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Newborn Infant Physical Examination- NIPE

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Newborn Infant Physical Examination- NIPE

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These questions can be used to capture data about your services.

Readiness data capture for CHIS

How do you currently receive results for NIPE (72 Hours) screening into CHIS and by how many sources?

In which format do you receive the results (email, paper, spreadsheets, log on to screening system, smart4hearing).

How do you process the NIPE (72 hours) screening results? Do you rekey any results?

Do you report results to Health Visitors and GPs? If yes, what, how, and how often.

How long does it take you to do this?

Are there any challenges with the current processes?

Do you ensure all children you are responsible for have a NIPE (72 hours) screening result?

Do you get sent results for children not in your area and what do you do with them? How do you ensure that children who do not have a NIPE (72 hours) test, are followed up?

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Newborn Infant Physical Examination (72 hour NIPE) - NHS Digital

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This guide explains the changes being introduced by the Digital Child Health programme. It explains what needs to be done to make sharing information across child health information services easier to use and to improve service delivery.

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Welcome to Manchester University Foundation Trust: North Manchester NNU

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Welcome to Manchester University Foundation Trust: North Manchester NNU

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FicCare Welcome- please see all 4 pages.

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Read about how newborn hearing screening is carried out, what is screened for, and when you can expect to get the results.

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

This short video explains blood spot screening in newborn babies.
Newborn blood spot video
Blood spot screening is recommended by the NHS.

1. Purpose of screening

To find out if your baby has any of 9 rare but serious health conditions.

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

2. About these conditions

2.1 Sickle cell disease

About 1 in 2,800 babies born in the UK has a sickle cell disease ( SCD). These are serious, inherited blood diseases. They affect haemoglobin, a part of the blood that carries oxygen around the body. Babies who have SCD will need specialist care throughout their lives.

People with SCD can have attacks of severe pain, get serious, life-threatening infections and are usually anaemic (their bodies have difficulty carrying oxygen). Babies with SCD can receive early treatment, including vaccinations and antibiotics, which, along with support from their parents, will help prevent serious illness and allow them to live a healthier life.

2.2 Cystic fibrosis

About 1 in 2,500 babies born in the UK has cystic fibrosis ( CF). This inherited condition affects the digestion and lungs. Babies with CF may not gain weight well and frequently have chest infections. Babies with CF can be treated early with a high-energy diet, medicines and physiotherapy. Although children with CF may still become very ill, early treatment can help them live longer, healthier lives.

2.3 Congenital hypothyroidism

About 1 in 2,000 babies born in the UK has congenital hypothyroidism ( CHT). Babies with CHT do not have enough of the hormone thyroxine. Without thyroxine babies do not grow properly and they can develop permanent serious physical problems and learning disabilities.

Babies with CHT can be treated early with thyroxine tablets and this will allow them to develop normally.

It is important to let your health professional know if you have a family history of a metabolic condition. Babies are screened for 6 inherited metabolic diseases (IMDs).

These are:

phenylketonuria (PKU)

medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD)

maple syrup urine disease (MSUD)

isovaleric acidaemia (IVA)

glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA1)

homocystinuria (pyridoxine unresponsive) (HCU)

About 1 in 10,000 babies born in the UK has PKU or MCADD. The other conditions are rarer, occurring in 1 in 150,000 babies to 1 in 300,000 babies.

Babies with these inherited conditions cannot process certain substances in their food. Without treatment babies with some of these conditions can become suddenly and seriously ill. The symptoms of the conditions are different; some may be life threatening or lead to severe developmental problems.

They can all be treated by a carefully managed diet, which is different for each condition and may include additional medicines.

3. The screening test

When your baby is 5 days old the health professional will prick your baby's heel using a special device to collect some drops of blood onto a card. Occasionally this may be later than 5 days. The heel prick may be uncomfortable and your baby may cry. You can help by making sure your baby is warm and comfortable, and by cuddling and feeding them.

Sometimes, a second blood spot sample is required later on. If so, the reason will be explained. It does not necessarily mean there is something wrong with your baby.

4. Safety of the test

There are no known risks to your baby associated with having the test.

5. Screening is your choice

Screening your baby for all these conditions is recommended because it could save your baby's life but it is not compulsory. You can choose to have screening for SCD, CF or CHT individually but can only choose to have screening for all 6 IMDs or none at all. If you do not want your baby screened for any of the conditions or have any concerns about the test, please talk to your midwife.

Early screening is best as treatment can be started as soon as possible if needed. But if you choose not to have screening, your baby can have the test later if you change your mind. Babies can be screened up to 12 months of age for all the conditions except CF (only up to 8 weeks of age).

6. Possible results

Most babies will have normal results indicating that it is unlikely that they have any of the conditions. A small number of babies will screen positive for one of the conditions. This does not mean they have the condition but they are more likely to have it. They will be referred to a specialist for further tests.

