10-Step Guide for Maternity and Neonatal Services

Designed for healthcare professionals and service providers, this comprehensive guide offers practical, sensory-aware strategies to support neurodivergent families during maternity and neonatal care. Developed originally for use by East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (ESHT), it provides actionable recommendations to enhance care and reduce overwhelm for neurodivergent and SEND families. This downloadable is also in use by East Sussex Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership. 

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What’s Included:

This practical 10-Step Guide covers key areas to help professionals support neurodivergent families in maternity and neonatal settings, including:

• Labour and birth support

• Postnatal and neonatal care

• Low-stimulus ward environments

• Communication strategies and information sharing

• Appointment adjustments and scheduling considerations

• Staff training and awareness

• Family inclusion and partner support

• Managing emergency and high-stress situations

• Feedback and continuous improvement

 

Who It’s For:

• Maternity & Neonatal Healthcare Providers: Midwives, neonatal nurses, and obstetricians.

• Community Paediatric Teams: Including those in East Sussex and beyond.

• Perinatal Mental Health Services: Professionals supporting the mental health of parents.

• Support Workers & Birth Partners: Those assisting neurodivergent families during the perinatal period.

 

Why It Matters:

Neurodivergent parents often face unique challenges in maternity and neonatal settings, including sensory sensitivities, communication differences, and heightened anxiety. This guide empowers professionals to create more inclusive, supportive environments that acknowledge and accommodate these needs, fostering better outcomes for both parents and infants.