# data[].attributes.headline
info & care should be tailored to the stage of the emotional process a family is at. E.g not overwhelming with too much in-depth information if  in shock

# data[].attributes.subject
info & care should be tailored to the stage of the emotional process a family is at. E.g not overwhelming with too much in-depth information if  in shock

# data[].attributes.headline
allow space for "normal" baby experiences (i.e skin to skin, family visits, feeding, ect.) if safe to do so, but don't push if the family isn't ready

# data[].attributes.subject
allow space for "normal" baby experiences (i.e skin to skin, family visits, feeding, ect.) if safe to do so, but don't push if the family isn't ready

# data[].attributes.headline
Allow your emotional side to be visible to families when receiving difficult news as it helps them to feel more connected and trust you in order to form a strong relationship. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Allow your emotional side to be visible to families when receiving difficult news as it helps them to feel more connected and trust you in order to form a strong relationship. 

# data[].attributes.body
a parent's perspective
https://positiveaboutdownsyndrome.co.uk

# data[].attributes.headline
Introduction of the MDT involved in the care to enable a rapport. Parents will be able to understand each persons role in their child's care.

# data[].attributes.subject
Introduction of the MDT involved in the care to enable a rapport. Parents will be able to understand each persons role in their child's care.

# data[].attributes.headline
Try to achieve continuity of carer to parents of babies with congenital abnormalities.

# data[].attributes.subject
Try to achieve continuity of carer to parents of babies with congenital abnormalities.

# data[].attributes.headline
Ensure understanding and be non- judgmental of the parents decisions moving forward.

# data[].attributes.subject
Ensure understanding and be non- judgmental of the parents decisions moving forward.

# data[].attributes.body
Different birth congenital abnormalities can have different effects on the baby's ability to breast feed. The parents may need support with the feeding options and services available. E,g, some babies may not be able to breastfeed straight away due to hypoxia however once the baby is stabilised breastfeeding would potentially be possible.

# data[].attributes.body
In some trusts, "rainbow clinics" are provided for families who have previously experienced miscarriage/stillbirth. Some parents may feel worried that they will face the same complications as the last, and need reassurance, support and/or guidance.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Rainbow Clinic is a specialist service for women and their families in a pregnancy following a stillbirth or neonatal death. Becoming pregnant after a stillbirth is an incredibly daunting prospect. Around half of all stillbirths are unexplained, leaving parents feeling powerless in a following pregnancy to stop it happening again.

The standard of care given to women who have suffered a stillbirth varies across the country, often with no continuity of care. Parents have to endure the distress of having to explain their previous loss to health professionals over and over again. That's why, in 2013, the Rainbow Clinic was opened at St Mary's Hospital in Manchester. Here, women who have had stillbirths are given the best possible care, to help and support them through their following pregnancies.

The Rainbow Clinic is led by Professor Alex Heazel l, and the lead midwife is Louise Stephens.

Shema's story

"The clinic is amazing; everyone is so compassionate. They really understand how to look after families who have lost babies. Something as simple as asking our first son's name, then referring to him by it. Professor Alex Heazell is one of the most compassionate doctors I've ever met both professionally and personally. He goes above and beyond for his patients; he really cares. The Tommy's team at St Mary's have given us the most amazing gift, we'll never be able to thank them enough"
Shema and her husband Ian lost their firstborn son, Altair, at 21 weeks. After discovering she had a rare condition, she was supported to full term in her next pregnancy by Professor Alex Heazell and the Tommy's team at St Mary's in Manchester.
Read Shema's story here
Referral information

Patients can be referred to the Rainbow Clinic by their midwife, GP or consultant.

Women are offered:

an ultrasound scan at 23 weeks and then at intervals throughout pregnancy

continuity of consultant-led care with midwifery support

discussion regarding timing/mode of delivery

Visit our referral information page for more information
Clinic information

The clinic is located at:
5th Floor Tommy's Research Centre Saint Mary's Hospital Manchester
The clinic is held every Thursday

The secretary can be contacted on (0161) 701 0866, Monday - Friday, 8.30 am - 4.30

If you have any questions you can speak to one of our midwives, Suzanne or Louise. They are available Monday to Friday, 9.00 am - 4.30 pm, on (0161) 701 6965.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Rainbow Clinic is a specialist service for women and their families in a pregnancy following a stillbirth or neonatal death. Becoming pregnant after a stillbirth is an incredibly daunting prospect. Around half of all stillbirths are unexplained, leaving parents feeling powerless in a following pregnancy to stop it happening again.

