes called CSF, and pronounced se-ree-bro-spy-nal) Fluid made within the parts of the brain which flow down and around the spinal cord. If anything gets in the way of this flow, fluid can't be removed and the pressure rises. This can cause the parts of the brain to get bigger, which can lead to a condition called hydrocephalus.

Cerebral Function Monitor (sometimes called CFM)

A machine that looks at the background electrical activity in the brain. It can tell if a baby might have a fit. This is often used for babies born at term (near their due date) who might have asphyxia (see above) and are being treated on a cooling mattress.

Chest drain A tube passed through the chest wall into the space between the lungs and the outside of the chest to drain off air or fluid leaking from the lung.

Chronic lung disease (CLD) A condition of the lung that may happen because the baby has been on a ventilator for a long time. With CLD, the baby needs more oxygen and may find breathing difficult. This can take some time to improve. CLD is also known as broncho pulmonary dysplasia (BPD, see above).

Chronological age (pronounced cron-a-lodge-ick-al) A baby's age from their date of birth.

Cooling mattress A cooling mattress is used to treat hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE, see below). The mattress cools the baby to prevent damage to the brain.

Corrected age The age a premature baby would be if they had been born on their due date.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) A type of treatment used to help a baby's breathing and helping them have fewer moments of apnoea. Using a CPAP machine, the lungs are expanded by applying a small amount of pressure (oxygen or air) through small prongs just inside the nose or by a small mask over the nose. In some cases a premature baby may be on and off CPAP for several weeks.

CT scanner This is a special type of X-ray machine that is more detailed than a normal X-ray. In babies, it is usually used to look in detail at parts of the brain or sometimes the chest.

Cyanosis (pronounced sigh-an-oh-sis) When there is not enough oxygen in the blood. It can make the skin, lips, the tongue and nails appear a blue, dusky colour.

D

Developmental care This is about making the baby's surroundings as free of stress as possible to help improve how your baby develops over time. This is done in several ways, by:

Reducing the amount of light and noise that the baby is exposed to. The staff might cover the incubator with a sheet or specially-made cover

Creating a 'nest' to nurse a baby, which makes them feel more comfortable and secure

Changing how your baby is disturbed

Massaging your baby

Involving babies in caring for their baby on the unit - for example Kangaroo Care.

Dysmorphic When the doctors and nurses see some features in a baby that are unusual. In many cases, the features turn out to be normal and cause no concern. If there is a problem, a number of tests will be carried out and, if necessary, other specialists may be asked to look at your baby and give an opinion.

Drip When fluids or blood are passed into a vein or artery using a needle or plastic tube. The word drip is sometimes used instead of Cannula.

E

Electrocardiogram (sometimes called ECG, and pronounced ee-leck-tro-car-dee-oh-gram) A test to look at the heart's electrical activity.

Electroencephalogram (sometimes called EEG and pronounced ee-leck-tro-en-seph-la-gram) A test to look at the brain's electrical activity. This is often done in a different unit of the hospital.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (sometimes called ECMO, and pronounced ex-tra-corp-or-ree-al mem-brain ox-i-gin-a-shon) This machine puts oxygen into the blood when a baby born at term is not able to do this using their heart and lungs. It might be used in very sick babies when treatment with a ventilator has not worked. As this is a special machine, babies might need to be moved to another hospital for this treatment.

Electrolytes (pronounced E-leck-tro-lites) Salts in the body (which can be measured in blood tests) that are essential for the body to work.

Endotracheal tube (sometimes called an ET tube, and pronounced en-doe-track-eel) Soft plastic tube put through the mouth or nose into the windpipe (trachea), which is attached to a ventilator to help breathing. It is often called a tracheal or ET tube.

Exchange transfusion Replacing a baby's blood with blood from an adult donor. This is done if a baby's jaundice level (see below) is very high and they are not getting better with treatment.

Expressed breast milk (EBM) Expressing breast milk means to use a pump, hands or both to get milk from the mum's breasts. The milk can be stored in a fridge or freezer or given directly to the baby.

Extremely low birthweight A baby born weighing less than 1000g.

Extubate (pronounced ex-tube-ate) Removing the endotracheal tube (see above) from the windpipe.

