The Princess Anne Maternity Unit at the Royal United Hospital’s Bath NHS Foundation Trust has put in place a system so that new mums, who are not able to be with their baby immediately after birth, don’t miss out.

The technology works very simply. One computer tablet is positioned in front or next to the baby and a second is placed next to the mum’s bed so she can view her baby.

Amanda Gell, Midwifery Matron at the RUH, said: “Listening to mums who have been so disappointed that they have not been able to hold or see their baby after giving birth, made us want to find a way for them to see their baby remotely. I’m delighted to see the idea become a reality.

“Although it is not quite the same as being together, using the tablets means that mums do not have to feel like they are missing out in those first few precious hours and days.”

Lisa Bowen, from Bath, who was the RUH’s first patient to use the technology said: “My baby boy Charlie was born by cesarean and as he had respiratory problems, he was taken straight to NICU, so I didn’t get to hold him. It all happened so quickly, but my midwife was fantastic, and she ensured I got to see Charlie using the tablet as soon as I was recovering from being in theatre.

“I can’t put into words how it felt to see his little face on the tablet, it gave me the opportunity to bond with him and the tablet stayed with me until I was on the delivery ward. It’s amazing, absolutely brilliant!”

Amanda continued: “To hear Lisa’s experience is just fantastic. Using this technology focuses on who is the priority – mum and baby, and it really helps towards further

improving the quality of care here at the RUH.”