Screening for cystic fibrosis finds some babies who may be genetic carriers of the condition. These babies may need further testing. Screening does not detect all carriers.

Occasionally, other medical conditions might be identified through these screening tests. For example, babies with beta thalassaemia major (a serious blood disease) will usually be detected. These children also need to be referred for lifelong treatment and care.

Screening for sickle cell disease also finds babies who are genetic carriers of these or other red blood cell diseases. Carriers are healthy although they can experience some problems in situations where their bodies might not get enough oxygen, for example, if they are having an anaesthetic.

7. Getting my results

You should receive the results from a health professional by the time your baby is 6 weeks old. The results should be recorded in your baby's personal child health record ('red book'). Please keep this safe and bring it with you to any further appointments. You will be contacted sooner if there is thought to be any problem with your baby.

8. My baby's blood spot card and data after screening

After screening blood spot cards are stored for at least 5 years and may be used:

to check the result or for other tests recommended by your doctor

to improve the screening programme

for research to help improve the health of babies and their families in the UK (this will not identify your baby and you will not be contacted)

In addition, there is a small chance that researchers may want to invite you or your child to take part in information gathering linked to the newborn blood spot screening programme. Researchers undertaking any additional studies would explain what is being done and you would then be asked if you wish to take part in that study. Please let your midwife know if you do not want to be contacted to discuss taking part in any additional information gathering.

All use of the blood spots is governed by the code of practice. Any research will have been approved by an independent research ethics committee.

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This information was created on behalf of the NHS. In this information, the word 'we' refers to the NHS service that provides screening. This short video explains blood spot screening in newborn babies. Newborn blood spot video Blood spot screening is recommended by the NHS.

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STFYAYB provides information about the screening tests offered during and after pregnancy.

Details

This information is about the screening tests you will be offered during your pregnancy and after your baby is born. It explains the different types of test and what the tests are looking for.

Easy read versions of this leaflet are available. Additional information is also available for parents of babies who are in a special care baby unit, neonatal intensive care unit or paediatric intensive care unit.

We hope this advice will help prepare you for discussions with your midwife or doctor so that you can ask the questions that are important to you.

It is your decision whether or not to have any of the tests described.

In this publication, we use the terms 'woman' and 'women' to refer to anyone able to become pregnant, including trans men. Trans men who are pregnant should be offered the same antenatal and newborn screening tests as other pregnant individuals.

The information is available in 12 other languages: Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, French, Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Romanian, Somali and Urdu.

See how to print digital leaflets if you want to print any sections of this guidance.

Free printed copies of this leaflet are also provided for local screening providers to give to women who cannot access the internet. Screening services can view the full PDF of the printed leaflet and order printed copies on the APS online ordering portal (requires login).

Contact the screening helpdesk with any queries about this publication, making sure you include its full title.

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Screening tests for you and your baby (STFYAYB)

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STFYAYB provides information about the screening tests offered during and after pregnancy.

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IFDNC is an innovative smartphone app that helps parents through their NICU journey in the ethos of family integrated care. The app offers an up to date and comprehensive educational material, developmental timeline and different diary functions to document the neonatal journey and memories.

Our units provide care to high risk, often critically ill neonates, and family integrated care is one of our guiding principles. The overarching goal of family integrated care is to support parents in becoming equal members of the neonatal team and participate in providing active care for their infant with the help of a competency-based training.

This App and educational material was designed for our Integrated Family Delivered Care project, but even if parents are not able to participate in this new care model it can help them a lot on their way.

We hope that with this material we can help you to prepare and engage parents in this journey, and understand what is happening to their Baby. Our app gives the opportunity to learn more about neonatal care, chart expressing, skin-to-skin cuddles and feeding progress and growth as well as record events, pictures and memories of your journey.

The developer, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, indicated that the app's privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer's privacy policy.

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

Privacy practices may vary based on, for example, the features you use or your age. Learn More

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‎IFDNC is an innovative smartphone app that helps parents through their NICU journey in the ethos of family integrated care. The app offers an up to date and comprehensive educational material, developmental timeline and different diary functions to document the neonatal journey and memories. Our un...

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

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Safer sleep overview - The Lullaby Trust

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An easy guide to practicing safer sleep for your baby and reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS, or cot death).

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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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If your baby needs transferring they will be cared for by the neonatal transport service known as Connect North West.
Connect NW is a service that covers a large geographical area including Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Merseyside and Lancashire and South Cumbria, as well as an out of hours service for North Wales.

Connect NW aims to undertake all emergency and pre-planned transfers of babies between referring and admitting neonatal units and will also undertake planned out-patient appointments. The team will, when circumstances dictate, also transfer babies in and out of the designated geographical area, thus ensuring that the care of babies is not restricted by the availability of intensive care cots in an individual unit.

