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Everything you need to know while your baby is admitted to the Neonatal Unit. All the QR code links are included below or in the other sections.

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Why not use this virtual tour link to have a look around all areas of the neonatal unit.

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Explore Croydon Hospital Local Neonatal Unit (LNU) in 3D

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Neonatal Transport Services (NTS) Virtual Tour

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Neonatal Transport Services (NTS) Virtual Tour

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Click or tap to take a virtual tour of the London NTS ambulance

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Going home can be a big adjustment. Here is some useful information to consider.

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This BLISS leaflet tells you all about the benefits of doing skin to skin with your baby.

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Side Lying Nappy Change by One Person - Kirsty Ngu

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A leaflet that explains step by step how to do side lying nappy changes

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You should receive this booklet with your expressing kit soon after your baby is born.

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Things to consider while doing babies cares e.g. nappy changes.

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Some babies may continue to require support with their breathing when they are ready to go home. In this case we will organise for the family to meet the children's hospital at home (CHAH) team to organise this.

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

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

Why does my baby need home oxygen?

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

Where can I get oxygen equipment?

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

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

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

Preparing for your baby to go home on oxygen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Safety when your baby is going home on oxygen

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

How will I know what level of oxygen to use?

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

Going outside with your baby on oxygen

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

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

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

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

Moving around the home with oxygen

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

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

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

What to do in an emergency

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

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

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

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Having a baby, especially if your baby needs additional care in the neonatal unit, can be a stressful time for families. This service is available for all but is prioritised in the first year for birthing parent.

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Don't forget your baby will need to be registered with your GP surgery before they can be discharged home. Just contact your GP and fill in a form or register online if your surgery has this option.

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Parent prompt sheet - to share with parents V4

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Meet the allied health professional team 

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Meet the allied health professional team 

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IPAT Infant Positioning Assessment Tool - Advice on how best to position your baby 

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IPAT Infant Positioning Assessment Tool - Advice on how best to position your baby 

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Please ask to speak to the unit's Physiotherapist of you have any questions or queries

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The Ickle Pickles Charity offer peer support to families in the neonatal unit. They hold coffee mornings in the hospital and visit families in the nurseries. They also organise social and fundraising events in the community that you may wish to join once your baby has been discharged home.

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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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If you would like to contribute to the development and improvement of local maternity and neonatal care. please let a member of the team know and we will put you in touch with our lead for the Croydon Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership

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Croydon Maternity Voices Partnership (MVP) is a team of local women, men, midwives, doctors, health visitors, commissioners and other care professionals working together to review and contribute to the development and improvement of local maternity care.

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If your baby was born under 37 weeks you will hear people talking about "corrected gestational age." This website helps you understand what this means.

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If you're a parent of a baby born premature, you'll probably want to know (and use) their corrected gestational age. Premature babies are born early, so they'll need a little time to catch up! When tracking growth and development, it's best to adjust age for prematurity. So, what is corrected or adjusted gestational age and what does it mean? Keep reading to learn all the details, including how to calculate your preemie baby's corrected age.

What Does Corrected Gestational Age Mean?

Corrected gestational age or adjusting for prematurity simply means using a corrected age for your preterm baby. The age of a baby can be calculated in two ways. The first way is called the uncorrected age, which is the number of weeks or months that have passed since your baby was born. The second way is called the corrected age, which takes into account the time that has passed since your baby's original due date. This can help you and your child's caregivers better understand where your premature baby is in their growth journey. Plus, it's helpful as you learn how to care for your preemie baby at home.

Why Corrected Age Is Important

A premature baby's chronological age is inaccurate when tracking growth and development. For example, a baby born at 40 weeks may coo or smile at 1 month old, while a 30-week preemie may still be in the NICU, catching up on the growth and development they missed out on in the womb.

To track milestones, it's essential to use a neonatal age corrected for preterm birth. This adjusted birth date is used for growth and newborn development, and helps explain delayed milestones.