# data[].attributes.headline
When communicating bad news, don't be non-commital / economical with the truth as it destroys trust between MW and mother/family

# data[].attributes.subject
When communicating bad news, don't be non-commital / economical with the truth as it destroys trust between MW and mother/family

# data[].attributes.body
If you don't know something - say you don't know, but say you will find out / find someone who does know
people's perception of, as well as the level of distress they experience in relation to minor/severe malformation varies - don't assume parents will feel and respond the same way you would to a particular diagnosis

kindness & dignity always

self-care (MDT debriefs etc - helps staff process difficult situations which helps us become better practitioners)

# data[].attributes.headline
Ensure that all information received is understood.

# data[].attributes.subject
Ensure that all information received is understood.

# data[].attributes.body
If discussing with a woman and their family about a congenital abnormality ensure that the correct information materials are given as well as ensuring all information during verbal discussion is understood. For example, a good understanding of the abnormality as well as clearly outlining the future plan of care for mother and baby with further steps personalised to them.

# data[].attributes.headline
For the diagnosis of single ventricle heart condition, from antenatal diagnosis through to support at home.

# data[].attributes.subject
For the diagnosis of single ventricle heart condition, from antenatal diagnosis through to support at home.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Single Ventricle Heart Condition Charity - Little Hearts Matter

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Welcome to Little Hearts Matter. We are a national UK charity offering help to anyone affected by the diagnosis of single ventricle heart condition.

# data[].attributes.headline
Advocate for women and their families. To go ahead with the birth of a baby that doctors have said will, 99% not survive the surgery needed. Or to terminate a pregnancy for the same reason. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Advocate for women and their families. To go ahead with the birth of a baby that doctors have said will, 99% not survive the surgery needed. Or to terminate a pregnancy for the same reason. 

# data[].attributes.headline
Tour of hospital/NICU - explanation of what will happen during and after birth.

# data[].attributes.subject
Tour of hospital/NICU - explanation of what will happen during and after birth.

# data[].attributes.body
Before/after surgery photographs may help some parents. CLAPA has good selection.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Here you will find some of the photos submitted to us by parents of children with a cleft lip. This photo gallery is intended to give new and expecting parents an idea of what their child might look like and what can be achieved by modern surgery.
Would you like to add your own photos? Jump to the bottom of the page.
Aimee

Alfie B

Archie

Austin

Bethany

Bella

Buddy

Caleb

Callie-May

Charlie T

Charlie S

Charlotte

Chester

Cody

Cody

Curtis

Daisy

Daniel

Darcy-Rae

Eduard

Edward

Edward B

Edward U

Ellis

Emily

Ewan

Feargus

Finley

Florence

Fynn

Gracie

Harrison

Harry

Hayden

Idris

Issa

Jack

Jackson

Jacob

Jacob M

Jada

James

Jamie

Jayden

Joshua

Kataleena

Kieran

Kirah-Jewel

Kyle

Layla

Leo

Leo W

Liam

Libby

Libby M

Lilah-Rose

Lincoln

Logan

Lorena

Lucas

Lucas

Luka

Macey

Maldin

Max

Maya

Maya W

Miah

Miguel

Mikey

Moaz

Nate

Noah

Noah M

Oscar

Oscar O

Poppy

Rafferty

Ralph

Rhianne

Robin

Rocco

Ronny

Rorey

Ruari

Reuben

Ryan

Sam

Sean

Spencer

Sophia

Sydney

Teddy

Teddy E

Toby

Trai
Thank you to all the parents who have submitted the above photos!
Would you like to add your own photos?

Just fill out the form below and we will publish your photos if they are suitable. If you want to add more than three, just send the form again using the same details.

If you would like to change or update photos that have already been published, get in touch with us directly at [email protected]

Online Form

Can't see the form? Click here.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Here you will find some of the photos submitted to us by parents of children with a cleft lip. This photo gallery is intended to give new and expecting parents an idea of what their child might look like and what can be achieved by modern surgery.

# data[].attributes.headline
Explaining things to parents in simple, non-clinical terms that are not too overwhelming for parents to understand. Encourage lots of question asking. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Explaining things to parents in simple, non-clinical terms that are not too overwhelming for parents to understand. Encourage lots of question asking. 

# data[].attributes.headline
Ensure MDT work together seamlessly to enable parents to have access to the same healthcare professionals where their history is well known and does not have to be repeated. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Ensure MDT work together seamlessly to enable parents to have access to the same healthcare professionals where their history is well known and does not have to be repeated. 

# data[].attributes.headline
Do not categorise, "your baby will do this at this time," each baby is individual and will have different milestones.

# data[].attributes.subject
Do not categorise, "your baby will do this at this time," each baby is individual and will have different milestones.

# data[].attributes.headline
Do not apologise and  presume diagnosis is negative e.g. Down Syndrome. Each family is different and will react slightly differently.

# data[].attributes.subject
Do not apologise and  presume diagnosis is negative e.g. Down Syndrome. Each family is different and will react slightly differently.

# data[].attributes.headline
Give them time to understand what is happening and let them ask questions.

# data[].attributes.subject
Give them time to understand what is happening and let them ask questions.

# data[].attributes.headline
Give parents access to emotional support

# data[].attributes.subject
Give parents access to emotional support

# data[].attributes.headline
Make sure the parents are kept informed where and as often as we can.

# data[].attributes.subject
Make sure the parents are kept informed where and as often as we can.