Parenting Blog
Discover a wealth of knowledge in our weekly blogs, where we delve into topics like the stages of labour, exercise during pregnancy, healthy pregnancy tips, and expert advice for new parents.
UFO: Upright, Forward and Open – Positions for Labour and Birth
When you think of giving birth, you might imagine a bed being involved – with you lying on your back or perhaps sitting upright. Films and TV programmes often portray birth this way, so unless you’ve given birth yourself or supported someone through labour, this can feel like the “nor…
Cry It Out: What Science Really Says About Babies Crying It Out and Sleep
For many exhausted parents, the promise of better sleep through cry it out methods can feel like a lifeline. When nights are long and broken, advice that suggests babies can learn to sleep independently by being left to cry can sound reassuringly practical. However, modern research in…
Safe Baby Sleeping: How to Reduce the Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
If you are expecting or are the parent of a newborn, do not fear – there are well established, commonly agreed upon measures you can take to drastically reduce the chance of something happening while your newborn sleeps. In fact, since safer sleeping practices have been adopted among…
What Does Newborn Poo Look Like? A Parent’s Guide to What’s Normal
One of the most common questions new parents ask is what does newborn poo look like? Nappies can be surprising in the early days, and changes in colour, texture, and frequency often cause worry. The good news is that newborn poo goes through several normal stages, and most variations…
Mastitis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Support During Breastfeeding
If you’re breastfeeding and experiencing breast pain, flu-like symptoms, or feeling suddenly unwell, you may be wondering what is mastitis and whether it could be affecting you. Mastitis is a common inflammatory condition of the breast that can develop quickly but is usually very trea…
Urinary Tract Infections in Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common during pregnancy and can affect both the bladder and kidneys. While most infections are mild and easily treated, it is important for pregnant women and birthing people to understand the signs, symptoms, potential implications, and available t…
Preparing for a Caesarean Birth: What to Expect
Whether you’re planning a caesarean section (C-section) or it becomes a decision during labour, understanding what to expect can help ease anxiety and give you a sense of control. Around 1 in 4 births in the UK are by C-section – and they can be just as positive and empowering as any…
Oral Health in Pregnancy: Why It Matters and How to Care for Your Teeth and Gums
Pregnancy is an exciting and transformative time, but it’s also a period when your body goes through incredible changes – including your mouth. Many people are surprised to learn how pregnancy can affect oral health, but looking after your teeth and gums during these months is essenti…
How Birth Stories Shape Our Parenting: The Psychology of Postpartum Identity
The way we experience birth doesn’t just stay in the delivery room, it ripples into how we feel, think, and behave as parents. For many, birth is a transformative event. But when birth stories are left unprocessed, whether joyful, disappointing, or traumatic, they can quietly shape ou…
Meningitis in Babies: What Parents Need to Know
Meningitis is a serious condition that can develop rapidly in babies and young children. It happens when the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (the meninges) become inflamed, usually due to an infection. While meningitis is rare, babies are particularly vulner…
Pelvic Floor Health and Recovery: Why It Matters
Pregnancy and birth are amazing – your body has grown a whole new little person! But all that change also puts extra pressure on a part of your body called the pelvic floor. Your pelvic floor is a stretchy layer of muscles and tissues that sits like a little trampoline at the bottom o…
What to Include When Writing a Birth Plan
A birth plan is a personal document that outlines your preferences for labour, delivery and the immediate post partum period. It helps medical staff and your birth team understand your expectations, needs & preferences how you wish to handle various aspects of the birth…
