Neonatal Family Support Program

Neonatal Family Support Team

The Neonatal Family Support Team (NFST) provide a short term follow up service to  babies discharged home from Liverpool Hospital’s NICU. It will be offered to the baby if they meet the admission criteria, and reside in and around the local area.

The Family Support Team are available from 8am to 4.30pm weekdays, as well as most weekends and public holidays for visits and telephone support. 

Specialist trained Neonatal Intensive Care staff can attend home visits, and monitor baby’s progress during this transitional stage of hospital to home. The length of time for which we visit depends on the needs of the baby and family.  When the baby is ready for discharge from our program, we will make sure there is appropriate plan for ongoing support in place.

What does a well baby look like?

• Active and alert, feels warm on the chest and back.
• Waking and feeding well every 2-4 hours
• Normal pink colour around the lips and tongue
• At least 5- 6 heavy wet nappies a day
• Regular bowel motions - breast fed babies can poo every feed, once a day, or save it all up for a couple of days. A formula fed baby has thicker poos, and may go less frequently. There is no normal. Every baby is different. 
• Small vomits are normal

The first few nights at home, the baby may be unsettled as they adjust to a new environment.

If you are concerned about your baby, take them to the GP or call health direct

 on 1800 022 222 for advice.

Useful contacts.

Miracle Babies Foundation

24hr family support helpline

NurtureLine 1300 622 243 (1300 MBABIES)

www.miraclebabies.org.au

Australian Breastfeeding Association

Breastfeeding Helpline: 1800 mum 2 mum (1800 686 268)

www.breastfeeding.asn.au

Mothersafe

Counselling and advice about medications in Pregnancy and Lactation

Based at the Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick

02 9382 6539 (Sydney Metropolitan Area)

or

1800 647 848 (Non-Metropolitan Area)

Child and Family Health Nursing Service SSWLHD

How to get in contact or make a self-referral

swslhd-triplei@health.nsw.gov.au

1800 455 511

Beyond Blue

For mental health information or 24/7 qualified support

www.beyondblue.org.au

1300 22 4636

For Parenting Advice

Raising Children Network

www.raisingchildren.net.au

Healthdirect Australia.

1800 022 222 - 24 hour health advice

www.healthdirect.gov.au/babies-and-toddlers-health.