F

Fontanelle (pronounced fon-tan-el) Soft spots on a baby's head that disappear by 18 months, as the skull bones grow and join together.

Family-centred care This means involving families in the care of their baby on the unit. Find out moreinformation about family-centred care.

Family-integrated care This is a care model, which is an extension of the principles of family-centred care. This model can be used by neonatal units.

G

Gases and Gas monitor See 'Blood gases'.

Gestational age (pronounced jest-a-shon-al) The number of weeks the baby has been in the womb is known as the gestation. Being born at term means being born after 37 full weeks in the womb but before 42 weeks. If a baby is born before 37 weeks gestation, they are considered to be premature (sometimes called preterm by medical staff).

Glucose monitor This is a machine that can measure the amount of glucose (sugars) in the blood.

Grunting A noise made by a baby with breathing difficulty.

H

Haemoglobin (pronounced hee-ma-glow-bin) Carries oxygen around the body. It is found in the red blood cells.

Head circumference (pronounced sir-come-for-ence) Measurement of the biggest distance around the baby's head.

Heat shield Clear plastic shell placed over the baby to prevent heat loss.

Heated, humidified high-flow nasal cannula (HHHFNC, or high-flow) Where warm, moist air flows into your baby's lungs through small tubes in their nose.

High dependency unit (HDU) Another way to describe the level of care babies get in a local neonatal unit. Babies who need a higher level of medical and nursing support than provided in a special care baby unit (SCBU) are cared for here.

High frequency oscillatory ventilation A type of ventilator. With most ventilators, you can see the baby's chest rise and fall at the breathing speed that has been set, which looks like regular breathing. Oscillators use very fast speeds, so the baby's chest appears to vibrate. This may look alarming, but this type of ventilation works extremely well for some of the lung conditions that babies may have.

Humidity To prevent premature babies losing too much water through their skin, they are often looked after in warm, humidified incubators. This is why there is sometimes mist on incubators. Humidity (water) is also added to the gases the baby breathes through the ventilator, CPAP or high-flow machines (see above).

Hyaline membrane disease (HMD) A breathing problem in which the lungs are stiff and collapse instead of staying filled with air. This is also known as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).

Hydrocephalus (pronounced high-dro-keff-al-uss) When too much fluid is present inside the parts of the brain. The increased pressure in the brain might cause the head size to increase very quickly.

Hypocalcaemia (pronounced high-po-cal-sea-me-a) A low blood calcium level.

Hypoglycaemia (pronounced high-po-gly-sea-me-a) A low blood glucose level.

Hypothermia (pronounced high-po-ther-me-a) A body temperature of below 35.5°C (95°F).

Hypoxia (pronounced high-pox-ee-a) A low amount of oxygen in the body tissues.

I

Incubator A heated bed covered by a clear plastic box that allows the baby to be kept warm without clothes so that they can be monitored very closely. Humidity and extra oxygen can be run into the incubator if needed. The levels of oxygen can be very closely controlled and monitored.

Incubator cover A special cover that is made to fit over an incubator to shield the baby from light and noise.

Infusion pump Like a syringe, and provides fluids, medicine or nutrients directly into the blood or gut. These can be given over a set period of time.

Inotrope A medicine used to support blood pressure

Intra-ventricular haemorrhage (sometimes called IVH, and pronounced in-tra-ven-trick-you-la hem-or-ridge) This is a common in premature babies where there is bleeding into the fluid chambers (ventricles) of the brain. IVHs are graded 1-4, according to their size, and are found on an ultrasound scan. Grade 1 bleeds are quite common in premature babies and tend to have no long-term consequences. Grade 4 bleeds (the biggest) means that there is bleeding into the brain tissue and may mean the baby has difficulties as they develop and grow.

Intravenous (IV) lines Fine tubes (cannula) that are sometimes put into a blood vessel - usually in a hand, foot, arm or leg - in order to give fluid or medicine directly into the blood.

Intravenous (IV) nutrition A way of supplying all the most important nutrients directly into the blood through an IV line (see above).

