Here are some of the most common questions the PPBF are asked
A premature baby is defined as a baby born at less than 37 weeks gestation. Nationally about 11% of babies are born prematurely with those born closer to full term generally requiring less care than those that arrive earlier. If a pregnant mum is at risk of a premature birth she may be prescribed steroids which will help to mature the baby’s lungs, making lung disease much less likely.
Having a baby can be a daunting and over whelming experience and will often mean that normal life suddenly pales into insignificance. The treatment and care offered by the Special Care Baby Unit at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital in Guernsey is second to none, and you will soon come to regard the ward as your new, albeit temporary, home. In addition many mums have commented how the superb nurses can quickly take the place of friends and family. Fortunately due to the relatively small number of premature babies born each year here in Guernsey much of the fantastic nursing support is often provided on a one to one basis.
Another hurdle to overcome is feeding. As prematurely born infants may not have co-ordinated suck and swallow reflex at birth, and for several weeks thereafter, they are frequently fed by tube which is passed through their nostril and down into their stomach. Over time the baby learns to suck and swallow and the tube feeds are reduced until the tube is not needed at all and the baby can feed enough on his/her own, either by breast or bottle, to gain weight. Premature babies do best on breast milk and throughout the baby’s stay on the Neonatal Unit the staff encourage mums to express their milk so it is ready for when the baby is able to start feeding, even if you have decided not to breast feed in the longer term. If a baby is tube fed the nurses will show and help you to do this.
Having a baby can be a daunting and over whelming experience and will often mean that normal life suddenly pales into insignificance. The treatment and care offered by the Special Care Baby Unit at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital in Guernsey is second to none, and you will soon come to regard the ward as your new, albeit temporary, home. In addition many mums have commented how the superb nurses can quickly take the place of friends and family. Fortunately due to the relatively small number of premature babies born each year here in Guernsey much of the fantastic nursing support is often provided on a one to one basis.
days Issac’s Pad, our first apartment has been occupied since launch
days Aggie’s Burrow, our second apartment has been occupied since launch
days Frankie's Den, our third apartment has been occupied since launch
Babies on the Guernsey Neonatal Unit since the charity began in 2003
£156k the amount we need to raise each year to continue to support families in their hour of need
