Light and sound
As your baby was born too early or too sick, they may not be ready for the environment in NICU.
Noise and light can be overwhelming. A developing fetus needs a positive sensory environment for normal brain development, an environment which limits light and noise exposure, provides a supported flexed posture, containment and protects sleep.
Babies who experience good quality sleep are more stable and grow more quickly.
This applies to all premature babies, but especially to babies born before 32 weeks gestation, as their pupillary light reflex has not yet developed.
A supportive light environment reduces the level of cortisol, extends sleep duration, stimulates the release of growth hormones and encourages the early development of a sleep and wake cycle.
By using incubator covers, closing port hole doors quietly, not placing items on top of the incubator and speaking softly, we can protect your baby from the bright lights of NICU and also muffle out some of the unwanted noises.
By protecting your babies sleep patterns in this way, we are protecting and promoting your babies brain development.
Each day we aim to give all babies a period of complete uninterrupted rest during which time, wherever possible, we will avoid undertaking any routine procedures or interventions.
Positive touch
Positive touch is a way to experience loving touch when your baby is not ready to be held. Your baby will enjoy cradling with still, resting hands, more than stroking.
Developmental care practices can be used to support more positive experiences for your baby. Nursing staff will show you how to do this.
Kangaroo care (skin-to-skin)
This is a special way of holding your baby. The nursing and medical team aim to facilitate this as soon as possible.
How to do it?
Remember; you should not wear perfume, smoke cigarettes or have the reside of second-hand smoke on your clothing or hair, before kangaroo care. kangaroo care should last for a minimum of one hour.
Kangaroo care can help your baby
- Keep their heart rate, breathing and temperature stable
- Sleep better
- Stay warm
- Gain weight
- Brain development
- Feel secure
Kangaroo care can help you
- Increase your milk production
- Feel a special closeness with your baby
- Feel more confident about caring for your baby
We do not have the room to provide private time with your baby, however we can use screens to facilitate this.
If you would like to use these, please ask the nurse caring for you.
Reading, singing or reciting nursery rhymes
Reading, singing or reciting nursery rhymes to your baby as soon as they are born can help with brain development and will also encourage language skills from an early love of books.
Your baby is used to hearing the vibrations of your voices in utero.
Wrapped bathing
Your baby’s first bath is very special and exciting, yet often a scary event.
Bathing offers you valuable time to observe your baby’s behaviour, so the way you bath can be adapted to their developing needs.
Wrapped bathing is very relaxing and soothing for your baby, especially when they don’t like being undressed.
Wrapping your baby in a muslin whilst immersed in the water and pacing your washing according to your baby’s reactions, will ensure they have enough energy to feed afterwards, as they will feed safe and calm.
Weigh day
Weighing your baby is a very special time. Babies are weighed routinely on a Tuesday and a Saturday.
Please let the nursing staff know what time you wish to weigh your baby.