Small Wonders project

The next major project Best Beginnings is undertaking is the creation of a DVD for parents of babies born prematurely or sick. Children born into poverty are more likely to be early or small and more than one in ten babies in the UK is premature. A premature baby is defined as one that is born before 37 weeks gestation.

It has been shown that births to Indian or Bangladeshi people weigh 300 grams less on average than those recorded as White [source], and the percentage of preterm babies varies from 9.7 per cent for Caribbean people to 6.1 per cent in White British people. [source]

Overall the UK has the highest rate of low birthweight babies in Western Europe. [source]

Some parents feel disempowered and withdraw from their babies when they find themselves in this situation. It can mean that preterm or sick babies are deprived of the regular physical touch of their parents or their mother’s breast milk.

Skin-to-skin contact, or kangaroo care, can reduce maternal anxiety, and increase a mother's sense of competence and sensitivity towards her child. [source and source]

We want to make sure all parents of premature or sick babies are aware of the benefits of skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding, and that health professionals support them to do these things.

A premature infant's immune system is often underdeveloped, and breast milk provides much-needed protection from infections. [source]

Our Small Wonders DVD will encourage parents to take an active role in their baby’s care, which is incredibly valuable at the crucial time just after birth. Breastfeeding and expressing for a premature or sick baby aren't without their challenges and new mothers need skilled advice and support. [source]

Small Wonders will show parents how to care for their baby when it has been born under difficult or unusual circumstances. It is the first DVD of its kind and follows real parents’ experiences of having a sick or premature baby.

The DVD will give a realistic portrayal of how parents can interact with their babies, including breastfeeding, skin-to-skin contact and “positive touch”. All of these have been demonstrated to improve the health of premature and sick babies. [source]

The DVD also helps healthcare professionals understand how to better care for premature and sick babies.

Small Wonders is expected to be released in 2011. Help us to ensure there are sufficient funds for its production, release and distribution.