Bliss

Bliss 30th Birthday Baby Report: Three Decades and Counting, which looks back over 30 years of Bliss and neonatal care. Bliss was set up in 1979 in response to a national newspaper article about the lack of appropriate care for babies born too soon. The aim of the charity was, and still is, to give every baby an equal start in life and to ensure that vital equipment and specialist care are available to every baby who needs it.

POPPY is a three-year research project , the aim of which is to identify effective interventions for communication, information and support for parents of a premature baby. For most parents, a premature birth can be distressing and overwhelming. They see their newborn undergoing medical treatments and being cared for by others. Parents may feel unprepared, and learning to care for their baby is not always easy. Good communication with healthcare professionals, including clear information and emotional support, is crucial. However, most research focuses on the baby's care and treatment, rather than how their parents feel or copy. POPPY began in January 2006 and summary results of the research are now available in the report below. It includes a review of studies on parents' experiences and services, a neonatal unit survey and interviews with parents from a range of social groups. The National Childbirth Trust (NCT) and Bliss - The Premature Baby Charity will develop support materials for parents, and good practice guidance and training programmes for healthcare workers. Please click here to view the POPPY website.

In 2005 Bliss launched its original Baby Charter. This was the first time the rights of a premature or sick baby had been clearly set down. The charter has now been comprehensively revised and includes seven standards which aim to set out how the Baby Charter can be made a reality on a neonatal unit. The Baby Charter Standards are aimed at health professionals working in neonatal care.