The team is available 24 hours a day and has two bases - one in Manchester and one in Liverpool. The team is made up of doctors, advanced neonatal nurse practitioners (ANNPs) and nurses, all of whom are trained and experienced in transporting babies.

If your baby is being transferred for an out-patient appointment or return journey to a unit closer to home, it may be possible for one parent to accompany their baby on this journey.

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If your baby needs transferring they will be cared for by the neonatal transport service known as Connect North West.

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Our Transport Equipment

Your baby will be transferred in a specialist transport incubator. Our incubators are equipped with all the necessary equipment to provide the appropriate level of care which your baby needs. Our incubators are able to provide mobile intensive care and are equipped for all eventualities and emergency situations.

The incubator is able to keep your baby warm and allows our team to observe your baby closely throughout the transfer. The incubator is designed to lock securely into the ambulance and the team will also use soft Velcro safety harnesses in the incubator, to secure your baby safely in the incubator for the journey.

The Incubator will have a cover over it to maintain your baby's privacy and prevent them from being startled by any bright lights! A small teddy bear or blanket can accompany your baby in their transport incubator if you would like.

Throughout their journey in the ambulance your baby will be continuously monitored. Your baby will be accompanied in the back of the ambulance by a Nurse; and when required, a Doctor or Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (ANNP).

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Our Transport Equipment Your baby will be transferred in a specialist transport incubator. Our incubators are equipped with all the necessary equipment to provide the appropriate level of care which your baby needs. Our incubators are able to provide mobile intensive care and are equipped for all eventualities and emergency situations.

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Why is your baby being transferred?

Your baby may need to be transferred to another hospital for a number of different reasons. The most common reason is that your baby requires a higher level of care than their local hospital is able to provide. Neonatal units are described as providing different levels of care ranging from level 1 to level 3, with Level 3 providing care for the most unwell babies. An extremely preterm baby, for example, will need to be cared for in a level 3 unit. This map provides information on different units and their level. The hospitals highlighted in red are the Northwest level 3 neonatal units and those in blue are the level 1-2 units.

On some occasions your baby may need to be moved because they have been born with/developed a heart condition or surgical condition that requires surgery or specialist review. In the North West our surgical and cardiac centres are based at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool and St Mary's Hospital in Manchester. These hospitals are highlighted in green on the map.

Alternatively, your baby may also be transferred to a hospital closer to your home for continuation of care after they have got better. They may also need taking to outpatient appointments before they are ready for discharge.

The Consultant at your local hospital should inform you why your baby is being transferred.

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Why is your baby being transferred? - Connect NW

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Why is your baby being transferred? Your baby may need to be transferred to another hospital for a number of different reasons. The most common reason is that your baby requires a higher level of care than their local hospital is able to provide.

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North West Neonatal Operational Delivery Network

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North West Neonatal Operational Delivery Network

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Find your local unit

Hospitals often have a unit or ward dedicated to caring for babies who require additional support after birth, which cannot be provided on the Maternity wards.

These are often referred to in different ways such as the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU), Neonatal Unit (NNU) or Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Latest News

For the latest news, please follow us on

NWNODN working in close collaboration with

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North West Neonatal Operational Delivery Network

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Find your local unit Hospitals often have a unit or ward dedicated to caring for babies who require additional support after birth, which cannot be provided on the Maternity wards.

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Spoons Charity - Neonatal Family Support

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Financial Support - Spoons Charity - Neonatal Family Support

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The cost of having a baby in neonatal care can be high for parents. Travel cost & loss of earnings impacts on finances. Donate today & help ease the burden

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Spoons Charity - Neonatal Family Support

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Spoons support families who experience neonatal care in the Greater Manchester area. Both on the neonatal unit and through our community work .

We provide:

Peer support delivered by those with neonatal lived experience

Dedicated family support to help family navigate life on the neonatal unit, the transition from neonatal to home and support post discharge from neonatal care

Trauma therapy and counselling

Community play sessions

Community support groups

We work with neonatal unit units to support them to better engage with families and amplify the neonatal parent parent voice. We also work closely with the North West Neonatal Operational Delivery Network.

Building partnerships and collaborating with other charities and organisations that have a similar aim to Spoons is important to us. We believe collaboration makes us all stronger and will help us expand and improve availability of fantastic neonatal family support.

If you are interested in working with Spoons and are interested in neonatal support we would love to hear from you.

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Neonatal Support provided by Spoons, charity for neonatal families

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Spoons Charity offers neonatal support to families across Greater Manchester. We provide peer support services on neonatal units. Get support from Spoons.

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NICU, SCBU and You: neonatal care and parents' mental health - 2018 [audio only]

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We aim to help dads have successful relationships with their families, and to support dads with anxiety, stress and mental health issues.

We hope to get dads engaged with services that have traditionally been targeted at mums, and to train & support volunteer dads to work with us.

We work directly with services that support Dads, families and especially babies to increase engagement and knowledge across the sector.

