Beside You

06/02/2026

Give us a 👍 if you also have a baby who likes to go exploring 🤱😆

Image credit: moms.comics

05/02/2026

💜💜

💛 An open letter to our community 💚

To everyone reading this in Medway or Kent, take a moment to look around you.

Look around your office, your mum group, your school gate conversations, your football team.

There’s a very real chance that someone in your circle has needed the care of the Oliver Fisher Neonatal Unit - whether for their own child, a niece, a nephew, a grandchild, or a close friend’s baby.

Often, these journeys happen quietly. Behind closed doors. In moments most people never see.

When you pause, you realise just how many families have spent time on the Unit - families for whom we have become part of their story, families who needed us during some of their toughest days.

It’s why specialist neonatal care matters. Why ongoing support matters. And why community awareness and understanding matter too.

The likelihood is there’s someone not too far from you who has needed our services - someone who fought a quiet battle.

When you pause and think about how many families are affected, it puts into perspective why our work matters. As a charity, we exist because we believe that in their earliest and toughest days of life, our tiny patients - and their families - should have the very best support and top-level services available to them.

Thank you for taking a moment to pause and reflect, and for being part of a community that helps ensure this care is here when it’s needed. 💛💚

05/02/2026

Today is Time to Talk Day. It's a little reminder that talking really helps 🩷

Parenting and breastfeeding can feel overwhelming at times but opening up about how you feel, or simply listening to someone else can make a big difference.

Share this post with friends and family to show them simple ways they can support you:

💛 Offer kindness and praise. A few encouraging words can mean so much, especially on a tough day

🌳 Take a walk together. Fresh air and a change of scenery can lift your mood

💬 Talk and listen. Communication is key in relationships and parenting. Taking time to share worries or concerns helps you work better as a team

💞 Give a hug. Sometimes, a simple hug can say more than words.

Remember: listening is just as important as talking. Let someone know they’re heard this Day.

Visit our Beside You website to read more about how those around you can support you 👉 https://bit.ly/4q6AaKB

04/02/2026

Sending love to everyone affected by cancer this World Cancer Day 💛

03/02/2026

For anyone who wants to find out more about safe babywearing 👇

Its the month of love!
We have enough amazing library sessions this month headed by the incredible zebadee.

As usual to book please comment or message us ❤️

03/02/2026

It's National Storytelling Week!

Did you know reading is great for tiny babies too? Even while they're in your tummy 🤰📚

Simply being held close and spoken to will make a baby feel safe and happy, and it's when they feel like this that their brains grow.

Do you have a favourite book to read to your baby? Let us know in the comments below.

Learn more about how to support your little one's brain development 👉https://bit.ly/4jrX0d0

02/02/2026

Happy Monday 💛

This is us on repeat today (and every other day). Anyone else?

01/02/2026

What's on Beside You this February? 🩷

✨ Beside You social drop-ins for new mums ✨

📆 Wednesday 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th February
⌚️ 9.30am to 11am
📍 Alternate weeks at The Garden Cafe, Elm Court Garden Centre in Gillingham, and Jaspers Community Cafe in Rochester.

*These drop-ins run in partnership with Medway Maternity and

🔸Breastfeeding sessions 🔸

🤰 Hello Baby
These are free antenatal infant feeding information sessions.

🤱 Feeding support sessions
Face-to-face sessions for support with breastfeeding once your baby is here.
Hello Baby and Peer Support sessions run on:
🔸 Mondays in Strood and Hoo
🔸 Partner sessions Monday at Strood and Fridays at Delce
🔸 Thursdays at Deanwood in Rainham
🔸 Fridays at Delce in Rochester

Times and days may vary. To book either a Hello Baby or Peer Support session please email medch.mbn@nhs.net or phone/text 07791 043190.

30/01/2026

💛 It's Parent Mental Health Day 💛

Having a baby can bring on a real mix of emotions and feelings.

Breastfeeding has many mental health benefits, but we know it can sometimes feel overwhelming. It's important to reach out and talk to someone. There is support out there for you.

Your mental health matters 💜

For local support visit 👉 https://bit.ly/4q6AaKB

You can also call the local Medway health visitor duty number on 0300 123 3444.

For more information and support visit:
The Breastfeeding Network (UK)

General support and information regarding perinatal mental illness:
▪️Pandas Foundation (Pre And PostNatal Depression Advice and Support)
▪️Mind

Speak to your health visitor or GP if you feel like you’re struggling. There is support available for you, your partner and family too.

29/01/2026

Protect yourself and your baby 💛

Medway Maternity midwife Nicola Johnson explains why flu, whooping cough, and RSV vaccines in pregnancy help keep you both safe in this video below.

29/01/2026

You know you are a breastfeeding mum when your outfit is chosen by how easy it is to breastfeed in 😂

Can you relate?

Image credit: Mom is Drawing