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My baby has been discharged but I have a question about my baby, who do I contact?

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My baby has been discharged but I have a question about my baby, who do I contact?

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If you have a question in the first 48hours after discharge, please contact the Neonatal Unit and we will be happy to help.

If after 48hours, please see below:
GP - if your baby seems unwell or you have any questions about medication or specialist milk, please contact your GP.
Children's Outpatient Department - 01962 824986 - please contact the Children's Outpatient Department if you have any questions regarding follow-up appointments or tests.
Emergency Department - if your baby is unwell and it is an emergency, please go straight to your closest Emergency Department

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I'm at home and have a question about my baby, how do I contact the unit?

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I'm at home and have a question about my baby, how do I contact the unit?

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You are free to call the unit at any time of the day or night. A nurse will be more than happy to provide you with an update of your baby or help remedy any concerns you may have.
Please call on 01962 824200

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Each morning from 9:00, the Medical Team (Consultant, Doctors and Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner ANNP) and Nurses will review the progress of all the babies in the Neonatal Unit. Your baby will be seen in turn and we encourage you to be present if possible because we want you to be involved in your baby's plan of care. If you are unable to attend, the Nursing Team will be able to update you. If you would like to speak to a Doctor or ANNP about your baby at any other time your Nurse can arrange this for you. Your baby will have a named Consultant who takes overall responsibility for your baby's care but you may see other members of the Medical Team during the daily ward rounds.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND HEADPHONES

We would like to protect the confidentiality of our families and respectfully ask if you can wear your own, or hospital provided headphones, to use with your mobile phone, while other babies are being discussed nearby. If you are not directly caring for your baby, you may prefer to take a short break from the nursery and we can call you when finished. Please do not ask the staff to talk to you about any other babies on the unit.

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Your feedback is important to us to help improve our service!   Please complete our Parent Feedback form to tell us about your experience of the Neonatal Unit and/or Transitional Care

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Your feedback is important to us to help improve our service!   Please complete our Parent Feedback form to tell us about your experience of the Neonatal Unit and/or Transitional Care

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This feedback lets us know what you thought about your experience and can help us to improve our service and environment in the Neonatal Unit and Transitional Care

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Easily create surveys and polls to collect customer feedback, measure employee satisfaction, and organize team events.

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My baby has just been admitted to the unit

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Arriving on a neonatal unit can feel very overwhelming and unexpected. We have lots of information about what you may experience on the unit, and ways to…

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The Neonatal Network in the South East consists of the Thames Valley and Wessex Operational Delivery Network and the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Operational Delivery Network. The two combined networks cover 27 units. They focus on coordinating patient pathways between hospitals over a wide area to ensure access to specialist resources and expertise.

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Parent Information - Neonatal Network South East

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Your baby will receive vitamin K soon after birth with parental consent.

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You will be asked how you would like to feed your baby, see the separate column for more information

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vCreate is a secure messaging service that allows us to send photo and video updates of your baby to you. If you have not yet been offered this and would like to sign up, please speak to a member of staff who will be happy to get you signed up.

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You should receive a starter set of yellow Journey Cards once your baby has been admitted to the Neonatal Unit. Please ask your nurse about them.

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How you can be involved in your baby's care

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How you can be involved in your baby's care

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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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Information on why mouth care is important and how to perform mouth care for your baby

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Ask your nurse how to 'top and tail' wash your baby. If your baby is on the Neonatal Unit for a long period of time, it may be that they have their first bath while you're with us.

This is something that you as parents can do and your nurse will help and explain everything you need to know

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Comforting and supporting my baby in times of stress and pain

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Comforting and supporting my baby in times of stress and pain

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How to identify your baby's cues and support them when they are stressed or in pain

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Looking after your baby on the Neonatal Unit

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Looking after your baby on the Neonatal Unit

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This section of the Bliss website has useful information about being involved in your baby's care whilst on the neonatal unit.

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Looking after your baby on the neonatal unit | Bliss

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It can be hard to know how to look after your baby in neonatal care. But getting involved can help you and your baby. Find information and support in this section.

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Relationship building resources - Baby Friendly Initiative

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These resources cover a range of issues around supporting close and loving relationships between parents and babies.

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Information about Skin-to-Skin (Kangaroo) Care

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Information about Skin-to-Skin (Kangaroo) Care

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Parent resources from South East Neonatal Network

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Parent resources from South East Neonatal Network

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Parent Resources - Neonatal Network South East

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Parent Resources

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Information and tips for caring for your baby on the Neonatal Unit

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Information and tips for caring for your baby on the Neonatal Unit

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What stops parents getting involved in their baby's care?

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What stops parents getting involved in their baby's care?

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Information on different reasons parents might not be involved or struggle being involved in their baby's care

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Not feeling confident

We often hear that at first, parents can feel overwhelmed at the idea of taking care of their baby on the unit.

Even if you have had children before and know what to expect from taking care of a baby, doing so on the unit can feel very different.

It is usual for parents to feel this way. But being involved in your baby's care can help you feel more confident, as well as helping your baby know that you are there.

Getting involved can make you feel more confident to:

Hold your baby

Get used to handling them around wires

Change their nappies

Do skin-to-skin

Feed your baby in the best way for you

Recognise what makes your baby more comfortable

Know that your won't hurt them by holding them or getting involved

You can do what is right for you. There is support to help you get involved as much as you would like. You might like to give these ideas a try:

Talk to the staff on the unit about being involved. They will help explain things that you are not sure of. They can also help reassure you if you are worried you don't know how to do something.

Get involved gradually - maybe one day you'd like to do skin-to-skin with your baby, and the next you'd like to learn how to change their nappies. Taking things day by day can help you feel more confident.

If there is something you would like to do, always ask, even if you think it might not be possible. If your baby is not able to breastfeed, for example, the staff will help you feed in a different way which still involves you and helps you to connect.

Remember that you don't have to do anything you don't feel comfortable with. Staff will encourage you to get involved because you are your baby's parent. But if they ask you to do something you don't feel happy doing, let them know.

You can take your time to find the right routine for you and your family. This will be different for everyone.

Being unwell yourself

If your baby is in the neonatal unit, you or your partner might be recovering physically and emotionally from the birth.

This can mean that you're not able to spend as much time as you would like on the neonatal unit, especially if you're recovering from surgery.

If you're feeling unwell, with cold or flu like symptoms, or if you have been sick or had diarrhoea in the last 48 hours, you will be asked not to come to the unit until you are better. This is to protect the babies from infection.

We also know that being on the neonatal unit can have an impact on parents' mental health. This might mean you aren't able to be with your baby, or get as involved as you would like.

Ask the staff on the neonatal unit to help you get involved. Even if you can't be there in person, they can help you feel more involved and connected by doing things like:

Giving you pictures of your baby

Updating you regularly on how they're doing

Asking if you or your partner would like to give expressed breastmilk to feed your baby, if that's something you've chosen to do

Asking for any clothes you'd like your baby to wear, if they're well enough

Helping you to spend time with your baby as soon as you are able

Ask the staff how to get other family members involved

Going back to work

If you or your partner need to go back to work, this can have a big impact on how often you can be around your baby when they are still on the unit.

Many parents can find that they struggle to balance work and visiting their baby if they have had to take parental leave earlier than expected, or if their leave allowance runs out whilst their baby is still in hospital.

Worrying about money and finances can also impact parents. Having to think about the everyday life whilst also having a baby in hospital can feel exhausting and stressful.

You can ask for support. You might like to try some of these ideas to help:

Talk to your employer about taking some extra time off, if that's an option. Some employers might be able to let you work more flexibly too, once you do go back.

Talk to the staff on the neonatal unit. Even if you can't be there in person, you can feel more connected by trying some of the ideas above.

If you have worries about finances, ask the staff on the unit if they have any policies which might help, for example free parking for parents visiting the unit, or vouchers to help towards meals.

You can also take a look at our list of organisations which offer help and support with finances.

Looking after your other children

If you have older children who need looking after, this can add complications to your daily routine and affect how flexible you are to spend time with your baby.

