No parent expects their baby to need neonatal care, but thousands of families experience this journey every year.

For families whose baby is born prematurely, needs support after birth or requires specialist treatment, the neonatal unit can feel like an unfamiliar and overwhelming place.

In this episode of Family Health by Mini First Aid, Kate is joined by NHS paediatrician Dr Lillie Parker for an honest and reassuring conversation about neonatal intensive care.

Drawing on both her clinical experience and Kate's own personal experience of having twins cared for in the neonatal unit, they explain what parents can expect if their baby is admitted to NICU or a Special Care Baby Unit.

Dr Lils discusses the different levels of neonatal care, why babies may need extra support with breathing, feeding or temperature regulation, and explains some of the equipment and terminology parents are likely to encounter.

Most importantly, this episode aims to remove some of the fear surrounding neonatal care by helping parents understand the incredible expertise and support available throughout their baby's journey.

In this episode:

• What NICU, NNU and SCBU mean
• Why babies are admitted to neonatal care
• Premature birth explained
• Breathing support and feeding tubes
• Understanding incubators, monitors and alarms
• Supporting babies born early
• Why some full-term babies also need neonatal care
• How parents are supported throughout their stay
• What happens as babies prepare to go home

Although nobody hopes to need neonatal care, understanding what happens inside a neonatal unit can make an unexpected journey feel just a little less frightening.

NHS Guide to Special Care

Bliss Charity - Support for Parents

SuperDinky - Clothing for Premature NICU Babies

Pampers Preemie Nappies

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Dr. Lillie Parker is an NHS paediatrician dedicated to providing expert, compassionate care. Her Instagram page @doctor.lils offers parents and carers a reliable source of health advice amidst the overwhelming noise of unregulated information online. Her mission is to create a supportive community and empower parents to confidently manage their children’s health using trusted, evidence based advice and information.