You are an essential part of your baby's recovery
You will be able to take part in caring for your baby as soon as you feel ready and as soon as it is medically appropriate. Initially, this may be talking to your baby, or comfort-holding them as shown by your baby’s nurse. As your baby gets better, you’ll have the opportunity to be more hands-on. The team in the neonatal unit will ensure that both your baby and your family receive the appropriate care and have access to the resources you need, such as practical support to breastfeed or express breastmilk.
No matter how long or short a baby’s stay in the NNU, or whether a baby is born preterm or at term, family centred care is always important. Although your term baby may be more developed and weigh more than a preterm baby, this does not mean that they have less need for supportive care. The nervous system of a term baby is more mature than that of a preterm baby so your baby has a greater ability to respond to your voice and smell.
As a result of your baby being ill, their ability to communicate with the world and move as you would expect may be hindered. You'll get better insight to your baby’s behaviours as you get to know them and following clinical examinations.
Your baby was admitted to the NNU because your baby needed further observation, investigations or medical care. There are many reasons why, and this section provides information on the most common reasons for term babies being admitted to the NNU.