When to Use Corrected Age

Correcting age for prematurity is how healthcare professionals ensure that preemie development is progressing as it should. For example, a 6-month-old premature baby born two months early would have a corrected age of 4 months. Despite being in the world for six wonderful months, they wouldn't be expected to reach the common developmental milestones of a 6-month-old baby. Instead, their family's GP and health visitor will track their growth and progress as a 4-month-old. So, what does that mean for physical developments like gross motor skills or social developments like playing? Keep reading to understand how and when to use corrected gestational age for these developmental purposes.

Corrected Age: How it Influences Growth and Development

A preterm baby will typically reach development milestones a little later than a full-term baby. These may include:

Waving arms and legs

Turning their head when enjoying tummy time

Holding their head up

Standing and supporting their own weight

Picking up and putting down objects with one hand

Standing and taking steps independently.

Essentially, but not precisely, corrected gestational age starts at your baby's original due date or around 37 to 40 weeks. So, they'll still reach these important milestones, but at their adjusted age.

Corrected Age: How it Influences Play and Social Interaction

Preterms may reach language and social developments later than at-term babies, including:

Crying as communication

Laughing and squealing

Repeating sounds you make

Looking at an object when you refer to it and communicating by pointing

Smiling when they see you or when you talk to them

Smiling and cooing at themselves in a mirror

Recognising familiar faces

Following simple commands, like 'come here' or 'put it down'

Showing affection to a doll or toy

Playing by rolling or tossing a toy back and forth with you.

Once again, there's no need to fret - your preemie will reach these milestones at their corrected age.

How to Calculate Corrected Gestational Age

You've already read a few examples of corrected age, but here we break down the exact calculation so that you know how to accurately adjust for prematurity:

Your baby's chronological age (how long it's been since they were born) - the number of days (or weeks) they were born early = adjusted age

So, for example, let's say your baby is 10 months old but they were born seven weeks prematurely. Here's how you would then calculate your baby's adjusted age:

FAQS AT A GLANCE

No, you wouldn't use a corrected gestational age for a baby born at 37 weeks or later, as that's not considered premature. But, if your little one was born anytime before 37 weeks, you should use a corrected age when addressing development and growth.

Corrected age is used to track a preemie baby's growth and development and reflects how old the baby would be had they been born on their original due date. Post-menstrual age (known as PMA) is the time between the first day of your last menstrual period and your child's birth (gestational age) plus the time elapsed after birth (your baby's post-natal age).

Chronological age is how long your baby has been alive. For at-term babies, this is simply their age. But for premature babies, chronological age doesn't always reflect developmental age, so that's why healthcare professionals use a corrected age (how old a preemie baby would be had they been born at-term) to track growth.

The Bottom Line

Premature babies need time to reach all those important developmental milestones that would've occurred while still in the womb. Therefore, their actual age (chronological age) won't match the typical growth and development of a baby born full term. That's why your GP and health visitor will use a corrected gestational age for your preemie when tracking their growth. How to calculate your baby's corrected gestational age is simple in theory. Simply subtract the number of days, weeks or months from the time since their birth to calculate the corrected gestational age, or use our Corrected Age Calculator.

Friends and families of babies born prematurely can now order their Pampers Preemie Protection Nappies online for free home delivery via www.pampers.co.uk/preemies-ordering-platform. Pampers also continue to donate Pampers Preemie Protection nappies direct to hospitals, and via ASDA pharmacies (in-store only and subject to availability)
How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the National Health Service (NHS) and has been reviewed by . You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.

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All you need to know about corrected gestational age of preemies. Keep reading to learn all the details, including how to calculate your preemie baby's corrected age.

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We welcome your feedback about your stay in the neonatal unit. Your feedback helps us make improvements to our service that benefits the babies and families we care for. You can complete this short questionnaire any time and as many times as you like. Please select "NNU" when giving us feedback. Thank you.

