Look at me – I’m talking to you! - Baby Link Home Page information/look at me.pdf · If you see me looking like this, you ... I am smiling, or I have a relaxed expression on my

Look at me– I’m talking to you!

Watching and understandingyour premature baby

English edition published by BLISS – the premature baby charity 2005First edition: 2002 © SPARADRAPAll rights to translation, adaptation and reproduction in any format reserved, forall countries. Copying, even partial, is prohibited.Reprinted 2006.

Acknowledgements:This booklet is a translation of the French publication Je vous parle, regardez-moi!, produced by SPARADRAP. The information is based on research byDr Heidelise Als, PhD, from Harvard University (USA). She has established aprogramme of developmental care for premature babies, called NIDCAP(Neonatal Individualized Developmental Care Assessment Program). The goalsof NIDCAP are to reduce stress linked to the environment, increase awarenessof the baby’s behaviour, and integrate the parents in his or her daily routine.

This booklet was written by Dr Nathalie Ratynski, NICU Brest UniversityHospital, France, with the collaboration of Françoise Galland, Sylvie Bleuven,Marie-Thérèse Kerjean, Odile Meaude, Servane David and Corinne Mahe.

The illustrations are taken from a report written by Noëlle Herrenschmidt.

With thanks to the parents of premature babies and to the professionalsworking in the neonatal intensive care units who reviewed this document:Fabienne Grillere-Berregard, nurse, University Hospital, GrenobleDr Dominique Haumont, St Pierre Hospital, BrusselsDr Françoise Montoya, University Hospital, MontpellierDr Véronique Pierrait, University Hospital, LilleNelly Thomas, Créteil HospitalPr Marcel Voyer, Mra Ceschi, Insititut de Puériculture, Paris

English editionEdited by: Colleen Shannon

Reviewed by: The BLISS parent, medical and nursing advisory panels.

BLISS – the premature baby charity2nd Floor, 9 Holyrood Street London SE1 2ELt 020 7378 1122 f 020 7403 [email protected] www.bliss.org.uk Family Support Helpline FREEPHONE 0500 618140BLISS Publications: 01933 318503 or order online at www.bliss.org.ukRegistered charity no. 1002973 Registered company no. 2609219

This publication has been made possible with financial support from Pampers.

1Look at me – I’m talking to you! BLISS – the premature baby charity 2006

Learning from the baby 2

About this series 3

Look at me – I’m talking to you! 5

Look at me... 6

I am feeling comfortable 8

I am feeling uncomfortable 10

How you can help me... 12

I like to be lying comfortably 14

Coping with treatment and care 15

Helping me communicate 16

Useful organisations 19

Other BLISS publications 24

Contents

Learning from the babyFor any parent there is a need to appreciate how things seem from yourbaby’s point of view. This is even more true if your baby is born preterm oris sick and is being cared for in a neonatal unit. Preterm babies, though lessmature, are sensitive to a wide range of stimuli. What is important is tocreate an appropriate physical and social environment in which they cangrow and develop. Helping identify aspects of the environment and carethat may affect infant wellbeing allows parents and staff to look after andinteract with babies in an individualised way, taking into account eachbaby’s perspective and stage of development.

This new booklet aims to help parents understand the clinical and otherneeds of their small baby and changes in behaviour and responsivenessover time. By speaking directly to parents, it focuses attention on their babyas an individual and encourages contact and involvement at an importanttime when they can feel unsure about their role. Giving the preterm baby avoice in this way and encouraging parents to watch and listen to their babycan only improve communication and information for families.

Maggie Redshaw BA PhD (C.Health Psychol.)and a member of the Pampers Institute.

About the Pampers InstituteThe Pampers Institute is an international network of experts committed tounderstanding babies and all areas of their development and health. Themembers of the Pampers Institute provide advice, insights and informationprimarily via the website, www.pampers.com, which can be accessed byboth health professionals and parents alike.

About this seriesThis booklet is part of a series of publicationsabout supporting your baby’s needs.

