Nlagmaternity

31/03/2026

🩸Bleeding post birth 🩸

Bleeding after you have given birth is normal. This is also called lochia. Everybody will have bleeding regardless of mode of birth (Vaginal birth, Caesarean section and assisted delivery)

🩸Normally heavier than your period

🩸Should reduce gradually over 2-6 weeks

🩸Bleeding may be slightly heavier with increased activity but should settle with rest

🩸If breastfeeding you might notice your uterus cramping alongside increased bleeding as your uterus is shrinking back into the pelvis

🩸We advise thick maternity pads for the early days postnatal

🩸Wash your hands before and after you change your pads which should be every 2-4 hours

🩸You may pass some small clots in the early days postnatal – observe this and inform your midwife of any larger clots

🩸The colour of your lochia (blood loss) normally starts off red in colour, then brown, pinkish and may go creamy/ pale in colour over the weeks.

🩸Do not use tampons with postnatal bleeding as these can increase your risk of infection

🩸If your bleeding stops after a few weeks and you have a break in bleeding then it starts again this might be your period returning (you might be fertile)

🩸Periods can return as early as 5-6 weeks post birth – you might be fertile around 3 weeks post birth; if you are solely breastfeeding regularly this might be longer and might not return until breastfeeding is reduced.

You need to seek urgent medical attention if;

🆘You notice your bleeding has increased suddenly and not reducing

🆘Passing large clots or numerous of clots suddenly (bigger than a 50p)

🆘You feel unwell, your blood loss is offensive smelling or you are feverish as you may have an infection

Always trust your instinct and get support if you think something isn’t right. Contact your local maternity unit.

30/03/2026

❗Vaginal Bleeding in pregnancy❗

Bleeding in the first trimester can be normal and doesn’t always indicate a problem with your pregnancy, however it also might be a sign of a miscarriage. As with the later stages, bleeding can be caused by changes to your cervix, infection, issues with your placenta and hormones. It is important to consider whether you have any pain associated with the blood loss, feel unwell and if your baby’s pattern of movements has changed.

Signs and symptoms of vaginal bleeding:
!! Brown discharge
!! Red fresh blood, light or soaking through maternity pads
!! Bleeding may or may not be associated with pain

If you experience vaginal bleeding at any time in your pregnancy, make sure you access the correct help and support.

After 16 weeks pregnant contact your local maternity unit or 999.

Before 16 weeks pregnant your GP, 111 (out of hours), early pregnancy assessment unit (referral via your GP) or 999.

www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/vaginal-bleeding/

www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/pregnancy-symptom-checker/bleeding-pregnancy

30/03/2026

29/03/2026

Supporting every child to get the best start in life ❤

World Health Organization (WHO)


It is important to continue to attend all scheduled appointments in your pregnancy and beyond.

This is for the benefit of you and your child's wellbeing.

If you are struggling to attend or keep up with appointments please reach out to a health professional.

If you are concerned about the bond you have with your baby in pregnancy or after birth it is important you reach out to a health professional to speak about your feelings ❤

Getting the right support early can help give you and your child the best start by enhancing brain development, language skills and creating loving relationships ❤

28/03/2026

🤰Early/ Latent phase labour 🤰

The latent phase of labour is when you start getting some tightening’s, but they are not coming in a regular pattern. Once the tightening’s/ contractions start coming at least every five minutes and lasting around 30-45 seconds then you should call labour ward 📞

Please do not hesitate to call for advice. You should always call if:

🤰You are under 37 weeks pregnant

🤰You think your waters may have broken (spontaneous rupture of membranes)

🤰You are experiencing vaginal bleeding

🤰You have had previous quick births before

🤰You have a planned caesarean section

🤰You are feeling unwell

🤰You need pain relief or coping mechanisms

🤰You are concerned about your baby's movements

🤰You have constant pain which doesn't come and go in waves/ contractions

🤰If the tightening’s have been regular and coming for longer than 24 hours and you feel they are not changing in strength, length or frequency.

If the tightening's are still irregular and you are getting a bit of break, then this is normal. This is just the next physiological step before you meet your baby.

What you can do to get yourself into active labour:

💕Watch something on the TV that makes you laugh

💕Surround yourself with things you love

💕Try rest and sleep if you can, even if this is intermittent you will feel the benefit

💕If your body is feeling well rested then try a walk or bounce on a birthing ball

💕Have a relaxing bath or shower the water can be soothing

💕Eat nice foods in particular carbohydrates to fuel your body

💕Drink nice drinks to keep yourself hydrated (drink to thirst), keeping your body hydrated is beneficial so you don't become dehydrated which can hinder labour

💕Massage is a great way to relax and increase endorphins (good for pain relief) and oxytocin (love hormone), both very beneficial for enhancing contractions

27/03/2026

27/03/2026

Breastfeeding 🤱

Get help and support from your midwife, health visiting team or infant feeding specialist ❤

