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Pregnancy and Baby

  1. Childbearing Loss: Neonatal Deaths, Stillbirths and Miscarriages

     

    Losing a child at any stage of pregnancy, at, or soon after birth, is a hugely traumatic experience which affects not just the mother and her partner but extends to their wider circle of family and friends.

    Neonatal death

    In law, a neonatal death is when babies are born alive (at any stage of pregnancy) but die within the first 28 days of life.  The sense of shock and disbelief can be overwhelming and the fact that your body initially continues to behave as if the baby is still alive by producing breast milk only acts as a cruel reminder of the child you have lost.

    Stillbirth

    A stillbirth is when a baby shows no signs of life at birth, after the 24th week of pregnancy.  Having gone through the...

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  2. Pregnancy and Birth

    If you have just found out that you are pregnant, you may be feeling an array of emotions which is very natural even if your pregnancy was planned.  You could be feeling excited, nervous, anxious or fearful. However you are feeling, it is important to make an appointment with your GP, Midwife or the Family Planning Clinic as soon as possible for advice and support.  They can talk to you about your pregnancy and give you an opportunity to discuss your feelings, explain your options and what to expect. 

    If you decide to go ahead with your pregnancy, your GP will ask you where you want to give birth. There are a range of options, and you can find out about what is available in your local area on the...

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  3. Bonding with your baby

     

    When you meet your baby for the first time, you can never underestimate how overwhelming it may be.  Some parents instantly feel that maternal surge whereas others might struggle for various reasons such as difficult birth, feeding problems, post natal depression, baby blues or even the feeling life will never be the same again! 

    It can be really worrying for a parent who might not perhaps feel that overwhelming bond, it just may mean, it will take time for this parenting element to follow.  Many parents do not feel a connection straight away and this can take time.  It is important not to feel under pressure to try and force yourself to address this if you are not ready to do so.  It is quite ok for the bonding process to take it’s time so...

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  4. Starting a Bedtime Routine

    Many parents have mixed experiences when embarking on starting a bedtime routine for the very first time.  Some parents may find it is a natural process that their baby leads on whereas other parents take a more structured approach.  Neither approach is wrong it just depends on what works for you. .  Most experts agree that it is important it is to establish a bedtime routine to enable your child to get good quality sleep. Family Lives are here to support you through this journey.  

    Some parents will want to start a bedtime routine when the baby is very young so that your baby will begin to associate certain activity with bedtime. On the whole, most  babies are more able to establish a pattern from about three months of age.   You should...

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  5. Food, Glorious Food – AKA Weaning

     

    When your baby is about six months old your GP or Health Visitor would recommend that you think about starting to wean your baby from milk to a combination of solid foods and milk.  It’s at this age that they are more able to digest and absorb the food and use it in the best possible way.  At six months they are more likely to be able to sit up, perhaps with a little support, which makes it safer and easier for them to be able to swallow.  Six months is a great age as they’re curious about everything and their hand/eye co-ordination is developing, making the journey from plate to mouth so much simpler! 

    There is such a wealth of information available for parents about weaning.  The following information will give you a taster (no pun...

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  6. Crying Baby: Trust your instincts

    It can be really exhausting and draining dealing with a baby who seems be crying a lot.  As a parent, it can be easy to feel as though we have failed when we are unable to soothe a crying baby when actually this is not the case.  As babies do not have the luxury of vocabulary, their way of communication can be through crying and distress.  It is their way of letting us know that they need something from us.  All babies cry and some may cry more often than not.  There can be various reasons as to why they are distressed and the most common reasons are:

    • They may be hungry
    • They could have a dirty or wet nappy
    • They may be tired or want a cuddle
    • It may be wind or something else just as uncomfortable
    • They may be too...
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  7. Pregnancy and Birth – A Guide for Dads to be

    Finding out you are going to become a father can throw up a whole range of emotions and feelings. Your role as an expectant father is a crucial one – whether you are in a relationship with the mum-to-be or not, your support can make a difference to how things turn out for both Mum and baby. It has been shown, for example, that one of the biggest factors in whether a Mum breastfeeds or not is whether the Dad is engaged and supportive.

    Ante-natal Appointments and Birth Plans

    The mother of your child will be invited to choose a setting in which to have the baby, i.e a hospital, a birth centre run by midwives, or a home birth. You can find information on the options in your local area on...

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  8. Teething: what to expect

     

    Teething is a key stage in every child’s life, but getting through it can be painful for children and worrying for parents. Most children’s first teeth come through at around six to nine months, although symptoms will often begin a few months before you can see the first tooth appear. Usually, teeth will grow in pairs, most commonly starting with the two bottom front teeth. By the time children are between two and a half to three years old, they should have a full set of teeth. 

    Some babies may have no problems with teething, while others may be in a lot of discomfort and pain. Symptoms of teething may include a raised temperature, reddened cheeks which may be warm, reddened gums, excessive dribbling which may cause a rash on the baby’s chin, poor appetite,...

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  9. How to: Breast feed your baby

    Mother and BabyHow you hold your baby (positioning) when breastfeeding can make all the difference to how comfortable both you and your baby feel, and also how easily your baby manages to drink. Here are some tips on how to get started.

    • Before you begin the process, make sure you are sitting comfortably.
    • You need to be facing your baby tummy to tummy. You can tuck your baby’s bottom under your elbow for additional support or use a pillow.
    • Support your baby behind the neck and shoulders.
    • Begin with your baby’s nose in front of your nipple...
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  10. Breastfeeding FAQ's

    Q: How often should I feed my baby?

    A: Newborn babies feed little and often, as their stomachs are so small. Typically they may want to feed on an hourly basis.

    Q: Why isn’t my baby feeding?

    A: Allow yourself time to eat healthily, rest and focus on feeding, as your baby may be noticing your anxiety. If the problem persists or your baby seems unwell, contact your doctor.

    Q: Will breastfeeding alter the appearance of my breasts?

    A: This varies from woman to woman. You may notice that they become a little smaller or larger after you have breastfed.

    Q: Will substances such as alcohol be passed to my baby through breastfeeding?

    A: Yes, small amounts will filter through. Although an occasional drink is unlikely to cause any severe...

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