Look at me – I’m talking to you covers yourbaby’s emotional needs and helps youunderstand what your baby iscommunicating or ‘saying’ to you.

The second part of this series, Handle mewith care, covers your baby’s physical needsand development during their time on theneonatal unit and once he/she comes home.

We recommend that you should read bothbooklets to gain a full picture of your baby’sneeds.


PLEASE REMEMBER

All neonatal units are different – they don’t all have the sameroutines or the same way of doing things.

All babies are different too, with varying clinical needs. You shouldalways consult with the staff in the unit when handling and caringfor your baby. They will work in partnership with you to make surethat your baby gets the most appropriate care.

4 Look at me – I’m talking to you! BLISS – the premature baby charity 2006


Look at me– I’m talking to you!Your premature baby seems so small and helpless. But the truth is, yourbaby can already tell you many things and in return, you cancommunicate messages of love and reassurance to your baby.

The aim of this booklet is to help you understand your baby’s behaviourfrom birth, by observing his or her body language and reactions. In thisway you can get to know your baby, understand his or her needs, andsupport your baby’s growth and development.

At the moment your baby needs special care from trained nurses anddoctors. The neonatal team will help you to understand andcommunicate with your baby. However, very quickly you will becomethe person who understands your baby best.

This booklet can’t explain everything about premature babies or answerall of your questions. However, it can help you to observe andunderstand your baby’s behaviour so that you are better prepared whenyour baby goes home.

The tracheal tube is very thin. Itpasses into my windpipe. This islinked to a ventilator and helps meto breathe. Sometimes I may needonly a small mask or small tubes inmy nose (nasal CPAP) or low flowoxygen through a nasal cannula.

The gastric tube is small andpasses through either my mouth orone of my nostrils. It leads into mystomach to check its contents and,later, to feed me.

These tubes are fixed onto my facewith tape.

Look at me...First of all, here are someexplanations about the machinessurrounding me. Knowingsomething about the medicalequipment can help you feel morerelaxed when you visit me in thefirst few days. This equipmenthelps care for me, as long as Ineed it.

I sleep in an incubator which keepsme warm, as the womb would do.


sensitive to movement, so if thealarm rings, it does not alwaysmean there’s a problem.

Sometimes a blood pressure bandis placed on my arm or leg tomeasure my blood pressure.

The IV pump administersmedicines, fluids or feeds at a setspeed.

Various probes on my chest recordmy heart rate and my breathing.Another probe on my chest alsochecks my temperature.

Monitorsmeasure myheart rate, mybreathing, andthe oxygenlevels in myblood.

The saturation probe, with a smallred light, keeps track of the oxygenlevel in my blood. It is linked to themonitor. The probe is very


I am feeling comfortable…

If you see me looking like this, youwill know that I am comfortable.

I have my hands near my face ormy mouth. Sometimes I evenmanage to suck one of my fingers.

I am in a curled up position. Mybody is curled up, and so are myarms and legs.

I am squeezing something in myhand: my mummy’s scarf, my littleteddy bear or your finger.

NB Some units do not allow a softtoy to be placed in the incubator.


I have my feet together.

I have supportfor my feet.

I am smiling, or I have a relaxedexpression on my face.

I can lookyou in theeyes, evenif it is onlybriefly.


I am feelinguncomfortable…

If you see me looking like this, youwill know that the situation isdifficult for me and that I am havingtrouble coping.

I am arching my back.

I am frowning or scowling.

I am thrusting my armsand legs rigidly into the air.

I am spreading my fingersand toes out.


I am moaning or crying.

I am yawning or I have hiccoughsduring my treatment or care, orwhen I am looking at you.

If I look awayfrom you, it isbecause I amtoo tired andhave hadenough.

In all these situations, you can help me…



You can help me by:

speaking in a quiet voice when you are in my room

making sure the volume on alarms is turned down

reducing the activity around my incubator

minimising the number of people at my bedside.