You might also feel guilty that you're not spending enough time with your older children, and that they are missing you being around or feeling left out.

It can be challenging if you're not able to spend enough time with your baby on the unit, because you are taking care of, or spending time with, your older children.

We often hear parents say they feel caught between different priorities. It is usual to feel this way when you have a lot of things to balance.

There is support for you. Feeling this way, or asking for help, does not make you less of a parent. You might like to try some of these ideas to help you feel more supported:

Ask your unit if your other children can visit your baby with you. Many units will encourage your whole family to spend time getting to know your new baby. This can be a great way to make memories and explain to older children why things have changed recently.

Ask for support from your friends and family. Often people want to help but they don't know how. Asking them to pick up older children from nursery or school, or looking after them whilst you visit your baby can really help when you are trying to balance lots of things.

When you are with your older children, ask them to write a letter to the baby, or maybe draw a picture for them. This can help them feel connected to the baby. It can also be a nice way to spend quality time with them.

Find out more about talking to your other children here.

Cultural, religious or language barriers

With some parts of getting involved with your baby's care, you might find that some cultural, religious or language barriers make this harder.

If English is not your first language, you might feel you don't have a good understanding of what is happening with your baby.

Doing things like skin-to-skin, or breastfeeding might also be difficult if you do not feel comfortable removing some of your clothing in an area which might not be completely private.

You might also not know where you can pray, if this is a regular part of your day.

It can also be difficult to know where you can get food if, for example, you eat a halal, kosher or vegan diet.

There is support for you. Talk to the staff on the unit about how they can help you overcome anything which is making it harder to spend time with your baby:

If English is not your first language, ask the staff on the unit to find an interpreter. It's important that you understand your baby's care, and the unit will help you to access information in your native language.

Ask the staff on the unit for screens or private space to breastfeed or give skin-to-skin if you do not want to do this around other people, or would like more privacy to be with your baby.

Ask for more information on prayer spaces and what religious support is available through the hospital. This might be through a chaplain or multi-faith support. They can also help support you if you would like to perform a religious ceremony to mark your baby's birth, such as a baptism or naming ceremony.

Ask what food is available in the hospital for parents, and where you can get alternatives if your diet is not catered for.

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What stops parents getting involved in their baby's care? | Bliss

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We often hear that at first, parents can feel overwhelmed at the idea of taking care of their baby on the unit. Even if you have had children before and know what to expect from taking care of a baby, doing so on the unit can feel very different.

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An app for 3 to 8 year olds, helping to support neonatal babies' brothers and sisters, available for Android and IOS

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The DadPad Neonatal App is available through your app store. Ask for your DadPad Neonatal booklet on admission to the Neonatal Unit

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A booklet and app which form a step by step guide for dads in the Neonatal Unit

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Neonatal

Introducing the DadPad Neonatal...

Being a new dad can be a difficult thing to come to terms with. However, being the parent of a child in neonatal care potentially brings even more complex emotions and problems, as well as a wealth of complex information to digest.

The idea for the DadPad Neonatal was conceived by consultant neonatologist Professor Minesh Khashu. He recognised that there was a need for better communication and support for fathers of babies on neonatal units. The product complements the existing DadPad for new dads and is thought to be the first resource of its kind.

Professor Khashu said:

"DadPad is such a good idea for new dads, bringing together a range of information in a handy and convenient pack.

"I was excited about the potential opportunities for neonatal units and keen to develop a specialised version for this purpose."

How will DadPad Neonatal help?

The pack of laminated cards contains practical information and advice on relevant matters. These include: how dads can best help themselves and their partners as they each deal with their feelings and emotions; where to go to seek further help, support and information; and practical guidance on holding, handling, bonding with and caring for their premature baby.

It is hoped that the DadPad Neonatal will significantly improve a dad's understanding of their baby's care and treatment. It will also help in conversations with healthcare professionals on a range of topics.

The resource should become a valuable tool for fathers during this sensitive time, as well as growing into a 'keepsake' book for the father, child and family, with spaces in which to record information and emotions.

The DadPad Neonatal was written by the DadPad team, in partnership with Professor Khashu. Funding from National Lottery's Awards4All allowed the concept to be developed, with the DadPad Neonatal initially launched in two units in 2018: Poole Hospital, in Dorset, and Royal Cornwall Hospital Treliske, in Cornwall.

Professor Khashu hopes that other neonatal units around the country will adopt the DadPad Neonatal and benefit from the support that it offers.

"Having a sick or preterm baby is a very stressful time for parents. It can get even more stressful for dads who may have to go back to work quite quickly and may not be able to spend as much time on the neonatal unit as they would wish to.

"I think the new pack will be a huge asset for all parents and staff, and especially for dads."

Find out more...

To find out more about the DadPad Neonatal, or if you are a healthcare professional looking for more support in your neonatal unit, please send a message to Julian or call him on 07403 274757.
...BREAKING NEWS... September 2019
We are delighted to report that the DadPad Neonatal was Highly Commended in the Innovation category in the 2019 BMA Patient Information Awards. Read all about the Award over on our News page...

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DadPad | DadPad Neonatal | Neonatal Guide for New Dads

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Being a new dad can be a difficult thing to come to terms with. However, being the parent of a child in neonatal care potentially brings even more complex emotions and problems, as well as a wealth of complex information to digest. The idea for the DadPad Neonatal was conceived by consultant neonatologist Professor Minesh Khashu.

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When the first experience of fatherhood is not what you had expected

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When the first experience of fatherhood is not what you had expected

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A cartoonist's journey into first time fatherhood.

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A cartoonist's journey into first-time fatherhood

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Dads play a key role in the care of their baby. A survey of over 500 dads by The Lullaby Trust revealed that only 32% of new and expectant dads have been given safer sleep information by a health professional so we have created this dedicated page filled with everything you need to know.

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Skin-to-Skin: Why it's important for dads too

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Skin-to-Skin: Why it's important for dads too

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Ask DadPad, Being a Dad, Neonatal

Posted on 21st November 2022

Yesterday - 17 th November - was World Prematurity Day, a day aimed at raising awareness of the challenges of pre-term births across the globe. This year's theme has been set as:

A parent's embrace: a powerful therapy. Enable skin-to-skin contact from the moment of birth

The EFCNI (European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants) notes the importance of skin-to-skin contact between parent and child, suggesting that it is " one of the most powerful treatments a newborn can receive ". Their intention in making skin-to-skin their focus for this year's WPD is to raise awareness of it across the world as a way of helping to improve the outlook for prematurely-born babies, who are commonly physically separated from their parents soon after birth.

What is skin-to-skin?

The first thing to clarify, then, is what is meant by 'skin-to-skin', and the NHS offer the following explanation:

Skin-to-skin means holding your baby naked or dressed only in a nappy against your skin, usually under your top or under a blanket.

In neonatal units, skin-to-skin is often referred to as ' kangaroo care ' (and sometimes 'kangaroo mother care'), with reference to the similarities with the way that kangaroo mums carry their babies in their pouch. It again refers to the parent holding their baby against their chest, which - depending on the circumstances - will often also involve direct skin-to-skin contact between the two.

Is this a new thing? Where did the idea come from?

What was to become known as the Kangaroo Mother Program (KMP) developed from the work of neonatologists (i.e. doctors with an expertise in the care of premature and/or low birth weight babies) in Bogota, Colombia, back in the 1970s. As their hospital did not have the technological resources - such as incubators - needed to provide care for low-birth-weight babies, they had to explore alternatives.

Their method - KMP - involved placing these vulnerable newborns onto their mothers' chests, with direct skin-to-skin contact, and wrapped them in cloth carriers to help keep them warm. Over a two-year period, from 1979 to 1981, they treated more than 500 babies in this way and researchers discovered that, by using KMP, they had achieved a tripling of the survival rates for these newborns.

Although it was initially introduced in the context of the neonatal unit, subsequent research has found that a whole range of amazing benefits for both parents and baby can be gained from skin-to-skin contact and therefore it is now encouraged to be undertaken with all new babies.

What are the benefits of skin-to-skin care?

