Family Integrated Initiative at Ulster Hospital Neonatal Unit puts Parents at The Heart of Care

13th August 2024

Marking World Breastfeeding Awareness Week, the Neonatal Unit at Ulster Hospital has been actively promoting ‘family integrated care’, an approach that places parents at the heart of their baby’s care. The unit recognises that parents are more than just visitors, they are essential partners in the journey from birth to discharge and beyond. This innovative approach fosters stronger bonds between parents and their newborns while also supporting the long-term neurodevelopment of the baby.  A key area is breastfeeding while babies are in the Neonatal Unit and how partners can be involved in this process, making that vital connection with their baby.

Research shows that when parents are integrally involved in their baby’s care, it can lead to earlier discharge and improved outcomes for both the infant and the parents. By adopting the ‘partners in care’ approach, the Ulster Hospital Neonatal Unit is helping to create a nurturing environment that supports the entire family during this critical time.

The Neonatal Team is dedicated to empowering parents to actively participate in every aspect of their baby’s care. From feeding, bathing and changing nappies to sharing precious cuddles, parents are encouraged to be fully involved. This hands-on involvement not only enhances the parent-child bond, but also plays a crucial role in the baby’s developmental progress.

Sarah & Sarah Cook-McDowell from Hillsborough whose neonatal twins Aria & Angelo, are currently in the Unit receiving care, hailed the ‘parents as partners in care’ initiative as a game changer.  Sarah said, “As a Neonatal Nurse myself, I understand the importance of involving partners in every aspect of care whilst babies are being cared for in the unit.  It can have huge benefits.

“Being able to breastfeed both Aria and Angelo is very important to us and to have Sarah involved in that process too is crucial as we fought so hard to have them both.  We believe that a fed baby is a happy baby and we knew the benefits breastfeeding can have, so wanted to give it a try.

“It is so important for mums to be aware of the benefits of breastfeeding and to be informed so they can make the right choices for their baby.”

Neonatal Infant Feeding Lead, Cathy Flinn added, “We understand how important it is for parents to feel confident and connected with their baby from the very beginning. Our team is here to support and guide parents every step of the way, ensuring they are equipped to provide the best possible care for their baby, both in the hospital and when they return home.

“The Family Integrated Care approach is key, we want parents to feel empowered and involved in their baby’s care and that the staff in the unit are here to support them and the needs of their baby.  We want parents to see the benefits that this can have, whether that is through skin-to-skin contact, feeding, changing or cuddling, this approach can really help with the overall outcomes for babies, improving neuro-development and earlier discharge home. “