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NEW! Neonatal care leave and pay.

Please read for further information and if you can qualify.

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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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This survey should take up to 10 - 15 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.

Regional Neonatal Parent Experience Survey (Page 1 of 11)

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Your feedback is important and will help us to provide a quality service which meets your needs and those of your baby.

We would be grateful if you would complete a questionnaire based on your experience at Salisbury District Hospital and the enhancements provided by our hospital charity, the Stars Appeal.

All completed questionnaires are anonymous and your participation is voluntary. The questionnaire will take ten minutes to complete.

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Salisbury District Hospital Unit Parent Questionnaire

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Salisbury District Hospital Unit Parent Questionnaire

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Thank you for agreeing to undertake this very short 1 question survey. As part of a service improvement initiative for women and neonatal services, we would like to gain a better understanding of as to whether you felt included in the decision making process  around your baby's care.

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

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World Down Syndrome Day is on 21 March every year.

It is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012.

The goal is to help people understand and support those with Down syndrome better.

The date being the 21st day of the 3rd month was chosen to represent the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.

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Explains what World Down Syndrome Day is, when it takes place and what happens on this day on 21 March each year.

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Click on the link above to read all about the Baby Steps Neonatal journey cards.

The board with all of the journey cards can be seen in the main corridor of the unit, please ask a member of staff for an admission pack if you have not received one and help yourself to any additional cards that you may find useful to support you through your baby/babies stay.

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The NNAP looks at the care babies receive if they are born early or unwell and need to be admitted to a neonatal unit. Our short video introduces the audit to parents and carers: how it works, what data it collects and what resources it produces. Plus signposts to sources of support.

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We encourage neonatal units and networks to share this animation with parents and disseminate the resource widely.

Especially for parents and carers

Your baby's care - the parent and carer guide to the NNAP summary report

Unit posters - highlight how each unit is performing against a selection of audit measures and what unit's are doing in response to these results

Privacy notices for England and Wales, Scotland and Isle of Man - outline how the audit collects and uses data on babies and what parents can do if they want to opt out of this data collection process.

Postcard (download below) - provides a brief overview of the NNAP and signposts to further sources of support including a QR code for the animation

More resources

You can follow the NNAP on X (formerly Twitter) @nnap_rcpch

If you have any questions about the audit, please email: nnap@rcpch.ac.uk

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National Neonatal Audit Programme (NNAP) - an animation

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The NNAP looks at the care babies receive if they are born early or unwell and need to be admitted to a neonatal unit. Our short video introduces the audit to parents and carers: how it works, what data it collects and what resources it produces. Plus signposts to sources of support.

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Please follow the link to the Neonatal Unit Facebook page. Comments are disabled.

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Salisbury Neonatal Unit. 1 talking about this. This page is for sharing information relevant to your babys’ care both in hospital and at home

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A guide to help you transfer your baby from incubator to skin to skin, any of the nurses will help you with this until you feel confident.

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The Canopie App helps parents and caretakers with

babies in neonatal care manage stress on your own time.

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Neonatal Canopie Patient - Referral Cards

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Hi, I’m Shelley the Aromatherapist funded by The Stars Appeal.

I visit NICU weekly and offer aromatherapy hand or foot massages. It’s important to take a little time for yourself as a person and a new parent, especially when life is a bit more stressful. A few moments of relaxation really can make all the difference in how you feel. There’s no need to book, I phone the Unit ahead of my visit and also try to make sure I can come along to the monthly NICU coffee mornings.

As one mum said “The aromatherapy sessions are so relaxing and to have that after giving birth is better than any flowers or chocolates. The chance of any ‘me’ time is never timetabled into the first few months and whatever the birth story, it is always exhausting. To see a kind and friendly face and to receive some relaxing aromatherapy is a true high point”

I’ll look forward to meeting you.

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These forms are by each baby's bedside (please ask us if you don`t have one)

You can write on here all of the things that are important to you as a family, so that the nurses helping to look after you and your baby are aware and can best support you.

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The Medicines for Children team are delighted to share a series of resources for parents and carers.  They provide information to support safe use of medicines for babies at home.

These resources were developed by parents and a collaboration of five hospitals across the UK and Ireland. The ‘PADDINGToN Study’ (Parent co-Designed Drug Information for parents and Guardians Taking Neonates home) was led by Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.

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Skip to content

Giving medicines to babies

The Medicines for Children team are delighted to share a series of resources for parents and carers. They provide information to support safe use of medicines for babies at home.

These resources were developed by parents and a collaboration of five hospitals across the UK and Ireland. The 'PADDINGToN Study' (Parent co-Designed Drug Information for parents and Guardians Taking Neonates home) was led by Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.

Contact and NHS helplines

If your child is seriously ill, telephone 999 (UK only) or 112 for emergency help.

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Medicines information for parents and carers taking babies home with medicines

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Skip to content The Medicines for Children team are delighted to share a series of resources for parents and carers. They provide information to support safe use of medicines for babies at home. These resources were developed by parents and a collaboration of five hospitals across the UK and Ireland.

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This is the link to the Neonatal Networks psychology Padlet with lots of resources to support you and you family.

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This website has general advice on giving medications to babies, information on specific medications, FAQs about medications and other useful resources that can support you once home.

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Skip to content

Giving medicines to babies

The Medicines for Children team are delighted to share a series of resources for parents and carers. They provide information to support safe use of medicines for babies at home.

These resources were developed by parents and a collaboration of five hospitals across the UK and Ireland. The 'PADDINGToN Study' (Parent co-Designed Drug Information for parents and Guardians Taking Neonates home) was led by Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.

Contact and NHS helplines

If your child is seriously ill, telephone 999 (UK only) or 112 for emergency help.

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Medicines information for parents and carers taking babies home with medicines

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Skip to content The Medicines for Children team are delighted to share a series of resources for parents and carers. They provide information to support safe use of medicines for babies at home. These resources were developed by parents and a collaboration of five hospitals across the UK and Ireland.

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All about twins triplets and more that may need support from the neonatal team

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Around 40 percent of multiple birth babies need some extra help in hospital after the birth. This is known as 'special' or 'neonatal' care.

The Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) is staffed by paediatricians, specially trained nurses and midwives. If babies need more intensive care, they may go to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Keep in contact with your babies, visiting them as soon as possible after the birth, even if you have to do this from your bed or a wheelchair. Try to help in their care as far as you can; nurses will be able to show you what to do.

