This section will guide you through practical information, helpful tips, and ways you can be engaged in your baby’s care during their stay on the neonatal unit.
Colostrum is the first milk you produce after your baby is born. It is yellow in colour, thick in consistency.
Colostrum is beneficial for many reasons including:
- supporting your baby’s immune system
- supporting your baby’s gut development
- brain development
- improving long term health outcomes
- encourages progression with feeding and support’s your milk production
- supporting your baby’s pain relief if given as mouth care during procedures
In the first few days it is normal to only get small drops of milk, so expressing by hand means that you are able to catch these small, but precious drops of colostrum for your baby.
Skin to skin is vital for both you, and your baby. The power of human touch can influence our physiological, psychological, development, and growth.
Discuss with the team how they can support you and your baby to have skin to skin contact. Skin-to-skin contact – Baby Friendly Initiative
Read more on the benefits of skin-to-skin.
EBM (Expressed Breast Milk) is incredibly important for neonates, especially those who are premature or have medical conditions. Breast milk provides the ideal nutrition for babies, as it contains essential nutrients, antibodies, and enzymes that support their growth and immune system. It helps protect neonates from infections, reduces the risk of certain diseases, and promotes healthy brain development.
For preterm babies, EBM is even more crucial, as it helps with weight gain, improves feeding tolerance, and reduces the risk of complications like necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Additionally, breast milk supports the bond between mother and baby, even when the baby can’t breastfeed directly.
EBM ensures that babies receive the best possible nutrition while in the neonatal unit, setting the foundation for healthy development as they grow.
This can also be incredibly challenging, so please ensure you look after yourself and ask for support if you need it.
Your checklist:
Large Drinks Bottle
Closed travel mug
Favorite snacks
Pillow blanket
Comfortable clothes, pj’s etc that allow access for skin to skin and expressing Slippers
Phone Charger
Tablet Charger
Head phones
Eye mask
Ear plugs
Breast pads
Maternity pads
Big knickers
Nipple cream
Lip balm
Moisturiser
Books/audiobooks
Pen and paper
Baby’s checklist
Muslin clothes for skin to skin and NEST
Blankets for skin to skin
Photos of family
Small toys/teddy’s
Books to read to baby
Nappies
Milestone cards
Clothing, baby grows, hats and vests
Asda has partnered with Pampers to offer free nappies for all premature babies from its 254 instore pharmacies across the UK.
The nappies are available free of charge and parents can pick them up by visiting an Asda pharmacy, which are open from 8am – 8pm Monday – Saturday and 10am – 4pm or 11am – 5pm on Sundays. Parents can find their nearest pharmacy by visiting the Asda website.
Huggies Micro/Nano Preemie are available as follows:
Nano Preemie: up to 2lbs
Micro Preemie: up to 4lbs
Preemie: up to 6lbs
Pampers Preemie nappies come in three sizes for babies weighing less than 500g up to 1800g.
P3 <500g
P2 <1000g
P1 <1800g
SO <3000g
Premature clothing is available in a variety of sizes from different retailers.
Some retailers that sell premature clothes are:
Tesco: size 2lbs / 907 grams
Argos: size 2lbs/ 907 grams
Next: size 3lbs/ 1.360 kgs
Asda: size up to 3lbs/ 1.360 kgs
Marks and Sparks: size 3lb/1.360kgs
Sainsburys: size 2lbs/907 grams
Super Dinky: Special outfits for NICU baby
Matalan: size 3lbs/ 1.360 Kgs
John Lewis: size 3lbs/1.360 kgs
Smell is an important sense for all neonates, as it plays a key role in their comfort and bonding. Babies are born with a strong sense of smell, and familiar scents help them feel safe and secure. The scent of their parents’ skin can soothe and calm them.
On the unit, scent squares and muslins are available, or you can provide your own to offer a familiar, comforting smell. These cloths can be placed next to your skin during visits or even while at home, and they will hold the scent of the caregiver. This helps your baby feel more at ease, especially when they are separated from you. Familiar scents also improve feeding and sleep patterns by providing comfort and reducing stress.
Comfort holding and still touch during procedures in the Neonatal Unit can support your baby to help reduce stress and pain. This supports your baby’s emotional well-being and improves their ability to cope with the procedure, helping to foster trust and a positive relationship with their caregivers.
Comfort holding involves gently holding or supporting the baby in a calm and secure way, providing physical closeness and reassurance during procedures. This helps to create a sense of security and reduces anxiety.
Still touch, is when you use soft gentle touch without sudden movements, which can provide comfort and help the baby feel safe.
Breast Feeding will provide the maximum amount of comfort and support during a procedure, if this is appropriate.
These techniques can be especially helpful when your baby is undergoing medical procedures, such as blood taking, but also during routine nursing care, like nappy changes. They not only minimise stress and pain but also promote a sense of calm and safety for your baby.
If you are unable to support your baby, a member of staff will support your baby.