How you can help me…I am still vulnerable and not completelyready to live in your environment. I amquickly overwhelmed if I have to face alot of stimulation at once: noise, light,change of position… and sometimespainful treatments. I still have to learnto deal with all these new sensations.

Noises can bother me:

doors opening and closing,especially the portholes of myincubator

the sound of objects beingplaced on top of my incubator

loud conversations

alarms that are loud, or thatring for a long time

water splashing in the basin.


Light can bother me:

especially when I am very smalland vulnerable

whether it is daylight or artificiallight.

You can help me by:

lowering the light and creating asoft atmosphere in the room(blinds half closed, appropriatelighting)

covering my incubator with ablanket when I need to becompletely in the dark. Graduallythe blanket is replaced by alighter piece of cloth. Then thisis removed, while trying tomaintain a difference betweenday and night in order to helpme to organise my sleep.


It is important to maintain mynatural curled up position.

If I am left alone in the centre ofmy incubator without any limit tomy space, I feel lost.

You can help me by:laying me as soon as possible onmy side, my back well curled, so Ican easily bring my hand to myface and my feet together

laying me on my tummy

progressively helping me learn tosleep on my back, when I amready – this is the position that Iwill use at home

surrounding me with a small‘nest’ made up of a rolled-up bed-sheet high enough so that I canrest my feet on it. This nestshould support me firmly so that Ican feel the boundaries or limitsof my body. The more I grow, theless I will need the nest

bringing me some washable softtoys, preferably with big ears orbig tails that I can easily grasp inmy very small hand. Use one ofthese toys to prop me up: placed

behind my head or on my body,it gives me a feeling of safetywhen you take your hands away.

See Handle me with care for moreinformation about positioning.

I need to sleep:sleep is the most important thingfor me

periods of deep sleep allow meto ‘recover’ after stimulation andtreatment.

You can help me by:carefully respecting my sleepperiods, even if you find itfrustrating not to play with meduring your visit – the medicalteam alsorespectstheseperiods.

I like your smell:whether it’s Mummy or Daddy,your smell is very comforting tome.

You can help me by:placing a handkerchief, cloth orscarf with your smell near myface, so I have the impressionthat you are always near me. Ican either hold this scarf in myhand, or be partially covered by it

and of course, holding me close,‘skin-to-skin’, when this is possible.

I like to be lyingcomfortably

Coping withtreatment and careThe care team will show you howto hold me during treatment andwhile I am being cared for. Then,progressively, you will learn to takecare of me yourself – washing meand changing my nappy.

I like to know what is going on. So,try to wake me up gently. At thebeginning, just place your hands onmy body and talk to me softly,explaining what will happen andwho will take care of me.

Follow my rhythm, giving me sometime to rest if I seem to bestruggling. Hold me gently in acurled up position. I need tobreathe calmly, and could feeloverwhelmed if I have to cope withstimulating sensations such assound and light as well.

Although you need to be able tosee me clearly, do think aboutprotecting my eyes from brightlight.

You can help me by:holding my legs if they shootsuddenly into the air

bringing my hands to my face

giving me a dummy

giving me your finger to grasp

supporting my head with yourhands.


At any age, I have many ways tocommunicate with you and feelyour presence.

When I am very small, I learn torecognise you by being able tograsp your finger, feeling yourhands placed softly on my body,and having your help duringtreatment and care. You are theone who can help me the most,when I need to settle down or fallasleep.

Later, once I am a little stronger,you can hold me in your arms.Skin-to-skin contact will help us tobond. I like to be in a calmatmosphere during these moments,

so you can also benefit from thistime by having a little rest. Whenyou put me back in my incubator,remember to remove your handsvery gently. Stay close to me for awhile so I can fall asleep peacefully.This way, I can stay calm when weare apart.

As I grow, I will be able to see youbetter, and I will even be able tofocus on your face. This is a bigeffort for me, so remember that I shouldn’t be disturbed bydistractions such as light or noise.I must also be carefully held in acurled up position.