Various research papers and other articles have looked into what happens when mum and baby experience skin-to-skin together and have found that a whole host of benefits can flow, including:

Improved bonding and attachment: this will be partly due to the fact that the immediate contact between mum and baby straight after birth will help to stimulate a surge in maternal hormones, as mum starts to smell, stroke and engage with her baby. For baby, hearing their mother's voice and heartbeat and experiencing her smell will all help them to feel safe and secure, all of which not only helps them to feel an emotional attachment but also helps get their brain development off to a good start. This bonding and attachment process will continue as mum and baby continue to engage in skin-to-skin later on, getting to know each other more and more, and the initial hormone surge it causes in mum also helps with the next benefit...

Breastfeeding-related benefits: it has been shown that, if baby is placed on mum's chest and then left to their own devices, they will follow a unique process - which includes briefly crying, then relaxing, waking, shifting slightly as they move towards the breast, then usually resting before starting to familiarise themselves with the breast, by smelling, nuzzling or licking - before they eventually attach to mum's breast by themselves and start their first breastfeed;

Helps baby's brain development: skin-to-skin has also been shown to release and increase the levels of oxytocin - the 'feel good' hormone - in both mum and baby, and (as noted above) this all helps contribute to baby's all-important brain development;

Stablisation of the baby's body temperature, heart rate and breathing frequency: the connection and feelings of safety that are experienced by baby being skin-to-skin with their mum helps reduce the stress that any prolonged period of separation might cause. This, in turn, helps keep baby's heart and breathing at normal rates. Further, due to a phenomenon known as 'thermal synchrony', mum's chest temperature will adjust in order to either warm or cool her baby, as needed, helping baby's body temperature to stabilise.

In terms of additional and specific benefits for a baby in a neonatal unit, these include:

Improved oxygen saturation: oxygen is often needed for premature babies whose lungs have not fully matured, and research has shown that, for all sorts of reasons, experiencing skin-to-skin or kangaroo care whilst in the neonatal unit can stabilise or reduce baby's immediate need for oxygen;

Reduced cortisol levels: cortisol is considered to be the main 'stress' hormone, and research studies have shown that skin-to-skin contact between baby and parent can not only reduce the baby's stress levels - which is particularly important with the neonatal baby who may be regularly undergoing disruptive and/or painful medical procedures - but also in mum, too;

Improved feeding behaviours: this includes an encouragement of pre-feeding behaviour in baby, and also an improved milk volume in baby's mum if she expresses after having had skin-to-skin contact with her baby. The expressed milk will also contain the most up-to-date antibodies to help build and support baby's immune system, all of which will inevitably help achieve the next benefit...

Assisting baby's growth.

There's also some evidence that carrying out skin-to-skin can reduce the length of time baby needs to stay in the hospital, potentially because - as noted above - these interactions can help baby stabilise their body temperature, gain weight, grow and feed well, all of which are usually required to have been shown to have taken place before baby can be discharged from the Unit.

Are there the same benefits in skin-to-skin with dads as there are with mums?

Clearly, the breastfeeding-related benefits won't apply to dads carrying out skin-to-skin, but there are still a whole host of other good reasons for having direct skin contact between dad and baby as early and as often as possible.

There have already been a number of research studies that have found definite benefits for both baby and dad in having skin-to-skin contact, including that it will also kick-start your own rush of hormones which helps you to bond with your baby, in the same way as it will with mum. As we've discussed in previous blog posts, forming a strong and positive bond of secure attachment with your baby not only brings enormous benefits to your baby, but also to you and your whole family, and anything that helps you to achieve this should be embraced.

For example, a study which took place in Chile between 2009 and 2012 involving babies born healthy following an elective and uncomplicated caesarean section found that there were definite benefits for the babies who had direct skin-to-skin with their fathers shortly after birth in relation to some of the variables that were measured (e.g. in relation to heart rate and wakefulness). There were also no disadvantages to the babies in having this form of post-birth care, and - perhaps most importantly - this initial form of contact between the two was found to have " helped with the establishment of a father-infant connection and the father's engagement." (EFCNI, 2021).

A summary by Shorey et al (2016) of 12 studies listed the following benefits to be gained from skin-to-skin contact between dad and baby (quoted from Fisher et al (2018)):

Increase in baby's temperature, similar to mother skin-to-skin care (Sweden, Germany)

Better blood glucose level (Sweden)

Lower salivary cortisol level, indicating less stress

More settled baby (Sweden, Canada)

Further, a research study from 2019 (Huang et al), reported by Unicef, looked at the effect that paternal skin-to-skin contact after a caesarean birth had on both baby and dad. The babies were found to have had " a more stable heart rate and forehead temperature, less duration of crying, and started feeding behaviour earlier." The dads involved were shown as having " lower scores of anxiety and depression and better role attainment " than those who did not carry out skin-to-skin on their babies, to a statistically significant degree.

Finally, research from (2013) also identified a number of benefits and positives from the practice for fathers themselves. As noted by Helth & Jarden (p7), who focused in particular on both attachment theory and perceived gender roles/gender theory in parenthood, the fathers who took part in their study:

...feel satisfaction in being able to care for their infant in a competent manner. The STS [skin-to-skin] method helps to "unlock the door" to caregiving personality traits... [and] helps the father bring their subconscious caregiving abilities to light... All the fathers in this study consider their partner the primary caregiver. At the same time, they feel that they are given a unique opportunity to play an important role in their child's life by using the STS method... The fathers in our study used the STS method to define their roles as fathers.

How do we do skin-to-skin with our baby?

So, hopefully you're now convinced of the importance of both you and your baby's mum getting hands on with skin-to-skin as soon as possible after your baby is born! If so, you'll probably want to know what to do next.

Although offering skin-to-skin to mum is now viewed as common 'good practice' post-birth, it's still important to discuss it with your partner during pregnancy - about what you'd each like to happen, and how - so that you can include your considered and agreed thoughts in the Birth Plan that your Midwife will be encouraging mum and you to write before the 37th week of pregnancy. You both might like to consider, for example, what you want to happen in the event that mum and baby are separated after birth, and also whether mum wants baby to be placed on her immediately after baby is born, or whether she'd prefer baby to be wiped clean/dried off first.

If baby's birth is relatively straightforward, baby and mum will usually be encouraged to have a minimum of an hour of skin-to-skin immediately after the birth (often called 'the Golden Hour'), as this will help establish breastfeeding; ideally, the skin-to-skin should continue until at least after baby has had their first breastfeed. Things like weighing, measuring and giving baby a full physical examination can, in most cases, wait.

After birth, your Midwife will usually help first mum and then you undertake skin-to-skin with your newborn. If you want to be organised and ready, have a button-up shirt to hand, as this will make it easier for you to have baby snuggled in against you, but also kept warm. Inevitably, you might not be so clear-thinking on the day that your partner goes into labour, so it might be something to have ready and packed into your bag for the hospital?

The EFCNI website has a great and detailed explanation of how to undertake skin-to-skin care, with the key points including:

Parent needs to be sitting or semi-reclined

Baby should be naked, aside from a nappy (although immediately after the birth, this won't necessarily be the case!)

Parent should have a bare chest

Baby should be placed forward-facing onto the parent's chest, with their arms and legs flexed "in a frog-like position" with their "head turned sideways with chin up"

Parent should support baby's head and back with their hands

A towel or blanket can also be used to further secure and cover baby

As you and baby's mum become more confident in holding and handling your baby, this will all become much easier to you. Do be careful, though, to always be fully awake when you do skin-to-skin, or make sure there is someone else in the room with you; if you were to fall asleep whilst holding your baby - whether in a chair, on a sofa or in bed - it increases the risk of infant death by 50 times. You can find out more about safer sleep practices here.

What about skin-to-skin with our neonatal baby?

For babies in the neonatal unit, more precautions and care will need to be taken. Firstly, you may have to wait until your baby is stable enough to come out of their incubator. Even when they are ready, they might need to still wear a hat and bootees, for example, to ensure that they don't get cold.

