NHS Ayrshire And Arran Women and Children’s Service

27/05/2026

Calling mums who’ve had Gestational Diabetes 💜

The University of the West of Scotland is running a research study to understand the long-term impacts of gestational diabetes and help improve care for mums in the future.

If you:
Are aged 18-45
Had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy

You can take part in a short online interview with a researcher. It takes 45 mins to 1 hour max, and your experience could really help shape better support for other mums.

Interested? Get in touch with Dawn Cameron:
📧 Dawn.Cameron@uws.ac.uk
📞 07548073357

Your voice matters

25/05/2026

With temperatures making us feel like we should be chilling on a beach somewhere this Bank Holiday, please make sure you're keeping yourself hydrated as well as your little ones 💧

If you're breastfeeding, your child may likely be taking more smaller feeds in the heat - which is absolutely fine as your milk changes with their needs. They shouldn't be offered water if they're under 6 months old.

If you're bottle feeding, children under 6 months can be offered small sips of cooled boiled water. But please NEVER water down their formula.

All children over 6 months can be offered water from a cup as needed 💧

If you want more information on giving smaller children water, we shared a post from Lucy Webber Feeding Support - IBCLC on Saturday 💜

If you're worried about feeding your baby in this heat, please talk to our peer supporters on our National Breastfeeding Helpline UK.

However you're feeding your baby, breast, bottle, or a combination of the two, you can call or drop them a message for support and information - 24/7!

📞 0300 100 0212
💌 Send them a DM

✨We hope you have a lovely bank holiday, and keep an eye on those nappies!✨

[ID: A mum laid back breastfeeding her child, with a pool in the background. ]

25/05/2026

✨ Sunscreen and Breastfeeding ✨

With record-breaking heat expected this week, here's a little reminder that you can use sunscreen as normal while breastfeeding

🌞 Staying safe in the sun:

Most of us don't apply enough sunscreen. Around 6 to 8 teaspoons is the recommended amount to cover your whole body.

For babies under 6 months, sunscreen isn't recommended - keeping them in the shade and out of direct sunlight is the best way to protect them.

For babies 6 months and over, and older children, a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 is recommended, and they should spend the hottest part of the day - usually between 11am and 3pm - in the shade.

Breastfed babies under 6 months do not need extra water - they can be breastfed as many times as they need. If you're bottle feeding, your baby can have small sips of cooled boiled water as they need it.

Babies over 6 months should be offered milk or water with meals. In hot weather, you can offer some extra water outside of mealtimes.
.. And don't forget to keep yourself hydrated!

more information:
www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/factsheet/creams/
www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/sunscreen-and-sun-safety/
www.nhs.uk/baby/first-aid-and-safety/safety/safety-in-the-sun/

✨ Share and stay safe in the sun ✨

[ID: Sunscreen and Breastfeeding. A mum sat breastfeeding under a parasol in a wildflower field, with her smiling friend next to her. www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/drugs-factsheets.]

25/05/2026

25/05/2026

Come meet the team this Scottish Breastfeeding Week! 🤱💙

NHS Ayrshire & Arran and NCT are hosting a drop-in event to celebrate Scottish Breastfeeding Week 2026.

Whether you’re currently breastfeeding, bottle feeding, mixed feeding, or just want to chat - everyone is welcome.

When: Monday 9th June, 10:30am – 12:00pm
Where: North West Centre, Kilmarnock, KA3 1NQ

Pop along to:
Meet our maternity/community infant feeding team and NCT peer support.
Connect with other parents and families
Get support and share experiences in a relaxed, friendly space

Light refreshments will be available. No booking needed - just drop in.

Let’s celebrate all feeding journeys together.

25/05/2026

Research Opportunity: NeuroNatal Voices Survey for Neurodivergent Parents

NeuroNatal is collecting experiences of neurodivergent parents who have used UK maternity services, including pregnancy, birth, and postnatal care.

The aim of the survey is to understand what is working well and where improvements are needed. Findings will be included in a formal report in Autumn 2026 to inform maternity policy, training, and service design.

Who can take part:
Neurodivergent parents who have used UK maternity services. A formal diagnosis is not required.

Survey closes: 1st June 2026
Take part here: https://forms.gle/z4nK47ZK9GUKQEat6

Sharing your experience helps build the evidence base for more inclusive maternity care.

#

This survey is run by NeuroNatal Academy C.I.C, a social enterprise focused on neuroinclusive perinatal care. Thank you for taking part in this survey. We want to understand the experiences of neurodivergent parents who have used maternity services in the UK. This survey is anonymous, so we will not...

22/05/2026

Proud moment for our team!

One of our maternity staff’s son, Lucas, who plays with Ayr United Football Academy, has been given an amazing opportunity to travel to Rwanda this June with a group of boys and girls from football teams across Scotland.

Thanks to everyone who donated to the football boot donation box we had in maternity – Lucas will be taking all those boots over, along with lots more equipment and kits.

These will help support children and communities in Rwanda so they can keep playing the game they love. While he’s there, Lucas will also be running football sessions for local academies and for some of Rwanda’s poorest street rescue children.

Massive thank you to all the staff who donated, and good luck Lucas

22/05/2026

Helpful information 👍🏼👇

22/05/2026

💛 Feedback Friday 💛 https://www.careopinion.org.uk/1439768
We love sharing stories like this from one of our wonderful mums 💛
“Jennifer supported me in every way she could… when I felt ready to give up with expressing, she never pressured me and helped me keep going. Eventually my baby latched, and my breastfeeding journey has been so positive.”
Starting a feeding journey can be challenging, and this is such a lovely example of how kind, compassionate support can build confidence and make all the difference 🌼
A huge thank you to Jennifer for her care—and a big well done to this amazing mum on her journey 💛

21/05/2026

"We're celebrating Scottish Breastfeeding Week 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💖! In June This week can be tough for families who wanted to breastfeed but weren't able to, and we want to acknowledge that. We're also celebrating all the families who have breastfed their babies - your hard work is amazing! Share a pic or story about your feeding journey with us, and help support other families just starting out 💡 Send us a DM if you're from Ayrshire and Arran

21/05/2026

Today we celebrate World Human Milk Donation Day 💜