Parent Resources
Page Contents
Navigating information of neonatal care can be overwhelming and confusing. On this page you will find some parent information leaflets designed with neonatal parents, links to charities and other sources, who’s websites offer supportive and practical information. Whilst these are helpful resources, it is recommended you approach your healthcare team to discuss any questions or queries you may have.
Information Leaflets
REPATRIATION TRANSFER
Continuing care at your local hospital
This leaflet has been designed to support parents, carers, and families about the transfer of an infant to a unit closer to home for continuing neonatal or paediatric care.
This leaflet has been designed to support parents, carers & families around the topic of infection control and its prevention on a neonatal unit.
PROBIOTICS FOR PRETERM INFANTS
This leaflet is designed for parents whose babies are eligible to receive probiotics as part of their treatment while they are on the neonatal unit.
WHAT IS NEONATAL PARENTERAL NUTRITION
Parenteral Nutrition, also known as PN is used to feed extremely premature or unwell babies. It may also be called Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)
CARING FOR YOURSELF & EACH OTHER
This leaflet recognises the challenges of managing big feelings throughout your neonatal journey and to help you think about how to care for your own wellbeing and emotions.
This poster introduces some of the equipment you might see on the neonatal unit. Neonatal unit staff can provide further information. While the equipment described in this poster is necessary to facilitate the medical and nursing care of your baby, your baby also needs the love and care that only you as a parent or caregiver can provide.
FAMILY INTEGRATED CARE (FICare)
This leaflet has been designed to support parents, carers & families around the topic of Family Integrated Care or FICare and the way it is experienced on a neonatal unit.
PRETERM BIRTH PERINATAL OPTIMISATION
This is a leaflet to understand what care and support to expect if you are having a preterm baby. In this leaflet, preterm is defined as birth between 22-34 weeks but there may be similarities for a birth later in pregnancy.
Please access this information in your first language if it’s available below. You can ask a member of the team looking after you if you have any questions or if you would like a printed version.
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Select Language to Download PDF
These posters show good ways to help position babies in the neonatal unit
How a baby is positioned is very important for their care. The right position helps babies feel comfortable, stay calm, and grow well. Babies are usually placed with their arms and legs gently tucked in and supported, a bit like how they were curled up in the womb. This helps their bodies and brains develop in a healthy way.
Every baby is different, so sometimes their position will need to be changed to suit their age, health, and what they can manage. The posters give examples, but the healthcare team will always make sure each baby’s position is right for them.
Supporting your baby on their side
Supporting your baby on their front
Supporting your baby on their back
Video
Navigating information of neonatal care can be overwhelming and confusing. On this page you will find some parent information leaflets designed with neonatal parents, links to charities and other sources, who’s websites offer supportive and practical information. Whilst these are helpful resources, it is recommended you approach your healthcare team to discuss any questions or queries you may have.
https://www.youtube.com/@EiSMART-r7p
Charities
There are many national and local charities which can provide you with support and information. Our recommendations are below, but also ask your healthcare team or health visitor about any local groups.
Best Beginnings
Provide free information, DVDs and support for parents
www.bestbeginnings.org.uk
Bliss
The major UK charity for premature and sick babies. They provides free information and support.
www.bliss.org.uk
Born Too Soon
Kingston Hospital Neonatal Unit’s Born Too Soon is the charity for premature babies, helping and supporting unwell babies.
https://borntoosoon.org.uk
Ickle Pickles
Raising money for lifesaving equipment on neonatal units
https://www.icklepickles.org
Peeps
Support for parents, families & friends of those who have experienced an H.I.E. event. (Hypoxic-Ischaemic Encephalopathy)
https://www.peeps-hie.org
Sands
Provide information and support for those who have lost a baby. Helpline: 0207 436 5881
www.uk-sands.org
Tiny Hearts
Supports families with premature babies through online resources, forums, and peer support groups.
https://www.tinylife.org.uk
Additional Charities and Support
Cleft Lip & Palate Association
National Childbirth Trust (NCT)
SANDS (Stillbirth And Neonatal Death Society)
Useful Links
Safe Baby Care
https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice/premature-babies/
Vaccinations remember to check with your doctor what immunisations your baby needs as they may have already received some on the neonatal unit. You can also opt for an electronic ‘Red Book’ at eRed Book and plan ahead with reminders.
Immunisation for Premature Babies born before 31/07/2017
Immunisation for Premature Babies born after 01/08/2017
Nutrition
Books
The Preemie Parent’s Guide
A Roadmap for the NICU Journey by Danya A. Gluckstein and Barbara H. Thompson.
Tiny but Mighty
A Guide for Preemie Parents by Wendy Gross and Melissa Atkins.
Holding Hope
A Guide for NICU Parents by Cheryl L. Haugen and Susan G. Heldt.
