Beside You

25/03/2026

Information on NHS Healthy start payments from April below 👇

What happens next with your NHS Healthy Start payments?

📅 March - early April
Some families may see slightly different payment amounts while the new amount is introduced.

📅 From 6 April 2026
The increased weekly payments will apply.
You don’t need to do anything! If you're eligible, the change will happen automatically.

Helping families to buy healthy food for their little ones, 🍎

24/03/2026

Congratulations to all the new January baby's and new parents 💜

24/03/2026

💛 Calling all pregnant parents 💛

Would you like to learn more about how to have a happy and healthy pregnancy? 🤰

BumpClub Medway is a free six-week online program, specially created to support you through a healthy and happy pregnancy 💜

See post below for more information 👇

💛 Why Parents-to-Be Loved BumpClub Medway 💛

We absolutely love hearing how BumpClub is supporting pregnant people across Medway — and this recent feedback truly says it all:
✨ “So nice to have advice and support around eating habits, healthier options, and feeding. As well as advice on how to make healthier choices in pregnancy. The ladies have all been so lovely and supportive and have felt like this was such a safe place with no judgement.” ✨

At BumpClub Medway, we’re all about creating a friendly, supportive space where you can:
🍎 Learn about healthy eating and pregnancy nutrition
🤰 Gain confidence in making positive choices for you and your baby
💛 Connect with others in a safe, judgement-free environment
🍼 Get practical tips for feeding and early parenthood
If you’re looking for a place to feel supported, informed, and encouraged throughout your pregnancy journey — BumpClub is here for you.

👉 Come along and experience it for yourself, book your place now: https://forms.office.com/r/UcBgC7f9XW

24/03/2026

Have you seen our Hello Baby roller banner on display in the antenatal ward at Medway Hospital?

If you're a mum or family to be, you can book a free Hello Baby session and find out all about feeding:

👼 skin-to-skin with your baby
👨‍👦 bonding
🤱 feeding choices
🥚 understanding your baby's feeding cues
✨ and lots more!

Learn more 👉 https://bit.ly/46tEMjM

Medway Maternity Medway Community Healthcare

23/03/2026

Now that the sun is shining, you may be planning on getting out more with your baby🌼🌷☀

We understand that breastfeeding out and about can be a bit daunting for some 💜

The great thing about breastfeeding is that everything you need to feed your baby is always with you, readily available and at the right temperature, wherever you are.

It’s not unusual to feel a bit nervous, particularly if you’ve never done it before.
Whether you’re worried about other people’s reactions or really don’t care what they think, these tips will help you be prepared.

After all, the only way to normalise breastfeeding in public is to see more women feeding when out and about 🤱

What advice would you give to new mums nervous about feeding in public? Share your tips in the comments below 👇

21/03/2026

Today is World Poetry Day and we're sharing this beautiful poem by

⭐ Feed to sleep 🌙

Yes, I feed my child to sleep
And, no, I do not care
If in the eyes of others
It means ‘dependency’ is there.

For, of course they are dependant,
Sure, we are the world to them.
And, if she wakes another time,
I’ll feed her yet again.

As the comfort that it gives her,
Is a privilege I bear
And I’ll continue to soothe her,
While her need for me is there.

Repost via Maria Tempany Therhymingone
Stunning image as always by Rita Navarro O Trocatintas

20/03/2026

Today is World Oral Health Day! 🦷💜

Did you know that breastfeeding lowers your baby's risk of developing tooth decay? It also helps with their oral and facial development too!

Breastfeeding can help to protect emerging new teeth by:
🦷 Friendly bacteria which help to protect the mouth, gut and promote a healthy immune system

🦷 Breastmilk contains antibacterial properties and digestive enzymes, so that breastmilk lactose (a type of sugar) does not have the same effect on teeth as pure sugar

✨ Dentists recommend you brush your little one's teeth twice daily.
*source: Erikson, 1999

You can read more about looking after your baby's oral health over on the Medway Oral Health pages 👉 https://www.medway.gov.uk/oralhealth

19/03/2026

Look familiar?

The “I’m awake… I swear… probably” face.

When you’re fighting sleep just as much as your newborn is. Visit our website for tips and advice to help with sleep once your baby arrives 👉 https://bit.ly/4cAJAKu

18/03/2026

It is completely normal and essential for your baby to feed during the night 🤱🌙

Every baby is different, and some wake more often than others throughout the night for many months.

In fact, evidence shows that for around the first six months of a baby’s life, parents who breastfeed tend to get more sleep per night.

Even though breastfed babies wake more frequently on average, it’s quicker to get them back to sleep.

That’s largely thanks to the hormones (melatonin) found in breastmilk which can help both you and your baby to get back to sleep quickly 🤱

By feeding frequently, your baby is making sure that you produce plenty of milk to support their development 💛

Find out more about sleep and breastfeeding over on our website 👉https://bit.ly/40pZoIJ

17/03/2026

Breastfeeding is a skill that both you and your baby learn together.

It can take time to find which positions feel most comfortable for you, so trying a few different ones can really help.

⭐️ Cradle hold
This is the most common breastfeeding position. It's good to make sure you are comfortable in this position

⭐️ Cross-cradle hold
The cross cradle hold can be useful in the first few days as it can give you more control in guiding your baby to the breast

⭐ Rugby hold
The rugby hold, where you hold your baby on your side, facing you. This position can help take the pressure off a c-section scar, it's also good for women with bigger breasts, or when feeding twins

⭐️ Laid-back position
Laid-back breastfeeding is when you lie back in a comfortable semi-reclined position on a comfy sofa or bed. If you have had a caesarean section (c-section), your baby can lie across you and away from your scar

⭐ Koala
This is a helpful position if your baby has reflux. It’s also good for feeding older babies who want to face you. For younger babies, make sure they are fully supported in this position

⭐️ Side-lying
This is a good position if you've had a caesarean or difficult delivery, or if you're breastfeeding in the middle of the night. Visit The Lullaby Trust website to read more about safe sleep and breastfeeding 👉 https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/

⭐️ Twins
The cradle hold can also be applied to tandem feeding twins. You may need an extra pair of hands to help you to position your babies.

For more information and videos demonstrating breastfeeding positions, visit our Beside You website 👉 https://bit.ly/4sgT6H8