Sarah Collins of First Touch NNU on how their unit aims to make everyone feel loved, plans for Easter and her nomination for a national award!

Spring is definitely in the air. We wanted to make sure that all our families who were unexpectedly spending Valentine's Day at the neonatal unit felt loved. Caring for a poorly and/or premature baby is unbelievably worrying and stressful. We can't take that away, but we can provide little things to make the experience a little more 'normal.' So all families received a card from their baby (thank you to the nursery nurses for helping the babies to 'write'!) and a collection of heart chocolates and sweets. The love in those nurseries was so clear.
 

We like being able to mark events and festivals for families at St George's Hospital. With Easter around the corner we'd love to give every baby a rabbit finger puppet. As my colleague Louise and I can't knit we are asking for help with this, and have found a beautiful knitting pattern. If you can help please send your bunny creations to us by early April, and we'll put them on the incubators and cots on Easter Day. Knowing that people are thinking of the babies is a huge boost to their mums and dads. https://twinsknit.blogspot.com/2008/10/hare-finger-puppets-free-knitting.html?m=1

Finally, I discovered yesterday that I've been nominated and shortlisted for a national award for my work with First Touch. Voting is now open for the BAP awards, and if you felt able to cast your vote our way I'd be incredibly grateful. Working for First Touch is a privilege and an honour. I am constantly awestruck by the strength of the families and the medical skill and kindness of the staff. My 'graduate' Isabel was cared for at the nnu when she was born 3 months prematurely. Izzy has complex needs, epilepsy, hydrocephalus, learning disabilities and cerebral palsy and her precious life was saved by the wonderful neonatal staff. I feel very passionate about the rights and the vital contribution to our society of people with disabilities. If you'd like to vote the link is here: https://www.myfamilyourneeds.co.uk/baps/bloody-awesome-parent-non-blogger/ 
 

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