If I look away from you, yawn orbegin to hiccough, you will knowthat it is still too difficult for me.Please allow me to rest. Be patient.As I grow, I will be able to cuddlewith you more often, and for longerperiods.

My brothers and sisters can alsocome to visit me, as long as theyaren’t ill. It is good for me to get toknow them. Visits will help theother children in the family feelprepared when I come home.

Helping mecommunicate


Washing me

My first bath is an important step in my life. This is not a medicalprocedure but a special moment to share with you.

At first, feeling wet may beuncomfortable for me. I will feelsafer in a small bath, and wrappedup carefully in a cotton towel.Feeling safe will help me relax.

Helping me eat

Sucking and then digesting a feed are hard work for me.

To begin with, milk is given to methrough the nasogastric tube. Thisis what the care team calls the‘gavage’. In order to help meassociate sucking with the feelingof a full tummy that I get from themilk, they often give me a dummy.

When I am a bit stronger, I amgiven a small amount of milk in mymouth or on my dummy. In thisway I learn quickly that when Isuck, something very nice goesdown into my stomach. Even if Icannot suck yet, I am put on my

Mummy’s breast in order toprepare me for breastfeeding.

When I am a lot stronger, duringbreastfeeding or when drinkingfrom a bottle, I like to be in a calmatmosphere, nicely settled,wrapped in a cotton blanket or in ababy sleeping bag. I also like tohave my hands near my face. Atfirst I am unable to respond to yourlooks, smiles and cuddles whilefeeding, because it is hard for meto suck, swallow and breathe at thesame time. Later on I will be able tomanage, though.



We hope you have found thispublication helpful. If you wouldlike to discuss anything containedin this booklet in more detail orwish to get further support, pleasecontact the BLISS Family SupportHelpline on FREEPHONE 0500618140 (10am to 5pm, Monday toFriday) or [email protected].

If you would like a copy of Handleme with care, you can order onlineat www.bliss.org.uk Alternativelycall 020 7378 1122.

All BLISS publications are free toparents.

Health professionals can orderonline at www.bliss.org.uk or call01933 318503.


Useful organisations* translations available

Benefits and maternity rights

Benefits NowOnline information about Disability LivingAllowance and completing applications.t: 0207 833 2181www.benefitsnow.co.uk

Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB)Will provide details of your local CAB.t: 020 7833 2181www.nacab.org.uk

Tax Credits HelplineProvides advice to families on tax credits. t: 0845 300 3900www.hmrcgob.uk

Working Families1-3 Berry StreetLondonEC1V 0AAt: 0207 253 7243f: 0207253 [email protected]

Bereavement

Child Bereavement TrustProduces leaflets, books and videos forbereaved families.Aston House, West WycombeHigh Wycombe HP14 3AGt: 0845 357 1000www.childbereavement.org.uk

Child Death HelplineA helpline for those affected by the deathof a child or baby.Freephone: 0800 282986www.childdeathhelpline.org.uk

Compassionate FriendsTelephone support for bereaved families.53 North Street, Bristol BS3 1EN Helpline: 0845 123 2304www.tcf.org.uk

Cruse Bereavement CareCruse House, 126 Sheen RoadRichmond, Surrey TW9 1URHelpline: 0870 167 1677e: [email protected]

SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal DeathSociety)Telephone support and groups forbereaved families.28 Portland Place, London W1B 1LY Helpline: 020 7436 5881www.uk-sands.org

S.P.R.I.N.G (Support for parents andrelatives in neonatal grief)Provides support to parents and relativeswho have experienced the death of ababy during pregnancy, at, or just afterbirth. This includes miscarriage, stillbirthand termination for foetal abnormality. t: 01202 448084 (24 hour answerphone) e: [email protected]

Breastfeeding – expressingequipment

Ameda-Egnell Ltd.Unit 2, Belvedere Trading Estate, TauntonSomerset TA3 1BR t: 01823 336362www.ameda.demon.co.uk

AVENTGlemsford, Suffolk CO10 7QSFreephone: 0800 289064www.aventbaby.com

Hand pumps and battery-operatedpumps are available to buy in most largechemists and supermarkets.