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Registering your baby's birth in croydon

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Registering your baby's birth in croydon

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Here is the link to register your baby's birth in Croydon. You need to do this within 42 days. Please visit the relevant council website if your baby was not born in Croydon.

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You do not need to bring your baby to your registration appointment. Due to limited accessibility, if you want to bring your baby you will need to use the entrance through the Clock Tower Library.

The entrance is at 9 Katharine St, Croydon, CR0 1NX. Please use the lift to get to the first floor, and follow the signs to the registry office.

It is a legal requirement to register a birth within 42 days of your baby being born.

You will need a birth certificate when applying for any benefits related to the birth of a newborn.

You must have an appointment to register a birth at Croydon Register Office. We do not allow walk-in appointments. You must observe social distancing rules when you attend your appointment.

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You do not need to bring your baby to your registration appointment. Due to limited accessibility, if you want to bring your baby you will need to use the entrance through the Clock Tower Library. The entrance is at 9 Katharine St, Croydon, CR0 1NX.

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In this video, a breastfeeding counsellor helps a mother with her positioning and attachment whilst breastfeeding.

Key to achieving the Baby Friendly standards is a workforce able to support mothers to breastfeed effectively. This video provides some guidance on this.

You can see more of the 'From Bump to Breastfeeding' DVD on the Best Beginnings website.

Video not working? Contact us

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Positioning and attachment video - Baby Friendly Initiativ

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In this video, a breastfeeding counsellor helps a mother with her positioning and attachment whilst breastfeeding. Watch to learn more.

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A simple guide to help you with breastfeeding.

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If you have chosen to feed your baby by bottle, this leaflet describes supportive strategies you can use to help your baby feed safely and efficiently.

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Bottle feeding Leaflet for parents Version 2 Aug 25

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This 8 minute video demonstrates side lying and paced bottle feeding. This is particularly useful if you are breastfeeding and bottle feeding.

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Many babies in the unit have reflux due to their prematurity or other health needs. The NHS has some helpful information on their website. While your baby is on the unit you may notice the incubator or cot is slightly inclined which can help with reflux. Once your baby goes home, their cot needs to be flat. Reflux can reduce if your baby is in skin to skin for 20-30 minutes after NGT/breast or bottle feeding. Sometimes the doctors may recommend medication to help your baby.

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Reflux - Bottle feeding - Best Start in Life - NHS

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Reflux is quite common and babies usually grow out of it by the age of 1. Find out what the symptoms are and how you can soothe your baby.

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The Breastfeeding Network | Independent Breastfeeding Support

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

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This leaflet tells you all you need to know about expressing and storing breastmilk. The table explains how to prepare fridge/freezer stored breast milk at home to feed your baby. Most importantly, NEVER stand cold or frozen milk in a container of boiling water to defrost or warm as this destroys all the nutrients.

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Breastfeeding twins and multiples is possible. Register with the Twins Trust and you can download their "Breastfeeding more than one" booklet.

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Many mothers of twins or more breastfeed their babies successfully and we're here to support you.

Multiples are more likely to be born early and we know that very small or premature babies can find it difficult to breastfeed at the beginning. If you are unable to feed your babies straight away it doesn't mean that you won't be able to breastfeed.

Spending time with your babies, giving them skin-to-skin time with you or your partner and expressing breastmilk regularly, can all help babies to get going with breastfeeding. Talk to the hospital staff and your midwife about how they can support you to feed your babies in the way you want to.

To help you prepare for breastfeeding Twins Trust suggest that you:

Personal stories

Our work with peer-to-peer breastfeeding supporters has been made possible thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund.

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Many mothers breastfeed their twins, triplets or more. Twins Trust is here to support you with whichever feeding choice is best for your family.

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These YouTube videos from the Brazelton Centre give detailed information about baby's sleep.

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What happens in your baby's brain when they are asleep?

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This video guides mothers on how to hand express and talks about the times when hand expression might be useful.

