Derbyshire Family Health Service

20/02/2026

If you’re pregnant, or know someone who is, here is an opportunity to learn more about feeding and comforting a newborn. Our antenatal feeding sessions cover feeding methods, tips for getting off to a positive start and the support available once your baby arrives.

Sessions take place across the county, and you’re free to join whichever date and location works best for you – it doesn’t have to be the closest one. You’re more than welcome to bring along a partner, family member or friend for a bit of extra support.

March sessions are:

• Long Eaton - Tuesday 3rd March 10am - 12midday
• Buxton - Tuesday 3rd March 9.45am - 11.15am
• Clay Cross - Thursday 5th March 1pm - 3pm
• Matlock - Monday 9th March 10am - 11.30am
• Repton - Wednesday 11th March 10am - 12.30pm
• Ilkeston - Thursday 12th March 10am - 12midday
• Bolsover - Monday 16th March 12midday - 2pm
• Chesterfield - Thursday 19th March 9.15am - 10.45am
• Woodville - Thursday 19th March 10am - 12midday
• Dronfield - Friday 20th March 9.30am - 11am
• Bakewell - Friday 20th March 10am -11.30am
• New Mills - Wednesday 25th March 10am - 12midday

To find full details, including venues, for these free sessions, head to the ‘What’s on’ section of our website and use the drop-down category filter to select Antenatal Feeding sessions:

https://derbyshirefamilyhealthservice.nhs.uk/about-us/news-and-events/whats-on

[Image description: Two pregnant women sit and smile at an antenatal class, holding documents. A facilitator faces them with papers. The Derbyshire Family Health Service logo appears in the top right corner.]

19/02/2026

After a half-term break, you may notice changes in your child's sleep patterns. Have you found that they’ve been sleeping in, or that bedtime has been gradually getting later?

With school starting again next week, now’s the time to get their sleep routine back on track. Good quality sleep is essential for both physical and mental wellbeing.

Here are a few tips to help:

- If bedtime has become later, try gradually bringing it forward again
- Dim the lights or use a bedside lamp, and encourage relaxing activities like drawing or reading
- Set a consistent wake-up time each morning
- Avoid screen time for at least an hour before bed
- Ensure their bedroom is cool, quiet, dark, and tidy
- Make sure they are eating and drinking well

[Image description: A smiling woman and child sit on a cosy bed, reading a book under warm lights. Derbyshire Family Health Service logo top right.]

18/02/2026

A healthy mouth helps protect your heart - gum disease lets bacteria enter the bloodstream, which can increase the risk of heart disease. Looking after your mouth every day really matters. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth, limit sugary foods and drinks, eat a balanced diet, and attend regular dental check-ups.

[Image description: Two clear toothbrushes touch bristles on a green and white striped background. A heart shape in toothpaste is above them. The Derbyshire Family Health Service logo appears in the top right corner.]

17/02/2026

Pancake Day is the perfect excuse to get the kids into the kitchen and have a bit of fun together. If you’re looking for a lighter option that still feels like a treat, this simple recipe is a great place to start.

Easy pancakes:
• 1 cup wholemeal or oat flour
• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 2 eggs
• A splash of milk (or dairy-free alternative)
• A pinch of cinnamon

Mix everything together and cook in a lightly oiled pan until golden. They’re naturally sweet, fluffy and brilliant topped with fruit.

Pancake Day ideas to try with your children:
- Make pancake faces using berries, sliced bananas and yoghurt
- Try mini pancakes and build a stack “tower”
- Add grated apple or blueberries into the batter
- Have a pancake flip challenge (over the sink, just in case!)
- Let children choose their own toppings from a topping tray with a selection of fruit and goodies

Whether you keep it classic or get creative, Pancake Day is all about enjoying time together. What will your family be trying this year?

[Image description: A young boy spreads blackcurrant jam on a pancake in a sunlit kitchen. Another child is in the background. The Derbyshire Family Health Service logo appears in the top right corner.]

16/02/2026

Half term is here in Derbyshire!

As the routine changes, it can help to keep a few healthy habits ticking along. Simple snacks like fruit, yoghurt or toast can help keep energy levels steady, and regular meals can make days feel a bit more balanced.

Getting outside, even when the weather isn’t great, can also make a big difference. A short walk, a trip to the park in waterproofs or just some fresh air between showers can boost mood and burn off some energy.

Half term doesn’t have to be perfect - small, everyday choices can support children’s wellbeing and help everyone feel a little better.

[Image description: Two children in colourful rain jackets and trousers jump into a muddy puddle, water splashing. Derbyshire Family Health Service logo top right.]

13/02/2026

Looking for local things to do with your children this half-term? There’s plenty going on across Derbyshire for families to enjoy:

- Calke Abbey have a 'Wonder World: Earth' book trail.
- Steam train rides - Visit Peak Rail or The Midland Railway at Butterly.
- Chatsworth Farmyard & Playground - Meet animals and let little ones burn off energy.
- Half-term activities at Hardwick Hall - Seasonal trails and creative fun for children.
- The Derby Museum of Making is a good indoors option for a rainy day.

