Technology used in Cwm Taf helps new mums to bond with their babies

Where does an iPad fit into your life?  IPads are used for lots of things these days, surfing on the couch, playing a game or checking your face book, email or twitter accounts.

Now, thanks to Dr Iyad Al-Muzaffar, a consultant neonatologist at Cwm Taf University Health Board, iPads are being used to help new mums bond with their new borns.

 

Sometimes, babies need a helping hand following birth and are admitted to a neonatal unit.  Previously, mums who were separated from their babies and unable to visit the neonatal unit would rely on a family member to tell them how their baby was progressing. 

 

This is now a thing of the past as the newly designed iPad carts are used on the neonatal units in both the Royal Glamorgan and Prince Charles Hospitals.

 

Cwm Taf University Health Board introduced the BABI carts in March and is the first health board in Wales to use technology in this way. 

 

Dr Al-Muzaffar said: “I was looking at how to facilitate early bonding between new mums and their babies using advances in technology.

 

“The first time the system was used, the joy of seeing mum’s reaction was remarkable.

 

“The use of live video is so much better than a photo.”

 

There are two pairs of carts on both sites and when mum is unable to visit her baby, a cart is taken to her bedside where she can ‘face time’ her baby and also receive important updates on her baby’s progress.

 

 

Staff Nurse Laura Jones said: “Both parents and staff have really embraced the idea and have loved the contact between the babies and their families.”

 

The technology has been very well received by patients and

A new mum who used the cart said: “The iPad is brilliant for a mother who can’t see their baby straight away. 

 

“It’s a fantastic idea.”

 

A new dad said: “It completely relaxed my wife who was feeling extremely anxious about not being able to see our daughter straight after the procedure. 

 

“It is an absolutely brilliant use of current technology.  All mothers should have this privilege. Thank you.”

 

Nathan Merchant, senior clinical technologist said: “It’s great that clinical engineering can use our expertise in the bonding after birth initiative.

 

“We work closely with departments and equipment manufacturers which allow us to provide solutions for projects that can benefit patients and their families.”