We want to make sure dads know how important they are, how to access support when they need it and why it's essential for baby's development.

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VOLUNTEER WITH US EVENTS REGISTRATION FIND SUPPORT IN YOUR AREA DONATE HERE We aim to help dads have successful relationships with their families, and to support dads with anxiety, stress and mental health issues. We hope to get dads engaged with services that have traditionally been targeted at mums,

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Spoons Charity - Neonatal Family Support

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When a baby is admitted to neonatal care, there is a lot of focus on mum. She may be unwell after the birth and receiving care from the midwives. We know that dads and partners struggle yet w e find that more mums are reaching out for help than dads. Dads also tell us it feels easier for mums to access support and they don't know where to start. Men tend to hide their feelings which can result in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder later down the line. We want to ensure neonatal dads have an accessible support network.

Dads might also feel under pressure to return to work. Some new dads have to take their paternity leave when their baby is on the neonatal unit, or they may have to use up holidays or take unpaid leave. It can be very stressful. You might find you have no time to stop and address your own thoughts and feelings .

One of our dads has come up with some tips and coping strategies for new dads who find themselves on a neonatal journey.

The story below has been written by one of our neonatal dads who was deeply affected by his son's traumatic birth. It really highlights the need for more support for dads in neonatal care.

My son was born very early at 24 weeks gestation. He was born in a very bad way... in a breech position and my wife had a large bleed leading to our son swallowing a lot of her blood. He was tiny, weighing 1lb 7oz. I was completely petrified the day he was born. It was like my worst nightmare but it was real. Just after my son was born I listened to the medical team as they connected him to a ventilator, lines and monitors. My wife was unconscious and the midwife was panicking due to the amount of blood she had lost. Then the beeps from the medical devices connected to my son became weaker and weaker until they stopped. There must have been a team of 15 medical staff in the room but all was completely silent. I was praying so hard my hands turned white and I remember thinking that this just cannot happen. I am still haunted by this day now and the thought that I could have lost my wife and little boy, fills me with a fear that I've never felt before. Despite my son's very early arrival and having a long list of severe medical issues he managed to pull through against all odds. We had a long and stressful stay in NICU and he came home on oxygen. After only a few days home he was rushed back into hospital after catching a cold. Our son remained on oxygen for 1 year which was challenging for me. I felt I had a lot of pressure on me. I am self employed, so I had to continue working despite what was going on at home and this was hard. We had agreed the sale on our house and were house hunting when our son was born. I had to take on that responsibility as I didn't want my wife becoming any more stressed. Somehow, and I don't know how, I managed to keep everything running pretty smoothly during the dark days in NICU but I found that I really struggled once things settled down. It was like bad weather moved into my mind and stayed there. The weather wasn't really stormy but was gloomy and depressing. I felt sad and negative, and a bit alone. The strange thing is that I didn't realise how bad it had affected me until I came out of it. I understand now that the symptoms are typical of PTSD, but even though I tried, I couldn't get any metal health support and this almost led to my business falling apart. I felt let down by the system. I guess I did some real soul searching and I opened up to my wife about how I was feeling, and that was the beginning of me admitting it to myself. I had to almost pick everything apart so I could put it all back together again and it was difficult. I started talking to a few other dads from NICU who I had kept in touch with and it was a surprise and a relief to find out they felt the same. It has been a long road for me. We're a few years on now and I still struggle to think about my boy's birth, but things have got easier. If I could give another bloke on NICU some advice it would be to talk - talk to other dads on the unit, especially those who have come out the other side of NICU. Reach out for help. It is out there and it is getting easier to find.

Spoons has a private Dads Facebook group. This is a safe space for dads who experience neonatal care to chat to other dads and share their experiences. If you are a dad who has experienced neonatal care in Greater Manchester you can request to join the group via this link Spoons Dads Facebook Group

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Neonatal Dads - Spoons Charity - Neonatal Family Support

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Neonatal dads can struggle with mental health on the unit or post discharge. We aim to support dads throughout the neonatal journey and beyond. Donate today

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Children must normally use a child car seat until they're 12 years old or 135 centimetres tall, whichever comes first.

Children over 12 or more than 135cm tall must wear a seat belt.

You can choose a child car seat based on your child's height or weight.

Height-based seats

Height-based seats are known as 'i-Size' seats. They must be rear-facing until your child is over 15 months old. Your child can use a forward-facing child car seat when they're over 15 months old.

You must check the seat to make sure it's suitable for the height of your child.

Only EU-approved height-based child car seats can be used in the UK. These have a label showing a capital 'E' in a circle and 'R129'.

Weight-based seats

The seat your child can use (and the way they must be restrained in it) depends on their weight.

Only EU-approved weight-based child car seats can be used in the UK. These have a label showing a capital 'E' in a circle and 'ECE R44'.

