This section includes information for each neonatal unit in the London Neonatal Operational Delivery Network (ODN), a jargon buster for terminology and links to external websites which provide support to parents and their families throughout their time in neonatal care.
As babies are sometimes transferred between units, the information provided for each unit includes details on transfers, facilities and services.
The terminology sometimes referred to during this time can be difficult to understand, please refer to our Jargon Buster for a list of frequently used terms and definitions to make understanding your baby’s care a little easier.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
As there is some great information out there already for parents to utilise, we have collated a small selection below on what you may find useful.
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
Looking after Yourself
Trying to look after your own heath whilst your baby is on a neonatal unit can be challenging; try the Eatwell guide for advice on eating right. Eatwell
APNI (association for post natal illness)
More Information
NHS (access the ‘Newborn’ tab)
BLISS (National Charity for babies born too soon)
BabyBuddy from Best Beginnings, supplying advice and an app!
Charities and Support
Cleft Lip & Palate Association
National Childbirth Trust (NCT)
SANDS (Stillbirth And Neonatal Death Society)
Twin And Multiple Birth Association (TAMBA)
Tommy’s (Tommy’s free app for parents)
Ickle Pickles – Raising money for lifesaving equipment on neonatal units
If you have any further suggestions to make this page more useful please contact the Network Management Team.
Neonatal unit parent animations
South West Neonatal Network in partnership with the charity The NICU Foundation has now released the first of its kind animation to support parents of sick and premature infants during a neonatal stay.
The animation, funded by The NICU Foundation, aims to help alleviate some of the worries that parents may have about the unfamiliar environment, equipment and everyday noises of the unit during an already unsettling time. The animation also shares information for parents to support them to understand their vital role on a Neonatal Unit such as the benefits of interacting with and holding their baby, the facilities and support available and the staff they will meet throughout their journey. The animation has since been uploaded onto the South West Neonatal Network and The NICU Foundation websites and can be accessed here directly on our website. Thank you to the South West Neonatal Network for sharing this amazing animation.
A stay in neonatal care – An animated guide
A Stay in Neonatal Care – Preparing to Take Your Baby Home
COVID-19 Information
BLISS – Following the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) we understand that you may have questions and concerns if your baby was born premature or sick. BLISS have tried to answer some common questions in the link above and are updating this page as more information becomes available.
Postnatal Leaflets
Please find links below to PDF copies of two postnatal leaflets which have been published this on the NHSE/I website at:
Please note the links take you straight to the NHSE/I website, and can be found under ‘Children’.
Use of Face Mask/Coverings in Babies and Young Children
Navigate: parent mentoring
Navigate provides a free six week programme of online and telephone support to parents in Wales and England who have a child aged 0-18 being assessed for a potential diagnosis of disability or have a child who has recently been diagnosed with a disability (within 12 months). The aim is to provide parents of a child with a disability with emotional and practical support and help them navigate these early stages. It also gives parents a chance to talk through things in a safe space.
Any parents that this could support they can either make an online referral via https://www.scope.org.uk/family-services/navigate. Alternatively, they can call 0808 8010510, lines are open Monday – Friday 9am – 8pm and Saturday 9am-12pm.
Data Collection:
When your baby is on the neonatal unit important information about their care will be recorded. for more information on how this data is used please download the poster below.