Express Yourself Mums LtdFull range of breastfeeding and expressingequipment including manual and electricpumps, feeding pillows, bras, specialfeeders, milk storage, breast care, books,videos and accessories.t: 020 8830 5576www.expressyourselfmums.co.

Medela UK LtdProduce a range of breastpumps andother breastfeeding accessories.Huntsman Drive Northbank Industrial Park IrlamManchester M44 5EG t: 0161 776 0400 f: 0161 776 0444 e: [email protected] www.medela.co.uk


Breastfeeding – supportgroups

Association of Breastfeeding Mothers(ABM)PO Box 207, BridgewaterSomerset TA6 7YTHelpline: 0870 401 7711 www.abm.me.uk

La Leche League*Breastfeeding help and information.PO Box 29, West Bridgeford Nottingham NG2 7NP 24 hour helpline: 0845 120 2918www.laleche.org.uk

Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative*Breastfeeding information and advice.Africa House, 64-78 Kingsway London WC2B 6NBt: 020 7312 7652www.babyfriendly.org.uk

Causes of premature birthand antenatal information

Action on Pre-eclampsia (APEC)*Information and support services.84-88 Pinner Road, HarrowMiddlesex, HA1 4HZt: 020 8863 3271 Helpline: 020 8427 4217www.apec.org.uk

Action on Medical ResearchVincent House, Horsham West Sussex RS12 2DPt: 01403 210406f: 01403 210 541www.action.org.

Antenatal Results and ChoicesInformation and support for parents to be.73 Charlotte Street, London W1T 4PNHelpline: 020 7631 0285t: 0207 631 0280www.arc-uk.org

National Childbirth Trust (NCT)Antenatal support and breastfeedingadvice.Alexandra House, Oldham TerraceActon London, W3 6NHt: 0870 444 8707

Breastfeeding helpline:0870 444 8708www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com

Tommy’s Research into causes of premature birthand other complications.Nicholas House, 3 Laurence Pountney HillLondon EC4R 0BBt: 0870 777 3060www.tommys.org

Clothes by mail order forbabies with a low birthweight

BabycityUnit 20 Belvue Business CentreBelvue Road, Northolt Middlesex UB5 5QQt: 020 8845 5588f: 020 8845 6688e: [email protected]

Clothes 4 PrematuresAshley Alexander, 1 Aldiss CourtHigh Street, DerehamNorfolk NR19 1TSt: 01362 853313www.clothes4prematures.co.uk

Designer Angels11 Market Gate, Market DeepingLincolnshire PE6 8DLt: 01778 345963e: [email protected]

Peeny Weeny BabyP.O Box 71, ShanklinIsle of Wight PO37 6ZWt/f: 01983 863 532m: 07973 362 955www.peenyweeny.co.uk

PreciousPrems Ltd 18 Paddockdyke, SkelmorlieNorth Ayrshire PA17 5DA t: 01475 521863 m: 07830 149592/593.e: [email protected]


Tiny Baby & Co LtdUnit 3, Chestnut HouseMoorgreen Industrial ParkNewthorpe, Nottingham NG16 3QUt: 01773 715577f: 01773 717653www.tinybabyandco.com

VertbaudetPO Box 125, Bradford BD99 4YGt: 0845 270 0270 8am to 11pm, 7 days a weekwww.vertbaudet.co.uk

Councelling and advice

The Association forPost-natal Illness (APNI)*145 Dawes Road, Fulham SW6 7EBHelpline: 020 7386 0868www.apni.org

Birth Trauma AssociationOffers support to all women who havehad a traumatic birth experience. PO Box 1996, SP1 3RQwww.birthtraumaassociation.org.uk

