young patients
Kangaroo cuddles
Parents and their newborn babies in the Neonatal Unit are enjoying eight new reclining chairs to help them get optimum skin-to-skin contact , thanks to generous donations .
The chairs have been proven to help promote kangaroo care , a method which supports in vital areas such as breastfeeding , bonding between parent and baby , decreasing time spent in hospital , building confidence and aiding mums with milk production .
Leanne ’ s baby , Edgar , was born premature at 28 weeks . She spent 71 days in the Neonatal Unit with Edgar , during which time she used the chairs regularly .
‘ It was definitely the best part of the day having a cuddle with Edgar in those chairs ,’ says Leanne . ‘ The chairs make it pleasant , even after a caesarean . You can relax and you don ’ t have to worry . If you ’ re relaxed , your baby is relaxed .’
Babies on the unit are likely to be on a ventilator to help them breathe and can be as little as one kilo in weight . The new chairs are great for helping parents feel as comfortable and confident as possible when holding their little ones .
These chairs help send a message to the parents that we ’ ve thought about making them comfortable on the unit . They really are a big part of us providing excellent patient care . Elaine Wood , Neonatal Sister
Leanne with Edgar
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