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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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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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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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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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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 breast milk is important to your baby at any age. Giving your premature baby your breast milk benefits their health as well as yours.
Breast milk:

helps protect your baby from infections, particularly of their gut - premature babies are more likely to get infections

contains hormones, nutrients and growth factors that help your baby to grow and develop

is easier for your baby to digest than formula milk, because it's human milk specially designed by your body for your baby

See other benefits of breastfeeding.

If your baby is very small or sick, they may not be able to breastfeed from your breast at first. But you can start regularly collecting your breast milk (called expressing) as soon as possible after your baby is born.

This will help get your milk supply going and the milk you express can be frozen so you can give it to your baby later. Then you can start breastfeeding from the breast once you and your baby are ready.

Even if you were not planning to breastfeed, you could express your breast milk for a while to help boost your baby's immune system in the early weeks after birth.

Spending lots of time close together with your baby can help boost your breast milk supply and establish breastfeeding.

Skin-to-skin contact with your premature baby

If your baby is well enough, you'll usually be encouraged to spend time holding them against your skin as soon as possible. This is sometimes called kangaroo care.

Your baby will usually be dressed just in a nappy, hat and socks and then placed inside your top, under a blanket, or in a soft sling so they can be held securely against your skin. If it's cold outside, you can also put them in a sleeveless vest with an open neck.

This skin-to-skin contact helps you feel close to your baby. Your partner can enjoy this kind of contact as well.

For your premature baby, skin-to-skin contact:

reduces stress and pain

promotes healthy weight gain

helps to establish breastfeeding

helps them sleep better

helps to regulate and support their heart rate and breathing

For mums, skin-to-skin contact:

helps reduce your chance of developing postnatal depression

increases your confidence as a new parent

can help make breastfeeding easier and increase the amount of milk you make

For dads and partners, holding your baby skin to skin:

helps you bond with your baby - babies can hear both parents' voices in the womb and will be calmed by the sound of your voice as well as their mum's

helps you feel more confident as a parent

Expressing milk if your baby is premature

It's recommended you express often, ideally at least 8 times a day to begin with - including at least once at night - to keep your milk supply up.

In the early days, it's often easier to express your milk by hand. Your midwife or a breastfeeding supporter can show you how.

You'll probably only express a few drops to begin with but, if you hand express often, this will increase. Even if you are only expressing a small amount it will still help your baby.

In the early days you can collect your breast milk in a small, sterile cup and store it in a syringe.

Once you are producing more milk, you could try using a breast pump. If your baby is in a neonatal unit, the hospital will usually be able to lend you an electric breast pump for expressing your milk. If they cannot lend you one, you can hire one.

Read more about breastfeeding help and support to find out about hiring a pump, or phone the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212.

The staff, your midwife or a breastfeeding supporter can give you advice about how to increase your milk supply. They can also show you how to encourage your milk to flow and how to use a breast pump.

Always ask for help early if you have any worries or questions.

Tube feeding your baby

Babies do not normally learn to co-ordinate the sucking, swallowing and breathing needed for feeding until about 34 to 36 weeks of pregnancy.

If your baby is born before this time, they may need to have breast milk through a feeding tube to begin with. This goes through their nose or mouth into their stomach. The staff in the neonatal unit can show you how to feed your baby this way.

Babies who are very premature or sick may need to be fed through an intravenous (IV) line to begin with. A fluid containing nutrients is fed straight into your baby's vein.
The Bliss website has more information and advice about tube feeding

Using donor breast milk

Some hospitals can provide donated breast milk for your baby to have until your own supply is established.
See the United Kingdom Association for Milk Banking (UKAMB) website for more information about donor breast milk
If donor breast milk is not available, your baby can have formula milk until you're producing enough breast milk.

It's recommended you do not buy donor milk over the internet. This is because the source cannot be confirmed and you cannot be sure whether the donor or the milk has been screened for infections.

Moving on to breastfeeding your premature baby

While holding your baby, you may notice them try to move towards your breast. Gradually, as they develop and get stronger, they will be able to breastfeed directly.

The first time you try it, the hospital staff may ask you to express first, then put your baby to your breast. This is so your baby is not overwhelmed when your milk lets down.

At first, your baby may only lick the breast, then next time take a few sucks until they gradually become happy and confident feeders.

You can combine tube feeding with breastfeeding until your baby is getting everything they need from the breast only.

Using a lactation aid (supplementer)

You could also consider using a lactation aid. This is a way of supplementing your baby's breastfeeds with either expressed breast milk or formula.

A tiny tube is taped next to your nipple so your baby can get milk through the tube as well as from your breast while attached to your breast. This helps to support your baby as they get used to attaching to the breast.

