Many of the babies born at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells, will require phototherapy treatment for jaundice, sometimes for days at a time. These are the babies at the heart of my campaign.

Our current phototherapy treatment involves the use of overhead lamps that requires parents to minimise contact with their babies to maximise treatment time; this means they are not able to hold or comfort their baby. Not only does this treatment option restrict responsive feeding but studies have also shown that restricting bonding opportunities in the early postnatal period can have a significant impact on the neurological and social development of the newborn.

I am campaigning for a new treatment called the Bilisoft blanket which aims to remove all barriers to bonding between the baby and their parents or caregivers. In contrast to lamp-style treatments, the baby can be cuddled, fed and settled between feeds. Often, new mothers are recovering themselves, therefore this will help to make the early postnatal experience a little less stressful, making a real difference to their long-term mental health.

The newborn babies are the most important benefactor of my campaign. The positive bonding experience, shorter and more effective treatment times as well as being supported to breastfeed responsively in these early days, will ensure they get off to a healthy start in life.

Please help me make a difference and build a healthier, happier generation.

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