Transitional care

There are several reasons why a baby may require additional observations after they are born.

This may be for a very short period (1-2hours) or over a longer period of time depending on the reason the observations were started and the clinical condition of the baby.

Transitional Care enables staff to detect early signs of illness in a baby, effectively escalate concerns and make effective plans of care.

Babies who will require Transitional Care include (this list is not exhaustive):

• Babies whose mother was known to have Group B streptococcus bacteria (GBS) in pregnancy
• Babies born over 24 hours after the waters were broken (prolonged rupture of membranes/’PROM’)
• Babies born between 35 – 37 weeks who do not require admission to the Special Care Unit
• Small babies suspected of having inter uterine growth restriction ‘IUGR’
• Babies of diabetic mothers
• Babies who were distressed at birth

Transitional Care on the ward allows for mums and babies to stay together.

This promotes bonding, initiation of breast feeding (if this is how you have chosen to feed your baby) and parent confidence.

Parents are in the ideal position to note any early subtle changes in their baby’s behaviour and raise awareness.

Studies have shown that babies nursed in Transitional Care tend to be discharged earlier than those who go the Special Care Baby Unit.

The midwives will care for you and your baby.

Your baby will be allocated an experienced qualified Nursery Nurse to observe and monitor your baby’s temperature, heartbeat, respiratory rate, and sometimes blood sugar level.

Your baby’s feeds may be recorded, and you will receive experienced guidance and support to feed your baby.

An Advanced Neonatal Nurse (ANNP) or a Neonatal Doctor will monitor and plan your babies care.