A FREE app is allowing parents in North Wales to receive regular updates and photos of their child on Special Care Baby Units during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Due to the current restrictions, it is not always possible for new parents to be with their baby at all times while they are being cared for in the hospital’s neonatal unit.

Staff from Glan Clwyd Hospital's neonatal unit and Ysbyty Gwynedd are using BadgerNet Baby Diary. This allows parents and families secure, real time access to photos of their baby while in hospital care over the internet through their PC, tablet device, or mobile phone.

Bethan Roberts, of Llangefni, gave birth to baby Beca Lois Hughes on Monday, April 27. She is the first mum to trial the new technology at Ysbyty Gwynedd.

She said: “I came into hospital two days before giving birth and it was really strange as my partner, Ian, had to leave me at the door as he wasn’t allowed to come in with me.

“Two days later and due to complications with the birth I was taken to theatre for a caesarean. Ian was with me during the birth but he was only allowed to stay for half an hour because of the current restrictions due to Covid-19.

“He hadn’t had chance to hold our new baby or even spend much time with her.

“I was lucky as I remained in hospital with Beca until I was discharged but I can’t imagine how difficult it must be for new parents to leave their child at hospital and not be with them.

“When the staff on the ward asked me to trial the new Baby Diary I realised how vital this would be for parents during this time.

“It was really easy to use and the staff are excellent with providing advice and support so this would be really beneficial for parents to be kept up to date on their baby’s progress and also receive pictures each day.”

Caren Radcliffe, neonatal unit manager, said: "Frequent communication from neonatal staff is important to alleviate parental stress and to ensure that parents understand their baby’s condition and progress.

“We also want to ensure that parents feel involved in their baby’s care and the Baby Diary helps us with that.

“Due to the challenges around visiting during COVID-19 this app allows us to communicate with parents in a different way on a regular basis. It’s also vitally important that they receive visual updates on how they are progressing which is what the Baby Diary allows us to do in a secure way."