British Association of Counselling andPsychotherapyRepresents counsellors andpsychotherapists and can signpost you toa local therapist.BACP House, 35-37 Albert Street, RugbyWarks CV21 2SGt: 0870 443 5252www.bacp.org.uk

Cry-sisSupport for families with excessivelycrying, sleepless and demanding babies.Helpline: 08451 228 669 (9am to 10pm, 7 days a week)www.cry-sis.org.uk

Fathers DirectOnline information on fatherhood.t: 0845 634 1328 www.fathersdirect.com

For Parents By ParentsA parenting information and advice sitefor parents.c/o 31 Main Street, Bishopstone,Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP17 8SF

t: 01296 747551f: 01296 747538 www.forparentsbyparents.com

Foundation for the Study of InfantDeaths (FSID)*Information about safe-sleeping andapnoea monitors.Artillery House, 11-19 Artillery RowLondon SW1P 1RT t: 0870 787 0885Helpline: 0870 787 0554www.sids.org.uk/fsid

GingerbreadInformation and support to lone parentsthrough a network of local groups.7 Sovereign Close, Sovereign CourtLondon E1W 2HWt: 020 7488 9300 Helpline: 0800 018 4318www.gingerbread.org.uk

National NEWPINHelps parents under stress.Sutherland House, 35 Sutherland Square London SE17 3EEt: 020 7358 5900www.newpin.org.uk

NHS Pregnancy Smoking Helpline: 0800 169 9 169 – open 1pm to 9pm daily.www.givingupsmoking.co.uk

NIMBA (Northern Ireland Mother andBaby Action)Hope House, 54 Scotch Quarter BT38 7DP t: 028 9332 9933www.nimba.org.uk

One Parent Families225 Kentish Town Road, London NW5 2LXt: 0800 018 5026www.oneparentfamilies.org.uk

Parentline PlusOffers support to anyone parenting achild.Helpline: 0808 800 2222www.parentlineplus.org.uk

Threshold Women’s Mental Health A confidential telephone helpline offeringemotional support to women and


signposting to local support services. Helpline: 0808 808 6000 10am to 2pm and2pm to 4.30pm Monday and Wednesday,2pm to 4.30pm Tuesday and Thursday.

Westminster Pastoral Foundation (WPF)Provides counseling across the UK - fee isnegotiable.23 Kensington Square, London W8 5HN t: 020 7361 4800www.wpf.org.uk

Disability and medicalproblems

Birth Defects Foundation (BDF)Services to families and those at risk ofbirth defects.BDF Centre, Hemlock Business ParkHemlock Way, Cannock Staffordshire WS11 2GF t: 01543 468888 BDF Here to help nurse service: 0870 070 7020www.bdfcharity.co.uk

British Brain and Spine FoundationInformation and support on neurologicaldisorders.7 Winchester House, Cranmer RoadKennington Park, London SW9 6EJHelpline: 0808 808 1000t: 020 7793 5900www.bbsf.org.uk

British Heart Foundation*14 Fitzhardinge Street, London W1H 6DHt: 020 7935 0185 Helpline: 0845 070 8070 www.bhf.org.uk

British Lung Foundation (BLF)*73-75 Goswell Road, London EC1V 7ER t: 020 7688 5555www.lunguk.org

Cerebra–the foundation for the braininjured child1st Floor, 13 Guildhall SquareCarmarthen SA31 1PRt: 01267 244200Freephone: 0800 328 1159www.cerebra.org.uk

Cherubs UKOffers specific medical information andsupport for families of children born with

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH).43 Vancouver Avenue, Kings Lynn Norfolk PE30 5RDt: 01553 762 884 / 01908 565 574www.uk-cherubs.org.uk

Cleft Lip and Palate Association1st Floor, Green Man Tower332B Goswell Road, London EC1V 7LQ t: 020 7833 4883www.clapa.com

Contact A Family*Provides support and advice to familiescaring for a disabled child or children withspecific health conditions. 209-211 City Road, London EC1V 1JN t: 020 7608 8700Free Helpline: 0808 808 3555www.cafamily.org.uk