Babies often spend only a few days in special care, but this will depend on why they were admitted. Special care can help babies by:

maintaining their body temperature inside an incubator (usually without clothes). They may have a temperature monitor fixed to their skin.

giving help with breathing by a ventilator. Some babies need oxygen, while others may suffer from apnoea (they occasionally forget to breathe). To be on the safe side, many babies in SCBU sleep on apnoea alarm mats, which cause an alarm to beep if movement stops. They go off very easily and can cause false alarms.

feeding by intravenous drip or through a feeding tube (which runs through the nostril and down the throat and is taped into place on the cheek).

The nurses will understand how fearful parents may feel and how alarming some of the equipment looks. Don't be afraid to ask what it's all for: they will be happy to reassure you and explain what's going on.

When you are in the unit, try to concentrate on your own babies and not what is going on around you. It is very normal to hear alarms and monitors and for there to be wires around your babies. It may all seem overwhelming, but there is still plenty you can do as parents to help your newborns.

Skin to skin contact, also known as 'kangaroo care', can calm babies and help develop an attachment. It also helps with breathing, heart rate and speeding up recovery. It can also stimulate babies to latch on and breastfeed when they are ready to do so. Tuck your baby or babies inside your shirt against your skin in the kangaroo position. You will need to ask for help to pass your second baby to you, or you and your partner may enjoy alternating babies.

It is possible and you are encouraged to breastfeed premature babies, although you may have to initially start by expressing breastmilk and feeding it through a small tube into the nose or mouth.

Sometimes one or more babies are transferred to a different hospital because of a lack of places. This can be very distressing. Do make sure that you know the reasons why your baby/ies have to be moved. Contact Twins Trust if you are concerned that hospital policy rather than a medical reason is behind the decision to split your babies between different hospitals. We may be able to help. You can also ring Twins Trust's freephone helpline Twinline on 0800 138 0509. This confidential listening service is staffed by volunteers who are parents of multiples themselves and have had training in the issues that can affect a twin, triplet or higher order birth. Twinline is open Monday - Friday from 10am-1pm and 7pm-10pm.

To find out more about your babies' care in the neonatal unit, download Twins Trust's Parent's Guide to Neonatal Care.

Personal experiences

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Around 40 percent of multiples need some extra help in hospital after the birth. This is known as 'special' or 'neonatal' care. This can be a scary time but we are here to support you.

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This charity crochets octopi for the babies on the unit.

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Project Linus provide us with beautiful cot quilts that you can keep when your baby/babies are discharged.

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Project Linus UK is a Community Interest Company (No. 08422226).

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Our little girl, Fern, arrived very unexpectedly at 26+6 weeks via an emergency c-section, weighing in at 900g. We had incredible care from the team at Salisbury in those first few hours before being transferred to the Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth, given Fern's gestational age.

After 4 weeks we were transferred back to Salisbury. Despite arriving in the middle of the night we had such a warm welcome - it really did feel like coming home. Everyone in the team was genuinely excited to see us back, hear about our experiences and support us in the next stage of Fern's journey.

Over 5 weeks in Salisbury we navigated coming off oxygen, establishing feeding and building an incredible bond through lots of lovely cuddles with our daughter - all underpinned by a hugely supportive team. At just after 36 weeks we made it home, many a tear was shed about reaching such a milestone, and we'll be forever grateful for the care we all received in getting to that point. We now have a thriving 5month old who is going from strength to strength.

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Kangeroo Care Day is held on the 15th May every year. Its a day to celebrate the power of skin to skin. We run a Kangaroo-a-thon on the day, which you can see more information about on this website.

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Int'l Kangaroo Care Awareness Day (May 15)

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It is a celebration dedicated to advancing the safe implementation of skin-to-skin care and nurturing healing moments.

Originating in 2011, it has evolved into a universally embraced initiative, uniting people worldwide beyond geographical and organizational boundaries.

Join us in making May 15 a day filled with love, warmth, connection, celebrations, and lots of kangaroo care!

#KangarooCareDay #CelebrateWithLove

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About the International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day (May 15)

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Join us this May 15 to celebrate Kangaroo Care Day: a movement of love, warmth, and connection. Elevating the practice and knowledge of Kangaroo Care, we unite families and healthcare professionals worldwide to enhance care quality and life. #KangarooCareDay #CelebrateWithLove

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Our direct dial telephone number is 01722 425180

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Your baby may be prescribed some extra supplements depending on their weight and gestation. The staff looking after you will give be able to give you more information if this is the case.

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When your baby is ready for a bath we can show you how to give them a wrapped bath.

Wrapping your baby helps keep them warm in the bath while also supporting them in a tuck position. This helps babies feel comfortable as if they are in their mother’s womb.

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How and why to give your baby a wrapped or swaddle bath - perfect for your newborn or preemie baby.

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Having a baby on the neonatal unit can be very frightening and overwhelming. Remember there are a lot of important parenting roles that only you can provide. Never underestimate the power of you, your touch, your smell, your voice, your love. All of these provide the best support for your baby’s development.

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Information on sensory development to support a close and loving relationship between you and your baby.

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We have a lovely playroom for siblings, we just ask that they are supervised whilst playing. You can also bring toys from the playroom into the nursery so that your older child can play next to you and your baby.

We will also soon have a secure outside play area to allow siblings to run off some steam, and for you to get some fresh air.

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The sitting room is for you and your visitors to use. It is a good place to step away from the nursery to try and relax and eat your meal, and to meet other parents from the unit.

Your visitors can also use it as a place to wait and relax especially if you have several visitors at once.

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This is a useful guide to washing your hands

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Washing your hands is one of the simplest ways you can protect yourself and others from illnesses such as food poisoning and flu.

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Baby Check features 19 simple checks that parents can do if their baby is showing signs of illness. Each check tests for a different symptom and when completed, a score is calculated that tells parents or carers how ill their baby is. The app then lets parents know whether their baby needs to see a doctor or health professional.

Download for FREE from Google Play or the App Store

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Baby Check App

Baby Check features 19 simple checks that parents can do if their baby is showing signs of illness. Each check tests for a different symptom and when completed, a score is calculated that tells parents or carers how ill their baby is. The app then lets parents know whether their baby needs to see a doctor or health professional.

Download for FREE from Google Play or the App Store.

Buy posters, business cards and other materials to help promote Baby Check to your clients and patients

Shop

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The Baby Check App helps parents decide if their baby needs to see a doctor or health professional

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Full Term February supported by BLISS baby charity

February is Full Term Awareness Month, a chance to raise awareness of babies born full term but sick. As a parent of a baby born full term but sick, we know how isolating the experience can sometimes be.

You may never have imagined that your baby would need neonatal care, and it can be difficult to talk to those who haven't been through the same things as you.

We know that for many families, reading stories from others can help parents and families feel less alone.

