NICU, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, is a level 3 unit that cares for all babies requiring extra support.

LNU, Local neonatal unit, is a level 2 unit that cares for babies from 27 week singletons and 28 week multiples and older.

SCU, Special Care Unit, is a level 1 unit that cares for babies born after 32 weeks who do need intensive care.

We advise you to only use the information in this padlet, and the links provided as you may find information on the internet that may not be evidence-based and may cause you additional stress and anxiety.

Scroll down each column to find information, links to charities, information for dads, health, maternity, and neonatal services across the South East, and more.

Clicking on any hyperlink or caption (picture) will take you to a trusted site.

Kindly shared by Charlotte Easton and Herts and West Essex LMNS

When we use these words in this padlet, we are referring to all women, nonbinary birthing people, and trans men regardless of their gender identity. When supporting you as individual families, professionals are encouraged to use the terms that you identify with, as well as your desired pronouns.

Trust your instincts and call the numbers you have been provided with. Never feel you are being silly, we will always listen to you, and ask you to attend the unit when needed. Your maternity and neonatal care team will always discuss your care openly and honestly, ensuring you understand and involve you every step of your journey

We want to work with you, your partner and your family in your pregnancy planning, while you are still pregnant, during labour, and beyond, to improve your pregnancy journey and your premature baby’s outcome. You must be involved in every decision about your care and treatment.

Older women are more likely to develop gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia than younger women during pregnancy. And they’re also more likely to have diabetes or high blood pressure before they become pregnant. Because of this, older women have a higher risk of complications and problems during pregnancy

• Attend all antenatal appointments.

• Ask for support to stop smoking or to support a family member who smokes near you. Smoking is a risk that, if stopped, can reduce your risk of a preterm delivery.

• Explore the support that is available for you if you have relationship and family concerns regarding domestic abuse. Ask for support and advice about any alcohol use.

• Ask for support to help manage a healthy weight gain for you, in pregnancy.

• Discuss with your maternity and neonatal care team when you are feeling down. Research shows that stress and depression are linked with preterm birth.

• Stop using any vaginal douches/washes or deodorants. They eliminate the vagina’s healthy bacteria, allowing infections such as bacterial vaginosis and thrush to set in. Alert your maternity care team if you have symptoms of vaginal infection, such as burning, itching, or abnormal, smelly or offensive discharge.

• Ensure good mouth health. Research shows a link between poor mouth hygiene and preterm birth. Visits to the dentist are free in pregnancy and for one year after birth in the UK.

• Alert your care team if you have any concerns, at any time, day or night.

https://amzn.eu/d/gwsGJM8

As Black birthers we recognise the gap in services and resources that feel safe, appropriate and put together with us in mind.

This resource library is continually changing, growing and relies on feedback from our community, let us know what you think or what else you need.

All of our resources are free to Black birthers based in the UK.

Then go down to languages and click on yours.

Then go down to languages and click on yours.

Location: Dell Gardens, Northdown Park, Margate.
​Accessibility: Free parking is available next door.
​Public Transport: The Thanet Loop (8 and 8A) stops just outside at the "Friends Corner" stop