Neonatal intensive care is not an easy experience for babies, for their parents or even for medical and nursing staff. We know that some premature babies can experience developmental difficulties through childhood, possibly as a result of their early birth. The good news is that there are ways to make intensive care less stressful that could also improve developmental outcomes. Research shows that this can be achieved with a developmental care programme called NIDCAP (Newborn Individualised Developmental Care and Assessment Programme). The Winnicott Baby Unit at St Mary’s Hospital was the first neonatal unit in Britain to introduce this approach and continues to have the most advanced programme of its kind, led by highly trained specialists.
The NIDCAP is based on observation of babies to find out how they feel, how they are coping with their surroundings and events, and what developmental stage they are at. This allows us to adjust the care to make it more personal, to provide more comfort and appropriate stimulation. Parents are very involved in this process. Low noise levels are maintained, bright lighting is avoided and babies are comfortably nested in their incubators. To help parents feel confident in caring for their tiny, fragile baby we have specialist help to show them how to comfort and communicate with their baby from the very beginning.
It takes a lot of skill to be able to do this and we provide a variety of educational programmes and resources that are funded by the Winnicott Foundation, which also helps us to keep up to date by enabling us to maintain links with leading centres around the world. The Winnicott Foundation has bought equipment that allows staff to provide a more sensitive environment for babies, including incubators that reduce noise and make it easier to handle babies gently, and smaller items that make life more comfortable, such as specially made nests. Information for parents is also provided and bursaries for staff training and conferences are funded by the Winnicott Foundation.
UK NIDCAP Training Centre
The UK NIDCAP Training Centre was formed in 2006, led by Inga Warren, Lead Trainer and Director of the Centre. Students from across Europe undertake high- level NIDCAP training over approximately 2 years. The Centre also runs study days and introductory workshops.
NIDCAP Study Days
Contact us for details of the next study day.
NIDCAP Training
Contact us for more information on NIDCAP training
Guidelines for Developmental Care in the Newborn Nursery
Published by Inga Warren and Cherry Bond, the guidelines support developmental care practise.