Help us raise awareness of how it feels to be a parent of a baby born full term but sick by sharing your experiences using #FullTermFeelings on social media.

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World Prematurity Day supported by BLISS baby charity

For every 13 babies born in the UK, one baby is born premature. Each neonatal experience will affect families differently, but we know how important it is to feel connected with people who have a similar journey.

There are many parts of neonatal care that can go unspoken; from the overwhelming sounds of the unit to discovering how strong your baby is for the first time. It can make a big difference to read other people’s stories.

That’s why on the 17th November each year we ask parents, family members, friends and healthcare professionals – anyone touched by the needs of premature babies – to share your #MyNeonatalStory and show families in neonatal care they’re not alone.

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

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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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These are the breast pumps that we have available on the unit.

We are also able to loan you a portable one to use at home, just ask a member of staff if you would find this useful.

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All you need to know about expressing with the Carum

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The way they react will depend on how old they are, their personality, and how you are coping yourself.

Younger children might be confused and wonder why their parents are away so much and are so stressed and tired. Older kids might be worried about the baby. There's a lot you can do to help your other children cope.

Understand their feelings

Children often blame themselves when things go wrong, so they might feel guilty. Reassure them it's not their fault. Make sure they know it's OK to feel angry too.

Children might not show their feelings in a straightforward way. Some might go quiet, while others might start misbehaving. They might go back to more babyish behaviour themselves, because they feel insecure.

Tell them what's happening

It's good to explain things honestly, but in a simple way that they can understand. Tell them what is wrong with the baby and what might happen.

Worrying because things have not been explained to them can be worse for children than knowing all the facts.

Spend time with them

Be with your other children as much as you can and keep up their normal routines whenever possible.

You can protect certain times that are just for them, like bedtime or going out to do something special once a month. If your partner can be there too, it's good to spend time together as a family.

Help them get closer to the baby

They can send things to the hospital, like a cuddly toy or a picture they have drawn. You can bring back photos of the baby.

When it's time for older children to visit the baby in hospital, try to tell them what to expect ahead of time, and explain that all the equipment is there to help the baby get better and stronger.

Let others help

Make sure you have arrangements in place for someone to stay with the children if there is an emergency.

Maybe other family members or friends can spend time with them, doing something fun. This will also help you feel less stressed and more able to focus on your baby in the unit.

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​If you already have other children, you may want to explain to them what is happening if you've had a baby born premature or sick.

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For babies born premature or sick | Bliss

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

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The attached map will show you where all the bus stops and car parks are and how to reach us from any of them.

We are situated in the purple central block.

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Hi, I am (TBC), the Speech & Language Therapist for the Neonatal Unit. My role is to work with you to help support your baby’s communication and feeding skills. This may include helping you to understand how your baby is communicating, as well as how best to communicate with them. Not all babies will need my help for feeding (breast or bottle), but some may need some extra support. This may include developing their skills in preparation for feeding, providing positive experiences around their face/mouth (including tolerance of touch) as well as encouraging sucking skills (such as offering a dummy). I can also signpost you to support when your baby is ready to go home. Please let the Neonatal team know if you have questions for me and I’ll be very happy to come to see you.

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A good knowledge of sling safety is of paramount importance

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As parents, one of our greatest priorities is to keep our children safe. A good, correctly fitting sling that protects airway can be a very helpful tool.

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Find more information about breastfeeding your premature or sick baby here, including how to get started and how to find support

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Breastfeeding has lots of benefits for you and your baby. As well as the health benefits of breast milk for your baby, breastfeeding is a good way to have skin-to-skin contact with your baby, which can help you and your baby to get to know each other.

Your baby may not be ready to breastfeed as soon as they are born. They may not be well enough or strong enough to breastfeed. Some babies who are born at term and sick may find it more difficult to breastfeed because of surgery or difficulties swallowing. Some babies with breathing or heart problems may also have difficulties coordinating breathing and feeding.

If your baby is very premature or sick, they may have to be fed using parenteral nutrition (PN) and/or tube feeding before they are well enough to breastfeed. We have more information about the signs a baby being tube fed may show if they are ready for breast or bottle feeding.

You can still provide breast milk for your baby if they are unable to breastfeed by using a technique called expressing. We have more information about expressing.

Sometimes premature babies need more nutrients than you can provide in your breast milk. If this is the case, your baby's doctor may prescribe a breast milk fortifier (which is usually a powder made from cow's milk) which can be added to breast milk. This can help with growth and bone development.

Some parents may feed their baby through a combination of breastfeeding and bottle feeding. This is often known as mixed or combination feeding. It is recommended that your baby, if possible, establishes breastfeeding before introducing another type of feeding. Combination feeding may be used if there are problems with breastfeeding, such as there not being enough breastmilk, or for other reasons. If you are thinking about mixed or combination feeding, talk to your neonatal team, feeding specialist, midwife, health visitor or GP.

Staff on the neonatal unit may recommend that your baby is fed your breast milk using cup feeding. They might suggest this if your baby is looking to feed but cannot latch onto the breast or is separated from the mother for any reason. If you are unsure, speak to the staff on the neonatal unit.

If you decide not to breastfeed your baby, it is very important that you are given information about the other options that are available. Your baby can still get many benefits of breastmilk if you express. Talk to your midwife, neonatal nurse or health visitor about how you are feeling and how they can support you.

The let-down reflex

Each time you breastfeed your baby, you may notice tingling or prickling in your breasts and nipples, or a feeling as if the milk is rushing in to fill them. This is called the let-down reflex (it is sometimes called the milk ejection reflex). During the let-down reflex, a hormone called oxytocin is released, which helps with milk flow. At first, this takes a few minutes to be released, but later it will happen within a few seconds.

The let-down reflex feels different to different women. Some women describe a slight pain and some have no sensations at all. Your body may respond to certain things you do, which can trigger your let-down reflex. For example, it is normal for the let-down reflex to happen in response to having a warm bath or shower, or to breast massage. It can also happen in response to being close to your baby, hearing your baby cry or having a picture or something close by that smells of them.

Staying as relaxed as possible and having skin-to-skin contact with your baby can all help to trigger the let-down reflex. Taking some deep breaths and concentrating on your breathing can also help.

How do I start to breastfeed my baby?

You may not know where to start with breastfeeding your baby, especially if your baby has previously been tube fed. A nurse, midwife or feeding specialist (such as an infant feeding coordinator) on the neonatal unit will be able to support you.

Both parents can be involved in breastfeeding, and other people close to you can also provide encouragement and support, such as grandparents. Having as much support as possible can help ensure that you continue to breastfeed when you go home from the neonatal unit. It might be helpful to talk about how you are going to approach breastfeeding with your partner, and how they can best support you. The NHS website has more information about how dads and partners can support breastfeeding, and signposts to more support that is available.

