Useful information for parents with babies in the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU).
Parent Information
For parents with babies in the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU)
What you need to supply
Please supply nappies, cotton wool, and nappy cream (if advised). We can advise you if you need any additional items for your baby.
We have a supply of baby clothes on the unit and these vary in size. You are welcome to use them. There is also the opportunity to purchase various items on the unit, with proceeds going back into the unit. If you prefer to use your own clothes, please let staff know so they can be labelled. We cannot accept any responsibility for any clothes that are lost. We try and wash unit baby clothes on the unit.
For term babies who are bottle feeding, we request you bring in a supply of formula.
With parents consent we may offer your baby a special type of dummy if they need this to help with their respiratory support, this is designed to allow space for certain types of equipment.
Feeding your baby
There is much evidence to support that breast milk is best for your baby, however we will support your chosen method of feeding.
On admission to SCBU not all babies are able to feed, In some cases they may have Intravenous (IV) fluids, some babies also have a nasogastric tube inserted, to enable the baby to have feeds. Some mothers express milk to give to their babies in the first few days of life. Staff are happy to help in your chosen method, and will support you to express you milk and show you how.
Bottle feeding babies will need to be competent in feeding from their own bottles before discharge home.
If you are planning to bottle feed your baby, please supply your own bottles also your chosen formula. This enables babies to adjust to the chosen bottles for feeding. These will be introduced as soon as the baby is able to feed from a bottle.
Food within the unit
Food is provided to mothers and birthing people whilst they are still in hospital.
If parents wish to bring their own food, we ask this to be labelled and placed in the fridge. There is a toaster and microwave available to use.
Hot meals are provided for parents who are rooming in, and for the mothers and birthing people who are staying for the whole day. Snacks can be provided for partners if needed.
Hot and cold drinks within the unit
These are available to parents from the unit kitchen.
Please note, only cold water is allowed in the nurseries.
Further options
At the main entrance reception area of Conquest Hospital on Level 3, there is a coffee shop serving hot and cold beverages and food as well as a shop where you can purchase cold drinks and snacks, also essential items such as toothpaste.
Channel view restaurant located on Level 4 is available for use, opening hours – 7am to 2pm.
For further information on facilities at Conquest Hospital please visit our Facilities for patients and visitors page.
Toilets
We have a toilet on the unit for parents and siblings to use. Other visitors must use the toilet near the lift on level one.
Mobile phones
To prevent disturbing other babies and their parents, please be considerate and avoid having conversations on your mobile phone whilst in the nurseries. Please have your mobile phone on silent or vibrate mode.
Rooming-in
The unit has two of these rooms which are offered to parents when they are free. There is a shower room available when rooming-in. The decision to room in is made on availability of a room and in consultation with you, the nursing and medical team.
The idea behind ‘rooming-in’ is to prepare for and support the transition to becoming fully independent in caring for your baby.