You may be able to choose from more than one type of seat in the group for your child's weight.

0kg to 10kg

0

Lie-flat or 'lateral' baby carrier, rear-facing baby carrier, or rear-facing baby seat using a harness

0kg to 13kg

0+

Rear-facing baby carrier or rear-facing baby seat using a harness

9kg to 18kg

1

Rear- or forward-facing baby seat using a harness or safety shield

15kg to 25kg

2

Rear- or forward-facing child car seat (high-backed booster seat or booster cushion) using a seat belt, harness or safety shield

22kg to 36kg

3

Rear- or forward-facing child car seat (high-backed booster seat or booster cushion) using a seat belt, harness or safety shield

Manufacturers can now only make booster cushions approved as group 3. This won't affect any existing booster cushions in group 2 and you'll still be able to use them.

Fitting a child car seat

You must only use a child car seat if your car's seat belt has a diagonal strap, unless the seat is either:

specifically designed for use with a lap seat belt

fitted using ISOFIX anchor points

You must also:

deactivate any front airbags before fitting a rear-facing baby seat in a front seat

not fit a child car seat in side-facing seats

Children with disabilities or medical conditions

The same rules apply for children with disabilities or medical conditions, but they can use a disabled person's seat belt or a child restraint designed for their needs.

A doctor can issue an exemption certificate if a child is unable to use a restraint or seat belt because of their condition.

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The rules for child car seats and booster seats - height, weight, age, type of vehicle, car, minibus, licensed taxi

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This information is available in verified by experts in our Editorial Board including representatives from Royal College of Midwives, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and Royal College of Psychiatrists as well as other key health organisations in the UK. To download Baby Buddy, visit the relevant app store of your choice:

Introduction

The first video from the Small Wonders DVD explains the different levels of care your baby might need, and who might give it. We meet some of the families and hospital staff, and guide you as to how to use this DVD to get support, wherever you are on your journey.

In the second video from the Small Wonders DVD, we meet three families, two who had time to prepare for life in a neonatal unit and one who had very little warning. We see three births, one of which is the birth of triplets, and we follow the babies being prepared for transfer to the neonatal unit.

First hours

The third video from the Small Wonders DVD provides a look into the first hours and days in the neonatal unit and shows you how you, as a parent, can play a very important role in your baby's care.

Expressing breast milk

The fourth video from the Small Wonders DVD shows how mothers can express breast milk for their baby within a few hours of giving birth (if at all possible mothers should express milk within the first 6 hours after giving birth). Starting to express breast milk early and expressing milk often will help your body produce plenty of milk for the weeks and months to come.

Holding your baby

The fifth video from the Small Wonders DVD shows how skin-to-skin contact (also known as 'kangaroo care') can help both you and your baby. You will see families move from being nervous to being able to hold their babies with confidence.

Your time in hospital

The sixth video from the Small Wonders DVD follows families as they begin to feel more confident in caring for their babies on the neonatal unit. You will also see how some of our families cope with their baby's condition getting worse.

Feeding independently

The seventh video from the Small Wonders DVD follows four families as they learn to help their babies feed independently of tubes. Although some babies may go home being fed by tube, most will be feeding independently before they are discharged from hospital, whether they are breastfeeding or formula-feeding.

Preparing for home

The eighth video from the Small Wonders DVD covers what to expect when your baby is ready to leave hospital. We follow five families as they prepare to go home.

First months at home

The ninth video from the Small Wonders DVD follows nine families enjoying the early weeks and months at home with their pre-term baby. They all have different experiences and challenges.

Twins and triplets

The tenth video from the Small Wonders DVD follows four families who had twins or triplets and discovers some some of the joys and challenges that come with having more than one baby.

Bereavement

This video from the Small Wonders DVD is only for families who have to deal with bereavement. We have included it because parents asked us to. Only watch this video if you feel it will be helpful to you and please be aware that everyone's experience of bereavement is different and may not reflect your own. This film follows the journeys of families who lost babies during filming and chose to carry on sharing their experiences to help others.

The twelfth and final video from the Small Wonders DVD shows the families whose journeys we have been following in films 1 to 10 looking back on their experiences and sharing their thoughts and feelings.

Latest

The Impact Lead will focus on developing Best Beginnings' frameworks for monitoring and evaluating our national and international work ensuring that learning continues to be captured in ways that can be shared and used for effective advocacy and influencing. The successful candidate will also play a pivotal role influencing policy and its implementation within the maternity, early years, digital health and public health context.

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The Small Wonders videos have been designed to help you on your journey with your sick or premature baby.

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We are working on introducing vCreate on our NNU-
Watch this space!

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vCreate is a free Secure Video Messaging service that allows clinical staff to record and send video updates to parents with children in Neonatal and Paediatric Units.

Parents access videos of their child when they are away from the unit to receive reassurance of their child's wellbeing and minimise any separation anxiety. It's safe, secure and available on any device.