See the Breastfeeding Network website for FAQs and a leaflet all about expressing and storing breastmilk.

Problems viewing this video? Contact us.

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Hand expression video - Baby Friendly Initiative

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This video guides you through how to hand express, and talks about the times when hand expression might be useful for you.

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We are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for our staff, patients and visitors; any form of violence or threatening behaviour towards staff is unacceptable. Staff have a right to work, as patients have a right to be treated, free from fear of assault and abuse in an environment that is properly safe and secure. Violent or aggressive behaviour such as raised voices, aggressive stances (invasion of personal space) and racial or verbal abuse/threats, should not be displayed from patients, parents, carers or relatives. A safe environment is essential to the provision of health care in which high quality clinical care can be provided. Remember, kindness matters.

Croydon Health Services Trust Values:

*Professional

*Compassionate

*Respectful

*Safe

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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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In this video, we explore how best to support new mothers with feeding.

Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months ensures the best outcomes for babies, and mothers need support to get this off to the best start. Ongoing help with positioning, attachment and skin-to-skin contact help mothers to maintain their milk supply and avoids disruption to breastfeeding.

If mothers wish to bottle feed, the impact on milk supply should be discussed so that they can make informed choices. A sensitive, non-judgmental approach is key.

For more information:

Problems viewing this video? Contact us.

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Maximising breastmilk video - Baby Friendly Initiative

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In this video, we explore how best to support new mothers with feeding, including positioning, attachment and skin-to-skin contact.

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This leaflet from BLISS will help you recognise your babies cues.

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Instructions for use Medela Symphony breastpump (english)

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Once you go home, you can continue to receive support with feeding your baby from your Health Visitor or you can visit your local infant feeding clinic.

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How to support your baby during painful procedures 

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How to support your baby during painful procedures 

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Familiar Touch

Your touch can reduce stress during and after painful procedures, when you cannot hold them in skin-to-skin contact.

References

1. Johnston, C., Disher, T., Benoit, B., Fernandes, A., Streiner, D., Inglis, D., ... Inglis, D. (2017). Skin-to-skin care for procedural pain in neonates. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (2). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD008435.pub3.Copyright

2. Lago, P., Garetti, E., Bellieni, C. V., Merazzi, D., Savant Levet, P., Ancora, G., & Pirelli, A. (2017). Systematic review of nonpharmacological analgesic interventions for common needle-related procedure in newborn infants and development of evidence-based clinical guidelines. Acta Paediatrica, 106(6), 864-870. https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.13827

3. Stevens, B., Yamada, J., Ohlsson, A., Haliburton, S., & Shorkey, A. (2016). Sucrose for analgesia in newborn infants undergoing painful procedures. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (7). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001069.pub5

4. Pillai Riddell R, Racine N, Gennis H, Turcotte K, Uman L, Horton R, ...LisiD. (2015). Non-pharmacological management of infant and young child procedural pain. Cochrane Database Systematic Reviews, (12). https://doi:10.1002/14651858.CD006275.pub3.www.cochranelibrary.com

5. Taddio, A., Manley, J., Potash, L., Ipp, M., Sgro, M., & Shah, V. (2007). Routine Immunization Practices: Use of Topical Anesthetics and Oral Analgesics. Pediatrics, 120(3), e637-e643. http://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2006-3351

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Comfort Strategies - Parenting Pain Away

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Your touch can reduce stress during and after painful procedures, when you cannot hold them in skin-to-skin contact. Johnston, C., Disher, T., Benoit, B., Fernandes, A., Streiner, D., Inglis, D., ... Inglis, D. (2017). Skin-to-skin care for procedural pain in neonates. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (2).

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Safe sleep and removing positioning aids 

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Safe sleep and removing positioning aids 

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This is preparation for going home. Please speak to the unit's Physiotherapist or nursing staff if you have any questions

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How to use the Ardo Calypso electronic breastpump

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Learning What Your Newborn Baby is Saying To You

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Choosing the correct flange size for your pump

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Choosing the correct flange size for your pump

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We can support you with choosing the correct flange size for your breast pump. Please ask for help.

