In this episode of 'Unexpected Beginnings: The Neonatal Unit,' hosts Caroline Verdon and Kerry McCarthy dive into the challenges and support surrounding breastfeeding in neonatal care.

This episode features expert insights from consultant neonatologist Dr. Emily Shaw and personal stories from Mum Leah Frost about her complex journey with her son Max and daughter Lila. The discussion emphasizes the importance of breast milk, the available support and the emotional hurdles that are often faced.

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You can find out more about breastfeeding support both in and out of the hospital here and here

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Views and experiences shared in this podcast belong to the individuals, shared in the interests of helping others and do not constitute medical advice. For medical advice please contact your GP, midwife, health visitor, local Maternity Assessment Unit or 111. In an emergency please dial 999.

This podcast was made with Leeds Children’s hospitaland funded by Leeds Hospital’s Charity.

This podcast was recorded and produced by Under the Mast– creative audio productions. and was presented byCaroline Verdon and Kerry McCarthy

This episode looks at the stresses and strains that having a newborn on a neonatal unit can have on Dads and non-birthing partners.

We speak to Becky and Dan. When they had baby Alf, he went to neonatal, Becky was very unwell and so was taken to the postnatal ward and Dan was rushing around between the two, trying to be everywhere at once. From feelings of helplessness, struggles with bonding and generally feeling completely overwhelmed - these emotions are really common.

In Leeds, at both St James' hospital and the LGI, support is available especially for Dads and non-birthing partners from Dad Matters. Dad Matters has local organisations all over the country and exists to support Dads and partners in the first 1001 days of their parenting journey. It’s looked after by the Leeds Home Start team and its Dad Matters coordinator is Darren O’Donovan…

If you'd like to find out more about the support available to you, you can find out more information about Dad Matters Leeds and Home Start Leeds here. You can also contact your GP, midwife and/or health visitor.

There are also some charitable organisations that can be really helpful including

• Bliss – they offer advice for parents of premature and sick babies, including looking after your mental health
• Mind – for better mental health

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Views and experiences shared in this podcast belong to the individuals, shared in the interests of helping others and do not constitute medical advice. For medical advice please contact your GP, midwife, health visitor, local Maternity Assessment Unit or 111. In an emergency please dial 999.

This podcast was made with Leeds Children’s hospitaland funded by Leeds Hospital’s Charity.

This podcast was recorded and produced by Under the Mast– creative audio productions. and was presented byCaroline Verdon and Kerry McCarthy

In this months episode we speak with Consultant Obstetrician Mr. Nigel Simpson about pre-eclampsia and how to prepare for an early birth. We also talk about the importance of breaking down barriers between parents and their babies once they're in a neonatal unit.

You can find out more about pre-eclampsia here

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This podcast has been funded by Leeds Hospitals Charity, the charity for Leeds Teaching Hospitals. Thanks to donations and Gifts in Wills, they provide an additional £6.6 million a year to fund projects that make a real difference to patients, families and staff and enhance the care the NHS already provides. This includes life-saving equipment, treatments, and research into rare diseases, and helps to bring hope, happiness and home comforts to every bedside.

You can make a donation to help support their work here

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Views and experiences shared in this podcast belong to the individuals, shared in the interests of helping others and do not constitute medical advice. For medical advice please contact your GP, midwife, health visitor, local Maternity Assessment Unit or 111. In an emergency please dial 999.

This podcast was recorded and produced by Under the Mast– creative audio productions. and was presented by Caroline Verdon and Kerry McCarthy