What is a perinatal community nursery nurse?
Our perinatal community nursery nurses are part of our perinatal mental health team.
They work with you, your baby and your family during your antenatal and postnatal period providing research-based interventions and offering support and advice.
What support can a perinatal community nursery nurse offer?
Antenatal preparation:
- practical advice
- preparation for becoming a parent
- planning for your baby’s arrival
- bonding with your unborn baby.
Bonding and attachment:
- understanding your baby’s perspective
- age appropriate play and child development
- baby massage / baby yoga (need dependant)
- promoting positive harmony between you and your baby
- Video Interaction Guidance (VIG) – you are guided to reflect on video clips of interactions with your baby to help enhance your relationship with your baby and focuses on tuning in, empathising and considering overall wellbeing. For more information on VIG see leaflet L1111 Video Interactive Guidance (VIG)
- Newborn Behavioural Observation (NBO) – from birth to 12 weeks the NBO helps mums get to know their new baby and see the amazing things they can do. The NBO looks at different things such as muscle tone, tummy time and development (e.g. head control, lifting head)
- Neonatal Behavioural Assessment Scale (NBAS) – a comprehensive neurobehavioral assessment available for newborn babies which gives a strength-based, in-depth profile of an individual baby. You can read more about NBA on the Brazelton Centre UK website: www.brazelton.co.uk
Practical baby care:
- infant feeding support including advice on weaning
- bathing, dressing and changing your baby
- settling and soothing your baby
- sleep and safety
- routines.
How do I contact a perinatal community nursery nurse?
Your perinatal mental health nurse can refer to you to a perinatal community nursery nurse if they think you would benefit from some support.
L1158, v1, 01/12/2021 (archive 01/12/2024)
