Families
Support for parents, carers and families spending time in the neonatal unit.
We know that spending time on a neonatal unit can be incredibly distressing for families. There are many resources for parents and carers to support you. Please ask a staff member on your unit if you would like some help to find these. Many units also have psychological professionals who can provide a confidential space to support you as a family during this time.
Bliss is a national charity that offers emotional and practical support to families with sick or premature babies in hospital. There is lots of information on their website to make sure that you have the knowledge and skills you need to provide the best possible care for your baby.
BAPM is a professional organisation and our members work in neonatal care. As neonatal professionals we believe that care should be delivered by families and clinical staff together as partners. You know your baby best so your voice, thoughts, hopes, and concerns are very important in the care of your baby.
Open and trusting relationships between families and staff are essential during this time. If at any stage you are not happy with the care you or your baby have received there are steps you can take with regards to improving communications and raising serious concerns.
Supporting families flyer
Download a flyer to show families where to turn for more information is they're finding it hard to communicate with staff on the neonatal unit.
Join BAPM
Parents and carers that don't work in healthcare can join BAPM for free. Becoming a member gives you access to our webinars and our email newsletters. Please bear in mind that BAPM's resources are primarily aimed at healthcare professionals and will contain information about neonatal conditions and situations that could be distressing. We are very grateful to the parents and family members that contribute to our work programme but please think carefully about joining and if it is the right choice for you at this time.
Families flyer download (PDF)