27/03/2026

👶🏻 Come and Join Us at Babyzone 👶🏻

We would love to welcome you to Babyzone on Fridays, 9:30am - 2:30pm, during term-time

You can find Babyzone Grimsby at:
Horizon Youth Zone
Garth Lane
Grimsby
DN31 1RP

26/03/2026

🌸 This weeks Thankyou Thursday comes from Jackelyn and Adam

‘We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the entire maternity team at Scunthorpe General Hospital for the exceptional care and support we received throughout our journey, culminating in the safe delivery of our beautiful baby girl on 25.02.2026 via c section.
In particular, we are deeply grateful to the Antenatal Clinic team, the sonographers, the Central Delivery Suite staff, the paediatric team, the theatre team, Ward 26, and the Brigg Community Midwives.

Every member of staff went above and beyond to ensure both baby and myself were safe and well cared for at every stage.

We would especially like to thank the Central Delivery Suite team for their outstanding care. A special mention goes to Midwife Jenna and Student Midwife Martina, whose compassion, dedication, and professionalism truly meant the world to us. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and we will always be incredibly grateful for the support and reassurance you provided on the day, Jenna.

Our sincere thanks also go to the theatre team, particularly Dr Maliya, for not only ensuring my safety throughout the delivery but for going above and beyond in every possible way. Your reassurance, calmness, and kindness meant so much to both me and my husband. You are truly worth your weight in gold and a tremendous asset to NLAG.

We are also incredibly thankful to Consultant Faure, the peditrtritian who reviewes her and the wider team for the safe delivery of our daughter. We felt very fortunate to be in the care of such a skilled and compassionate team, and we truly appreciate every single one of you.

Everybody's communication and reassurance to us has been amazing throughout.

A special mention as well to Ms Cho — thank you for your continued care and support over the years.
Please accept our apologies if we have unintentionally missed anyone. We are profoundly grateful to you all and simply wanted to express our sincere appreciation for everything you have done for our family

Thank you for your kind words 🌸

If you would like to submit your story or feedback for 'Thank You Thursday' regarding any members of staff involved in your care, please message the page or email hny.Ims@nhs.net

Any feedback you wish to formally submit can be sent here:

https://www.nlg.nhs.uk/patients/experience/feedback-form/

26/03/2026

🌸Student Midwives Thank you 🌸

Across the LMNS (Local Maternity and Neonatal Systems) we welcome student midwives on their journey to become midwives.

Student midwives require certain proficiencies to be signed off during their 3 years of training. Their proficiencies cover all elements of midwifery care and supporting families.
Student midwives are always under supervision of experience midwives and doctors to ensure high quality and safe care.

You may encounter student midwives throughout your journey through maternity care we want to support their learning and career development. They wouldn't be able to do this without your consent, so thank you!

If you have any messages or comments to highlight positive care or stories from a student midwife please do share or comment below (please ensure identifiable information is not shared, if you are sharing images ensure consent has been obtained by all individuals)

25/03/2026

💥Meningitis 💥 www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/

"Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges)"

It can affect anyone - (most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults).

Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly

If you have symptoms of meningitis, call 999 or go to A&E straight away.

Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include:

💥a high temperature (fever)
💥being sick
💥a headache
💥a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (but a rash will not always develop)
💥a stiff neck
💥a dislike of bright lights
💥drowsiness or unresponsiveness
💥seizures (fits)

These symptoms can appear in any order. You do not always get all the symptoms.

Meningitis is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Bacterial meningitis is rarer but more serious than viral meningitis.

The viruses and bacteria that cause meningitis can be spread through close contact with a person who has them.

‼contact with the person's spit, such as kissing, sharing drinks or vapes
‼being in close contact with the person for a lot of time, such as living in the same home
‼Meningitis is usually caught from people who carry these viruses or bacteria in their nose or throat but are not ill themselves.

It can also be caught from someone with meningitis, but this is less common.

25/03/2026

🤱Your baby 👶🏼

When I cry, I want you ❤
Your love and attention, your warm cuddles and soft voice is familiar ❤
I sometimes feel sad and even though I keep crying I feel comfort in your arms ❤
You won’t make me 'clingy' if you cuddle me too much - you will make me feel more secure, connected and independent. I feel safe with you ❤
Please don't shout at me or get cross I am sorry I do not understand the big wide world yet ❤
I sometimes just want to know you are there ❤
Please don't leave me to 'cry it out' I will feel scared and distressed ❤
If it does feel a little too much then please put me somewhere safe and then come back to me when you have calmed down ❤
I know I disturb your sleep and keep you up through the dark, its normal for me to wake up as my sleep cycles are different to yours ❤
I know you won’t be able to comfort me all the time but please smile at me, hug me, sing to me to fill me with reassurance and love ❤

Adapting to motherhood can be hard, if you need more support or need someone to talk to then please do reach out to a health professional for additional help.

The ask a midwife team is always here for you ✉