About The Neonatal Practice

The journey so far...

Just a few years ago, psychological support in neonatal care was rare. I was one of the first clinical psychologists to specialise in this field, meeting with a small group of passionate colleagues in quiet hospital rooms, sharing ideas and building a sense of community.

Since then, the landscape has changed, and the number of psychological professionals embedded within neonatal units has grown. I’m proud to have played a part in that progress. Over this time, I’ve also had the privilege of contributing to national policy, co-authoring key practice guidelines and staffing standards, and helping shape strategy through roles such as representing Neonatology on the Perinatal Faculty of the British Psychological Society, and neonatal psychology on the NHS England neonatal development board.

But the heart of this work has always been the same: ensuring babies, families, and professionals receive the right psychological support at the right time. The emotional impact of neonatal experiences doesn’t end at discharge, and neither should the care.

The Neonatal Practice is my way of bringing this vision to life. It offers a safe, supportive space for families and provides professionals with thoughtful training and consultation to enhance the care they deliver, complementing what is available within the NHS. Alongside my independent work, I continue to practice within the NHS and remain deeply committed to fostering compassionate, psychologically informed care throughout the neonatal journey.

There’s more to come, and I’m excited to keep growing this work. Thank you for being here - I hope you find something that is useful to you.

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)

Nell and the Neonatal Unit - App to support neonatal siblings