Got a breastfeeding question?

Sign into Facebook, or use an Amazon Alexa or Google Home and use the Breastfeeding Friend chatbot for fast, friendly, trusted NHS advice anytime, day or night.

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Find out about breastfeeding your premature baby, including using expressed breast milk to start with before moving onto feeding them directly from the breast.

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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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This comprehensive survey is shared more broadly and is reviewed by the Network Parents Advisory Group

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This survey should take up to 30 minutes to complete and is aimed at parents/carers whose baby/babies, have experienced neonatal care in one of our neonatal units across the Thames Valley & Wessex neonatal network.

The survey has been written with neonatal parents who have experienced neonatal care and understand some of the journey you have been on. Firstly, we'd like to say, congratulations on the birth of your baby/babies!

Gaining feedback from parents and families about their experiences is vital to ensure our neonatal services are meeting parents needs and ensuring changes are in line with what parents say is important to them. It ensures parent's voices remain at the heart of the network's neonatal improvement work, helping us to continue to improve the experiences of families in the future.

This survey aims to understand the experience of neonatal parents, with questions across the following areas:

Antenatal care

Postnatal care

The neonatal care of your baby/babies

The family support you may have received

When you were leaving hospital with your baby/babies

There is no obligation to answer any questions, so please answer only the questions that you feel able to and are applicable to your experience.

We recognise that some questions may be difficult to answer or may bring up difficult feelings. Please know that you can stop at any time, take a break, and return or stop the survey completely by clicking 'end' at any point. Whatever you decide, we will provide some details of where you can get support at the end of the survey, should you need this.

Please note that this survey is not a route to make an official complaint. Please contact your local hospital PALS service who will be able to support you directly with this.

By taking part in this survey, you are consenting to us using your responses to evaluate services in neonatal units across the Thames Valley & Wessex region. All your responses are anonymous.

We may present the findings our survey (sometime using anonymous quotes) to neonatal units within our network and the wider NHS to help improve services. You will not be able to be identified from any of the data or quotes shared.

Thank you for your time and sharing your experiences.

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Neonatal Family Experience Feedback Survey V4

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Web survey powered by SurveyMonkey.com. Create your own online survey now with SurveyMonkey's expert certified FREE templates.

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First Steps Nutrition Trust give evidence-based, unbiased information about infant milk to help parents' make decisions regarding feeding their babies

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Infant milks for parents & carers — First Steps Nutrition Trust

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First Steps Nutrition Trust is a charity which provides clear, evidence-based and independent information and support for good nutrition from pre-conception to five years of age.

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

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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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Sands - Stillbirth and neonatal death charity

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Losing a baby before, during or shortly after birth is one of the hardest things anyone can face. What takes many people by surprise is how strong the emotions can be, how they can change very quickly, and how long they last. People around you may think you should be 'back to normal' after a few weeks or months. At Sands we know that the grief journey can take you to a whole new vision of normality, where your baby's precious life is included.

Everyone grieves in a way that is unique to them.

We know that no-one can understand exactly what losing your baby feels like to you. But we do understand that it's sometimes easier to talk to someone outside of your friends and family about grief and the impact of bereavement of your life and this is why we offer the GriefChat service, alongside Sands' Helpline and our other support services.

GriefChat was created by bereavement experts and by clicking on the GriefChat box below, you can chat directly to a specially trained bereavement counsellor. GriefChat counsellors are experienced in supporting bereaved people and will listen to your story, explore how your grief is affecting you and help you to find any additional support you might need. GriefChat is a completely free service and is available Monday-Friday, 9am-9pm. You can email or message Sands or GriefChat outside of these hours.

GriefChat provides emotional support for bereaved people, access to trained bereavement counsellors and referral on to Sands' specialist bereavement services.

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How we offer support | Sands - Stillbirth and neonatal death charity

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Losing a baby before, during or shortly after birth is one of the hardest things anyone can face. What takes many people by surprise is how strong the emotions can be, how they can change very quickly, and how long they last.

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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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A quick guide to childhood immunisations for parents of premature babies

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A quick guide to childhood immunisations for parents of premature babies

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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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I have more than one baby on the Neonatal Unit, will they be kept together?

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I have more than one baby on the Neonatal Unit, will they be kept together?

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At first you babies would need to receive their own individualised care so keeping them together may not always be possible. However, once they are bigger and well enough, we would aim to put them in a shared cot.

