Complex beginnings: Support for premature babies and infants who have spent time in the NICU

Every baby's journey is different. Some babies need a little more support at the beginning of life. Being born prematurely or experiencing medical complications around birth can affect a child's early development, including feeding, oral motor skills and communication.

With prematurity, certain complications such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular haemorrhage, necrotising enterocolitis and neonatal sepsis can further increase the risk of developmental difficulties.

With the right support, families can better understand their child's needs and navigate the next steps with confidence.

At Thrive, we provide individualised assessment and support for babies and young children with complex beginnings, helping them develop feeding skills, build communication and thrive in their own way.

Lady bottlefeeding an infant


Lady bottlefeeding an infant


Lady bottlefeeding an infant


Might you feel the same way?

Might you feel the same way?

These are some of the concerns that parents have shared with us.

These are some of the concerns that parents have shared with us.

"My baby is so small. Will my baby catch up with their peers?"

"My baby is so small. Will my baby catch up with their peers?"

"Will my baby be able to wean off the feeding tube?"

"Will my baby be able to wean off the feeding tube?"

"Is my baby eating enough?"

"Is my baby eating enough?"

"How will prematurity affect my baby's language development?"

"How will prematurity affect my baby's language development?"

"Will I be able to breastfeed my baby like a full-term baby?"

"Will I be able to breastfeed my baby like a full-term baby?"

"What else can I do for my baby?"

"What else can I do for my baby?"

"My baby is so small. Will my baby catch up with their peers?"

"How will prematurity affect my baby's language development?"

"Will my baby be able to wean off the feeding tube?"

"Will I be able to breastfeed my baby like a full-term baby?"

"Is my baby eating enough?"

"What else can I do for my baby?"

We help you figure out the next steps.

We help you figure out the next steps.

Every complex beginning is different. Support for early development such as feeding, oral motor skills and communication should be tailored to each baby’s needs, each family’s goals and the developmental milestones ahead.

Through gentle, responsive feeding approaches and neurodevelopmentally supportive care, feeding can become an enjoyable experience for babies and their families. Enabling parents and caregivers with the knowledge and skills also goes a long way in helping to nurture a baby's communication skills.


A child’s beginnings are important, but they do not define their potential.

Let Thrive help you lay the best foundations for your child.

Every complex beginning is different. Support for early development such as feeding, oral motor skills and communication should be tailored to each baby’s needs, each family’s goals and the developmental milestones ahead.

Through gentle, responsive feeding approaches and neurodevelopmentally supportive care, feeding can become an enjoyable experience for babies and their families. Enabling parents and caregivers with the knowledge and skills also goes a long way in helping to nurture a baby’s communication skills.


A child’s beginnings are important, but they do not define their potential.

Let Thrive help you lay the best foundations for your child.

Every complex beginning is different. Support for early development such as feeding, oral motor skills and communication should be tailored to each baby’s needs, each family’s goals and the developmental milestones ahead.

Through gentle, responsive feeding approaches and neurodevelopmentally supportive care, feeding can become an enjoyable experience for babies and their families. Enabling parents and caregivers with the knowledge and skills also goes a long way in helping to nurture a baby’s communication skills.


A child’s beginnings are important, but they do not define their potential.

Let Thrive help you lay the best foundations for your child.

Every complex beginning is different. Support for early development such as feeding, oral motor skills and communication should be tailored to each baby’s needs, each family’s goals and the developmental milestones ahead.

Through gentle, responsive feeding approaches and neurodevelopmentally supportive care, feeding can become an enjoyable experience for babies and their families. Enabling parents and caregivers with the knowledge and skills also goes a long way in helping to nurture a baby’s communication skills.


A child’s beginnings are important, but they do not define their potential.

Let Thrive help you lay the best foundations for your child.

At Thrive, we equip you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to:

  • Support your baby's feeding and early communication

  • Understand their developmental needs and next steps

  • Navigate upcoming milestones with greater confidence

  • Support your baby's feeding and early communication

  • Understand their developmental needs and next steps

  • Navigate upcoming milestones with greater confidence

Lay the best foundations for your child —
we're here to help.

Lay the best foundations for your child —
we’re here to help.

Book a Consultation