Once everyone's happy, though, you'll need to make sure you're properly prepared for such an exciting moment. The Tommy's website contains a really helpful step-by-step guide on how to carry out kangaroo care with your neonatal baby, as follows:

Ensure you have visited the toilet, had a drink or have one to hand and (mainly for mums) make sure you have had any medications and/or pain relief you need first.

Avoid using strong smelling soaps or wearing perfume/aftershave as this can be overwhelming for most babies.

Wear a front-opening or loose top if having skin-to-skin.

Always wash your hands before picking up your baby.

Place the baby upright on your chest.

If you're doing skin-to-skin, wrap your top around your baby to keep them warm. Otherwise, a blanket can be used.

You may feel more comfortable if you have a pillow under your elbow that is resting on the chair arm.

Lean back, relax and enjoy the closeness with your baby. You can use a mirror to look at your baby if you wish.

Obviously, even if your baby is permitted to leave their incubator for a short period of time, they may well still be attached to a number of tubes or wires, which will understandably cause you some concern. You will need to sit fairly close to their incubator/the machines that baby is wired up to, but the neonatal team will be on hand to guide you on how best to hold your baby in these circumstances and they will, of course, continue to monitor your baby the whole time, so that you can concentrate on enjoying this special time together.

Can I have any form of direct contact with my neonatal baby if skin-to-skin isn't yet possible?

As set out in our DadPad® Neonatal, there are still ways for parents to start establishing direct bodily contact with their neonatal babies, even before they are able to leave the incubator. Known as comfort holding, it involves the parent simply placing their hands on their baby's head, back or feet.

This enables your baby to feel your warmth, and will feel a bit like a cuddle to them. Comfort holding is also a nice thing to do to help support and reassure your baby when certain medical procedures are being carried out on them, and can again help you feel a little more involved and less helpless.

As with skin-to-skin, kangaroo care and your baby's care routine, the neonatal team around your baby will be able to demonstrate how to perform comfort holding on your baby and will continue to support you until you feel confident in doing this independently.

Hopefully, in this article, you've been able to see that there are many, wide-ranging benefits for all three of you - you, baby's mum and baby - in doing skin-to-skin as early and as often as possible, to help give your baby the best start in life. Skin-to-skin helps bond you together and helps baby feel safe, secure and loved, which in turn helps them, their body and their brain adjust to life 'on the outside'.

References and further reading:

EFCNI (2021) Skin-to-skin contact between fathers and newborns improves their physiological parameters and wakefulness. [ online]

EFCNI (undated) Skin-to-skin care. [ online]

EFCNI (undated) World Prematurity Day. [ online]

Fisher, D et al (2018) Fathers in neonatal units: Improving infant health by supporting the baby-father bond and mother-father coparenting. Published in: Journal of Neonatal Nursing. [ online]

Grayson, CE (2018) Kangaroo Mother Care. Published in: The Embryo Project Encyclopedia. [ online]

Greene, M (2017) Skin-to-Skin Contact: Bond With Your Newborn. Published in: Premier Health. [ online]

Helth, T & Jarden, M (2013) Fathers' experiences with the skin-to-skin method in NICU: Competent parenthood and refined gender roles. Published in: Journal of Neonatal Nursing. [ online]

Huang, X et al (2019) Effects of paternal skin-to-skin contact in newborns and fathers after caesarean delivery. Published in: Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing. [ online]

Hunt, F (2008) The importance of kangaroo care on infant oxygen saturation levels and bonding. Published in: Journal of Neonatal Nursing. [ online]

Ionio, C et al (2021) Parent-Infant Skin-to-Skin Contact and Stress Regulation: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Published in: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. [ online]

Ireland, J et al (2016) Experiences of fathers with babies admitted to neonatal units: a review of the literature. Published in: Journal of Neonatal Nursing [ online]

Lewsley, J (undated) Skin-to-skin with your baby. Published in: babycentre. [ online]

NHS (2019) Breastfeeding: the first few days. [ online]

Phillips, R (2013) The Sacred Hour: Uninterrupted Skin-to-Skin Contact Immediately After Birth. Published in: Medscape. [ online]

Pitman, T (2018) The importance of skin to skin with baby. Published in: Today's Parent. [ online]

Shorey, S et al (2016) Skin-to-skin contact by fathers and the impact on infant and paternal outcomes: an integrative review. Published in: Midwifery. [ online]

Unicef (undated) Skin-to-skin contact. [ online]

Unicef (undated) Research on skin-to-skin contact. [ online]

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What is skin-to-skin? | Ask DadPad | Support for new dads

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Ask DadPad, Being a Dad, Neonatal Posted on 21st November 2022 Yesterday - 17 th November - was World Prematurity Day, a day aimed at raising awareness of the challenges of pre-term births across the globe. This year's theme has been set as: A parent's embrace: a powerful therapy.

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News About us Get involved Run For Us Picnic Meet with your MP to ask for Neonatal Leave Now How to Fundraise You give | we do Subscribe to our newsletter Who We Are Our Mission After NICU: A post pandemic report 2021 Prem Aware Award Your premature child at

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Ask DadPad, Attachment and Bonding, Key Content, Parenting Advice

Posted on 3rd July 2020

As a new parent, you'll hear a lot of talk about bonding, but what is bonding and why is it important? In this article, we'll attempt to explain, and we'll also give you - as a new dad - some ideas on how you can take steps to give you the best chance of forming a strong, positive and loving bond with your new baby.

What is bonding?

A few weeks ago, we shared an article all about your baby's mental health and wellbeing. Within this, we explained that: " Attachment is the link - or bond - that is experienced between a baby and its parents or caregivers. " We also explained some of the benefits of ensuring that your baby experiences a secure attachment:

A child or person that has benefitted from a secure attachment will be more 'protected' from the challenges which will come with life. Although no guarantee of lifelong good mental health, the securely attached child will have the 'toolkit' in place to be more resilient, confident and adaptable when coming up against difficult situations; they are also more likely to have good self-esteem, self-control, and the ability to empathise with others. Importantly, because of all of this, they will be better able to thrive and take full advantage of all opportunities - especially in terms of education - that they receive in life. What an amazing gift to be able to give to your child!

Bonding, then, is forming this attachment with your baby.

But isn't bonding just for mum?

For generations, there probably was an assumption that bonding was something that only happened between mum and baby, partly because mum has carried the baby for nine months and given birth - with all the hormonal changes that that brings - and partly because mum is the one who has traditionally provided all of the hands-on care for baby in his first few days, weeks and months of life.

Certainly, the bond between mum and baby is unique, and mum definitely has the advantage in forming an attachment, due to the hormonal and biological link between her and baby, established through the experiences of pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding. These events will have deluged mum and baby with positive, feel-good hormones, including dopamine, oxytocin and beta endorphin.

This is not to say, though, that dads are incapable of bonding with their children; it's just that it happens in a different way, and it also has a different purpose and a different basis.

A dad's bond

Evolutionary anthropologist Dr Anna Machin - an expert in the science and anthropology of fatherhood - contends that a dad's bond with his children is established not through personal experience but via interaction.

Further, the bond that dad has with his children will not have the same basis as the bond that they will have with their mum. Dr Machin explains:

In the first instance, the attachment between the mother and the child is inward-looking, exclusive, based on affection and care. The dad's attachment is also, obviously, capable of being affectionate and caring but on top of this there's an extra bit: his job is to challenge, to be the secure base from which the child goes out into the world to investigate what is going on. His role is to teach the skills - behavioural, linguistic, cognitive - that will enable that child to deal with life's challenges, assess its risks, and leap over those hurdles; to deal with failure, but also with success. We live in the most complex social and technological world, and dad's job is to turn the child's face to that world and say: "Here is the world and I am going to teach you how to be successful in it."

So, as a dad, you are there not only to nurture your child, but also to challenge and build your child's confidence. [If you want to learn more about the bond between dads and children, have a look at Dr Machin's short YouTube video at the bottom of this page.]

It is therefore of critical importance that you - as a dad - get involved and 'hands on' with your baby, right from the very start.

