About The Neonatal Practice

The journey so far...

As little as five years ago, there were very few psychological professionals working in neonatal care across the UK. I was one of the first clinical psychologists to specialise in this field, meeting with just a handful of others in small hospital rooms to share and develop good practice and community. Today I am delighted to support this number to grow, as the need for good high-quality psychological support is recognised across the country.

As a Consultant Clinical Psychologist with over 13 years’ experience in neonatal care, I continue to work within the NHS while also contributing to national developments in the field. I’ve collaborated with colleagues on several key policy documents and practice guidelines aimed at improving psychological care for families before, during, and after a neonatal stay. I also jointly represent Neonatology on the Perinatal Faculty of the British Psychological Society (BPS), where I remain actively involved in shaping national strategy and support.

I’m passionate about ensuring that babies and their families receive the right psychological support at the right time, both during their neonatal stay and in the often-overlooked period once they return home. These experiences can be life-changing, and the emotional needs don’t end at discharge.

Just as families need the right support, so too do the professionals who care for them. High-quality, psychologically informed teaching and training can enhance staff wellbeing and enrich the care they provide, complementing existing NHS provision.

This vision of holistic, compassionate care that supports both families and professionals is what led me to establish The Neonatal Practice.

I am excited to be here and offer a range of therapeutic interventions for babies and their families, alongside training courses and programmes for staff working across the neonatal and perinatal journey.

We have some exciting developments in the pipeline - so do come back and visit again for more updates!

We hope that you find our services helpful and supportive and welcome you to join us.

Who am I?

Dr Jacinta Cordwell

Founder and Clinical Director

Consultant Clinical Psychologist

BSc (Hons) MSc DClinPsych CPsychol AFBPsS HCPC Registered

I’m Dr Jacinta Cordwell, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist based in Oxfordshire with over 20 years of experience supporting families and professionals across the NHS and in independent practice. My work centres on building compassionate relationships and helping people through some of life’s most challenging moments.

I specialise in neonatal and perinatal care and currently serve as one of ten national Psychology Leads for Neonatal Care in England. In this role, I contribute to national strategy and help shape how psychological care is delivered for babies, families, and staff.

Over the years, I’ve supported thousands of families through the emotional impact of a neonatal stay, both during their time in hospital and in the weeks and months after coming home. I offer therapy, parent-infant work, and consultation to help families feel understood, supported, and safe.

Alongside my clinical work, I deliver teaching and training across neonatal units and wider networks. This includes sessions on antenatal counselling, psychologically informed care, palliative support, leadership development, and staff wellbeing. I believe that when healthcare professionals feel supported, they can offer the best possible care to others.

Alongside clinical work, I’m involved in research, writing, and national projects. I’m currently co-editing a book sharing the stories of psychology professionals working in neonatal care, and developing an app to support siblings during their baby brother or sister’s neonatal stay.

As a mother to three boys, I also bring my own personal lived experience of neonatal and perinatal challenges into my work. This perspective, combined with my clinical background, is what led me to create The Neonatal Practice, a place where families and professionals can access thoughtful, tailored, and emotionally informed support.

Contributions to Key Publications, National Policy & Practice Documents

Within my NHS neonatal roles I have contributed to the writing of a number of key publications and national policy and practice documents, as well as taking on advisory role in the development of guidelines and a number of neonatal projects.

I am always keen to work with the voluntary sector, artists and experts by experience to ensure The Neonatal Practice reflects multiple perspectives and voices that speak to the neonatal and perinatal experience.

RECENT PUBLICATION AND PROJECTS:

National Recommendations for Psychological Provision on Neonatal Units for both inpatient and follow up support:

Psychology_Staffing_on_the_Neonatal_Unit.pdf (hubble-live-assets.s3.amazonaws.com)

Outpatient-staffing-standards_psych_April2025-final.pdf

Recent articles on the development of compassionate cultures in Neonatal & Maternity Services

The Anatomy of Compassion: Courage, Connection and Safeness in Perinatal Practice (Part 1)

The Anatomy of Compassion: Nurturing Compassionate Cultures of Maternity and Neonatal Care (Part 2)