J

Jaundice (pronounced jawn-dis) A yellowness of the skin and/or whites of the eyes caused by a high level of bilirubin (see above) in the blood. It is very common in babies, and is caused by the normal breakdown of the baby's red blood cells. However, high levels can be dangerous and phototherapy (shining blue light onto the baby's skin) may be needed to prevent high levels.

Jejunal feeding (pronounced ju-jew-nal) Putting milk, using a special soft tube through the nostrils, into the jejunum (part of the small intestine). This is not as common as other types of tube feeding.

L

Long line This is a longer cannula that is put into a vein in the arm, leg or head, with the end of the line lying close to the heart. It is also sometimes called a central line. These lines are used to give the baby IV nutrition directly into a vein when the starting of milk feeds has to be delayed. They can also be used for medication.

Low birth weight (LBW) There are three categories of low birth weight:

Low birth weight (LBW) - a weight at birth of less than 2500g

Very low birth weight (VLBW) - a weight at birth of less than 1500g

Extremely low birth weight (ELBW) - a weight at birth of less than 1000g

Low flow oxygen A way of giving small amounts of oxygen to babies

Lumbar puncture (LP) or Lumbar tap Meningitis is a very bad infection around the outside layers (called membranes) of their brain and spinal cord. If doctors are worried your baby might be getting this condition, they will take action quickly, as it can become serious. The doctor or nurse practitioner will put a small needle into one of the spaces low down in your baby's back, take some of the fluid and send it for testing. The team will offer your baby things like expressed breast milk to help ease any pain.

M

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans Scans that can give a very useful computer-generated picture of the organs inside a baby without harming them. If your baby has an MRI scan, they will be placed in a special incubator that keeps them safe and warm while inside the scanner. MRI images are very useful for checking for any brain damage, and can help see how a brain is maturing. In most hospitals, the MRI unit will be in a different part of the hospital, so the baby will need to be well enough to travel there.

Meconium (pronounced mew-co-knee-um) A dark greenish sticky solid that builds up in the baby's digestive system before they are born. It usually starts being passed as bowel movements within 24 hours after birth.

Meconium aspiration (pronounced mew-co-knee-um ass-pir-ray-shon) A baby who becomes distressed during labour and before they are born may pass meconium while they are still in the womb. If the baby then breathes the fluid which is surrounding them in, the sticky material can block part of the airways. This can cause inflammation in the lung, and mean the baby finds it hard to breathe soon after they are born.

Morphine (pronounced more-feen) A drug used to reduce the discomfort and stress that babies might experience from some of the treatments they need. It can reduce their own breathing, and so the drug is usually reduced or stopped when a baby is taken off a ventilator. If a baby has needed it for quite a long time, they might become jittery when it is stopped, due to not having the drug in their system anymore.

N

Nasal cannula (pronounced nase-al can-you-la) Small tube put into the nostrils to give a baby oxygen.

Nasogastric feeds (sometimes called NG feeds, and pronounced nase-oh-gas-trick) Nutrition fed using a fine, soft tube passed through the nose into the stomach.

Nasogastric tube (sometimes called an NG tube) A long, thin, soft plastic tube that is passed through a baby's nose into their stomach. This tube is used to give milk to a baby until they are strong enough to take milk from the breast or a bottle.

Neonate The first four weeks of a baby's life (up to 28 days).

Necrotising enterocolitis (sometimes called NEC, and pronounced neck-crot-tize-ing ent-er-co-light-is) A serious condition, where tissue in the bowel (small and large intestines) becomes inflamed. NEC can make a baby temporarily unable to take milk, and at its worst it can cause parts of the bowel to become so damaged that tissue within it dies. NEC can affect just a small part of the bowel, or sometimes the whole bowel can be affected. It is common

NICU This stands for the neonatal intensive care unit.

Nitric oxide This is normally made in the body to relax blood vessels. It means blood can flow to all parts of the body. When the blood vessels to the lungs stay narrow, nitric oxide is sometimes given in the air and oxygen given to a baby to cause them to relax and allow blood flow to the lungs.

NNU This stands for the neonatal unit.

O

Oedema (pronounced oh-deem-a) Swelling caused by too much fluid in the tissues under the skin.

