Parenting Blog

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…

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…

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…

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 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…

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…

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…

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…