Whatever the weather, there’s something to make the school holidays memorable.

[Image description: Grandfather in yellow raincoat and Grandson in blue raincoat under an umbrella on an outdoor walk. Derbyshire Family Health Service logo in corner.]

12/02/2026

Roses are red, violets are blue, look after your teeth while enjoying treats too!

Chocolate, biscuits and sweets are often given as gifts for Valentines, and enjoying them in moderation is fine. Keeping sugary treats to mealtimes is best. After a treat, drink some water or chew sugar-free gum, this helps saliva do its job, washing away sugars and protecting teeth from decay.

Enjoy some treats and keep your smile healthy. 😁

[Image description: A bowl of heart-shaped biscuits, one with "Love" in red icing. Red and pink hues, sparkling lights, Derbyshire Family Health Service logo in corner.]

11/02/2026

Valentine’s Day is this weekend ❤️

Whether you’re planning for the future or not planning another baby right now, it’s important to think about contraception that’s right for you.

Planning ahead can help you avoid unintended pregnancy and gives you more choice and control over your sexual health.

Your Sexual Health Matters offers free, confidential contraception services across Derby and Derbyshire: https://www.yoursexualhealthmatters.org.uk/contraception

Your future. Your family. Your choice. ❤️

[Image description: Various contraceptives on pink. "Derbyshire Family Health Service" logo. Text says "happy valentine's day".]

10/02/2026

Today, on Safer Internet Day 2026, we’re reminded that the online world our children and teens live in is constantly changing - and so must the way we support them. This year’s focus is all about thoughtful, responsible use of digital tech, AI and how we can keep young people safe, confident and resilient online.

Right now, there’s a significant government consultation underway about whether the social media age limit should be raised to 16 years old as part of a package of measures to protect children’s wellbeing online. Ministers are looking at raising the age of access, improving age verification and exploring other ideas like curfews or limits on harmful features. Evidence from places like Australia, who changed their social media laws last year, is being reviewed as part of this process.

What does this mean for parents and carers?
- It’s a moment to think about how we support positive digital habits at home.
- Have open conversations with your children about what they see and share online.
- Explore tools and settings that help make social media safer.
- And if you feel strongly about the consultation, it’s worth adding your voice to the discussion.

The internet can be a place to learn, create and connect - but we all want our children to enjoy those benefits safely and healthily. Let’s take today as a chance to start that conversation at home. 💬💻

[Video description: A parent and child are looking at and interacting with a digital tablet, the parent is talking and pointing at things while the child talks animatedly and moves things on the screen.]

09/02/2026

To celebrate Children’s Mental Health Week 2026, Place2Be has created an activity to help you explore this year’s theme, ‘This is My Place’, with your child.

Belonging is the feeling of being a valued part of the groups and places that are important to us. It means feeling cared for and comfortable being ourselves.

The activity encourages children to explore their sense of belonging by creating a personal map. This can include places, groups, activities, or even something non-physical where they feel they belong.

To find out more and download the activity guide, visit: https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/resources/this-is-my-place-art-activity/

[Image description: Lots of children's hands touch colourful pavement chalk drawings. illustrated text in the centre reads: "THIS IS MY PLACE." Place2Be logo in corner.]

06/02/2026

Please see the guidance in the pinned post if you are affected by the two updated formula milk recalls.

⚠️ Correction: SMA First Infant Milk Recall Update. This post has been edited with the most up-to-date information.

Our earlier post contained an error in the product name. The correct details are:

- SMA First Infant Milk 800g
- Batch code: 53390346AB
- Best before: December 2027
- Distributed in Northern Ireland only

You can find the batch code at the base of the product.

What you should do:

- Check batch codes for all recalled products
- Stop using any affected product immediately, even if your baby appears well
- If your formula was prescribed, consult a pharmacist or medical professional before changing formula

Cereulide is a toxin that cannot be destroyed by boiling water or cooking. It can cause rapid onset of nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps.

For a full list of affected Nestlé batches, and what to do next, visit: https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-02-2026-update-3

We apologise for the earlier error.

06/02/2026

Please see the guidance in our pinned post if you are affected by the latest formula milk recalls.

⚠️New product recalls: Aptamil and Cow & Gate first infant milk and follow-on milk.

Danone is recalling several Aptamil and Cow & Gate infant formula and follow-on milk products because cereulide toxin may be present in some batches.

Cereulide can cause rapid onset of nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps. It's unlikely to be destroyed by boiling water or cooking.
Even if your baby seems well, it is essential to stop using affected products. If the formula was prescribed by a health professional, consult a pharmacist or other medical professional before changing formula.

For a full list of affected products and batch information, visit: https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-05-2026