Open cots When a baby can keep their own body temperature stable, they can be transferred from an incubator into a cot without a roof.

Orogastric tube A fine tube passed through the mouth and into the stomach. It is used to give milk to the baby. Sometimes this is done instead of passing the tube through the nose (see Nasogastric tube above)

Oxygen saturation This is measured by placing a special probe on the hand or foot of the baby. This can measure the amount of oxygen flowing through the baby's blood vessels. If the oxygen level drops, the alarm will alert the nurse. If the baby is moving around a lot, sometimes the reading is not lower than it actually is.

P

Parenteral nutrition Nutrition given directly into the bloodstream. It is often called total parenteral nutritionor TPN. The liquid contains sugars, proteins, fats and vitamins - everything the baby needs to grow. Parenteral feeding solutions are often given through a long line.

Patent ductus arteriosus (sometimes called PDA, and pronounced pa-tent duck-tuss art-ear-ree-oh-sis) Where the small connection between the vessels supplying the lungs with blood, and the vessels supplying blood to the body, stays open. This is a very common problem for very premature babies.

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation An operation which mends a PDA (see above).

Peak Inspiratory Pressure (PIP) The pressure applied by the ventilator to inflate the lungs (breathing in).

PEEP (positive end expiratory pressure) Pressure applied during breathing out. This helps to stop the lungs from collapsing while the baby is on the ventilator (see hyaline membrane disease above).

Periodic breathing When a baby pauses breathing for up to 10 seconds.

Periventricular leukomalacia (sometimes called PVL, and pronounced perry-ven-trick-you-la luke-oh-mal-a-zee-a) This is where the brain doesn't get enough oxygen and blood flow when it is developing, and the brain cells may die and be replaced with fluid cysts. These can be seen in ultrasound scans of a baby's brain. Depending on the area affected, PVL may show possible future problems with development.

Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (sometimes called persistent fetal circulation, and pronounced pur-sis-tant pul-mon-air-ree high-per-ten-shon) Before birth, the blood vessels of the lungs are narrow. If the blood vessels do not relax after birth, lungs can't get enough blood flow. Oxygen, ventilation, and sometimes nitric oxide and drugs, are given to open the narrow vessels.

pH The acidity (low pH value) or alkalinity (raised pH value) of the blood. A value close to 7.3 is normal for a baby's arterial blood (blood which comes from the heart and to the rest of the body).

Phototherapy Using blue (not ultraviolet) light to reduce the bilirubin level in babies with jaundice (see above).

Physiotherapy Special treatment to help a baby's development in their movement and behaviour. This might include advice on positioning and stretching exercises, as well as treatments for their chest.

Platelets A part of the blood that helps with clotting. If levels are low, platelets can be given in a blood transfusion.

Pneumothorax (pronounced new-mo-thor-axe) When the lung has leaked air between the lung and chest wall (rib cage). This makes it hard for the lungs to expand and take in air. The air can be removed using a chest drain (see above).

Posset When the baby brings up a small amount of milk after feeding.

Pre-eclampsia This condition is quite common in pregnancies and can cause the baby to be born prematurely. It can be dangerous, particularly if it develops quickly. The main symptoms are headaches and swollen feet, which are linked to having high blood pressure. Bed-rest can help, but sometimes the only way to stop pre-eclampsia is to deliver the baby early.

Preterm baby A word used by health professionals to describe a premature baby, born before reaching 37 in the womb.

Pulse oximeter This measures oxygen saturation levels (see above).

R

Resuscitate The help given to babies (usually at birth but sometimes during their stay in the neonatal unit) when they need urgent help with their breathing and circulation.

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) Damage to the retina (back) area of the eye that is sensitive to light. Premature babies and those born with a very low birth weight are at a higher risk of this condition. It is linked to the amount of oxygen in the blood reaching the retina. It is most common in premature babies born before 32 week's gestation, or babies born weighing under 1500g at birth. These babies are regularly checked for retinopathy of prematurity by a specialist ophthalmologist (a doctor who is an expert in the eyes).

