Psychologist | Author | Speaker | Trainer

Latest book: ‘Not alone in NICU:

A Compassionate Companion for Parents with a Baby in Neonatal Care’

The first self-help guide for neonatal parents in the UK- written to help you through every stage of the journey. Click below to find out more and pre-order now

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For the first time all parents can be accompanied throughout their NICU journey by this exceptional psychologist who has pioneered compassionate mind approaches within neonatal care. Packed with what most helped innumerable families, this book is a treasure. —
— Michelle Cree, author of 'The New Motherhood Workbook' and 'The Compassionate Mind Approach to Postnatal Depression'
This is a truly unique and beautiful book. Not only does Rebecca draw on psychological theory and clinical material to illuminate common experiences NICU parents and babies may have, but she does so with the clearsighted warmth and compassion of a seasoned clinician. Each chapter highlights a particular issue commonly faced by these families from managing work with a baby in NICU through to understanding how one’s parenting journey may be impacted. Not Alone in NICU offers parents (and those supporting them) a rich explanatory framework within which to understand, reflect upon and make sense of their lived experiences in the NICU. Within the pages of this book parents will find the highs and lows of this parenting journey reflected and normalised. Highly recommend.
— Julianne Boutaleb CPsychol AFBPsS, Consultant Perinatal Psychologist, Clinical Director - Parenthood In Mind
This is the book I wish I had when my baby was in neonatal intensive care. It is written as if Dr Chilvers is sitting calmly next to you and talking to you with warmth and kindness (and possibly a cup of tea). It is helpfully broken down into easily digestible chunks of information and supported by diagrams that bring things to life and help make sense of it all. Dr Chilvers makes me feel seen and heard as if she truly understands what I’ve been through. But it’s more than that, as she doesn’t just understand - she knows how to help. There are so many practical tips and techniques in this book - there is something for everyone. If you are parent of a baby in NICU, this is the only book you will ever need to read.
— Dr Camilla Rosan, Consultant Perinatal Clinical Psychologist, Mum of two children (including one who was in NICU), Chair of the Faculty of Perinatal Psychology, British Psychological Society

Illustrating the neonatal journey: Working with Alice Jordan

Alice, a long -time friend and talented illustrator created the images for the book. It was important to both Rebecca and Alice to make the images representative of all families and to capture some of the concepts visually for the reader. Alice plans to make more resources for families. Look out for updates on her website and an upcoming conversation about the creative process for the book!


  • Illustrator of ‘Not Alone in NICU: A Compassionate Companion for Parents of a Baby in Neonatal Care’

Podcasts, publications and media

Browse the links below to listen, watch and find out more about projects Rebecca has been involved in

VCreate Let’s talk mental health

Publications