It is important to recognise the signs that your baby is hungry (feeding cues) before breastfeeding. Early feeding cues might include putting their fingers into their mouth, making sucking motions (rooting) and becoming restless.

What breastfeeding positions should I try?

When you are on the neonatal unit, a healthcare professional such as a neonatal nurse or midwife should support you to try to breastfeed your baby. They will help you to find feeding positions that are most comfortable for you. There are positions that may be more suitable for mothers who have had surgery, or whose baby was born premature or sick. Unit staff may recommend that you use pillows to support your arms or back.

If you have twins or multiples, you may also need more support with pillows when feeding, so that you are more comfortable and your babies are supported. Some mothers benefit from a hard pillow that ties at the back or a sling. It can be daunting at first to hold multiple babies at once, but staff in the neonatal unit will help with this. Twins Trust have some more information about breastfeeding multiples that you may find useful.

I am having difficulties getting my baby to breastfeed and latch on. Why is this?

As with all newborn babies, some find breastfeeding easier than others. This can depend on factors such as your baby's age, maturity and any medical conditions they have. It is normal for babies who are born premature or sick to take slightly longer to establish breastfeeding than babies born at term. Every baby is different, and it is important to ask for help and support, especially when you start.

There are some common problems that parents experience when starting breastfeeding. Some babies born premature can be too sleepy to feed effectively, and it can be difficult to get the right position for feeding when your baby is so small. We have a page that lists common problems you may have when breastfeeding or expressing milk for your baby and what can help.

For some mothers, it can take a while to gain confidence in breastfeeding. This is normal, even if you have breastfed before. Having a baby born premature or sick is a unique experience and it is okay to find things difficult at times. Having plenty of support around you can help you build up confidence. We have more information about support you can get with breastfeeding below.

Where can I get help and support with breastfeeding?

Many parents find breastfeeding a rewarding, empowering experience. But establishing breastfeeding can be challenging at times. It can be tiring, especially when you are travelling to and from the unit, and some mothers experience discomfort when they are starting to breastfeed. There are many places where you can get help and support.

Most parents find that having lots of support helps them to get started and to continue to breastfeed. Support can come from your partner, family and friends, and from medical professionals on the unit and at home.

Support on the unit could come from your unit's feeding specialist, a neonatal nurse, or your midwife. Some neonatal units also have a lactation consultant or feeding specialist, who are trained to help parents who are having problems with breastfeeding and expressing.

If you are at home, support with breastfeeding could come from your health visitor, a community neonatal nurse, if you have one, or your GP. You can talk to your health visitor for more information about any breastfeeding support groups in your area. It is always important to speak up and ask if you need more help and support, or if you have questions.

There are also helplines and organisations that can help:

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Find more information about breastfeeding your premature or sick baby here, including how to get started and how to find support.

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This lovely guide is written for parents and staff so that we can work together to provide the best environment for babies needing care in neonatal units.

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This article talks about the positive benefits for both you and your baby of reading. There are lots of books on the unit for you to read. Siblings also love reading or singing softly to their new baby and it can be a lovely way of helping them to feel involved.

Please also ask us about a Bookstart Baby book pack.

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Looking for more in Reading and Stories or Bookbug?

Talking, reading and singing to your baby will comfort and soothe them. It will also help them relax and build their bond with you.

The time you spend at their bedside really does make a crucial difference to your baby's experience and their long-term development. Talking, reading and singing to your baby will comfort and soothe them. It will also help them relax and build their bond with you.

Benefits of reading aloud

From week 22 of pregnancy your baby can hear in the womb. They can recognise and respond to your voice. Hearing you just as they would if they were still inside will calm and reassure them, and help them feel secure in their new world.

When you're not able to hold them, your voice lets them know that you are there.

The words they hear now will help your baby's brain and language development in the future. The more words they hear, the better.

There are benefits for parents too. Reading stories or singing lullabies gives you a sense of life beyond the screens and incubators. It's also a good way to distract yourself, and might help you feel calmer.

Hints and tips

Don't worry about other people listening - the unit is busy and no-one is watching!

Babies like repetition. They will love hearing the same story over again.

Try longer stories - it can be a long day in the unit and it's good to try something you'll enjoy too. It doesn't matter what you read - it's your voice your baby is interested in.

Get brothers and sisters reading too. This gives them an important job to do during a visit and it helps them to bond with their new sibling.

Watch for your baby's cues. You'll know best when they are getting tired and need a break.

Keep it up when you get home. It'll still be a special moment to settle down and enjoy being together.

Jack and the FlumFlum Tree

When their twin boys were born prematurely, David and Gemma Springford spent over eight weeks in a neonatal unit. Reading books to their babies helped them to bond with their boys and formed some of their most special memories as a family. Jack and the FlumFlum Tree was a particular family favourite and Dave and Gemma have donated a copy of this book to babies in neonatal units across Scotland, in partnership with Scottish Book Trust. Find out more about their experience and how they feel reading in the unit helped them in this film.

Full video transcript

I'm Nashwa Matta, I'm a Paediatrician in Glasgow. I'm a Neonatologist which means I work in intensive care with very sick babies and my interest is their development - child development.

The benefits of reading and singing to very young babies, even when they are sick and in intensive care, is very important. The baby recognises the parents' voice, and they have a preference for the parents' voice - it calms them, it helps bring growth, and when the parents are reading to their baby, especially when you have rhyme and you have tone, it just calms the baby because it's like a conversation.

For longer term development, I have been following these babies up for 18 years and it was so obvious to me that if the mother was next to the mother, reading to the baby, I know that even if they had a rough medical start, that there is a difference in their development. Now we have a lot of papers to prove this - that early intervention, that mother voice, we know the effect of the environment on the brain, the plasticity of the brain, makes a difference to this child's brain growth.

If you are not confident about sharing your stories with a baby remember that nobody, or no voice has the same effect as your voice on your baby; it is so important. Look in their eyes, understand their cues, touch them and see how they relax when you are there. There are certain things that they tell us 'I've had enough', for example, if they start having hiccups or yawning if they are handled, they might just say 'leave me alone' - or put their hands up or arch their back or look away, they're saying 'I've had enough'. If they just look at you - and a baby who is born at term has a focal distance of 10 to 12 inches - if they look at you and you feel their body relax, and have their hands like this (closed to chest) or to their mouth, you know they are relaxed.