How do I give myself the best chance of bonding well with my child?

One thing that it is worth remembering is that - because your bond hasn't had the initial hormonal, intense experiential start that mum's has - a bond between dad and baby can sometimes be delayed. This doesn't mean that you aren't going to be a good dad or that you should give up; it's just that it might take a little time and effort on your part to get that attachment established.

Another important thing to note is that dads sometimes believe that breastfeeding means that they won't be able to bond and/or be involved with their baby's early days - that this time is 'all about mum'. However, this isn't true: there are lots of alternative ways to interact and bond with your baby that are just as important and just as valuable.

One of the best things that you can do, right from Day One of your child's life, is to have what are called skin-to-skin cuddles with your baby. This is usually something that you'll get to witness immediately after birth, between mum and baby, as it's a recognised way of getting baby and mum calm, helping baby regulate its heartbeat, breathing and temperature and, importantly, helping to get breastfeeding established. However, it's increasingly recognised that skin-to-skin is just as vital between dad and baby, too.

To do this, get yourself comfy in a chair in a warmish room, strip baby down to his nappy and then cuddle him up against your chest, either under your shirt/jumper or with a light blanket tucked around you both. Baby will get to feel your warmth, hear your heartbeat and smell your skin - all of which should help him feel calm and relaxed, and hopefully the same will be true for you, too. Irish midwife and childbirth educator, Avril Flynn, encourages dads to enjoy skin-to-skin cuddles with their new babies:

Just half-an-hour of skin-to-skin for dad essentially rewires their brain by increasing dopamine and oxytocin and lowered testosterone, meaning dad will have an automatic positive association from close contact with their baby.... It is such a lovely way for dads to feel close and have that connection with their little one...

Connected to this also is baby massage, which gives you and your baby the chance to chill out together, as well as providing lots of wonderful benefits for baby. These include helping his circulation, digestion and growth, and easing symptoms of colds, colic and teething. Most areas of the country will have baby massage classes easily available - some might be free and others may have a small cost. Have a look on the internet, or ask your Health Visitor for further information. A dad that we spoke to about baby massage said:

I really feel that all dads should go to baby massage. It gives you something to do with your baby and, when he smiles at me, I know it's our special little moment.

Another good way of building a connection is through communication. Talking to your baby with a gentle voice will help you get to know each other. Your baby will soon recognise, and turn his head to, the sound of your voice. You don't need to worry about what you say to him: just try talking about what you're doing together, or what you can see around you, as well as things like how beautiful he is and how much you love him. Singing to him - no matter how 'bad' you think you sound - is also a good thing. Try nursery rhymes, children's songs, or even songs that you like; it's all helping him get to know your voice and to feel loved.

In addition to verbal communication, don't also forget non-verbal methods, too. Taking time to smile at, laugh with, and mirror emotions and expressions with your baby is important. Equally, observing your baby's face as he reacts to you will help you learn to recognise the different feelings and emotions that he is sharing with you. It won't be long before his facial muscles develop to enable him to smile, which is always hugely rewarding, and he will also start to 'talk' back to you.

A third way to interact with your baby is, of course, to get 'hands on' with his care. Things like changing his nappy, settling him to sleep, bathing and washing him, and going for walks with him will all help you and baby get to know each other. These can be your 'special' times together - a chance to touch, cuddle and/or communicate, all of which will help with bonding.

Finally, of course, dads have a huge opportunity to interact with their baby through play and learning. Obviously, what this involves will change as baby grows and develops, but ideas from an early age include:

Simple interaction games, like counting fingers and toes, 'peepo', and encouraging baby to copy your expressions - e.g. slowly opening and closing your mouth, poking out your tongue, etc;

Reading baby a bedtime story - this is a fantastic habit to get into, even when baby is very small. Although he might not understand what you are saying, he will recognise your voice and hopefully the routine will become a comfort to him; and

Singing nursery rhymes and interaction games - e.g. This Little Piggy, Round and Round the Garden, Row, Row, Row Your Boat, etc.

You might also like to take your baby swimming. Swimming with baby can be a wonderful experience for dads, giving you a chance to focus on your baby one-to-one. As well as being an enjoyable way to relax together, it also gives baby's mum some time by herself. Our friends at Puddle Ducks have produced a useful " Babies & Swimming" guide which is available from their website - we've put the link at the bottom of this page.

And, when your baby gets older, one of the most crucial ways for dad to interact with him is through rough and tumble play. Dr Machin says that this fast and furious, exhilarating and noisy form of interaction...

...works well because it's a fast track to forming a bond. It releases increased floods of beta endorphin, oxytocin and dopamine for child and for father. And we know that children get a particular hit from playing with their fathers. In a time-poor world, rough and tumble play is an accelerated way of building a bond.

Added to this, a recent research study from Cambridge University has found that the more physical forms of play that dads typically engage in with their children - things like " tickling, chasing, and piggy-back rides " - help those children learn to control their feelings, were less likely to be aggressive, and were less likely to lash out at others at school.

Professor Paul Ramchandani, professor of play in education, development and learning, explains:

Physical play creates fun, exciting situations in which children have to apply self-regulation. You might have to control your strength, learn when things have gone too far - or maybe your father steps on your toe by accident and you feel cross. It's a safe environment in which children can practice how to respond. If they react the wrong way, they might get told off, but it's not the end of the world - and next time they might remember to behave differently.

Don't forget to get your copy of the DadPad or download the DadPad app (if available in your area) for more information on baby care and bonding, as well as finding details of local groups and classes which will support your family via the local services section on the app.

References and links to further reading:

Dr Anna Machin's What's different about being a dad video:

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Bonding with your baby | Ask DadPad | Support for new dads

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Top tips for new dads and dads-to-be on how to bond with your new baby and why bonding is so important for your relationship and your baby's development.

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Neonatal care in hospital

Special care for babies is sometimes provided on the ordinary postnatal ward and sometimes in a specialist newborn (neonatal) area.

Having a baby in neonatal care can be worrying, but the staff looking after your baby should make sure you receive all the information, communication and support you need.

Not all hospitals provide specialist neonatal services, so your baby may be transferred to another hospital if they need special care.

Why babies need special care

Your baby could be admitted to neonatal care for a number of reasons, including when they:

are born early (premature)

are very small and have a low birthweight

have an infection

have jaundice

had a very difficult birth

are waiting for, or recovering from, complex surgery

Touching and holding your baby

The special care baby unit may seem strange and confusing at first, especially if your baby is in an incubator or on a breathing machine. There may also be tubes and wires attached to their face and body.

Ask the nurse to explain what everything is for and show you how you can be involved in your baby's care. You may be able to change your baby's nappy, wash them and change their clothing.

Once your baby's stable, you'll be able to hold them. The nurses will be able to help you take your baby out of the incubator and show you how to have skin-to-skin contact.

Your baby will benefit greatly from physical contact with you. You can talk to your baby as well - this can help both of you.

You should wash your hands carefully and dry them thoroughly before touching your baby.

Feeding

To begin with, your baby may be too small or too sick to feed themselves. You can express some of your breast milk, which can be given to your baby through a tube.

A fine tube is passed through their nose or mouth into the stomach. This will not hurt them.

Talk to a midwife at the hospital about how you can express breast milk for your baby. The hospital may have breast pumps you can use.

Your milk has particular benefits, especially if your baby is sick or premature, as it's enriched with proteins (such as antibodies), fats and minerals.

If your baby is not able to have your milk to begin with, the milk can be frozen and given to them when they're ready.

When you go home, you can express milk for the nurses to give while you're away. There's no need to worry about how much milk you produce - every bit helps your baby.

Incubators

Babies who are very small are nursed in incubators rather than cots to keep them warm. You can still have a lot of contact with your baby.

Some incubators have open tops, but if your baby's incubator does not, you can put your hands through the holes in the side of the incubator to stroke and touch them.

Newborn babies with jaundice

Jaundice in newborn babies is common because their livers are not fully developed. Jaundice will make their skin and the whites of their eyes look a bit yellow.