NHS Trusted Application

Unit staff record short video updates of the child for their parents to watch when away from the Unit. These are recorded on any device with a camera i.e. mobile phone / tablet.

The videos are stored securely on the vCreate platform. Parents register for an account which is then approved by the Unit staff. Once approved, Unit staff assign videos to the appropriate parent account.

Parents login to watch their child's videos at any time and are alerted when new videos are available. A secure video diary builds up over time which the parents have access to 24 hours per day, on any device. The Unit can see when the videos are being watched for auditing purposes.

Unit staff record videos when they have time and not at a prescribed rate. This process will have no impact on their clinical duties and the videos do not contain any sensitive clinical information.

If the child is transferred to a new Unit, the account and videos move with them. When the child leaves the Unit, parents are able to download their child's videos to keep. At this point the Unit delete the videos and remove the account for Data Protection purposes.

Request a Demo

Secure Video Technology for Healthcare

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How Secure Video Messaging Technology Works

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See how the vCreate Secure Video Messaging service works for both Units and parents

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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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A stay in neonatal care - An animated guide

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FiCare supports the full integration of families in the care of their infants in the NICU https://youtu.be/l_yD5-_NOrI Welcome to Family Integrated Care This website introduces the concept of Family Integrated care (FICare) to families and health care providers. FICare is a model that integrates families as partners in the NICU care team, and provides a ...

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Please leave your feedback here.

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Please let us know what you think

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Please speak to a member of staff to create your permit, during your time on the neonatal unit.

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Leaflets about your Babies Care and Family Facilities on Newborn Services across 3 sites.

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Leaflets about your Babies Care and Family Facilities on Newborn Services - Saint Mary's Hospital

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There are two milk kitchens on the unit for the storage of your milk. When you begin to express you will be given a tray number. This is where you will store your milk for the rest of your stay, whether it's in the fridge or the freezer.

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Across our three sites we have 109 cots, and a dedicated multidisciplinary team which looks after over 1600 babies a year who require medical and surgical care.

We have: 69 cots within Saint Mary's Hospital, 21 cots at Wythenshawe Hospital and 19 at North Manchester General Hospital.

We specialise in providing care for a range of conditions such as:

Extreme prematurity

Complex respiratory diseases.

Complex renal conditions.

Complex cardiac conditions.

Complex neurological conditions.

Babies that require surgical care.

Complex genetic and metabolic disorders.

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) screening and treatment.

As well as caring for babies from our local areas, we also look after babies that need specialist care from across Greater Manchester and beyond.

Our mission statement

Our aim on NICU is to provide high quality individualised care to our babies and their families using the best available knowledge and resources.

Our babies are cared for by an expert multi-disciplinary team in an environment that is supportive of the development of the important relationships between families and their baby. Our units ensure the delivery of FiCare (Family Integrated Care), where parents are the primary care givers as essential members of the team and are supported by all neonatal staff. The unit values every member of staff and aids their development to ensure and promote effective and safe practice.

Our philosophy

The care and treatment of the babies and their families is paramount and is the primary objective of the NICU. We aim to provide the best possible care in an environment that is appropriate for their medical, surgical, developmental and social needs. Babies and their families have every right to expect care from a highly trained and supervised multi-disciplinary team.

We respect our parents' views and wishes and we really encourage family centred care, providing information and guidance which meets their individual needs. We acknowledge the need for parents to be involved in their baby's care and believe that this will be achieved by mutual trust and effective communication that maintains privacy, dignity and confidentiality.

Community neonatal care

When your baby is ready to go home you may be offered the support of our Community neonatal team. The team comprises experienced neonatal nurses who will provide you with invaluable advice and support in the early and sometimes uncertain days after discharge from hospital. The team may visit you in your own home, or invite you to attend a community based clinic where you can meet other families whose babies have also received care on the neonatal unit

Location and visiting

The Unit is located in the Blue area of the hospital

There is open visiting for parents, and other visitors can come into the Unit until 9pm. Visiting is from parents only from 1pm - 3pm, which quiet time for babies. Children (siblings only) must be accompanied by an adult.

Contact us

If you have any questions while your baby is staying on the Unit, please contact Neonatal Reception on 0161 291 2932. The contact number for Saint Mary's NICU reception is 0161 901 2700.