I want you to understand that your baby's unique and you are one unit with your baby. No medical equipment and no medical staff or nursing staff would know the baby more than you do. So I want you to understand your baby, the language and be empowered to build this relationship and when you go home, you carry on knowing your baby and building this relationship.

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Reading to your baby in the neonatal unit

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Talking, reading and singing to your baby will comfort and soothe them. It will also help them relax and build their bond with you.

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This is a very sweet video about a neonatal unit made by children for children up to the age of about 10 years.

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Our infant feeding team is located on the unit and Jackie, Naomi and Sophie are available to support you with any feeding related issues.

There is a link to the Infant feeding teams Padlet in the 'Feeding Your Baby' section of this Padlet, and information about the feeding support group in the 'Support for Families' section.

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Hi, I am the Physiotherapists that support NICU, visiting 3-4 times a week.

I hope to meet you and your baby and work together to help support positioning and early development. I may also be involved in your baby’s care once they’ve been discharged home - working jointly with the Doctors in clinic, offering individual developmental play sessions and through a monthly play group.

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Hi, I’m the pharmacist that supports NICU.

I work with the Neonatal Doctors and Nurses to help your baby get the best start to life, by ensuring that any medication that is required is as safe and as effective as can be. There are a lot of variables to consider when it comes to giving babies medication, and I give advice on drug choices, dosages, obtaining supplies and the best way to administer them. I also work closely with the maternity and infant feeding teams, so can help new parents with any issues with Maternity discharge medication, or if you have any queries for medication use in breastfeeding.  I am one third of a specialist pharmacy team that looks after NICU, and one of us will usually visit the ward in the mornings. Our team wear fetching purple scrubs, so if you have questions about medication and see one of us then please stop and ask! Alternatively we are contactable by the NICU team between 8.30am and 5pm Mondayto Friday.

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Arriving in a NICU can be stressful and sometimes unexpected. It is also important to remember that you have just had a baby which can be exhausting too! These experiences can sometimes lead to complicated feelings. Counselling offers emotional support to the family whilst your baby is staying on NICU. Through “talking therapies” counselling can reduce stress; help understand difficult feelings and enhance the bonding process with your baby

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Hi, I am Julia the dietitian for NICU. I will be involved in your baby's care if they are born very early and need breast milk fortifier or specialist pre-term formulas.

I keep an eye on your baby's weight gain and growth during their stay.

When it comes to going home, I can provide some support in the early weeks and be a

contact should you have feeding concerns.

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India was born at 26+0 weighing 1lb 15oz (871g) following an emergency caesarean section in Southampton NICU.

India was cared for in Southampton for the first 3 weeks of her life then was stable enough to be transferred to Salisbury Neonatal Unit where she received further care for the next 9 weeks of her life before being discharged home.

It was a very long slog for us but it's important to take it one day at a time. The best advice I could give anyone is to make sure you take time to step away from the incubator and give yourselves a break from it all (easier said than done, I know!)

Salisbury NICU is a very special place. The staff were amazing and always on hand for a chat, teach you new skills and/ or offer advice with encouragement and support throughout.

Our little miracle is now 14 months old (bottom photo) and is thriving. She's meeting all her developmental milestones and is a very happy baby despite the rocky journey she endured.

There are actually a few silver linings to having a baby on NICU (not that I saw them at the time):

1. As first time parents, we were unprepared as firstly India came 3.5 months early and we hadn't done this before so we were able to get the support with feeding, sterilising, nappy changing, expressing, managing sleep, all before being at home and doing it alone.

2. India was in a robust routine when we were discharged so we knew when she needed feeding and she actually slept very well- thank you nurses!

3. India isn't fazed by much and is very confident with new people/ new surroundings. She is very socialable.

I wish you all the luck with your NICU journey, whether it's for a few days or weeks. You will get through it but just remember to look after yourselves too and lean on the team for support.

Vix

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We provide these journals for all babies born at less than 34 weeks gestation, however please access this template to create your own if your baby has been born later than 34 weeks.

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Every baby is unique so will express themselves in their own way, letting you know if they are comfortable or need support. When you spend time watching your baby closely whilst they

sleep, when they are having nappy changes, or when having cuddles you will spot these cues.

Try to watch your baby's movement, their skin colour, and their facial expression for cues, not just the monitor - you may even know before the monitor if they need more support.

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Helpful Organisations

There are a wide range of organisations who provide tailored support for families of premature or sick babies.

LGBTQIA+ support

Find below organisations who provide support and advice, specifically for the LGBTQIA+ community:

Stonewall have some great information on parenting rights, including parental responsibility, family leave and pay, adopting, fostering, co-parenting, fertility treatment and surrogacy.

Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline provides a listening service for LGBT+ people over the phone, via email and online chat. It can provide you with contact details of an LGBT-friendly therapist.

Imaan is a charity that supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer or questioning (LGBTQ) Muslims, providing an online forum where people can share experiences and ask for help.

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With over 90,000 babies born premature or sick and admitted to neonatal care every year in the UK, many families are touched by a neonatal experience. However, many LGBTQIA+ parents feel underrepresented in the neonatal support available.

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Financial support, information and practical help

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We know how tough it can feel when your baby is in hospital and you are worried about your finances. We're here to support you. Choose where you live to start finding helpful information.*Please note this is a new resource we've developed in partnership with parents. You may be asked to give short...

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Information on being involved in your baby’s care and procedures on the neonatal unit.

Read about procedures in neonatal care, the important role that you as parents have to help your baby with comfort and pain relief, and working together with the neonatal care team.

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Being involved in your baby’s care and procedures | Bliss

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Information on being involved in your baby’s care and procedures on the neonatal unit. Read about procedures in neonatal care, the role of parents in comfort and pain relief and working together with the neonatal care team.

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There are lots of useful links and resources under the 'Support for Families and Siblings` section for you to access.

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The PIMS team could offer you help and support if you would like to stop smoking.

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A self referral service up to a year post delivery. Lots of information, resources and how to refer if needed via this link.

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Pelvic Health care for all women and birthing people from pregnancy to 12 months postnatal

We are a team of pelvic floor specialists, running a service to help reduce the chance of you having problems with your bladder or bowels during pregnancy and after birth.

If you do have bladder or bowel concerns, we are here for you.
Anyone can be affected by pelvic floor health problems during or after pregnancy, including accidental leaking of wee or poo (incontinence) and prolapse of the pelvic organs. The Perinatal Pelvic Health Team has been set up provide support, advice and treatment for those with pelvic floor concerns birthing in Bath and the surrounding areas, Salisbury and Swindon.

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Pelvic Health Menu Postnatal care Emotional wellbeing: how will I feel? Reducing the risk of a blood clot After your caesarean Separation of the abdominal muscles Postnatal exercise Perinatal Pelvic Health Team Pelvic Health care for all women and birthing people from pregnancy to 12 months postnatal We are a team of...

