Developed and produced thanks to a grant from the Asda Foundation, the new guide is an essential and unique source of information for anyone told they are at risk of giving birth early as it provides:
- Information and advice to support parents and parents-to-be through pregnancy, birth, their baby’s time in hospital and early days at home.
- Help for parents to navigate the early months of their child’s life as well as encouraging them to look after their own well-being during this difficult time.
- Best practice treatment advice for those told they are at risk of giving birth early to help them have a full-term pregnancy, such as healthy lifestyle advice to help prevent premature birth.
Beckie Lang, Health Campaigns Manager for Tommy’s, says: “Having a premature baby is a daunting prospect for all involved. We know from the many mums and dads that contact us that there is a lack of resource for those that have been told they are going to have a premature baby, so we hope this guide gives parents the support they need.”
Louisa Caroline-Hines, 45, from Bromley, was one of the parents whose feedback helped to develop the book. Her son was born at 28 weeks, and was in special care for eight weeks. She says: “I think the guide is brilliant. It is so comprehensive and I would have loved to have had a book like that at the time – having a premature baby can be a terrifying experience.”
The 94-page full-colour-book has six chapters:
• Explaining premature birth
• Reducing the risk of premature birth
• The birth – before, during and after
• Your baby’s time in hospital
• Taking your baby home
• Looking after yourself - parents’ wellbeing
All the information is evidence-based and it has been written with the help of a steering group of health professionals with expertise in pre term birth. It has also had input from parents of premature babies, who have given extensive feedback on the content as well as providing stories and tips for mums and dads going through similar experiences.
Tommy’s has recently been certified by the Information Standard, so those who refer to all of Tommy’s information - including the charity’s publications - can feel reassured that the information they receive is evidence-based, reliable and trustworthy.
Paul Kelly, Chairman of the ASDA Foundation, says: "The Asda Foundation is proud to be supporting Tommy’s premature baby guide, which will help provide vital information and support for the many families across the UK affected by premature birth."
To find out why Tommy's work is so important, watch Freddie's Story...
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