Down’s Syndrome Association*Langdon Down Centre, 2a Langdon ParkTeddington TW11 9PSt: 0845 230 0372 www.dsa-uk.com

LOOK (National Federation of familieswith visually impaired children)Queen Alexandra College49 Court Oak Road, HarbourneBirmingham B17 9TGt: 0121 428 5038e: [email protected] www.look-uk.org

Meningitis Research Foundation*Support and information for families.Midland Way, Thornbury Bristol BS35 2BSFreephone Helpline: 0808 800 3344 24 hour helpline (UK)Loc call (Rep of Ireland): 1890 413 344www.meningitis.org.uk

NHS Direct*Website providing health information. t: 0845 4647 – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/

SCOPESupport for cerebral palsy and relateddisabilities.PO Box 833, Milton Keynes MK12 5NY t: 0808 800 3333www.scope.org.uk


VitalairInformation about where to get oxygensupplies when travelling abroad.t: 0800 136 603www.vitalair.co.uk

Specialist travel insurance

Atlas Direct37 Kings Exchange, Tile Yard RoadLondon N7 9AHt: 0870 8111700 f: 0870 8111800Medical Helpline: 0870 8111701www.atlasdirect.net

British Insurance Brokers Association14 Bevis Marks, London EC3A 7NTt: 0870 950 1790 f: 0207 626 9676e: [email protected]

Free Spirit Travel InsurancePJ Hayman & Company LtdSpecialist travel insurance for people withpre-existing medical conditions.Stansted House, Rowlands CastleHampshire PO9 6DXt: 0845 230 5000 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday f: 0239 241 9049e: [email protected]

Maksure Travel Insurance ServicesLimitedCover for travelers with pre-existingmedical conditions.151 Lower Church Road, Burgess HillWest Sussex RH15 9AA t: 0870 156 6679

Perry & Gamble & Co LtdEast Devon Business ParkWilmington, Honiton, Devon EX14 9RL t: 01404 830100

Preferential Direct LtdPO Box 5317, Southend on Sea Essex SS1 1WYt: 0870 60077 66www.preferential.co.uk

Financial support

The Family Fund Trust*Financial help and information for familiesof disabled and seriously ill childrenbelow age 16.

PO Box 50 York Y01 9ZXt: 0845 130 4542www.familyfundtrust.org.uk

Lions Club Internationalt: 0121 441 4544www.lions.org.uk

Rotary Internationalt: 01789 765 411www.ribi.org

Home support

Childcare LinkContact Childcare Link for details of yourlocal Children’s Information Service (CIS),for a list of registered childcare in yourarea and for other information aboutchildcare.Freephone: 0800 096 0296www.childcarelink.gov.uk

Home-Start UKSupport for families with young children.2 Salisbury Road, Leicester LE1 7QR t: 0116 233 9955Freephone: 0800 068 6368www.home-start.org.uk

Massage

International Association of InfantMassage (IAIM) Promotes and educates caregivers inpositive touch.UK Chapter, PO Box 247, RainhamEssex RM13 7WTt: 0781 628 9788 www.iaim.org.uk

Other practical items

Bettacare Ltd - ‘Tiny Traveler’ car seatsExtra support for low birthweight babies.9-10 Faygate Business Centre, FaygateWest Sussex RH12 4DNt: 0129 385 1896www.bettacare.co.uk

Kari Me Baby CarrierBaby sling and baby carrier can be usedfor kangaroo care.15 Mentmore Road, St Albans AL1 2BGt: 0870 199 6970f: 08714339678www.kari-me.com


Klodhoppers LtdBabies and children’s shoes starting fromsize 1 (17) Available in store only.Wellingtons, socks, tights, sandals also available.103 Blatchington Road, Hove BN3 5NE t/f: 01273 711132

MothercareA wide range of products and informationavailable, including maternity, nursery,travel, feeding, clothing, bath, safety, firstbedrooms and toys. t: 08453 30 40 30www.mothercare.com

