What if my baby’s born prematurely?

Prematurity is the term used when a baby is born before 37 weeks gestation.

It can be a bit of a shock if your baby is born early, but you’re not alone: around 58,000 babies are born prematurely in the UK every year and are admitted to neonatal units.

When will I see my health visiting team if my baby’s born prematurely?

Your health visiting team is there to support you and your family on your parenting journey. They will still carry out your baby’s universal contacts just as if you were at home but instead may contact the neonatal unit (NNU) for an update. They may come and see you in the neonatal unit.

Your health visiting team can provide you with practical advice on a range of issues such as breastfeeding, safe sleeping and immunisations. Along with hospital staff, they can provide emotional support or simply provide a listening ear for anything that maybe worrying or concerning you.

New parents can feel reassured and supported by a contact from their health visiting team in those early days. Some parents said these contacts ‘helped them to feel normal’ and ‘encouraged them to breast feed’.

For more information about premature birth: 

• NHS- Breastfeeding premature babies
• Bliss – support and information for families who are experiencing or have experienced a baby in neonatal care. Bliss also run a UK-wide confidential telephone helpline: 0808 8010322