Babies with severe jaundice may be treated with light therapy (phototherapy). The baby is undressed and put under a very bright light, usually with soft eye pads or a special box over their head to protect their eyes.

The special light helps break down the chemical that causes jaundice. It may be possible for your baby to have phototherapy by your bed in the postnatal ward so you do not have to be separated.

Light treatment may continue for several days, with breaks for feeds, before the jaundice clears up. Sometimes, if the jaundice gets worse, your baby may need a blood transfusion. This is not common.

Some babies have jaundice because of liver disease and need different treatment. A blood test that checks for liver disease is done before phototherapy is started.

Find out more about how newborn jaundice is treated.

Babies with jaundice after 2 weeks

Many babies are jaundiced for up to 2 weeks after they're born, or 3 weeks in premature babies.

It's more common in breastfed babies and does no harm. It is not a reason to stop breastfeeding.

It's important to see your doctor within a day or 2 if your baby is still jaundiced after 2 weeks, especially if their poo is chalky white. This can indicate a liver problem.

A blood test will distinguish between jaundice that'll go away by itself, or jaundice that may need urgent treatment.

Babies with disabilities

If your baby is disabled, talk to people about how you feel, as well as about your baby's health and future.

Your GP, a doctor for newborn babies (neonatologist), a children's doctor (paediatrician) or your health visitor can all help you.

You can also contact the hospital Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) or your social services department (through your local authority on GOV.UK) for information about local organisations that may be able to help.

The organisations listed here can offer help and advice:

Talking to other parents with similar experiences can often help.

Worries and explanations

Hospital staff should explain what kind of treatment your baby is being given and why. If they do not tell you, ask them.

It's important that you understand what's happening so you can work together to make sure your baby gets the best possible care.

Some treatments need your consent to go ahead, and the doctors will discuss this with you.

It's natural to feel anxious if your baby needs special care. Talk over any fears or worries with the hospital staff. Hospitals often have their own counselling or support services, and a number of charities run support and advice services.

The consultant neonatologist or paediatrician should arrange to see you, but you can also ask for an appointment at any time if you wish.

The hospital social worker may be able to help with practical issues, such as travel costs or help with looking after children.

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Find out about the special care given to babies born early (prematurely) or those who are sick, jaundiced or born with a disability.

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How the Neonatal Unit will prepare your discharge. 

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How the Neonatal Unit will prepare your discharge. 

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

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This page discusses:

Follow up appointments

Having visitors

Going out and about

Feeling less isolated

Bonding with your baby

Making routines

Sleeping

Family Life

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Going out and about

Unit staff may advise you to be cautious when going outside with your baby if they are at an increased risk of infection. They may also advise you to stay away from people with cold and flu-like symptoms, and encourage you to wash your hands thoroughly to help avoid infection. They may advise this particularly during the winter months, as this is when your baby is at a higher risk of getting bugs and viruses. We have more information about how to help your baby avoid common infectious illnesses.

Many parents find it is important to make time to go out and get some fresh air. Being outside can help improve your mental health. You may want to ask a friend or family member to look after your baby while you go out for a walk.

Just like other parents out and about with a young baby, you may see people you know or even strangers who want to congratulate you. You may receive insensitive comments from people, although they might mean well. For example, parents have told Bliss they have found it upsetting if people commented on their baby being small. When people have no experience of your situation, they may not know the right thing to say. It is okay to not engage in these conversations, especially if they may make you feel frustrated or distressed. It may make you feel more in control to explain the situation to them, but remember that it is up to you to decide how much or little you tell others.

Feeling less isolated

Some parents feel isolated if they have to restrict the number of visitors they have or how often they go out. Feeling lonely and isolated is not unusual for parents of babies born premature or sick. You may feel like no-one understands what you are going through, or that you don't want to burden anyone by talking about how you feel. Connecting with people around you can help, and this doesn't have to be in person. You can phone, text or email close friends and family to stay in touch. We have more information about how you might feel when you go home from the neonatal unit.

Bonding with your baby

Some parents find it difficult to bond with their premature or sick baby. This often gets better with time. If this is something you are worried about, you can talk to your health visitor or community neonatal nurse.

Baby massage can be a great way of bringing you closer to your baby, and is also very good for your baby's health and well-being. It has been shown to be especially useful to help you bond with your premature or sick baby. It can make your baby feel loved and help you learn about your baby's needs. You may also both find it very relaxing. Talk to your health visitor about whether massage is suitable for your baby.

If you are finding it difficult to bond with your baby weeks or months after your baby was born, this may be a sign of postnatal depression. We have more information about this and where you can get support.

Making routines

Some parents find that they are able to form sleeping and feeding routines, but not all parents do. You will get to know your baby and will learn to understand their needs at different times. Try not to feel pressured and take it one day at a time.

Sleeping

When you get home, it can take some time for your baby to settle into their new environment. You may have some concerns about how little or often your baby will sleep, and how to get them into a sleeping routine. You will also want to ensure your baby sleeps safely. We have more information about sleep that you may find helpful.

Family life

Having a premature or sick baby often has an impact on the whole family.

If you already have children, you may find adjusting to being at home more difficult. Some parents find it hard to balance looking after their other children and their new baby. You may want to ask family and friends to help. They may be able to take children to school or nursery, or help with housework. We have more information about ways that family and friends can help support you.

Children can be affected if they have a sibling born premature. They may find it hard to adjust if you have had to spend long periods of time in the neonatal unit away from home. They also may need help to understand why you need to spend more time looking after your new baby, and the attention their younger sibling is getting.

Try and be open with them about what is happening. You could aim to keep them as involved as you can, and give them the opportunity to help out if you can.

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Find out more about follow-up appointments and adjusting to life with your premature or sick baby after leaving the neonatal unit.

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Welcome to the Neonatal and Transitional Care Units Winchester - Introduction 

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Welcome to the Neonatal and Transitional Care Units Winchester - Introduction 

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Parents are welcome to be with their baby/babies anytime, day or night

Siblings under 16 years are welcome to visit with parents and should remain supervised (no under 16s who are not siblings)

Other visitors may visit between 2pm - 7pm. A maximum of 3 visitors around the bed space, one of these being a parent of baby (to ensure security of the baby)

If the ward becomes busy or there is a medical emergency, we may move you and your baby to another area to facilitate visiting or you may be asked to leave the unit.

Please ensure you wash your hands with soap and water when entering the clinical areas

We ask visitors to please leave their coats in the main entrance corridor

If you have symptoms of cold, cough, or are feeling in anyway unwell, you must not visit in line with the guidance of Trust's Infection Control Policy

If you have experienced any symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting, please stay home for 48 hours after the last episode before you visit the unit

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Car parking is free for all parents of babies on the Neonatal Unit and Transitional Care

Please supply us with your registration number when your baby is admitted. We can then enable automatic recognition by the car park exit barriers.

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Download the Baby Check App, from The Lullaby Trust. If you think your baby is unwell it can guide you with some basic checks. The app can help you decide whether your baby needs to see a doctor or health professional.

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If you’re worried your baby is unwell, our free Baby Check app helps you decide whether they need to see a health professional or not…

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Explore Royal Hampshire County Hospital Neonatal Unit in 3D

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Take a virtual tour of the Neonatal unit at Winchester Hospital.

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A detailed access guide by AccessAble

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Disabled Accessibility Guide for Neonatal Unit in Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust providing accessible disability and wheelchair friendly information

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Keep track of all your baby's outpatient appointments and letters by downloading HHFT Patient Hub.

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Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

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Winchester Neonatal Unit is a 12-cot unit, providing high quality care to both sick and premature babies.

We are a caring and devoted team, practising Family Integrated Care to each baby. This approach has the parents as the experts in their baby’s care. We will show you how to feed your baby, take their temperature and promote your baby’s developmental best interests. We believe in supporting parents to be fully involved in the care of their baby.

The unit provides intensive, high dependency, special and transitional care. We will assist you in your journey from high care to home.

At the start of each shift, a nurse will be allocated to your baby. This is generally the best person to ask if you need help, but please don’t hesitate to ask another member of staff for assistance. The medical team involved in your baby's care, do a ward round every morning starting at approximately 9am. We invite you to participate in this round as it is a good time to ask questions.

