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I've sent a PM.

In my named nurse role have a lot of contact with scbu and have always been impressed with care we get foster carer in asap and or adopters so they can start providing that early continuity. Future prognosis is like having a crystal ball however a full paediatric report on current status will be provided and follow up to monitor development progress which can lead to early intervention as required. Good luck with whatever is the right decision for you

Was the child really with fcs "since birth" or since leaving the hospital after the withdrawal period? I tend to think several weeks withdrawing while in the care of a range of different nurses etc could well be quite harmful - see Jezebel's post. But then it is just one more factor in a complex set of circumstances. I don't think there are any answers - but do look at all the circumstances including family history, birth weight, current development etc. After that it is a leap of faith. My view is that feeling drawn to a child is a big plus that will help see you through whatever is thrown up later. There is not a lot more you can do, other than keep looking for a child where you feel less concerned about possible outcomes - although I am not sure that is necessarily valid.

Hi Milly, yes a lot of withdrawing babies are kept in NiCU for several weeks but foster carers are usually encouraged to begin caring for them ASAP - precisely so baby does get one to one care and begins the bonding process. I've been in there from day one with several of the LOs I've cared for.Unfortunately some babies are simply too poorly to begin any sort of bonding process - more than one baby has "died" and been brought back before they've come out of hospital (and gone on to have a very good later life prognosis) - so of course their early care is done by doctors and specialist nurses. Sorry if I keep popping up on this topic! It's just an area I feel strongly about as I've had so many little ones remaining with me for months and months after their placement order is made because people are told horror stories about things that might never happen. In fact, one of the biggest risks I think would be the foster carer letting go!! I've always got most attached to the babies who've gone through withdrawal - I think because you go through such a tough early journey together and become very protective towards them.