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Expressing Breastmilk - Patient Information Video

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This video was produced in collaboration with University Hospital Southampton as part of a project funded by NHSE South West. The project focuses on equity of access to appropriate equipment for expressing maternal breastmilk.

This video is designed to help breastfeeding parents to express breastmilk. The topics covered include:

The importance of correctly fitted equipment.
How to measure your nipple for flange sizing.
How to tell if you have the correct or incorrect fit. 
Variations in sizing depending on type or brand of breast pump.
How to prepare for expressing breastmilk.
How to assemble and use a breast pump.
Troubleshooting common issues in expressing breastmilk.

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Your local children's centres will have a range of activities babies and preschoolers. This link is for the timetable of activities at Selhurst and Crossfield Children's Centres

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Crosfield and Selhurst Nursery Schools website

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Welcome to the website of Crosfield and Selhurst Nursery School

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Baby massage can be a useful strategy to help with wind, colic, constipation, teething, stress relief, nasal congestion circulation and digestive system.

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Most slings and carriers require your baby to be more than 3.5kg. Please check the manufacturers guidelines before purchase.

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Good quality second hand baby clothes and equipment

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Here you can find a range of different activities and positions that help your baby develop the muscles in their body.

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Observe your babies feeding cues and consider starting solids when your baby is between 5-7 months CORRECTED age.

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Once your baby is older and you are considering activities to do in the community - especially if you have older siblings under 5 - these activities and classes are supported by Croydon staff who specialist in early years services.

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Ei SMART                          Early Intervention (Ei) Sensory, Motor, Attention regulation and Relationships:  Parents and professionals work Together to support premature and sick infants from birth (SMART)

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Ei SMART                          Early Intervention (Ei) Sensory, Motor, Attention regulation and Relationships:  Parents and professionals work Together to support premature and sick infants from birth (SMART)

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This website provides many resources that give ideas about people and toy play that help your babies development.

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EiSMART is an evidence based framework to give high risk babies the best start in life. We span all aspects of a child's development: Sensory, Motor, Attention and Regulation, and Relationships. Professionals and parents work Together to support premature and sick infants from birth ( Early I ntervention).

parents

We are here to help. You are the expert on your baby; let us work with you and provide the resources, tools and education that can help fulfil your baby's potential.
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free resources

Our developmental play leaflets suggest activities to support all aspects of a child's development. You can get free access to these resources, plus webinars, posters and more.
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professionals

We are committed to supporting your development. We are working to advance knowledge, skills and practice in early intervention.
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Training Courses

Published October 20, 2023

Study Days and Ei SMART Implementation Workshops

The Ei SMART Framework - Foundation Training. This study day provides an in-depth introduction to the Ei SMART framework and is our Foundation level training before progressing to our advanced half days.

Dates for 2024 will be announced soon. Watch this space or subscribe to our newsletter for more information.

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Giving Every High Risk Infant The Best Start In Life

EiSMART is a framework for improving developmental outcomes for high risk infants. It is an approach founded in research, which combines multiple disciplines, to address every aspect of development in premature and sick babies. EiSMART is a uniquely collaborative approach, where professionals and parents work T ogether to provide early and more effective interventions for infants and young children with developmental challenges. Click on the balls to learn more.

How We Help

We provide resources to support child development, and deliver training courses to support professional development. We collaborate on research to advance practice in early intervention, and we influence policy on the care of high risk infants.

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"In the beginning of my NICU journey I cried every day. There is no other outlet for the hurt, the sadness, the fear - especially the fear - of giving birth so early. In NICU, everything about those first weeks is different to how it should be. You emerge from that darkness into an intense, overwhelming, medical world where you feel utterly helpless to do the most natural thing: care for your baby. Stumbling upon EiSMART was like finding fresh air, after a long, dark time under water. It helped me recover purpose; recover focus; recover the ability to care for my baby."
- Parent of baby born at 24 weeks' gestation
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Building A Brighter Future For High Risk Infants: EiSMART is a transdisciplinary approach to early intervention for infants at risk of developmental delays.

