Everyone hopes their pregnancy will be go smoothly and their baby will be born on time and be healthy. However, our Neonatal Unit (NNU) is specially designed and equipped to care for sick and premature babies.

If you give birth early or your baby needs caring for in a Neonatal Unit it can be upsetting and cause anxiety for your and your family. It is likely to be an emotional time for you and we understand the rollercoaster of feelings you will experience while your baby is cared for on our Neonatal Unit. We aim to give the very best standard of care to you and your baby. We have a permanent team of highly trained and experienced staff who understand how stressful it can be to be separated from your baby.

Go to useful links about Premature Birth

When your baby is admitted to the Neonatal Unit, his/her condition will be assessed and any necessary medical action taken. If you are unable to see the baby immediately, a digital photograph will be taken and given to you. This first photograph is very precious. The equipment will seem strange and frightening. Please remember that the equipment is there for the staff to monitor and care for your baby. You will be kept informed of the progress of your baby, but please do not be afraid to ask questions.

Staff are available to provide information about your baby’s condition and to support you to care for your baby. Help is also available from our Parent Support Co-ordinator, Pauline Woods and our Neonatal Unit Matron, Jill Hodgkinson.

Levels of Neonatal Care Offered at Kingston Hospital

• Intensive Care - providing medical care for critically ill babies

• High Dependency Unit (HDU) - babies who are not critically ill but require continuous support are cared for here.

• Special Care - is provided for babies who need it some additional support e.g. feeding difficulties or phototherapy.

Feeding

Our Neonatal Unit supports all women to breastfeed their baby, initially this may not be possible for medical reasons and sometimes breast milk may need supplementation with artificial feeds.

You will be actively involved in all Plans of Care for your baby and decisions about feeding. Our Infant Feeding Advisors are available to advise you on expressing your breast milk for safe storage and optimum milk supply to give to your baby when they are well enough.

Born Too Soon

Born Too Soon is a registered charity established in 1985 by parents and staff to offer support to parents who had a baby or babies being cared for on the Neonatal Unit at Kinston Hospital.

With the help of the local community Born Too Soon raises funds to purchase specialist equipment for the courageous babies on our unit as well as providing invaluable information and support to parents and their families.

For more information on Born Too Soon or the Neonatal Unit please visit www.borntoosoon.org.uk