“This is the first initiative of its kind from Baby Bank Network”
Baby Bank Bristol team up with North Bristol NHS Trust to provide ’emergency bundles’ for new mums at Southmead Hospital. Pictured is Becky Gilbert, the charity’s founder and CEO, along with maternity staff at Southmead(Image: Baby Bank Network)
New mums who have their babies at a Bristol hospital could benefit from a British first – ‘emergency newborn bundles’ of essential things that every new mum and baby will need to take home from the maternity ward.
The initiative is the first of its kind from the Baby Bank Network, which was set up in Bristol more than ten years ago to provide a place for parents to donate used baby equipment, toys and clothing, to then give out to mums with babies and toddlers who are in need.
With the costs of anything to do with having a baby or young child sky rocketing, parents across Bristol are feeling the pinch – especially if they are already in receipt of benefits, or nothing at all.
The Bristol Baby Bank helped set up a national network of similar schemes across the country, and now, for the first time, the Baby Bank in Bristol has teamed up with a hospital so they can be able to support new mums before they even get home.
The new collaboration with the North Bristol NHS Trust’s maternity services means the ‘emergency newborn bundles’ are available at Southmead Hospital to any family welcoming a child without the essentials to take home.
The Baby Bank Network said it means the healthcare professionals at the maternity unit are now able to provide immediate support to new parents experiencing poverty, crisis or other challenges, to ensure that every baby can be safely discharged with clothing, nappies and toiletries.
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“This is the first initiative of its kind from Baby Bank Network, and has been developed thanks to conversations with NBT maternity colleagues that revealed how many families passing through the unit are struggling for newborn essentials,” a spokesperson for the BBN said.
“Each carefully assembled ‘grab bag’ contains everything a new baby needs for their first few days, including sleepsuits, nappies, muslins and a blanket, alongside toiletries and a few treats for mum. The bundles are presented as gifts and include a card signposting families to further support.
“Healthcare professionals will identify families in their care who would benefit from this immediate support bundle, which might include young parents, those experiencing homelessness, refugees, asylum seekers and families facing mental health challenges,” she added.
The hospital trust is already part of the Baby Bank Network’s team of 300 referral partners across Bristol, who signpost between 30 and 40 families every week to the Baby Bank.
Becky Gilbert, the chief executive and founder of Baby Bank Network, said the emergency bundles were a ‘small act of kindness’ at a critical time.
Behind the scenes of the Baby Bank Network, in July 2018
“Last year we helped around 1,370 Bristol families who are facing poverty or crisis,” she said. “This often meant providing a pre-loved cot so a baby has a safe place to sleep, or passing on a pushchair so a young family can get out and about,” she added.
“Through our close partnership with NBT, we also know some families need even more immediate support, so they can be safely discharged after birth.
“We’re really pleased to be able to provide these emergency newborn bundles, which will make it easier for midwives and healthcare staff to provide vital support to families at the point of need.
“We like to think it’s a small act of kindness at what can be a really overwhelming time. And once they’re back home, families can be referred back to Baby Bank through their health visitor or children’s centre for further support and other essential items,” she added.
Complex Care midwife Sharon Cohen said it would be ‘fantastic’ to help families out in this way. “Our community teams support women and families throughout their pregnancy, and are often able to identify and support those in need before their baby is born,” she said.
“Sometimes however, we welcome women into the hospital for their baby’s birth and realise that in fact this is a family who really need urgent support. It is fantastic to be able to offer immediate relief for families, building trust and hope at a time when they need it most,” she added.
Baby Bank Bristol team up with North Bristol NHS Trust to provide ’emergency bundles’ for new mums at Southmead Hospital.(Image: Baby Bank Network)
Trust boss Julie Northrop, the director of midwifery and nursing for the Women and Children’s Division, said the idea would help the families who need it most.
“Our partnership with Baby Bank Network Bristol is a powerful example of how health services and community organisations can work together to reduce inequalities from the very start of a child’s life,” she explained.
“This initiative allows our midwives to respond immediately and compassionately when we identify families facing hardship, ensuring every newborn has a safe and supported start in life. It reflects our shared commitment to equity, dignity and personalised care at one of the most important moments for families,” she added.