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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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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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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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Neonatal Care Leave and Pay: Guidance and FAQs | Bliss

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

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Looking after your Mental Health following a Traumatic Birth

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Looking after your Mental Health following a Traumatic Birth

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Looking after your mental health in the early weeks after a traumatic birth

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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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TB, BCG vaccine and your baby - Health Publications 

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TB, BCG vaccine and your baby - Health Publications 

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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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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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Your feedback is important to improve our service!   Please complete our Parent feedback form AND the Hampshire Hospitals Feedback form before your baby is  discharged

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Your feedback is important to improve our service!   Please complete our Parent feedback form AND the Hampshire Hospitals Feedback form before your baby is  discharged

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Transferring your baby to another hospital 

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Transferring your baby to another hospital 

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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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Jessica was born in Southampton at 28 weeks weighing 680g, or 1.5lbs. Fortunately we had some prior warning that she would be on the way, and were able to be in the right place at the right time. After a spell in their Neonatal Intensive Care and then High Care units, we moved over to Winchester’s SCBU for another 7 weeks or so. In total Jess was admitted for around 10 weeks, during which time the kindness and patience of everyone around us, let alone the wonderful care she received, kept us all going. To this day I hate the sound of SATS monitors, but Jess went from strength to strength during her stay and made sure everyone was aware of her opinions at all times.

We cannot, of course, ever thank all the doctors and nurses, HCAs, admins and everyone else involved enough.

Jess was a feisty character from moment one, and almost 2 years later that hasn’t changed. She has grown into a healthy and happy toddler, who is very outgoing and very funny. She loves to read stories and colour things in (books, walls, washing machines, whatever’s closest). Her first word was ‘Burp’.

Please click on the slide show to see Jessica's journey

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Freddie and Finley were born via a planned C-section at 30 weeks - they were born at the Princess Anne in Southampton and transferred to Winchester after 10 days of being in intensive care.

As a parent, I was so nervous about their transfer, but it was the best thing for the twins care and we ended up thinking of Winchester as a second home at the time!

We had huge ups and downs in the neonatal unit, but I genuinely look back on our 7 weeks in hospital with fondness. It was such a traumatic time for us with the uncertainty of the twins health, but all of the staff on the unit were amazing. Nothing was ever too much trouble and I felt that the twins were in such good hands every day.

It was such a surreal part of our life, and the twins journey - but they are now almost three and thriving! They have such cheeky personalities and watching them grow up together is such a privilege.

Thank you Winchester for supporting us at such a hard time!

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We hope that the information in this section will be useful to you at this very difficult time, and will help you and your family get through the coming days, weeks and months.

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Mental health and wellbeing support for parents once discharged

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Parents might experience a range of unexpected emotions when they are getting ready to go home from the neonatal unit. While it is an exciting time to be at home and starting life with your new baby, you may also have some uncertainty about not having the support of the unit staff at home. You can speak to the unit staff about any worries you have. They will be happy to help and most neonatal units will allow you to contact them if you have any concerns or want some advice when you are home. This should be explained to you as part of the discharge process.

Parents often tell us that even though they were excited to go home with their baby, being at home can also feel like an isolating and overwhelming experience. Others say they didn't feel as confident as they wanted to be, and missed the support of the neonatal unit and the reassurance of staff. Some parents describe feeling a 'whirlwind' or 'rollercoaster' of different emotions. It is important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to feel, and it is normal to experience lots of different emotions while you adjust to life at home with your baby.

You may find it helpful to talk to your health visitor or community neonatal nurse about how you are feeling.

How can I get support with my mental health?

Having a baby born premature or sick can make you feel sad and low at times. But if these feelings start to impact on your everyday life, you may be experiencing symptoms of depression. Postnatal depression is a type of depression that parents can experience after having a baby, and affects fathers as well as mothers. If you are worried about how you are feeling, are experiencing persistent low mood or other symptoms associated with postnatal depression, you may need some more support. You can talk to your GP, health visitor or community neonatal nurse about how you are feeling.

You may also find it helps to talk about your concerns with a friend, family member or someone else you trust. It can be easy to forget about looking after yourself when you have a baby to look after, but it is important to reach out if you need help.

It is important to remember that you are not alone. In a survey we carried out of around 600 parents, over 80% said their mental health got worse after their time on the neonatal unit.

We have lots of information about where you can get support with your mental health, including details of other organisations that may be helpful.

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How you might feel when you go home | Bliss

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Parents might experience a range of unexpected emotions when they are getting ready to go home from the neonatal unit. While it is an exciting time to be at home and starting life with your new baby, you may also have some uncertainty about not having the support of the unit staff at home.

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

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

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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

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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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Information on how your baby's hearing is checked

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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 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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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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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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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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DadPad: Information on what to expect for new dads

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DadPad: Information on what to expect for new dads

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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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Good hygiene is very important when making up a formula feed.
Your baby's immune system is not as strong as an adult's. That's why bottles, teats and any other feeding equipment need to be washed and sterilised before each feed.

