ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that one of the most challenging aspects of caring for the infant in the neonatal unit (NNU) is the management and support of parents and the wider family, particularly for novice neonatal nurses. Learning to understand their baby’s behaviours, cries and grimaces is all part of developing the individual bond parents have with their baby. Transition to parenthood on a NNU is a particular challenge, so that the postnatal period is experienced by both parents as stressful. Policy Practice Education Research Audit the quality of care for fathers in midwifery and neonatal services and link with user/carer groups. National strategy: Provision of overnight accommodation for fathers in neonatal intensive care. Sexual orientation and gender will also inform the parent dyad/triad, including the following: same-sex parenting, transgender couples, bisexual individuals in same-sex relationships/not in same-sex relationship, homosexual men and surrogacy, and ‘donor dads’ including differing perspectives on the role of a biological parent in such couplings.
