Parenting Blog

The first three months of your baby’s life are a whirlwind of growth and change. By the end of this “fourth trimester,” many parents notice their newborn beginning to feel more like a social little person, with clearer communication, stronger movements, and growing curiosity about the…

Gestational diabetes (sometimes called GDM) is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, usually in the second or third trimester. GDM affects around 3–5% of pregnancies in the UK, appearing when your body can’t produce enough insulin to meet the increased demands of pr…

Pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period are life-changing experiences. But for people with a history of trauma, whether from intergenerational, childhood, sexual violence, medical procedures, or even a previous birth, these moments can feel overwhelming, triggering, or unsafe. Trau…

For most people, labour is a gradual process that unfolds over several hours, allowing time for both physical and emotional preparation. But in some cases, labour progresses much faster. This is known as a precipitous birth – where the entire process of labour and delivery h…

You might think once you’ve had your baby, that’s the end of the road with your midwives—but not quite! In fact, your community midwives are just getting started. Now, they may not show up in capes on vintage bikes like in Call the Midwife (sorry to disappoint), bu…

Welcoming a baby into the world is a profound experience—but it’s also one of life’s most significant changes, and it can place unexpected strain on even the strongest relationships. Suddenly, sleep is scarce, emotions run high, and your routines are upended. The focus shifts from you…

When you’re pregnant, there’s a lot going on in your body – not least the extra pressure your growing baby puts on your pelvic floor muscles. These are the muscles that support your bladder, bowel and womb. Keeping them strong during pregnancy isn’t just about preventing l…

A doula is a trained, non-medical professional and knowledgeable supporter who provides emotional, physical, and informational assistance to pregnant people and their families before, during, and after childbirth. Unlike midwives or obstetricians, doulas don’t medically assist the bir…

If you have been offered an amniocentesis but are unsure what it is, or what it actually involves, this article aims to answer some of your questions. An amniocentesis is a medical procedure that is sometimes offered and  performed during pregnancy. It commonly takes place b…

Pregnancy is an exciting time—but let’s face it, it can also come with a few worries. You might wonder what’s normal, what’s not, and when it’s time to call for help. That’s where maternity triage comes in. You might also hear it called the Maternity Assessment Unit, Day Assessment Un…

Pregnancy is often painted as a magical time—but let’s be honest, it’s not always rainbows and baby kicks. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or even low during this life-changing time. In fact, around 1 in 5 people experience mental health challenges while pregnant…

Around the halfway mark of your pregnancy, you’re offered a peek into your baby’s secret world through the 20-week anomaly scan. This ultrasound scan is more than just an opportunity to find out if you’re having a boy or a girl; it’s a crucial check-up on your developing baby. A Glimp…