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PIMS - Positive Image, Motivation and Support

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PIMS - Positive Image, Motivation and Support

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Positive Image, Motivation and Support (PIMS)

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The Positive Image, Motivation and Support (PIMS) ‘in pregnancy’ service was set up in 2016, commissioned by Wiltshire Council, and provides additional support to women living in Wiltshire to help them live healthy lives, make healthy choices & reduce inequalities. The PIMS service supports smokers who are receiving antenatal care as Salisbury Maternity Unit.

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Salisbury Hospital is trial centre for a new research project involving early detection and treatment for a condition called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).

It can be included as part of the routine newborn blood spot screening taken on day 5 if you as parent’s consent to this screening.

To sign up, you will need to sign a consent form for the additional screening and the lab will use the blood taken for the day 5 screening to carry out the necessary tests so no further blood tests are required.

A member of the research team tends to come visit our families in the first few days to try and recruit participants to this trial, so if this is something you would be happily involved in, please let a member of the team know.

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This guide will help you to make safe choices for your baby

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Advise on buying and safely using a car seat

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It's recommended to buy a baby car seat before your baby is born if possible. It's important to buy a seat that fits your car and is suitable for a newborn.
If you have your baby in hospital or a birth centre, you will need the car seat to drive your newborn home safely. It's a good idea to practise fitting the seat before your baby is born.

Tips for buying a baby car seat

When buying a car seat, it's best to try a few in your car before making a decision. Try to find a retailer who is willing to help you with this. Ask whether staff have been trained in fitting car seats.

Check whether your car has Isofix connectors built into it. These are designed to make fitting baby and child car seats simpler. Most modern family cars have them. They may be hidden in the cracks between the padding of your car seats.

Some car seat manufacturers have online guides showing which cars their seats will fit in. If your baby is likely to travel in another car regularly - for example, with other family members - check the car seat fits their car, too.

Always choose a baby or child car seat that's right for your child's current height and weight - see What size car seat? for more.

Do not buy a secondhand car seat. It could have been damaged in an accident, and may not have all its parts, including the instructions. It may also not be the safest and most user-friendly model, plus it may not fit your car properly.

Only accept a car seat from friends or family if you know its history, it's not too old and it comes with instructions.

Think about how you will be using the car seat. If you'll be lifting your baby in and out of the car a lot, for example, you may be better off getting a lightweight seat with a base that stays in the car.

All car seats in this country should be EU approved. Look for the "E" mark label on the seat.

What are i-Size car seats?

i-Size is an European safety standard for baby and child car seats. It's part of regulation ECE R129, which will eventually replace the old safety regulation R44/04. The idea is that all car seats will eventually meet the tighter i-Size safety standards.

Your car must have Isofix connectors for you to be able to use an i-Size car seat. At the moment there are only a few i-Size seats on the market in the UK and not all cars have Isofix connectors.

Visit the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) child car seats website for more on i-Size car seats.

What size car seat?

Car seats are divided into 3 main groups, depending on your baby or child's age and weight:

group 0+ - rear-facing car seats suitable for babies aged up to about 15 months or who weigh up to 13 kg (29lb); some can be clipped on to a pushchair frame and are known as travel systems

group 1 - forward-facing seats suitable for children who weigh 9-18kg (20-40lb) or who are aged from about 9 months to 4 years

group 2/3 - high-backed booster seats suitable for children who weigh 15-36kg (33lb-5st 9lb) or are aged from about 4 to 11 years

You can also buy combination seats that cross over these groups, such as group 0+/1 seats, which are suitable from birth until your child weighs about 18kg (40lb) or is aged about 4. These can be more economical, but may not offer the same level of protection.

Baby or child car seat fitting

It is dangerous and illegal to carry a baby in a rear-facing baby seat in a front passenger seat that has an active airbag. Forward-facing seats in the same position, while not illegal, are not ideal. It's always safer for children to travel in the back of the car.

Make sure the seat is fitted properly in the car, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Look out for safety days where experts demonstrate how to fit baby and child car seats safely. These often take place in supermarket or shopping mall car parks.

Using a baby or child car seat

Make sure you always put your baby into their car seat from the pavement side of the car.

Make sure your baby is securely strapped in according to the manufacturer's instructions. When you buy your car seat, ask the retail staff to demonstrate how to strap your baby into it.

Use a rear-facing car seat for as long as your baby fits into it, as these offer better protection in the event of a car accident.

Credit:

Janine Wiedel Photolibrary / Alamy Stock Photo

https://www.alamy.com/father-putting-baby-into-baby-seat-in-car-before-journey-image1807781.html?pv=1&stamp=2&imageid=EA803192-38ED-4BEC-9733-A9952516E6DF&p=4227&n=0&orientation=0&pn=1&searchtype=0&IsFromSearch=1&srch=foo%3dbar%26st%3d0%26pn%3d1%26ps%3d100%26sortby%3d2%26resultview%3dsortbyPopular%26npgs%3d0%26qt%3dAY95A6%26qt_raw%3dAY95A6%26lic%3d3%26mr%3d0%26pr%3d0%26ot%3d0%26creative%3d%26ag%3d0%26hc%3d0%26pc%3d%26blackwhite%3d%26cutout%3d%26tbar%3d1%26et%3d0x000000000000000000000%26vp%3d0%26loc%3d0%26imgt%3d0%26dtfr%3d%26dtto%3d%26size%3d0xFF%26archive%3d1%26groupid%3d%26pseudoid%3d788068%26a%3d%26cdid%3d%26cdsrt%3d%26name%3d%26qn%3d%26apalib%3d%26apalic%3d%26lightbox%3d%26gname%3d%26gtype%3d%26xstx%3d0%26simid%3d%26saveQry%3d%26editorial%3d1%26nu%3d%26t%3d%26edoptin%3d%26customgeoip%3d%26cap%3d1%26cbstore%3d1%26vd%3d0%26lb%3d%26fi%3d2%26edrf%3d0%26ispremium%3d1%26flip%3d0%26pl%3d

More help and advice on car seats

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It's recommended to buy a baby car seat before your baby is born if possible. It's important to buy a seat that fits your car and is suitable for a newborn. If you have your baby in hospital or a birth centre, you will need the car seat to drive your newborn home safely.

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Does giving a nutritional supplement daily for a year improve long-term cognitive development?

Salisbury is a continuing care centre for this trial so if you have signed up to be a participant in the DOLFIN trial in a recruiting centre, we will continue the trial here at the Neonatal Unit.