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Expressing and storing breastmilk - The Breastfeeding Network

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This page gives you some tips on how to hand express and store your breastmilk. It also answers some frequently asked questions on this topic. You might be thinking of returning to work, or study, or planning a night out. It can also help relieve pressure from a blocked duct or mastitis. Expressing small amounts […]

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PAC STUDY - Research about communication between parents, staff and premature babies

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PAC STUDY - Research about communication between parents, staff and premature babies

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There are a number of parent stories on this website that are based on key themes that arise for parents when their baby is in the NNU.

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WELCOME TO PAC!

Welcome to the Prematurity and Communication (PAC) website where we introduce you to our research on exploring communication between parents, healthcare staff and premature babies, along with the rationale underpinning it.

Our research is collaborative, involving staff from the Department of Nursing, Health and Wellbeing, University of Hertfordshire and the Department of Language and Communication Science, City, University of London. As specialists in nursing and allied healthcare experience in neonatal care, the PAC research team understand the increased risk of psychological stress and subsequent impact on families from having and caring for a premature baby. Parental separation from a baby who is receiving care on a neonatal unit can interrupt family routine as well as cause disruption to the development of early bonding experiences - all leading to an increase in parental stress.

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PREMATURITY AND COMMUNICATION "Great communication begins with connection" - Oprah Winfrey, Television Producer and Host, Author, Philanthropist RESOURCES CONTACT US WELCOME TO PAC! Welcome to the Prematurity and Communication (PAC) website where we introduce you to our research on exploring communication between

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Parent Training (Parental Crafts) Prior to Discharge

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Parent Training (Parental Crafts) Prior to Discharge

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You must attend some essential training with the nursing team before your baby is discharged home. Parents and close family members can attend.

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For more information, please visit

How to reduce the risk of SIDS for your baby - The Lullaby Trust

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UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland

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How to Give Baby CPR - First Aid Training - St John Ambulance

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Please ensure to teach parents how to sterilise bottles (depending on what machine or solution they use) but emphasize that bottles should be sterilised straight away after usage.

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How to make up a bottle of formula milk for your baby | Infant Feeding Team

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How to Know if Your Baby is Breastfed Well?

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How to Know if Your Baby is Breastfed Well?

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GENERAL:

Feed your baby at least 8-12 feeds per day

Is your baby contented or calm after the feed?

How was the feed? Observe sucking and swallowing

Your baby should feed 5-40 min and will come off from your breast naturally after the feed

Your baby has normal skin colour and wakes up for feeds

No weight loss of more than 10 %

NAPPIES:

Nappies are wet and heavy 5-6 times a day

At least 2 dirty nappies per day with atleast 2GBP coin in size

NIPPLE:

Breasts and nipples are comfortable with same shape

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How to Assess if There is a Need to Top Up After Breastfeeding?

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How to Assess if There is a Need to Top Up After Breastfeeding?

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SEE PAGE 2.

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Paediatric BLS Teaching Package Document

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Paediatric BLS Teaching Package Document

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Some babies will need to be assessed in their car seat before leaving the hospital. Scroll to the section on this webpage "Carrying Very Young, Premature or Low Birth Weight Babies" for more details.

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Rearward-facing Baby Seats | Child Car Seats

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Rearward-facing Baby Seats are for the carrying of babies and infants and can be used in the front or rear of the car.

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Another World - a digital story from the neonatal unit

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BLISS - Website for babies born premature or sick

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BLISS - Website for babies born premature or sick

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The BLISS website has everything you need to know about Neonatal care. Information is available in different languages - written and spoken. Just click on the menu then "Accessibility & Language Options" at the bottom of the menu page to choose your language. You can contact Bliss by email or organise a video call for support.