This will reduce the chance of your baby getting an infection, in particular diarrhoea and vomiting.
Find out more about sterilising baby bottles

Product recall: Elecare Similac and Alimentum Similac powdered formula

Some batches of Elecare Similac and Alimentum Similac powdered formula, made by Abbott, have been recalled as a precaution because they may contain bacteria. If you have bought or been prescribed either of these types of formula, return them to where you got them from and do not give them to a baby.
Find out more from the Food Standards Agency

Step-by-step guide to preparing a formula feed

Step 1: Fill the kettle with at least 1 litre of fresh tap water (do not use water that has been boiled before).

Step 2: Boil the water. Then leave the water to cool for no more than 30 minutes, so that it remains at a temperature of at least 70C.

Step 3: Clean and disinfect the surface you are going to use.

Step 4: It's important that you wash your hands.

Step 5: If you are using a cold-water steriliser, shake off any excess solution from the bottle and the teat, or rinse them with cooled boiled water from the kettle (not tap water).

Step 6: Stand the bottle on the cleaned, disinfected surface.

Step 7: Follow the manufacturer's instructions and pour the amount of water you need into the bottle. Double check that the water level is correct. Always put the water in the bottle first, while it is still hot, before adding the powdered formula.

Step 8: Loosely fill the scoop with formula powder, according to the manufacturer's instructions, then level it using either the flat edge of a clean, dry knife or the leveller provided. Different formulas come with different scoops. Make sure you only use the scoop that comes with the formula.

Step 9: Holding the edge of the teat, put it into the retaining ring, check it is secure, then screw the ring tightly onto the bottle. Make sure the ring is attached firmly.

Step 10: Cover the teat with the cap and shake the bottle until the powder is dissolved.

Step 11: It's important to cool the formula so it's not too hot to drink. Do this by holding the bottle (with the lid on) under cold running water.

Step 12: Test the temperature of the formula on the inside of your wrist before giving it to your baby. It should be body temperature, which means it should feel warm or cool, but not hot.

Step 13: If there is any made-up formula left in the bottle after a feed, throw it away.

Dos and don'ts of making up formula feeds

Do follow the manufacturer's instructions very carefully, as they vary as to how much water and powder to use.

Do not add extra formula powder when making up a feed. This can make your baby constipated or dehydrated.

Do not add extra water when making up a feed. Too little powder may not give your baby enough nourishment.

Do not add sugar or cereals to your baby's formula.

Never warm up formula in a microwave, as it may heat the feed unevenly and burn your baby's mouth.

Reducing the risk of infection

Even when tins and packets of powdered infant formula are sealed, they can sometimes contain bacteria.

Bacteria multiply very fast at room temperature. Even when a feed is kept in a fridge, bacteria can still survive and multiply, although more slowly.

To reduce the risk of infection, it's best to make up feeds 1 at a time, as your baby needs them.

Use freshly boiled drinking water from the tap to make up a feed. Do not use artificially softened water or water that has been boiled before.

Leave the water to cool in the kettle for no more than 30 minutes. Then it will stay at a temperature of at least 70C. Water at this temperature will kill any harmful bacteria.

Remember to let the feed cool before you give it to your baby. Or you can hold the bottle (with the lid on) under cold water from the tap.

Do not use bottled water to make up formula feeds

Bottled water is not recommended for making up feeds, as it's not sterile and may contain too much salt (sodium) or sulphate.

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How to make up formula milk feeds for your baby correctly and safely.

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Having problems with breastfeeding? Here’s how to spot what’s causing the problem and how to sort out common issues like sore nipples, breast milk supply and engorgement.

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This is a powder that is added to breast milk to increase the calorie, protein and vitamin content of the milk. We would use this with every feed of breast milk whilst on the unit. We do not add this to formula.

The fortifier may be continued with 4 or 6 feeds per day until your baby is term (40 weeks), 44 weeks or 48 weeks depending on their growth.

The dietitian will support you during your time on the ward and once you’re home with making decisions around feeding and when to stop the fortifier.

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How to tell if your baby is getting enough milk

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How to tell if your baby is getting enough milk

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Is Your Baby Getting Enough Milk - Video - Global Health Media Project

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A common concern of a new mother is whether her baby is getting enough milk. This video shows signs to tell whether the baby is feeding well.

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The way a mother holds her baby affects how easy it is for her baby to feed effectively. This video shows basic points important for any position and then demonstrates several common positions that have worked well for many mothers and babies.

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Positions for Breastfeeding - Video - Global Health Media Project

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The way a mother holds her baby affects how easy it is for her baby to feed effectively. This video shows basic points important for any position and then demonstrates several common positions that have worked well for many mothers and babies.