Respiratory syncytial virus (sometimes called RSV, and pronounced res-pir-a-tor-ree sink-ee-tal vi-russ) This virus causes cold-like symptoms, and affects a lot of babies. can make it harder to breathe if the lungs are affected. If your baby was born prematurely, gets a lot of lung infections, or was born with a congenital heart problem, they could become more poorly than other babies if they catch RSV. Very high risk babies might be given a vaccination against the virus.

S

Saturation monitor (prounounced sat-ture-a-shon) See 'Pulse oximeter'.

Scans (ultrasound) The ultrasound scan used on the neonatal unit is similar scans done on pregnant women. The most common scan is on the brain. This is done with a small probe on the fontanelle (see above). There can be lots of reasons for doing scans, but usually it will be to monitor a premature baby's brain, as they are at risk of bleeding into the brain. Other parts of the body that might need ultrasound scanning are the tummy or the heart. A scan of the heart is often called an echocardiograph, shortened to an 'echo'.

SCBU This stands for special care baby unit.

Small for gestational age (SGA) A baby whose birth weight is lower than that of 90% of babies of the same gestational age (see above).

Sleep study This is a test done on babies who have been on oxygen for a long time. It is often done a short time before the baby is due to go home. The test sees whether the baby can keep their own oxygen levels in a safe range. If the baby is to going to go home on oxygen, then the test is used to set the amount of oxygen that the baby will need. Usually the sleep study will happen over a period of 12 hours and must include a period when the baby is in quiet sleep, as this is the time that the body's oxygen levels are usually at their lowest.

Steroids Steroids (or corticosteriods) are used in several ways. They can be:

Given to mums before the baby is born, when the birth seems likely to happen early. The drug crosses the placenta and causes the baby's lungs to mature, ready for breathing.

Given in the first week or so after birth to babies getting intensive care, to improve the blood pressure in babies with very low blood pressure, where other medication is not working

Given to babies with chronic lung disease (see above), as it may be difficult for the baby to come off the breathing machine. Low doses of steroids can reduce any inflammation (swelling) in the lung.

Stridor A harsh noise made by a baby on breathing in, because of a blockage in the upper airway.

Surfactant (pronounced sir-fact-ant) A mixture of chemicals that stop the lungs from collapsing when the baby breathes out. The lungs start making this at about 24 weeks' gestation, but is not well developed before 36 weeks'. This can be the cause of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS - see above). Replacement surfactant can be given as a liquid into the lungs of the premature baby soon after birth.

Syringe driver See infusion pump above.

T

Tachycardia (pronounced tack-ee-card-ee-ya) A rapid heartbeat. Sometimes health professionals might say a baby is 'tachy' if they have a fast heart rate.

Tachypnoea (pronounced tack-ip-knee-a) Rapid breathing rate.

Temperature skin probe A small device that is put on the skin to measure the baby's temperature.

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) See 'Parenteral Nutrition' above.

Transcutaneous monitors (pronounced trans-cue-tain-ee-uss) This is a monitoring device that is put on the skin to measure the blood oxygen or carbon dioxide levels.

Transient tachypnoea of the newborn (TTN).

This affects babies born at term. In the womb, babies have their lungs full of fluid (amniotic fluid) which is very important for lung growth. When they are born, the baby takes a few deep breaths and pushes the fluid out into their circulation. If the baby does not take enough deep breaths, the lungs keep some of the fluid.

Transport incubators This is a special incubator that is used if the baby needs to be transferred to another hospital or a different part of the hospital. to another hospital or a different part of the hospital.

Trophic feeds Very small volume tube feeds that are given to prepare the gut at the start of feeding.

Tube feeding When the baby is fed through a small, fine tube that runs from the nose or mouth straight into the stomach. It is mainly used when a baby is too unwell or premature to feed by themselves.

U

Ultrasound scan See 'Scans' above.

Umbilical catheter A plastic tube put through one an umbilical artery or vein. A catheter in the artery is used to take blood samples and to measure blood pressure. A catheter in the vein is used to give fluids and drugs.

V

Ventilation is mechanical support with breathing, so that the baby will be able to have normal levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in their blood when unable to achieve them for themselves. There are several different types of ventilation.

Ventricle (cardiac) - pronounced ven-trick-al

The pumping chamber of the heart.