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For babies born premature or sick | Bliss

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

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Croydon Council webpage that explains what services are on offer for families.

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Activities, information, and services for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

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What will happen during your car seat challenge?

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The Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) website includes everything you need to know about breastfeeding.

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LATEST NEWS AND RESOURCES

Unaffordable infant formula price rises

Recommendations for the UK Government

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CODE

UNICEF UK's Baby Friendly Initiative has made a real difference in giving our staff the skills and confidence to change the conversation about breastfeeding and early relationship building with parents... Together we can ensure that every single mother and baby receives the very best possible care, at a point in their lives where the information and support we provide will have a profound effect on their future health and development.

Ellie Elkins, Infant Feeding Lead for West Sussex, Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust

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The Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative supports breastfeeding and parent infant relationships by working with public services to improve standards of care.

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Helpful ways to support siblings of all ages.

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Short YouTube videos on a wide range of topics.

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Small Wonders: A series of films for the parents of premature & sick babies to help them be at the heart of their baby’s care

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Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

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Useful posters, leaflets and videos that help parents with understanding the treatment their baby will receive in the neonatal unit.

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Resources for Parents - London Neonatal Network

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During your admission you may wish to consider donating your breast milk. You can speak to a member of the team or read more here.

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UKAMB

Welcome to UKAMB

Donated breastmilk from the country's network of milk banks helps to save the lives of premature and sick babies.

UKAMB is a registered charity that supports human milk banking in the UK and was set up in 1997. Our motto is 'Every Drop Counts' and we believe that the provision of safe and screened donor breastmilk makes an important contribution to the care of the premature and sick infants who receive it. Our goal is to ensure access to donor milk to every child who would benefit from its use.

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UK Human Milk Bank - Breast Milk Donation, BreastMilk Storage, UKAMB

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UKAMB, a registered organization supports human milk banking to save the lives of premature and sick babies. Connect with our network today!

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British Association of Perinatal Medicine

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British Association of Perinatal Medicine

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BAPM aims to deliver safe, high quality, family integrated perinatal care.

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British Association of Perinatal Medicine

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About BAPM | British Association of Perinatal Medicine

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The Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023

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The Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023

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The BLISS website gives details of your right to 12 weeks leave and pay if your baby requires neonatal care.

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Neonatal Care Leave and Pay: Guidance and FAQs | Bliss

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The Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023 – a new leave and pay entitlement for parents with a baby in neonatal care – comes into effect in England, Scotland and Wales on 6 April 2025.

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If you need support with baby essentials we can help. Just speak to a member of staff.

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We are Stripey Stork, the Surrey baby bank collecting donations of clothes, toys and essential items for babies and children and rehoming them with local families experiencing hardship.​

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Helpful advice from the Lullaby Trust about how to keep your baby smoke free.

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Smoking whilst pregnant or after your baby is born increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Keeping your baby smoke-free…

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If your breasts become red, hot or hard while expressing or breastfeeding please seek advice from a member of the team. This information from La Leche League includes some useful advice.

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Engorged Breasts - avoiding and treating - La Leche League GB

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Engorged breasts are painful. They feel heavy, hard, warm and sensitive -as if they are ready to burst! As well as being painful, engorgement can lead to other breastfeeding problems if not treated. Being able to recognise engorgement will help you to treat it promptly, avoiding complications.

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While we understand that for many young families housing is a concern, we are unable to directly support housing requests. We recommend families contact the council housing team or the Citizen's advice for support.

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Volunteer with us

Over 16,000 highly trained volunteers support the delivery of our service. Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and find volunteering rewarding, challenging and fun. We have a range of roles in local Citizens Advice and Witness Service, want to find out more?

Our volunteer opportunities

Find your local Citizens Advice

For more information and advice

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Online free advice from Citizens Advice to help you find a way forward, whatever the problem. Our research enables us to campaign on issues affecting people's lives.