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Parents help to write new guide on coping with premature birth
Sophie Goodchild, Health and Social Affairs Correspondent16 Jan 2012
Doctors are failing to give enough advice to mothers at risk of premature babies, the charity Tommy's said today.
Its midwives are getting calls to their advice line from anxious parents faced with a lack of information on preparing themselves for a baby born too early.
In response, Tommy's will launch tomorrow the first comprehensive guide for parents of premature babies and those whose babies are at risk of being born early.
The 94-page book, backed by singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor whose two sons were born prematurely, was written with the help of health experts and parents.
A total of 2,846 babies in London were born prematurely last year at between 23 and 35 weeks. The figure nationally was nearly 50,000 which is one of the highest rates in Europe.
Ross McGill, from High Barnet, was one of the parents who contributed to the Tommy's guide. His wife Jenni, 40, gave birth to their son Freddie in May at just over 28 weeks.
Scans of Freddie in the womb had revealed the blood-flow from the placenta to his brain was restricting his growth. Doctors had to perform an emergency Caesarean and Freddie was delivered weighing 1lb 9oz.
Mr McGill, 38, who also features in a new Tommy's video about his experience, said he and his wife felt totally isolated at times, especially as Freddie had to be transferred to a hospital in Kent which was 85 miles away from their home.
The assistant head teacher said: "It was very stressful. A life or death experience. But at no time during the pregnancy did anyone discuss the problems of having a premature baby. There were a few leaflets but no books to hand which you could read in your own time." Jane Brewin, Tommy's chief executive, said: "As premature birth rates in the UK rise, so does the demand for information from parents. It's an incredibly scary time."
The Tommy's guide Having A Premature Baby was funded by a grant from the Asda Foundation. Tommy's funds research into problems such as miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth.