Management team

The team responsible for managing our Newborn Services is:

Dr Ngozi Edi-Osagie, Clinical Head of Division

Chris Ashworth, Divisional Director

Kath Eaton, Lead Nurse

Our Consultants

Dr Aparajita Basu

Dr Ian M Dady

Dr Ngozi Edi-Osagie

Dr Mohamed Elboraee

Dr Anthony Emmerson

Dr Edward Gasiorowski

Dr Ruth Gottstein

Dr Anupam Gupta

Dr Sheima Hamad

Dr Susan Kamupira

Dr Ajit Mahaveer

Dr Yasser Masood

Prof. Simon Mitchell

Dr Arindam Mukherjee

Dr Sajit Nedungadi

Dr Michelle Parr

Dr Gareth Penman

Dr Ranganath Ranganna

Dr Kristin Tanney

Dr Kalwa Munthali

Dr Asim Ahmed

Dr Kuldip Bakaya

Dr Ahmed Elazabi

Dr Abhijeet Godhamgaonkar

Dr Gopikrishna Vemuri

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The unit is staffed by highly skilled neonatal care Consultants and Nurses who monitor these babies 24 hours a day. We have 19 cots, two of which are designated as Neonatal Intensive Care cots for the sickest babies and two as High Dependency cots.

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It's natural to focus on your baby's birth while you're pregnant. But it's a good idea to also know what to expect after labour.
Skin-to-skin contact really helps with bonding. It's a good idea to have your baby lifted onto you as soon as they're born and before the cord is cut so you can be close to each other straight away.

Either before, or just after the cord is clamped, your baby will be dried and then covered with a towel to stop them getting cold. You can continue to hold and cuddle your baby while this is done.

Your baby may have some of your blood on their skin and perhaps vernix, the greasy white substance that protects your baby's skin in the womb.

If you prefer, you can ask the midwife to dry your baby and wrap them in a blanket before your cuddle.

Mucus may need to be cleared out of your baby's nose and mouth.

Some babies need a bit of help to get their breathing established.

Your baby may be taken to another part of the room to have some oxygen. They'll be brought back to you as soon as possible.

Your baby will be examined by a midwife, neonatal nurse or paediatrician, then weighed and possibly measured, and given a wrist or ankle band with your name on.

Your midwife or maternity support worker will help you wash and freshen up before you go to the postnatal ward.

Vitamin K for newborn babies

You'll be offered an injection of vitamin K for your baby. This helps prevent a rare bleeding disorder called haemorrhagic disease of the newborn.

Your midwife should have discussed the injection with you while you were pregnant.

If you'd prefer for your baby not to have an injection, they can have vitamin K by mouth instead, but they'll need further doses.

Stitches for tears or cuts

Small tears and grazes are often left without stitches because they can usually heal without treatment.

If you need stitches or other treatments, you should be able to carry on cuddling your baby while this is being done.

If you have had a large tear or an episiotomy, you'll need stitches.

If you have already had an epidural, it can be topped up. If you haven't, you should be offered a local anaesthetic to numb the area.

Preventing bleeding after the birth

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is a complication where you bleed heavily from the vagina after your baby's birth.

There are 2 types of PPH, depending on when the bleeding takes place:

primary or immediate - bleeding that happens within 24 hours of birth

secondary or delayed - bleeding that happens after the first 24 hours and up to 12 weeks after the birth

Sometimes PPH happens because your womb doesn't contract strongly enough after the birth.

It can also happen because part of the placenta has been left in your womb or you get an infection in the lining of the womb (endometritis).

To help prevent PPH, you'll be offered an injection of oxytocin as your baby is being born. This stimulates contractions and helps to push the placenta out.

Now read about you and your body after the birth.

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What to expect after your baby is born, including information on skin-to-skin contact, bonding, stitches and vitamin K injections.

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Support for when you feel you can't cope

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Support for when you feel you can't cope

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Who we are

In 1981 a small group of parents, who were experiencing problems with their crying and sleepless babies, set up a support group. They discovered how important support is and how reassuring it can be to talk to someone. Today that support group has become Cry-sis, the only UK charity offering help and support to parents with babies who cry excessively or have sleeping problems. From modest beginnings Cry-sis has become a well-respected national charity which:

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Support For Crying And Sleepless Babies | Cry-sis

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Cry-sis, the only UK charity offering help and support to parents with babies who cry excessively or have sleeping problems. Call the helpline now...

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

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We welcome you to join us on ward rounds so you can be involved in making decisions on your baby's care. We apologise that occasionally this can be delayed if there is an emergency.

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Everything you ever wanted to know about Twins Trust's vital work

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National Breastfeeding Helpline - Helpline

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This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website.

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Twins Trust - We support twins, triplets and more...

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Supporting you through every milestone of your journey with twins, triplets or more. From being pregnant with twins, triplets or quads through to parenting twins, triplets or quads, we are here for you.

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First Steps Nutrition Trust is an independent public health nutrition charity. We endeavour to fill practical and policy-relevant information gaps and provide resources for health workers supporting eating well from pre-conception to five years.

Our Mission

To influence policies which enable the safe, appropriate and optimal feeding of infants and young children in the UK, and to protect them from commercial interest.

To ensure that the importance of good nutrition from pre-conception to age five remains on everyone's agenda.

To provide conflict of interest-free information on infant milks marketed in the UK, and to promote better regulation and marketing of breastmilk substitutes.