We fully support your choice of feeding. If breastfeeding, you can express at the cot side, screens are available, or in the expressing room. The facilities will be pointed out to you when we show you around the unit. Please ask if you have any questions as you go.

Our neonatal unit has two en-suite bedrooms where families may stay overnight. This opportunity to stay is always offered prior to going home to allow you to develop

confidence with feeding and other cares.

These rooms are also available whenever you wish to stay while your baby is in the neonatal unit. Please ask the nurse looking after your baby if a room is free. Staying overnight may help manage travel or childcare situations or help you to provide care over a larger part of the day.

Meals are available to order via the hospital catering service (please ask your nurse) or food can be bought from the hospital Rendezvous restaurant, or Costa coffee, to eat in the Family Room. The Family Room has a fridge and microwave for storing and heating supplies bought in from home. There is tea, coffee and toast making supplies for your use. Sophie’s Legacy charity provides some snacks.

For any other information about your time on the unit, see our parents’ information board or ask one of our ward clerks who will be happy to help.

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The neonatal service provides Transitional care (TC) for 6 additional babies. This service is for babies requiring additional care to the postnatal ward but is for babies who are stable. TC allows mothers and babies to remain together for the duration of their hospital stay and is located wherever the mother needs to be cared for. This is usually on the postnatal ward and there is a TC bay on Geoffrey Hammond ward. The TC service may be given in the TC bay, a side room, Labour ward or any other ward that a mother needs to be cared on.

The nursing and medical team caring for TC babies are from the neonatal team. It is usually a Nursery nurse experienced in neonatal care providing care for TC babies. These staff are able to monitor and observe babies typically for temperature , feeding, jaundice and blood sugar management but a baby may require TC for many other reasons.

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Your baby's care: Measuring standards and improving Neonatal Care

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Your baby's care: Measuring standards and improving Neonatal Care

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This poster provides shows the unit's most recent NNAP (National Neonatal Audit Programme) results to questions set out but the Royal College and Paediatrics and Child Health. It highlights the successes and indicates areas that still require improvement for Winchester Neonatal Unit

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Caroline Baker - Paediatric Physiotherapist 

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Caroline Baker - Paediatric Physiotherapist 

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Caroline is the neonatal physiotherapy lead across Hampshire hospitals. She has been a physiotherapist for 18 years. She specialises in neuro-developmental outcomes and early intervention for high-risk neonates. Caroline delivers the neonatal physiotherapy service on the neonatal unit, as well as in follow-up clinics, including 2-year assessments at extended scope level. Caroline aims to improve outcomes for those high-risk neonates through early detection and early intervention. “I will work with parents/carers to optimise therapeutic handling and positioning and enhance neuro-developmental progress.”

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Nick Conde - Speech and Language Therapist

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Nick Conde - Speech and Language Therapist

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Nick is the Neonatal Speech and Language Therapy Lead across Hampshire Hospitals. He is a specialist in swallowing difficulties and moved into neonatal feeding in 2023. Nick works closely with the nurses and the Infant Feeding Leads, medics and dietitians to assess your baby’s feeding readiness and feeding skills. Where appropriate, he will provide interventions to optimise long-term development of oral feeding and communication. He will advocate for age appropriate neurodevelopmentally supportive and protective care to lead to the best outcomes for your baby’s feeding and communication development.

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Kate is our Occupational Therapist (OT). OT consider the sensory environment on the unit and provide individualised advice on how to adapt care strategies to promote neurodevelopment. OT can support with helping you adapt to parenting on the Neonatal Unit. Helping you to understand your baby and to confidentially participate in everyday activities important to you. She works across 4 different sites: Basingstoke, Winchester and Sailsbury NNU (once a month) and Princess Anne Hospital (4 days a week. She says, “Working across sites allows me to follow up with families who are repatriated to their local hospital, enabling me to build a rapport with families and hand over to the necessary teams for continued care.”

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The Newborn Hearing Team is a small team that makes sure all suitable babies are offered the newborn hearing screen. The hearing screen is performed by many of the neonatal staff nurses and nursery nurses in the unit, ideally before discharge. If you have any questions regarding the newborn hearing screen, please contact 01256 314947 or email newborn.hearing@hhft.nhs.uk  Khan - Paediatric Hearing Lead

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Transferring your baby to another hospital 

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Transferring your baby to another hospital 

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Why is my baby being transferred to a different hospital?

There are a few reasons why your baby may be transferred. A health professional should explain why your baby is being moved.

Here are some common reasons:

If they need specialist care, equipment or surgery that is provided at a different hospital

If your baby's health is improving and they no longer need higher levels of care. At this stage they might be moved closer to home

Sometimes a unit becomes full. It may not have enough cots or staff to care for another baby. In this case your baby may need to be cared for at a different hospital

For an appointment with a specialist doctor

If your baby needs an operation they will need to go to a hospital that has a surgical centre. When the operation is over your baby will be moved back to the neonatal unit. They will only be transferred when the neonatal team feel they are well enough for the journey.

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Transferring your baby to another hospital | Bliss

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There are a few reasons why your baby may be transferred. A health professional should explain why your baby is being moved. Here are some common reasons: If they need specialist care, equipment or surgery that is provided at a different hospital If your baby's health is improving and they no longer need higher levels of care.

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Transfer Closer to Home: The neonatal repatriation of your baby (2025 updated version)

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SONeT - Southampton Oxford Neonatal Transport Service

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SONeT - Southampton Oxford Neonatal Transport Service

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SONet is the neonatal transport service used by Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to transport babies between hospitals.

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Our team is made up of highly skilled doctors and nurses who have received specialist training in the transfer of sick babies from local neonatal units to NICUs.

The team consists of a doctor or advanced neonatal nurse practitioner (ANNP), a nurse and a driver. A technician may also be part of the team. The team on transfer will depend on the category of transfer and the needs of your baby.

Why does your baby need our help?

We will have received a call from the neonatal unit that is providing care for your baby.

Your baby may require intensive care or specialist treatment on an NICU and we have been called to arrange their transfer. The initial management of your baby will have been delivered by the local team with some advice from our team. Your baby may need transfer to another neonatal unit for other reasons.

We will always try to place your baby in the most appropriate unit to meet their needs, closest to your home. If no neonatal cots are available in Thames Valley or Wessex, we will transport your baby to the nearest available NICU bed.

We will transfer (repatriate) your baby back to your local hospital for their ongoing care when intensive or specialist care is no longer required.

What happens before we leave your local hospital?

After we arrive at the hospital your baby has been admitted to, we will need to assess your baby and take details about their condition and medical care so far. We may need to spend some more time with your baby carrying out further treatment before it is safe to transfer them. Once we have done this a member of our team will come and talk to you about your baby's condition and what we have done to prepare them for transfer.

We will provide you with written transfer information prior to the transfer (SONeT parent information leaflet) and information specific to the unit to which your baby is being transferred. Directions, a map, contact numbers, and details about local facilities, including parent accommodation, will be provided.

Please feel free to ask us questions during this time, as we feel it is important that you fully understand what is happening.

For more information visit: https://neonatalnetworkssoutheast.nhs.uk/

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Our team is made up of highly skilled doctors and nurses who have received specialist training in the transfer of sick babies from local neonatal units to NICUs. The team consists of a doctor or advanced neonatal nurse practitioner (ANNP), a nurse and a driver. A technician may also be part of the team.

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How a blood spot test is performed and how it benefits your baby

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Medicines are not always needed for minor illnesses like coughs and colds in children.
If your child does need a medicine, it's important they have one that's right for their age and you know how to give it to them safely.

Paracetamol and ibuprofen for babies and children

Paracetamol and ibuprofen are safe for treating pain and a high temperature in babies and children. Both are available as liquid medicines for young children.

It's best to choose a sugar-free version. Medicines that contain sugar can harm your child's teeth.

Make sure you get the right strength for your child's age and check the label for the correct dose. Or you can ask a pharmacist for advice.