Ventricle (brain) Space within the brain filled with cerebrospinal fluid (see above). This is where bleeding most commonly occurs in premature babies (see intra-ventricular haemorrhage above).

Ventricular tap (pronounced ven-trick-you-la) After an intra-ventricular haemorrhage (see above) a quick build-up of cerebrospinal fluid may happen, causing the head to grow too quickly (hydrocephalus, see above). This can be temporarily treated by putting a needle through the fontanelle (see above) and taking out some of the excess cerebrospinal fluid.
Ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt (pronounced ven-trick-you-lo perry-ton-eel)
This is a tube with one end put into the ventricles in the brain, and the other into the abdominal cavity (in the tummy) to drain cerebrospinal fluid. This is used as a treatment for hydrocephalus (see above).

Very low birth weight (VLBW) A baby born that is less than 1500g.

Vital signs monitor A monitor that measures important signs like blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen saturation levels.

Vitamin K A naturally-occurring vitamin that is important for the clotting of blood. Newborn babies often don't have enough vitamin K and are given it to stop them from bleeding too much.

The information in this section is due for review November 2025

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Words you might hear on the neonatal unit | Bliss

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This page contains a guide to help you understand some of the common words and terms you might hear while on a neonatal unit.

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Making Miracles Registered Charity - Baby Trauma & Bereavement Care

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Making Miracles is a registered charity supporting families of high risk pregnancies, premature babies and baby loss. Baby Trauma & Bereavement Care.

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Columns are titled for ease of use
- click on the website link (if present) or photograph to open the link/webpage/document/video
- scroll right to see all topics
- scroll down each column to find additional links and information

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The padlet is a work in progress, designed to offer easily accessible information and support for families of premature and sick babies.

If you have suggestions for resources that can be added or spot any errors or broken links, please let us know by calling 01892 633359. Or, if your baby is currently being cared for on the unit, please pop by and speak to the unit manager, Charlotte.

Thank You

(last updated 31/01/2025 by C Taylor)

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Top tips for those early days of parenthood

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#ReadyforParenthood campaign

Congratulations on becoming a new parent

Becoming a new parent is life-changing. It can also be in varying measures exhilarating, exhausting, and extremely challenging. Our #ReadyforParenthood campaign aims to support new parents and carers.

Hear firsthand from parents who've had particular challenges in early parenthood and how they managed to overcome them:

Our campaign covers a variety of different topics related to being a parent, with information and links to useful organisations that can help you. Click on the images below for further information:

Bonding with your new baby takes time. Your baby can hear from around 24 weeks of pregnancy so you can start talking to them before they are born. When your baby is born, you can start to get to know them by having skin-to-skin contact.

Even if they have to stay in hospital you can spend time bonding with them and be part of their care until they are ready to come home.

Holding your baby, making eye contact, smiling and talking to them when you're together or out and about helps them to feel secure and connected. You may not feel an immediate bond with your baby, but taking time to get to know them will build your relationship.

If you are feeling that life as a new parent is difficult, you can talk with friends and family, your midwife, the maternal mental health team or your health visitor for support.

Breastfeeding lowers the risk of breast cancer, osteoporosis and obesity. It naturally uses up around 500 calories a day, and it saves money - formula feeding can cost as much as £45 a month.

In the first few days after birth, breasts produce a golden yellow fluid called colostrum. It's the perfect combination of vitamins and nutrition for your baby, and much easier to digest than first infant formula.

If you need help or support with breastfeeding, ask your midwife or health visitor, or get in touch with your local breastfeeding support group.

If your baby is around six months and staying in a sitting position with steady head and is co-ordinating their eyes, hands and mouth, it may be time to introduce solids. It's important not to rush the process too quickly. Speak to your health visitor if you think your baby is ready.

Your baby should sleep in the same room as you, day and night, for at least the first six months so you can respond quickly if they need you. Babies can overheat with too much bedding or clothing, or if the room's too hot. The ideal room temperature is 16-20°C. Use one or more layers of lightweight blankets; a folded blanket counts as two blankets.

The safest way for your baby to sleep is lying on their back on a firm, flat mattress in a cot, crib or moses basket. Don't worry if they turn onto their tummy or side to sleep once they are old enough to roll over.

