Ladies & Babies Massage

21/06/2024

Today is the Summer Solstice - the longest day of the year!

The weather says different, but summer is here ☀️

It's recommended that you get 2 hours (if only face is exposed) or 20-30 minutes (face, neck, and arms) of sunlight without sunscreen. If you have darker skin, the need increases. It is important to avoid sunburn, especially in babies.

Breastfeeding mothers and breastfed babies from birth to one year of age should be given a daily vitamin D supplement. This doesn't mean that breastmilk isn't perfect for babies.

Did you know that the main source is Ultraviolet B sunlight exposure? Vitamin D deficiency in the UK is mainly caused by bad weather and the increasing use of high-factor sunscreen.

For more information on vitamin D and breastfeeding, check out The Breastfeeding Network Drugs in Breastmilk Service factsheet:
https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/factsheet/vitamind/

You can also find some information on sunscreen, here:
https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/factsheet/creams/

[ID: Happy Summer Solstice. Image of mother feeding twins in sunny field.]

20/06/2024

As it's Cervical Screening Awareness Week we thought it would be a good time to remind all women and people with a cervix to check whether their cervical screening is due.

We know it can be uncomfortable to talk about (and attend!). But it is so important that you get checked 💜

You can find more information on Cervical Screening - including tips and support to make attending a little easier, here:

www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-awareness/cervical-screening-awareness-week

www.jostrust.org.uk/get-involved/campaign/cervical-screening-awareness-week

[ID: Cervical Screening Awareness Week. All women and people with a cervix, between the ages of 25 and 64, should have cervical screening. 17th-23rd June.]

12/06/2024

Be aware

Find out about measles, a highly infectious viral illness that can be very unpleasant and sometimes lead to serious complications.

12/06/2024

01/06/2024

Whooping cough (pertussis) cases are rising and babies who are too young to start their vaccinations are at greatest risk.

Young babies with whooping cough are often very unwell and many are likely to need hospital treatment.

If you are pregnant, you can choose to get vaccinated from 16 weeks up to 32 weeks. The immunity you get from the vaccine passes to your baby through the placenta and protects them until they are old enough to be vaccinated at 8 weeks old.

For more information about the vaccination, visit: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/whooping-cough-vaccination/

01/06/2024

Many parents are too hard on themselves, especially when it comes to feeding their babies. Every baby and feeding journey is different. What works for one parent, may not work for another.

It can be difficult - but try to ignore that unsolicited advice. Setting those boundaries with others will help manage expectations.

If no one's told you recently, you are doing great!💜

Looking back, what would you tell yourself in those early days?

[ID: image of a mother breastfeeding baby upside down. Realistic Expectations. Expecting too much of yourself is common when you have a baby. This could be when caring for baby, house, work or socialising. Your baby will need you a lot, especially in the early days. Being prepared and setting boundaries will help manage expectations.]

09/04/2024

09/04/2024

April is Adenomyosis Awareness Month.

Adenomyosis is a condition where the lining of the womb starts growing into the muscle wall of the womb. You may be more likely to have this condition if you are over the age of 30 and have given birth.

There are treatments that can help ease your symptoms so the condition does not interfere with your daily life – your doctor can discuss the options with you.

For more information, visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/adenomyosis/.