Sling Easy Baby Sling from Kids inComfortFor low birthweight babies.172 Victoria Road, Wargrave RG10 8AG t: 0118 940 4942www.slingeasy.co.uk

Soothers, Dummies and Teats NUK: Distributed by Mapa Spontex UK LtdBerkeley Business Park, Wainwright RoadWorcester WR4 9ZSt: 0845 3002467www.nukbaby.co.uk

Also available at branches of Boots. t: 0845 070 8090www.boots.com

Start rite ‘First Walker Shoes’Stockists of girls’ shoes starting at size 2,and boys’ shoes starting at size 3. www.startriteshoes.co.uk

Multiple births

Multiple Births Foundation For information and support.Hammersmith House Level 4Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea HospitalDu Cane Road, London W12 0HS t: 020 8383 3519e: [email protected] www.multiplebirths.org.uk

Twins and Multiple Births Association(TAMBA)2 The Willows, Gardner Road Guildford Surrey GU1 4PGt: 0870 770 3305Twinline: 0800 138 0509www.tamba.org.uk

Nappies up to 6lbs/3kg

Boots High Performance Low birthweight nappies. t: 0845 070 8090.www.boots.com

Pampers Micro and Premature Nappies Freephone: 08456 013272 www.pampers.com

Tesco NappiesPremature baby size, available at mediumand larger stores.t: 0800 505 5555www.tesco.com

Safety

CAPT (Child Accident Prevention Trust)4th Floor, Cloister Court 22-26 Farringdon Lane London EC1R 3AJt: 020 7608 3828www.capt.org.uk

In-Car Safety CentreUnit 5, The Auto Centre, Stacey BushesMilton Keynes, MK12 6HSt: 01908 220909www.childcarseats.org.uk

RoSPA (Royal Society for the preventionof Accidents)Gives advice on purchasing, fitting andusing car child restraints. Edgebastson Park, 353 Bristol RoadEdgebastson, Birmingham B5 7STt: 0121 248 2000e: [email protected]

Sexual health

Sexual Health LineHelpline: 0800 567123 open 24 hours aday, 7 days a week.

Useful websites

www.fordads.com www.immunisation.org.uk

www.kangaroomothercare.com

Other BLISS publicationsBooklist

Breastfeeding your premature baby*

Chronic Lung Disease *

Community Health Professionals’ Information Guide

Containment holding poster

Facts for fathers*

Going home on oxygen *

Going home – your questions answered*

Handle me with care*

Kangaroo Care poster*

Parent Information Guide

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)*

Surfactant (download only)*

The next pregnancy*

Teaching parents infant CPR

Ventilation*

Useful organisations

Weaning your premature baby*

*available as downloads.

Parents: Order online at www.bliss.org.uk or call 020 7378 1122.All publications are free to parents of a premature or sick baby.

Health professionals: order online at www.bliss.org.uk or call 01933 318503.BLISS, 2nd Floor, 9 Holyrood Street, London SE1 2EL.t 020 7378 1122f 020 7403 0673e [email protected]

BLISS parent message board, visit the BLISS website and follow the links.

Family Support Helpline FREEPHONE 0500 618140

BLISS branches offer support and information across the UK. Visit the BLISS website or call 020 7378 1122 for more information on what’s availablein your area.

Look at me – I’m talking to you! BLISS – the premature baby charity 2006 25

BLISS – the premature baby charityHelping babies born too soon, too small or too sick

to cope on on their own

BLISS relies almost entirely on voluntary donations to fund itsservices – your support would be greatly appreciated.

To find out how to donate, contact 020 7378 1122 or visit our website www.bliss.org.uk

Registered charity no. 1002973 Registered no. 2609219

Family Support HelplineFREEPHONE 0500 618140

Documents

Look at me – I’m talking to you! - Baby Link Home Page information/look at me.pdf · If you see me looking like this, you ... I am smiling, or I have a relaxed expression on my