To provide resources for health workers to support them in their work with pregnant women and young families.

Our Resources:

Are put together by nutrition experts and are regularly updated.

Can be used in Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative accredited settings.

Are available as free pdf downloads for use by anyone promoting better public health on a not-for profit basis.

Everyone who works at First Steps Nutrition Trust feels passionately about the need for better information and support for good nutrition - and good food - from pre-conception to five years.

First Steps Nutrition Trust is supported by generous individual donations and conflict of interest free grants. First Steps Nutrition Trust does not work with organisations or individuals that work with, or take funding from, the breastmilk substitute industry and we reserve the right not to sell them our subsidised resources.

First Steps works with and supports a number of organisations including Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative, the Baby Feeding Law Group, the Obesity Health Alliance, the Children's Food Campaign and the APPG on Infant Feeding and Inequalities.

First Steps Nutrition Trust host and regularly update their partner site infantmilkinfo.org which contains comprehensive information about infant milks (for 0-12 month olds) available on the UK market.

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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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A few months back I was asked by Bryana Salazar to be a part of a study she was doing. I jumped at the chance when I found out the study was exploring the needs of NICU fathers and their experiences after discharge. 32 NICU fathers participated in this study to help us learn more about the NICU experience and the transition home. Please take a look at her study here: https://spark.adobe.com/page/wR523tLe542qn/#theme-5 Here is what she found. Theme 1: Dads and Healthcare Providers Interacting with healthcare providers while your child is in the NICU and beyond can be intimidating. Theme 2: Adjusting Expectations For some fathers, the transition is difficult...

A NICU stay is definitely a life changing experience. The hell we are put through and the gratefulness of how blessed we are, we carry them forever.

I recently came across a post on social media, where a mother shared her plan about returning to work after coming home from the NICU and asked for advice on what other NICU parents did. The thread that followed completely blew my mind! I couldn't believe how many parents responded and how similar their stories were to ours. Having a baby in the NICU is life changing, and more often, bringing a baby home from the NICU is also life changing. Some parents bring home babies from the NICU who still require a lot of care. They have to make some serious decisions about who is going to care for...

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Rainbow Trust Children's Charity works with the whole family. We focus on supporting the baby's siblings, who are often very confused and upset, and unable to visit for a variety of reasons. We also provide a transition service for parents whose babies do recover sufficiently to go home and offer a continued service at home.

Parents eagerly look forward to bringing their new-born baby home, so it can be extremely disorienting when they are admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Parents can experience loss of expectation and normality and young siblings cannot often visit the Neonatal Unit.

​Emotional support

Someone to talk to during and after your baby's time on the neonatal unit

Support during difficult appointments and conversations with doctors

Emotional support for your baby's siblings

Bereavement support for the whole family.

"Rainbow Trust allowed me to see my baby more than once a week."

Practical support

Respite - Sit with your baby if you would like some time to yourself and a break from the unit

​Hospital support - Support you whilst you are on the unit, attending appointments with you and being there to talk when needed

Sibling support - Help with care of siblings, supporting them at home, the hospital or taking them out for the day so they don't feel left out or forgotten. Can also help with school drop-off and pickups

Transport - Help you with transport to and from hospital.

Flexible support

Neonatal Support Workers are extremely flexible to help families in the best way possible.

Timeframe

​Once Rainbow Trust has received your referral, a Neonatal Support Worker will contact you to arrange an assessment visit, which can be in the hospital, your home, or wherever is convenient for you. Support will begin after we have completed this. We aim for the service to be responsive to your individual needs and this part of the process will be flexible and aim to accommodate to your needs.

After discharge

Rainbow Trust can also help your family once your baby is discharged from hospital, with sibling support, and support when attending follow-up appointments.

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Rainbow Trust Children's Charity provides emotional and practical support to families who have a child with life-threatening or terminal illness.

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Sands - Saving babies' lives. Supporting bereaved families.

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Sands | Saving babies' lives. Supporting bereaved families.

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Sands works to support anyone affected by the death of a baby; improve the care bereaved parents receive; and create a world where fewer babies die.

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Below is a selection of videos from the Best Beginnings 'From Bump to Breastfeeding' series. Find out more on the Best Beginnings website.

If you have any problems viewing the videos, please contact us.

Baby-led feeding

This clip shows how baby-led feeding happens in practice.

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Best Beginnings videos - Baby Friendly Initiative

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Selection of videos from Best Beginnings' 'From Bump to Breastfeeding' series. Find out more on the Best Beginnings website.

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What to do if Your Baby is Choking - First Aid Training - St John Ambulance

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Parents and siblings can visit the neonatal unit 24 hours a day.

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A genetic disorder is a disease caused by changes, or mutations, in an individual's DNA sequence. Genetic disorders can be divided in three different categories: single gene , chromosomal or complex disorders.