Beside You Kent

10/05/2026

Bringing a little one into the world can be both an exciting and overwhelming experience, especially if your baby arrives early or isn't feeling well. In these moments, it's completely natural to feel a whirlwind of emotions as you navigate this new chapter.

Breastfeeding can offer incredible benefits for your baby’s growth and immune system, and these benefits are even more crucial if your baby needs a little extra care. If direct breastfeeding isn’t possible right away, expressing your milk can be a wonderful way to support your baby. It might seem daunting to express eight to ten times a day, including at least once overnight, but remember, every drop counts.

Please know that you’re not alone in this journey. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed or anxious about both your baby's health and the demands of expressing milk. Sharing your feelings with the healthcare team around you can be incredibly helpful. They are there to support not only your baby but you as well.

Visit our website to see a lovely video of Mum Chelsey talking about her breastfeeding journey with her son following a time in NICU and tube feeding. The link is in the comments 👇

09/05/2026

📱 Text 'Let's Chat' on 07312 263368 – a quick way to reach Kent Health Visiting Service for quick advice on anything that's bothering you.

Find trusted guidance for you and your child from pregnancy to starting school at Kent Baby:
🔗 https://family.kentcht.nhs.uk/baby/

08/05/2026

Hand expressing milk is a useful skill to master, and doesn't require a pump or electricity. It helps target specific areas of the breast and is useful if your baby isn't latching well, to boost milk production, or to relieve engorgement.

How to hand express:

1. Wash your hands and prepare a sterilized container.
2. Get comfortable in a warm, quiet room.
3. Gently massage your breasts.
4. Cup your breast in a C-shape with your finger and thumb 2-3cm from the ni**le.
5. Press and release rhythmically until milk flows.
6. Change hand positions to express from different areas.
7. Repeat on both breasts, alternating as needed.

08/05/2026

Get involved in World Breastfeeding Week!

🗣️ Speak Out: Infant Feeding Support Drop‑In

Come along to our session on Tuesday 26th May at Murston Family Hub and share your feedback on infant feeding.

Your experiences will help shape how we celebrate and support World Breastfeeding Week and Black Breastfeeding Week this August 💜

Whether you breastfeed, bottle‑feed, combi‑feed or are still deciding – your voice matters.

📍 Murston Family Hub
🕐 1.00pm–2.00pm

🎁 £10 voucher as a thank you for taking part

👉 Book here: SwaleFamilyHubsBookings@KentCountyCouncil.onmicrosoft.com/s/ibZEC1_hW02p6-VJhcy3DA2?ismsaljsauthenabled" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://outlook.office.com/book/SwaleFamilyHubsBookings@KentCountyCouncil.onmicrosoft.com/s/ibZEC1_hW02p6-VJhcy3DA2?ismsaljsauthenabled

08/05/2026

This looks like exciting research to be involved in!
Are you pregnant, or have you had a baby within the last 2 years? You are invited to a workshop at King's College London to experience breastfeeding VR scenarios.
More details here: https://qualtrics.kcl.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_9XiFa5o6gMBNU3Q

Are you pregnant, or have you had a baby within the last 2 years? You are invited to a workshop at King's College London to experience breastfeeding VR scenarios.

More details here: https://qualtrics.kcl.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_9XiFa5o6gMBNU3Q

06/05/2026

The Born to move app supports parents and carers on the amazing journey from pregnancy all the way to their child starting school.

Download on Google Play and App Store.

06/05/2026

This maternal mental health week we are looking at emotions after having a baby.
Mixed feelings are very common. The early weeks can be overwhelming. There will be lovely moments with your baby, but also tiring and messy ones. You will be recovering from the birth, learning how to feed your baby and managing with little sleep.
If your feelings make daily life hard, this may be a sign you need more support. Having a mental health issue does not mean you do not love your baby, but it can make it harder to enjoy time together.
One in five women experience perinatal mental health problems, and this affects about one in ten dads and partners.
Reaching out to your GP or health visitor is a brave step and can make a real difference.
Check the link in the comments for more information.

05/05/2026

We want to take a moment to thank all the incredible midwives in Kent and Medway. Your dedication and compassion shine brightly every single day, and the impact you have is truly invaluable. Thank you for the love and care you provide to families during such precious moments. You all are amazing 💖

Discover why our colleagues are proud to be a midwife in Kent and Medway.

04/05/2026

Happy Star Wars Day! 🎉

If breastfeeding and dealing with biting, ensure a deep latch to reduce chances. For teething babies, try remedies, painkillers, or teething toys. Biting may happen out of curiosity or distraction, often towards the end of a feed. Unlatch gently if needed and avoid loud reactions, as this can worsen biting. It’s okay to take a break and try again later.

03/05/2026

It's amazing how breastfeeding offers remarkable benefits for both the parent and the baby. Not only does it nurture and comfort your little one, but it also provides you with some incredible health advantages, reducing the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. ❤️

02/05/2026

Navigating those late-night feedings in the early days of having a newborn can certainly feel overwhelming. Adjusting to the needs of your little one, who requires frequent nourishment, can be both physically and emotionally demanding. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone in this journey, and it’s completely normal to feel a bit challenged as you find your rhythm.

It might be tempting to turn to formula in hopes of getting a little more sleep, but there’s no strong evidence suggesting formula helps babies sleep longer. In fact, introducing formula can sometimes affect your milk supply, which is something to consider if you’re breastfeeding.

Take each night one at a time and give yourself grace. You’re doing an incredible job, even when it feels tough. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support and remember to take care of yourself, too.💙