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The National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit (NPEU) is a multidisciplinary research unit based at the University of Oxford. Our work involves running randomised controlled trials, national surveillance programmes and surveys, confidential enquiries, aetiological studies and a disease register. The results of our research sit at the nexus of public and population health sciences, clinical care and health policy development.

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To feed or not to feed your baby during a blood transfusion.

Salisbury Neonatal Unit is a continuing care centre for this trial so if you were happy to be part of this trial (it would have been initiated in an other hospital), we will continue the trial at Salisbury. You will already know if your baby has have been selected to be fed during a blood transfusion or for the feeds to be stopped so we will follow this selected method in Salisbury if your baby needed a blood transfusion whilst with us.

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Wheat Trial

WHEAT stands for With Holding Enteral feeds Around packed red cell Transfusion to prevent necrotising enterocolitis in preterm neonates. It is a multi-centre, randomised point of care trial. This means that WHEAT uses information that is already being collected by doctors and nurses as part of day to day care, which makes it much simpler and easier to take part in.

Chris Gale, the Chief Investigator for WHEAT, provides a brief introduction to the study

Aim

There are two aims of WHEAT:

1. To demonstrate that a point of care trial design is a simpler, easier and more efficient way to carry out clinical trials, please see the video below for more information.

2. To see whether withholding milk feeds before, during and after blood transfusion in preterm infants reduces the risk of necrotising enterocolitis.

Research Overview

Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious gut disease that affects about 1 in 20 very premature babies; about 1 in 3 will die of the disease and survivors are at high risk of long-term health and developmental problems.

Premature babies receive frequent feeds (every 1-3 hours) and they often need blood transfusions because they become anaemic (they do not have enough red blood cells). Some doctors' worry that feeding babies during a blood transfusion may increase the risk of NEC.

Others, however, think that it is more dangerous to stop feeds. Because of this, they way babies are cared for during a blood transfusion varies across the country; some babies have feeds stopped before, during and after a transfusion (around 12 hours in total), and others have feeds continued.

The purpose of WHEAT is to determine which approach is best. We will do this by comparing babies who have feeds stopped with those who have feeds continued during blood transfusion. Whether feeds will be stopped or continued will be decided by randomisation. Randomisation is done by computer and ensure s that each baby has an equal chance of either having feeds stopped or continued. WHEAT will compare standard UK practices and involves nothing new.

Trial Information

REC Reference:

18/LO/0900

ISRCTN:

62501859

Clinical Trials Unit:

National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit CTU

Sponsor:

Imperial College London & Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust

Funder:

Medical Research Council

Recruitment Target:

250 estimated target

Duration of Study:

April 2018 - November 2019

This work is supported by the Medical Research Council (MR/N005405/1).

For more information please visit http://neoepoch.com/wheat-trial/

If you would like to contact the trial team, please email ctu@npeu.ox.ac.uk.

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The National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit (NPEU) is a multidisciplinary research unit based at the University of Oxford. Our work involves running randomised controlled trials, national surveillance programmes and surveys, confidential enquiries, aetiological studies and a disease register. The results of our research sit at the nexus of public and population health sciences, clinical care and health policy development.

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Salisbury NICU Warrior Parents Facebook Page

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Salisbury NICU Warrior Parents Facebook Page

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A Facebook support group that was set up by previous NICU families. It’s a private page but anyone can join and be part of the support group.

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Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.

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Looking after yourself whilst in Hospital...

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Looking after yourself whilst in Hospital...

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Aromatherapist:

We have a lovely volunteer called Shelley who visits the unit once week to offer a hand or foot massage using essential oils to provide you with a short moment of calm and relaxation. She tends to speak to all families that are on the unit at the time so you can either accept or decline when she's visits.

Counseller:

Sarah visits the unit every Wednesday and is available as an listening ear if required. Sarah can support you with any heighten anxiety you may have and can offer further support if needed.

Postnatal Check ups:

Whilst you are staying in hospital with your baby, you will be offered the normal routine check ups with the midwifery team that you would be offered in the community. This is normally up until day 10 but please do flag it up to a member of staff if you have missed a check or something is worrying you after the day 10 discharge check as we can get you seen as soon as possible.

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Our feeding team hosts a coffee morning support group every Thursday in the Neonatal Unit lounge, 10-12.

No need to book, new and expectant mums welcome.

This link will also signpost you to some contact numbers if you have any concerns and would like some advice or a 1-2-1 appointment.

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Contacts, Events, Local Classes & Online Resources

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Contacts, Events, Local Classes & Online Resources

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There is a coffee morning held in the family room on the 1st Wednesday of each month from 09:30-11:30. Please see the attached poster for further information.

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The physiotherapy team runs a play session once a month for all babies that are born less than 35 weeks. Please feel free to attend when you can. Based in the Children's Outpatient Department- Level 3. 0930-1100

Dates as follows:

(Please call before attending to make sure it is still running- 01722 336262 Ext 5159)

TBC

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Your baby may not require all of the support that an admission to the Neonatal unit would need, but may benefit from some extra support from the medical and nursing staff. We would call this Transitional Care (TC).

Transitional care means ‘in between care’ and is for babies who need a little more nursing care and monitoring than the routine care that all babies receive on the maternity ward. It supports babies to stay with their mother either on Beatrice post natal ward or in a KC room on the Neonatal Unit

Your baby may be offered TC due to the following:

-Prematurity at 35/40 and above

-Low birth weight

-Jaundice

-Poor Feeding

-Managing low blood sugars

-Abstinence scoring

-Temperature support

-Risk factors for infection/ needing antibiotics.

We have a `Bundle of Care` that we use if your baby needs TC support and will share this with you.

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Details on how to sign up for our free Wi-Fi are in this link

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Thanks to our brilliant supporters, patients, visitors and staff at Salisbury Hospital now have access to Wi-Fi that's both faster and easier to use.

The charity has been funding free Wi-Fi at the hospital since 2015, but has recently upgraded the service to make it quicker and easier to access. As well as making the connection speed ten times faster, users no longer have to register or enter their details to use the service. Instead they simply select '_StarsAppealFreeWiFi' from the list of available networks on their phone, tablet or other device, wait for the blue Stars Appeal welcome screen to appear, and then click connect. Every week over 3,000 people benefit from the Wi-Fi, including patients and their families, visitors and hospital staff.

Commenting on the upgraded service, Tara Rainaldi, Senior Sister on the Hospital's Pembroke Cancer Unit and Stars Appeal Ambassador said: "We're massively proud of our free Stars Appeal Wi-Fi which is vital in enabling patients to stay in contact with their loved ones, watch television free-of-charge and keep in touch with life outside the hospital. This has been even more important over the last two years when Stars Appeal Wi-Fi has enabled so many video calls between patients and their families especially when they haven't been able to have visitors."