It's a good idea to keep one or both medicines stored in a safe place at home.

At what age can I give my baby paracetamol or ibuprofen?

You can give paracetamol to children aged 2 months or older for pain or fever.

You can give ibuprofen to children who are aged 3 months or older and who weigh more than 5kg (11lb).

If your child has asthma, get advice from a GP or pharmacist before giving them ibuprofen.

Do not give aspirin to children under 16 unless it's prescribed by a doctor. It's been linked with a rare but dangerous illness called Reye's syndrome.

If you're breastfeeding, ask your health visitor, midwife or GP for advice before taking aspirin.
Read more about breastfeeding and medicines

Antibiotics for children

Children do not often need antibiotics. Most childhood infections are caused by viruses. Antibiotics only treat illnesses caused by bacteria, not viruses.

If your child is prescribed antibiotics for a bacterial infection, they may seem better after 2 or 3 days. But it's important to always finish the whole course to make sure all the bacteria are killed off.

If you do not finish the whole course, the infection is more likely to come back. It also increases the risk of the bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics.

Antibiotics work best if they are given at regular intervals. Giving them to your child at the same times each day may help you to remember.

Giving medicine to your child

Make sure you know how much and how often to give a medicine. Recording it in your child's Personal Child Health Record (PCHR, or red book) may help you remember.

Always read the label on the bottle, and stick to the recommended dose. If in doubt, check with a pharmacist, health visitor or GP.

Most medicines for young children come with a special measure called an oral syringe.

This helps you measure small doses of medicine more accurately. It also makes it easier to give the medicine to your child.

If you're not sure, your health visitor or pharmacist can explain how to use the syringe.

You can also watch a video from Great Ormond Street Hospital showing how to use an oral syringe.

Never use a kitchen teaspoon to give your baby or child medicine, because they come in different sizes.

Children and side effects from medicine

The leaflet that comes with a medicine will list any possible side effects.

If you think your child is reacting to a medicine - for example, with a rash or diarrhoea - speak to a GP, health visitor or pharmacist. In the evenings or at weekends you can call NHS 111.

Keep a note of the medicine's name in your child's red book for future reference.

Can you get over-the-counter children's medicines for free?

Some pharmacies run what's known as a minor ailment scheme for specific ailments, such as coughs and colds and diarrhoea and vomiting.

When pharmacies provide medicines as part of a minor ailment scheme, you get the medicines on the NHS. You will not pay a prescription charge for children under 16.

Not all pharmacies offer a minor ailment scheme, and the ailments covered by the scheme vary from area to area.

Children's medicine safety tips

Always check the expiry date - if you have any medicines at home that are out of date or your child no longer needs them, take them to a pharmacist to dispose of safely.

Never give your child medicines that have been bought or prescribed for someone else.

Always keep medicines out of your child's reach and out of sight.

Ask a pharmacist about storing the medicine - some need to be kept in the fridge or out of direct sunlight.

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Medicines are not always needed for minor illnesses like coughs and colds in children. If your child does need a medicine, it's important they have one that's right for their age and you know how to give it to them safely. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are safe for treating pain and a high temperature in babies and children.

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Information about all the different kinds of tests your baby may receive on the Neonatal Unit

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

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

It is likely that your baby will have different tests whilst they are in the unit. This is so that your baby's changing needs can be met, and the neonatal team can monitor how they are responding to their care.

Medical tests help the neonatal team to them make decisions about whether to continue with a treatment, try something new, and whether your baby needs to be moved to a different hospital for more specialist care.

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

During these procedures you may be able to comfort your baby to reduce their discomfort, for example through comfort holding (cradling their hands and feet) or breastfeeding when the test is done.

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

Blood tests

Blood is the body's transport system, moving oxygen, nutrients, waste products and chemical messages to all the right places.

Your baby's blood does many jobs, including fighting infection. Because of this, blood tests can show how your baby is progressing.

Most blood samples are taken by pricking the skin to get blood from the back of your baby's hand or heel. The team might check the following things:

Sugar levels

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

Babies born to mums with diabetes (a condition which causes blood sugar levels to be too high) or babies born with a very low birthweight may have problems keeping a healthy blood sugar level, and so will be monitored more closely.

Blood gases

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

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

Platelets

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

Haemoglobin (pronounced hee-mo-glow-bin)

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

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

White blood cells

These cells play a big role in fighting infections. Checking these levels helps to see how well your baby is fighting an infection, or if an infection is starting.

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

Claire, mum to Joshua

Babies who are born prematurely may have problems with their sight and hearing. Some babies with particular medical conditions may also have their sight and hearing tested whilst on the neonatal unit.

Babies born before 32 weeks gestation or below 1500g of weight at birth will be tested for a condition called retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). This can be a serious eye condition, and so babies who are at risk are screened as soon as their eyes have developed enough.

The specialist doctors who carry out these tests (called ophthalmologists) can also look for other eye problems.Babies born prematurely can also be at risk of hearing problems. Their hearing will be tested before they leave hospital.

Scans

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

Ultrasound

This type of scan uses ultrasound waves to build a picture of inside the body. No harmful radiation is used. A common use of these scans is to see if there is bleeding or other problems on your baby's brain. You can stay with your baby when they have an ultrasound scan.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Many units have access to an MRI scanner, which uses a magnetic field to show pictures of your baby's internal organs. No harmful radiation is used.

These scanners are usually in a different part of the hospital from the neonatal unit. This means your baby might have to wait until they are strong enough to be moved. Sometimes, your baby might need to be sedated for their scan to make sure they stay still enough for the scanner.

X-ray

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

X-rays do use ionising radiation, so they are only used when they are really needed. You might need to leave the room when the X-ray is taking place.

Sometimes, the neonatal team might want to check to see if your baby might have a condition which is passed on genetically - this means that it is passed down from parents to their children. The doctors will talk to you about these tests, if they think they are needed.

Lumbar puncture

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The information in this section is due for review May 2021

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Tests and care your baby might be given | Bliss

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This page explains some of the tests, scans and care given to babies in a neonatal unit. For any test or treatment your baby may need, health professionals will talk to you and answer your questions. It is likely that your baby will have different tests whilst they are in the unit.

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It is important to make sure that your baby is a comfortable temperature - not too hot or too cold. The chance of SIDS is higher in babies who get too hot. A room temperature of 16-20°C - with light bedding or a lightweight, well-fitting baby sleep bag- is comfortable and safe for sleeping babies.

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

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

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

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Scroll right to access the following topics

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Columns/topics are titled for ease of use

Click on the website link (if present) or video/photograph to open

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Scroll up and down each column to find additional links/information

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Early Intervention SMART is a new approach that is dedicated to promoting and enhancing early development for your baby.

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SMART Caregiving to support development 

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SMART Caregiving to support development 

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How to use SMART to support your baby's development whilst on the Neonatal Unit.

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Helping your baby to use their hands to play

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Helping your baby to use their hands to play

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Supporting your baby's communication development 

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Supporting your baby's communication development 

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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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Support for you and your premature baby at home 

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Support for you and your premature baby at home 

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Support for you and your premature baby at home

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Taking your premature baby home can be exciting but may also a little daunting. The community healthcare team will help you all settle in.

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About the Neonatal and Transitional Care Unit

Admission

During your stay - including 'Dad Zone'

Feeding Your Baby

Preparing for Discharge

Support after Discharge

Feedback

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How to make sure your baby is sleeping safely when you are away from home or in emergency situations

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Safer sleep for babies away from home or in emergency situations - The Lullaby Trust

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Those in crisis may not have the facilities to follow all of this advice, but we hope that this information provides helpful guidelines on safer sleep for baby away from home or in emergency situations. Routine is important in reducing the risk of SIDS. It can be difficult to follow the same routine when your [...]

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Screening for Retinopathy of Prematurity

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Screening for Retinopathy of Prematurity

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For very premature babies or those with a birthweight of 1.5kg and below

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Information on how your baby's hearing is checked

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Information on the tests that will be performed to check your baby's physical health. Sometimes referred to as a NIPE