Pregnancy
It can be worrying if you have been told you might have your baby early, or they might be sick when they are born. These organisations provide support during and after pregnancy.
Action on pre-eclampsia Support for those affected by pre-eclampsia
Antenatal results and choices (ARC) Information and support before, during and after antenatal screening
Ectopic Pregnancy Trust Information and support on ectopic pregnancies
Group B Strep Support Information and support on Group B Strep infection
Miscarriage association Information and support for those affected by miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy
Twins Trust Support for families with twins, triplets and more
Tommy's For information and support during pregnancy, and following miscarriage, stillbirth or premature birth
Family support
Family life on the neonatal unit and at home can feel challenging when your baby is born premature or sick. These organisations provide a range of support for families.
Carers Trust Information, advice, discussion and support for carers
Carers UK Support for carers and their families
Contact a Family Provides information and support to families with disabled children
CPotential Offers conductive education and a range of therapies for children with movement disorders such as cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury, or global development delay
Home-Start Help families with young children deal with the challenges they face
IPSEA (Independent Parent Special Education Advice) Free legally-based advice to families who have children with special educational needs
Gingerbread Information and support for single parents
NCT Information and support on pregnancy, birth and parenting
Netmums Bliss online forum A supportive online community for parents, families or carers of babies born premature or sick
Netmums Drop-In Clinic and Parent Supporter Service A dedicated space where parents can ask questions about different topics, such as feeding, mental health and sleep. Questions are answered by Netmums' team of parent supporters
Patients Association Information and advice on healthcare services, dealing with problems and handling complaints
Relate Offers advice and support on relationships
Samaritans Provides a confidential listening service
Twins Trust Support for families with twins, triplets and more
The Lullaby Trust Information and support on safer sleep for babies
Tiny Life Northern Ireland’s premature and vulnerable baby charity that provides a range of support services
Working Families Information on employment rights, childcare and flexible working
Financial support
A long stay in hospital or living away from home can cost a lot of money. These organisations can provide financial advice and information for families with a baby in a neonatal unit.
ACAS Provides free and impartial information and advice to employers and employees on all aspects or workplace relations and employment law, including specific guidance for parents with premature or sick babies
Citizens Advice Bureau Free, independent, confidential and impartial advice on issues including benefits, employment and debt
GOV.UK Information on government services including registering a birth, tax benefits, employment and tax credits
Family Fund Offers grants for families raising a disabled or seriously ill child
National Debtline Free, confidential and independent advice about debt problems
Turn2Us Helps people in financial hardship gain access to benefits, grants and support services
Practical support
It can be hard to know what practical support you need with a baby in neonatal care or when you go home. These organisations provide products and information to help you care for your baby.
Some of these organisations support the work of Bliss. Find out more
Angelcare Produces a range of sound and movement monitors as well as nappy disposal systems
Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) Information on how to avoid injury and serious accidents involving children
Child Car Seats (RoSPA) Information and advice around suitable car seats for children
Mothercare Produces a range of baby products including premature clothing
Pampers Produces nappies, including for those born premature
Vija Design Produces a range of skin to skin clothing, with a specialist range for parents of babies born premature
Mental health support
Parents tell us how having a baby on the neonatal unit can impact their mental health. You may find help from these organisations
Best Beginnings Out of the Blue is a series of films, created by Best Beginnings, to help raise awareness of maternal mental health
Birth Trauma Association Offers support to all women who have had a traumatic birth experience and support to families also affected
British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Provides a search to help you find a local counsellor or therapist
Mind Provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem
Pandas Gives support to people coping with pre and postnatal mental illnesses
Samaritans Provides a confidential listening service
Young Minds A charity championing the wellbeing and mental health of young people
Conditions and disabilities
Neonatal units provide care for babies with a range of different needs. These organisations provide information and support for specific medical issues.
Asthma UK Information and support around asthma
Brain and Spine Foundation Information on injury or damage to the brain, spine or nerves
British Lung Foundation Support and information about lung conditions
British Heart Foundation Provides information about heart conditions
