'Valuable' premature baby support group launched

Emily and Graeme Newton were among the first parents to attend the support group in Wellingborough

A new support service has launched for families with sick or premature babies.

Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals are now providing specialist psychological support for parents across Northamptonshire through a neonatal clinical psychologist.

Emily and Graeme Newton, from Kettering, were among the first parents to attend the support sessions in Wellingborough.

Ms Newton, 31, said: "I would encourage people who have been through similar things to go. You don't feel alone, and that's a really valuable feeling."

The support group meets at the Wellingborough Family Hub, in Penrith Drive

Ms Newton was admitted to Kettering General Hospital for a caesarean section after her son Ernie was born at 37 weeks.

Ernie was taken to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, leaving Emily to rely on text updates from her husband, Graeme, as she recovered.

Ms Newton's husband Graeme, 38, said: "You're suddenly thrown from this fantasy [of being a family] to being separated."

Reflecting on attending the support group, he added: "I was so nervous, but I'm so glad we did.

"Walking in, I immediately felt relieved to be in a space where you feel validated."

Dr Mel Wiseman works across both hospitals and launched a support group for families in Wellingborough

Dr Mel Wiseman was appointed by the University Hospitals Northamptonshire NHS Group as the neonatal clinical psychologist at both hospitals.

She believes many parents continue to struggle after leaving the hospital and need ongoing support.

Dr Wiseman said: "The community support group offers [parents] a place for advice and reassurance, helping them realise they are not alone."

The sessions are held on the first and third Friday of each month at the Wellingborough Family Hub.