Jaundice is common in newborn babies and for healthy full-term babies is often mild and needs no treatment. However, it is more prevalent in sick or premature babies and, when left untreated, can be life-threatening. Phototherapy is usually administered in an incubator while the baby wears only a nappy, so as much skin as possible is exposed to the light. Any time away from the light can delay the benefits of treatment and prolong recovery. The separation from parents can also affect bonding, breastfeeding and mental health.
The Neoblue Phototherapy Blanket enables skin-to-skin contact and feeding to continue throughout treatment, supporting bonding and helping to reduce recovery time. It can also be used at home, where appropriate, helping to ease stress for families with other children.
We have been asked to provide one Neoblue Phototherapy Blanket to the Ormskirk Neonatal Unit and one for Children’s Community Outreach Team covering West Lancashire and North Sefton.