Sherrian Price Newcastle Baby Settling Consultant

08/07/2025

Fathers can provide substantial support to breastfeeding mothers and babies overnight by assisting with nappy changes, snacks, drinks, and soothing, rather than feeding via a bottle, which may undermine breastfeeding in practice, despite its theoretical appeal, as noted by New Baby 101.

Most new parents are keen to share the many tasks of caring for their newborn. Feeding baby becomes the natural focus of their new 24/7 "routine" and most new mothers inevitably feel exhausted and overwhelmed by their unique responsibility to breastfeed this perpetually hungry newborn. NEWBY B***Y TRAP #1 - "Dad can feed baby bottles at night so Mum can sleep". Umm - maybe - BUT - Mum needs to be expressing her breasts at the same time to ensure her milk supply is established, and maintained. NewBaby101 HINT - a better plan is for Mum to breastfeed baby, and Dad to take care of nappy changes, burps and settling, PLUS a snack or drink for Mum. It's all about teamwork! New Parents ROCK!!

04/07/2025

"I show you I'm hungry through little signs like sucking my hand or turning my head from side to side, especially when you stroke my cheek. I'm really happy if you feed me before I get worked up or upset. "

Infographic and words by Brazelton Centre UK

04/07/2025

Sometimes we forget fathers in the process of birth … particularly when they watch helplessly while people they love are in a stressful and traumatic birth situation …

29/06/2025

For the new dads out there … great post from NHS Lanarkshire Mums & Babies

It can be normal for dads to feel the process of bonding with their new baby more challenging.
Attachment and bonding with your baby comes with lots of playing, communicating and interacting with your baby. This relationship can start even before baby is born so that after birth your baby will recognise your voice and be calmed by knowing it.

There is so many more fun ways that dad can bond with baby other than feeding.

🛁 Bath time
👶 Nappy changes
✋ Baby massage
🎤 Singing and talking to your baby
📖 Reading
🥰 Babywearing
🧸 Playing with toys
🤩 Skin to skin
🏡 Walk in the pram

Feeding isn't the only way to bond with your baby. It can be hard to know how to help when baby is feeding lots but all these seemingly little things are really important for your baby's brain development as well as helping you both bond.

Any of these things can then support your partner to have a shower or a short nap or grab something to eat.

Click on these links below for more dad information and support.

https://dadmatters.org.uk/portfolio.../attachment-bonding/
https://www.fathersnetwork.org.uk/

26/06/2025

Love this interaction between a dad and his baby!!

25/06/2025

This post is really practical and easy to follow steps for parents to help connection and enjoyment using the and learnings and understanding of how to understand and connect with your baby! Thanks for sharing Brazelton Centre UK

23/06/2025

Great info here for Breastfeeding mums and their partners- love the evidence based research New Baby 101

Mastitis usually occurs suddenly, often noticed on waking, and it is important to respond to the symptoms correctly and quickly. The symptoms are redness in an area of the breast which is tender to touch and feels warm. The mother may feel unwell, but not always, initially. This may escalate quickly with increased pain, a rising temperature, headaches and body aches and lethargy. The immediate "first aid" is application of cold treatments to the affected breast (repeated as needed), analgesia, and continue to breastfeed from the affected breast. The mother needs to REST, so call in help so that can happen asap. The management of mastitis has recently changed in light of updated research and evidence. Consequently massaging the affected area and repeatedly expressing the affected breast are no longer recommended. Seek medical help if the symptomatic treatments don't reduce the inflammation in 12-24hrs. Antibiotics may not be required if the inflammation is treated effectively and early - an IBCLC can guide individual cases. Identifying what contributed to the mastitis episode in important to avoid mastitis recurring. Specific probiotics can be helpful with recovery and ongoing resolution of breast microbiome disturbance (dysbiosis) eg Qiara. This information was published in an article I wrote for Practising Midwife Australian July2023 issue reviewing the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine's Protocol #36 The Mastitis Spectrum.

16/06/2025

To mark Baby Communication Week 2025, Brazelton.co.uk has compiled a range of resources under the theme 'Born to Connect.' Given the individuality of each baby, familiarizing oneself with their unique cues, strengths, and challenges is essential for fostering a connection. Parents interested in gaining a deeper understanding of their baby during the initial three months may benefit from the Brazelton Newborn Assessment or Neonatal Behavioural Observations (NBO), which facilitate collaborative observation and connection, ultimately leading to personalized approaches suited to the baby's temperament. Additional details are available at www.newcastlebabysettling.com.au.

Now in it’s 6th year, Baby Communication Week is back in the month of June for another inspiring, equipping and fascinating celebration of newborns’ language. Key informationDates: 23rd – 27th June 2025Theme: Born to ConnectContact: For any queries about Baby Communication Week or to let us .....

22/05/2025

This will be so helpful for dads out there! Dr Mathew Roberts is brilliant to listen to …. Have a listen or send to a dad you know. Dads Groupp is a helpful group to belong and interact with.

Modern Dad Communication - with Dr. Matt Roberts
(Part 1) Part 1 of a brilliant convo with someone we respect massively, Dr. Matt Roberts.
Matt is a perinatal psychiatrist, psychotherapist, teacher, writer, and speaker, but most importantly, he’s a hands-on dad of three who brings heart, science, and deep humanity into the work.

In this session, we chatted all things communication, especially:
• Why dads often struggle to “talk about feelings”
• How being a dad reshapes the way we connect
• What happens when our good intentions go sideways
• Why awkwardness is actually a sign of growth
• And how modern fatherhood is demanding a whole new emotional skillset

Matt explains how our “feeling brain” and “talking brain” aren’t always online at the same time and what to do about it. “Men don’t lack the skill, they’ve just never been given cultural permission to use it.”

Part 2 is coming soon, where Matt will unpack his practical 4 Traffic Light System to help dads shift from shutdown to connection (and avoid blow-ups at home).

This is real, relatable, and game-changing for any dad who wants to feel more in tune with himself and his loved ones.

27/04/2025

Such a great conversation and evidence based ideas about parenting boys … love it!! So so true!

So much of the conversation around the Netflix series Adolescence left parents—especially those raising boys—feeling afraid. Afraid of what boys could become. Afraid of getting it wrong.

But that’s not the full story.

As a mum of four boys and a parent educator, I see something else every day: boys who are soft, emotional, deeply loving and wired for connection.

That’s why I wrote this blog—Raising Boys with Big Hearts—to remind us what’s real beneath the myths.

Let’s talk about what our boys actually need to thrive. Not fear. Not shame. But compassion, connection, and a chance to be their whole selves.

💛 Link in bio to read the full post.

27/03/2025

Newcastle and Lake Macquarie residents are advised to watch for signs and symptoms following a measles alert from the local health district.

11/03/2025

Wacky Wednesday?? Enjoy !! My son in Brasil sent this to me for me to enjoy …. Just sharing xx

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