Some parents choose to share a bed with their baby. It is important to know how to do this safely and when this may be dangerous. Seek professional advice and follow the safer sleep advice from the Lullaby Trust.

Covid-19 and Influenza vaccinations are recommended in pregnancy to protect you and your baby from serious illness. Ask your midwife, GP or an immunisation nurse for more information.

You can have the Covid-19 vaccine if you are breastfeeding and getting both jabs offers the best protection. Vaccinated people are far less likely to become seriously ill.

Childhood vaccinations are offered free of charge by your GP. As well as protecting your own baby, you're also protecting other babies and children by preventing the spread of disease.

The environments we provide our children help shape their experiences. Try to make eating well and taking regular exercise a priority and it will help promote healthy behaviours to your children.

Exercise increases energy levels and helps you feel good. It doesn't have to mean joining a gym. Pushing the pram or buggy to the shops or in a park is a good way to get active. Some parks even have free green gyms you can use.

Build activity into your everyday. You can use the stairs rather than the lift, walk places instead of driving, walk briskly with your buggy, rather than slowly. You will soon start to feel the benefits.

You may find less time for shopping so preparing healthy meals in advance will help keep your energy up whilst you look after your child. You can prepare meals in bulk and freeze them.

Regular physical activity is great for our bodies and minds. Slower paced activities such as walking are good opportunities to connect with others. Make time to connect with family and friends, in a safe way and take notice of the world around you.

All babies cry, and some cry more than others. Crying is your baby's way of telling you they need comfort and care.

Think ICON: 'I' is for I nfant crying is normal. Every baby is different but after about 2-3 months they should start to cry less each week.

'C' is for C omforting methods can help soothe your baby. Try skin to skin cuddles, breastfeeding, singing to your baby or going for a walk together.

'O' is for O K to walk away if you've checked your baby's safe and the crying's upsetting you. After a few minutes when you're feeling calmer, go back to them.

'N' is for N ever, ever shake, hurt or shout at your baby. Shaking can cause lasting brain damage or death. If you're worried that your baby's unwell contact your GP or call NHS 111.

You are welcome to share this campaign content widely throughout your networks, please ensure the South East Maternity Team is credited wherever possible.

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What is the fourth trimester? - a film by Tommy's

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ReadyforParenthood campaign Congratulations on becoming a new parent Becoming a new parent is life-changing. It can also be in varying measures exhilarating, exhausting, and extremely challenging. Our #ReadyforParenthood campaign aims to support new parents and carers.

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Tunbridge Wells Neonatal Unit can be found on Level 2, Green Zone of Tunbridge Wells Hospital. Click on the link below for more information on how to travel to us by car or public transport.

How to get here - Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (mtw.nhs.uk)

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Parents are entitled to free parking - instructions on how to access this are available from the team on admission

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Please wash your hands on entering the unit, then again when entering a nursery.
You may need to wash your hands before holding your baby if you have been on your mobile phone or performing nappy cares.
We encourage all staff and visitors to be bare below the elbows. Please leave outdoor coats at the handwashing station when you enter the unit, and personal belongings and bags in lockers provided.

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Donating expressed milk after loss

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If you are reading this website after a miscarriage, stillbirth or the death of your baby after they were born, we are so sorry for your loss. Here at the Milk Bank @ Chester we believe that every bereaved family across the UK should be given the choice to donate milk in memory of their baby, however this is only one of a number of choices you can make about your breast care.

The leaflet below "Breast Care After Loss - Your Choices" contains information about your breast care choices:
* Stopping your body producing milk
* Continuing to express
* Deciding what to do with milk you have already expressed
Breast Care After Loss Leaflet
Should you decide that donation is an option you would like to explore further the leaflet below gives lots of information and you can also visit our webpage Milk Donation After Loss
Donation after Loss Leaflet

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If you are reading this website after a miscarriage, stillbirth or the death of your baby after they were born, we are so sorry for your loss. Here at the Milk Bank @ Chester we believe that every bereaved family across the UK should be given the choice to donate milk in memory of their baby, however this is only one of a number of choices you can make about your breast care.

