Bliss

This week there may be reports in the media about the ongoing Covid Inquiry that could be triggering for families who had a neonatal experience during the pandemic. We understand how difficult the lockdowns were for those with premature and sick babies. If you find the news distressing, please reach out to us at [email protected] for support.

We’re part of a coalition of 13 leading pregnancy, birth and early parenting charities giving evidence to the Covid-19 Inquiry next week. Collectively, we represent the voices of the hundreds of thousands of parents and families who experienced pregnancy and new parenthood, including neonatal admission and baby loss, across the UK during the pandemic. We will highlight the lessons that need to be learned from the pandemic in pregnancy, maternity, neonatal and newborn care, to ensure that parents and families are never let down again.

"It's nothing new for us, but it will be something new for you" Arriving in neonatal care for the first time can be a scary experience. Hear from Neonatal nurse Tendai Nzirawa about the support that is available from staff on your unit. You are not alone💙

We're delighted to be attending the International FICare conference in Glasgow. Really looking forward to sharing our experience and being inspired by others over the next couple of days!

Phew! What an amazing run of webinars. Catch up on all our events for health professionals now. Each supporting staff to deliver even better FICare for families https://lnkd.in/eYqDxn9E

With so much happening around you, it may feel daunting to figure out how you can get involved in your baby’s care. Clinical Psychologist and proud NICU mum, Frankie Harrison shares a few simple but meaningful ways you can participate in your baby's care, which may help you feel more connected with your baby during this challenging time. Remember, there’s no pressure to get involved right away or at all. Every family’s journey is unique, and the healthcare professionals on the unit are there to support you in ways that are right for you and your baby💙 #NICUAwarenessMonth

💙Share your #MilestoneMonday with us!💙 Every milestone, no matter how big or small, is worth celebrating. We’d love to see your photos and hear about the incredible milestones you and baby have reached, both in the neonatal unit and at home. ✉️ Get in touch at: [email protected]

As NICU awareness month draws to a close, here are just some examples of what Family Integrated Care and parent partnership might look like on the unit. Swipe to learn more. 1: What does Family Integrated Care look like on the unit? 2: Parents and carers are supported and encouraged to be actively involved as much as possible in daily care routines including feeding, nappy changes and bathing 3: Parents/carers join doctors and nurses during unit rounds to actively discuss their baby’s progress and care plan 4: Families can have counselling on the unit with a psychologist to support their own wellbeing 5: Both parents or carers are shown how to do skin-to-skin and other comforting practices to promote bonding and other benefits 6: Any cultural, language or additional needs of parents are identified and responded to 7: Parents and carers provide feedback on their neonatal experience to improve Family Integrated Care delivery on the unit

We are highlighting the experiences of Black families in neonatal care, and we are incredibly proud to share our In conversation with... podcast, where we talk about the impact having a baby in neonatal care has on family's mental health. We hope that hearing other Black families' stories helps you to feel heard and understood. Whatever your experience, you are vital for your baby’s care, and we are here for you. View the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/e5ZNU5CP Or listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4gGKfJL Trigger Warning: the episode discusses themes of racism, trauma and baby loss. #BMMHW24 #BMMHWUK #BlackMaternalMentalHealth #BlackMaternalHealth

(PT2) From the first to cuddle, to the first bath, Yasmeen shares how impactful this was on her bond with her daughter Iman. “We aren’t helpless. We may not be in medical control of our child, but we have the control over our emotions as well as our baby’s emotions.” – Yasmeen