When your baby is on the Special Care Baby Unit, you will have lots of questions to ask. Below you will find the answers to some of the frequently asked question.
Frequently asked questions
Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU)
Accordion
Parents are welcome to always be with their baby and the neonatal team will be there to welcome and support you with your journey.
Yes. We encourage you to spend as much time with your baby as you wish. A nurse will show you how to care for your baby and support you in this.
You will be encouraged to touch and care for your baby and provide skin to skin or kangaroo care if your baby’s condition allows.
When your baby is older and having regular periods of sleep, it’s better to allow them to wake naturally rather than disturb them, even if this doesn’t coincide with your visiting times.
Premature babies prefer a firm touch to light stroking. You can give your baby a finger to hold or use containment holding. This is when you place one of your hands firmly but gently on your baby’s head. Place your other hand either on your baby’s tummy or around their legs and bottom.
Here is a list of items you might find helpful:
- Cool, comfortable clothing for you (the baby unit will generally feel very warm). Staff can help advise about the best clothing to facilitate kangaroo care or skin to skin
- Comfortable shoes or slippers
- Moisturiser and lip balm
- If applicable, maternity pads and breast pads
- Ear plugs for sleeping and resting.
- An eye mask for resting in bright light
- Headphones and music to help you relax
- Some form of entertainment, such as a magazine, book, mobile phone or tablet
- A notebook or diary, to make notes or write down any information you may want to remember about your baby’s care
- A bottle to fill with water so you always have a drink to hand