The Wi-Fi service is just one example of a wide range of additional services, care and equipment that we are aiming to raise £1million to fund this year. Full details of all of these projects can be

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Stars Appeal Wi-Fi now ten times faster and easier to use! - Stars Appeal

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Thanks to our brilliant supporters, patients, visitors and staff at Salisbury Hospital now have access to Wi-Fi that's both faster and easier to use. The charity has been funding free Wi-Fi at the hospital since 2015, but has recently upgraded the service to make it quicker and easier to access.

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There are several facilities on site that you might find useful, such as restaurants, coffee shops ,a sweet shop and a pharmacy. Just open the link for more details

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Our staff at Salisbury District Hospital have long been well regarded for the quality of care and treatment they provide for our patients and for their innovation, commitment and professionalism. This has been recognised in a wide range of achievements and it is reflected in our award of NHS Foundation Trust status.

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Sophie`s Legacy provide us with snacks and small meals for families during their stay on the Neonatal Unit. You will find food in the cupboards of the parents kitchen which you can help yourself to.

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Sophie's Legacy -in memory of a remarkable young girl who touched so many lives. Find out her story and shop items to help contribute to Sophies legacy.

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We have a chaplaincy service available every day for people of all faiths or none, which can be used as often as you may wish.

Please let a member of staff know if you would like us to contact the chaplaincy team for you at any time during your stay.

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The Chaplaincy consists of a team of Ecumenical Chaplains who are available to offer religious and spiritual support for peoples of all faiths, or none. A Chaplain is on site during the daytime. The Chapel is open for quiet reflection and prayer. There are regular services that take place in The Chapel (times can be found on The Chaplaincy notice boards throughout the hospital).

We visit the wards regularly to offer pastoral support, by being alongside offering support and a listening ear. Holy Communion and Prayers of blessing can be brought to the bedside if requested. Should you require a visit from The Chaplaincy during your stay in hospital, please ask a member of staff to contact us.

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The Chaplaincy consists of a team of Ecumenical Chaplains who are available to offer religious and spiritual support for peoples of all faiths, or none. A Chaplain is on site during the daytime. The Chapel is open for quiet reflection and prayer.

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CATCH is a free NHS health app for parents and carers of children from pregnancy to age 5.

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CATCH - Common Approach To Children's Health

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CATCH eases the sense of information overload, particularly regarding pregnancy and children's health. With the number of resources available, it can be difficult to know who to trust. CATCH provides local NHS-approved information with your best interests at heart, so you won't need to look elsewhere.

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Salisbury Hospitals Charity: Stars Appeal

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Salisbury Hospitals Charity: Stars Appeal

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The Stars Appeal have funded much of the equipment and facilities on the Neonatal Unit and also provide free WiFi.

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Salisbury District Hospital Stars Appeal The Stars Appeal is the charity for Salisbury District Hospital. Every day we help hundreds of

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Feedback is so important to us, it helps us to shape care for future families by telling us what we are doing well and what we need to do better.

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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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We are trying a new service to offer you a phone call a couple of days after you have been discharged, as we recognise that this can be an anxious time for you. You will be asked as part of the discharge process if this is some thing that you would like.

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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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If your baby goes home on oxygen you will have the support of the community Paediatric nurses and be followed up regularly in clinic

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

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

Why does my baby need home oxygen?

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

Where can I get oxygen equipment?

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

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

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

Preparing for your baby to go home on oxygen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Safety when your baby is going home on oxygen

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

How will I know what level of oxygen to use?

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

Going outside with your baby on oxygen

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

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

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

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

Moving around the home with oxygen

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

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

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

What to do in an emergency

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

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

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

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Going home from the neonatal unit | Bliss

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You may have a lot to think about when you go home from the neonatal unit with your premature or sick baby. Find out more about preparing to go home, and what support is avaliable.

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You may like to sleep your twins in their own Moses baskets or cots from birth, or you may decide to co-bed them in the early weeks and months.

Co-bedding means siblings share the same sleep surface during any sleep period, for example by being in the same cot together.

Whichever you decide, all The Lullaby Trust advice for safer sleep should be followed for each baby, for each day and night time sleep.

This includes, for example:

Please have a read of our other safer sleep guidance for information on sleeping babies as safely as possible.

Safer sleep for twins: FAQs

Can I bed-share/co-sleep with my twins?

The safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own clear, flat, separate sleep space, such as a cot or Moses basket. Sharing a bed with an adult is a significant risk for babies born prematurely or at a low birth-weight, which is common in multiples.

Co-sleeping is particularly dangerous if either you or your partner smokes (even if you do not smoke in the bedroom), has drunk alcohol or taken drugs (including medications that may make you drowsy), or are very tired.

If you choose to bedshare with twins or multiples we would advise not to bedshare with more than one baby at a time due to risk of accidents associated with bedsharing with more than one baby or child.

You can find further information on our co-sleeping page.

If my twins were slept close together on the NICU, shouldn't I be continuing this at home?

Premature or low birth-weight twins are often slept in close proximity on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to model the intrauterine environment and improve the development of vital functions like heart rate and breathing.

Once your babies are discharged, they should be ready to be slept according to the safer sleep advice for all babies. You can also phone our information line with any queries on 0808 802 6869.

My health visitor told me it's better for twins to sleep in the same cot together than to sleep separately. Why is this?

At The Lullaby Trust, we often will promote co-bedding your twins so that you can share a room with them, if you have restricted space. Sharing a room with your babies is a really important measure you can take to reduce the chance of SIDS.

However, there are other reasons you might want to co-bed your twins that you might want to look into. Various areas of research have suggested that putting twins in the same cot can help them regulate their body temperatures and sleep cycles, and can soothe them and their twin.

I've read that babies need separate sleep spaces once they can roll and move about the cot. What is the best thing to do if I don't have space for two cots in my room?

Sometimes it can be tough in a practical sense to adhere to all of the safer sleep messages, particularly if you are short on space.

If you can't fit two cots in your bedroom for your twins, make the advice work for you - you may like to leave doors open between your rooms, or perhaps take in turns with a partner to sleep with the twins in a nursery room.

If possible, you may even be able to borrow something smaller than a second cot for a couple of months, such as a crib. Give our information line a call to have a chat about any further options.

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You may like to sleep your twins in their own Moses baskets or cots from birth, or you may decide to co-bed them in the early weeks and months. Co-bedding means siblings share the same sleep surface during any sleep period, for example by being in the same cot together.