Midwives at West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust are using technology to allow new mothers separated from their baby after birth to stay in touch.

iSeeU uses a tablet to create a video link between a mother in the delivery suite and her baby in the neonatal unit so that those precious first few hours are not missed and mothers have a chance to be involved in their baby’s care from the moment they are born.

Dr Gloria Rowland, associate director of midwifery at West Hertfordshire Hospitals, said: “We implemented iSeeU following feedback from women who have been unable to visit the neonatal unit in the first few hours following their baby’s birth. They told us that being able to see their babies in the neonatal unit would lessen their anxiety.

“This is expected to make a huge impact on their recovery and have a very positive impact on early relationship building and infant bonding.

“It is a well-documented fact that early bonding decreases levels of anxiety for mother and baby and can improve breastfeeding rates.”

While the midwives at west Hertfordshire hospitals acknowledge that nothing can replace physically being with a newborn baby, they believe this is the next best thing and will help bridge the gap until the mother and baby are reunited.

One new mother who used iSeeU said: “This has been a very emotional experience for me. My baby had to be moved to the neonatal unit but with the live screen I was able to see him and be involved in his care as I could speak with the nurse and get updates.”

The initiative has involved the midwives and neonatal nurses working together to provide this service to women who are in the high dependency unit and cannot move around following the birth of their baby.

iSeeU has been well received by new mothers and will improve services for women who choose to have a baby at Watford General Hospital.