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Why you are important to your baby's care | Bliss

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Find out why you are a really important part of your baby's care on the neonatal unit

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What is the National Neonatal Audit Programme?

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What is the National Neonatal Audit Programme?

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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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Dads Matter - Support and advice

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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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Listening to Your Baby's Voice- Nappy Changing

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Listening to Your Babies' Voice- Playtime

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Listening to Your Baby's Voice- Sleep Time

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Listening to Your Baby's Voice- Visitors

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Listening to Your Baby's Voice- Bath Time

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Using straightforward language and simple illustrations to aid understanding, these infosheets on breastfeeding and bottle feeding are available in multiple languages and can be used to support parents with the basics of feeding and responding to their baby.

The infosheets are free to download and print, and are currently available in:
Please note: Following feedback, these translations were updated in 2019 to ensure the language used was as straightforward as possible.
The English versions of these resources are available below for reference:

Breastfeeding guidance: English (for reference)

Bottle feeding guidance: English (for reference)

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Foreign language resources - Baby Friendly Initiative

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These infosheets are available in multiple languages and can be used to support parents with feeding and responding to their baby.

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Support for Transgender & Non-binary Parents

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Support for Transgender & Non-binary 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://www.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://www.laleche.org.uk/is-my-baby-getting-enough-milk/
https://www.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://www.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://www.laleche.org.uk/find-lll-support-group/?fref=gc

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

Find more LLLGB support listed here:
https://www.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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Thank you to all our wonderful parents who have contributed to the content of this Padlet

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In Kent there are a number of voluntary organisations, support groups and advice charities active that can help you, often for free if your child or young person has special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Local charities

Find other parent support groups on our community directory.

Our support services

For early years

For children and young people

Kent Resilience Hub resources - a wide range of resources to support your child growing up into adulthood and understanding their behaviour.

MASHs centres - attend appointments with different services in the same place on the same day, including members from health, social care, education and voluntary services.

Short breaks - a positive, fun activity for disabled children (0-18) to take part in. They can be anything from an after school activity or weekend club to an overnight stay.

Support for carers - help and support for those who regularly care for another person in Kent.

Independent impartial support

Kent Parent and Carer Together (PACT) - is the parent carer forum for parents of children and young people with disabilities. Join their forum to help get your voice heard and meet other parents.

Information, Advice and Support Kent (IASK) - a free, confidential and impartial service based in Kent to support you and your family. IASK also offer parent workshops and local events.

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Parent support groups and services - Kent County Council

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Find local and national support for parents with children and young people who have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

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The Down's Syndrome Association (DSA) exists to provide information, advice and support to people with Down's syndrome, their families and interested professionals.

We use photographs, audio clips and filmed images to promote awareness of campaigns, projects and general information via our websites, social media, publications and for general displays and presentations at conferences and fundraising or media events. We may also pass photographs/filmed images/audio clips on to other organisations or to the media, as we deem appropriate, after rigorously checking their intended purpose.

We ask that you complete the declaration below, so that we may use your photographs, audio clips and filmed images to promote awareness.

1. I give permission to the Down's Syndrome Association to use the photographs/film/audio clips taken of me.

2. I grant the DSA permission to use the photographs/film/audio clips throughout the world in its/their original format or edited or altered in any way which the DSA deems appropriate.

3. I give permission to the DSA to store/transfer the photographs/film/audio clips.

4. I give permission to the DSA to store my contact details appropriately in case it needs to contact me.

5. I give permission to the Down's Syndrome Association (DSA) and the photographer/filmmaker/recorder the right to photograph/film/record me and to use this in any way they consider reasonable at any time in the future. This includes (but is not limited to) reproducing these photographs/film in books, exhibitions, websites, blogs, Facebook, Twitter and other social media; fundraising and advertising; for ongoing campaigns, new projects and any other purpose deemed reasonable at any future date

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The Down's Syndrome Association (DSA) exists to provide information, advice and support to people with Down's syndrome, their families and interested professionals. We use photographs, audio clips and filmed images to promote awareness of campaigns, projects and general information via our websites, social media, publications and for general displays and presentations at conferences and fundraising or media events.