Maternity Services at Newcastle Hospitals

15/01/2026

Content note: infant death

“Sharing Violet’s story is all we can do for her now. If it means just one other baby is protected, or one family knows more than we did, then that’s all we can dream for. That can be Violet’s legacy.”

Hayley and Dimitri’s first-born, Violet, died from the herpes virus.

Hayley is sharing her story in Violet’s honour, to raise awareness of how serious infections can be in newborn babies, and to help others feel confident in setting boundaries on behalf of their baby.

“I have a message to those who might be struggling to come to terms with a parent’s wishes for you not to kiss their baby or hold their baby without washing their hands. If you witnessed what happened to Violet, I truly believe you wouldn’t question kissing a newborn baby, not washing your hands or visiting whilst unwell.”

Read Hayley and Dimitri’s story in full 👉 https://bit.ly/3WUhq45

14/01/2026

13/01/2026

👶Have you booked your free antenatal classes? Booking links in the comments.

👶Held in four locations across Newcastle, and hosted by our friendly, knowledgeable team, three sessions are offered:

🤰🏿Labour and birth
Signs and stages of labour
Pain relief options and types of birth
Your care after birth, plus lots more

🤰Comfort and care
Preparing for baby and packing your bag
Holding, bathing, and dressing a baby
Car seat safety, and lots more

🤰🏾Baby practical
Bonding with your baby, skin-to-skin
Breastfeeding and safe sleep
Understanding baby’s needs, plus lots more

👶When you book a ticket, it will admit you and one other person. You can book onto one, two, or all three classes.

08/01/2026

😍Lauren sent this lovely feedback in, following the birth of her son in October. Shared with permission.

👶🏼"I gave birth to my second child, on delivery suite at the RVI, in the early hours of the 3rd October. After being induced for reduced movements on the Wednesday night there was quite a wait to be moved onto delivery suite as they were at capacity. The midwives looking after all of us in the induction bays were fab, attentive and apologetic that they couldn’t move us round faster (but nature of the beast of childbirth!) I was so impressed and the kindness, competence and communication shown by each midwife I encountered (in fact by every member of staff really). Each midwife told me her name, checked in regularly and kept me informed. Thanks to Cheska, Beth, Martha, Rachel and Ruth who each had a role to play during my/our time. A special thanks goes to Joan."

😍“She was with us overnight and ultimately delivered our son with head midwife Lisa. Joan was calm and patient but with that competent air that you know you’re in good hands. My son was the wrong way round (OP) so she asked for Lisa’s input swiftly and together they helped me get him here safely. When I bled after, it was handled swiftly and calmly and all was well and we were home the next day. Maternity services get such a bashing but aside from having to wait initially (can’t be helped!) I have nothing but genuine gratitude and awe for these wonderful, clever women. I won’t be back as my family is complete but would recommend your care to anyone. Thank you again.” 👶🏼👦🏼

07/01/2026

👣Pregnant women and new mums physical activity survey 2025!

👣Big life events, such as becoming a parent, can make being active more challenging.

👣The Child Health Network wants to understand your experiences and ideas about physical activity sessions for pregnant women and new mums.

👣Your responses will help them to work with partners to improve provision for new mums in the North East.

👣Survey link in comments.

06/01/2026

Nestle baby formula product recall.

02/01/2026

Our first 2026 arrivals, photographs courtesy of The Chronicle. 🥰

26/12/2025

Christmas 2025.....done!

What a day! We would like to share our gratitude to our amazing multi-disciplinary Maternity Services Team, many of whom have spent their Christmas caring for women & families in Newcastle.

Here are a few snaps from the last 24 hours! Please note: all staff members featured not actively caring for patients at the time of photo. All pics shared with consent. Thanks, team!

25/12/2025

Sending a very special Christmas-Congratulations to Laurissa Grant & Brent Mitchell Wright on the birth of their gorgeous baby boy! Born at 11:08 this morning at Newcastle Hospitals, the baby boy weighed in at a festive 4340g.... 9lbs 9oz!

Picture of baby's first gift from Santa shared with consent.

Thank you so much for sharing your lovely news with us and we can't wait to hear his name! HUGE congratulations from your Maternity Services at Newcastle Hospitals! 💙

25/12/2025

Merry Christmas from Maternity Services at Newcastle Hospitals!

We would like to share our gratitude to our amazing team who are busy caring for families today and throughout the festive period.

Their dedication means our hospitals remain safe and welcoming places for everyone who needs us. We hope to have an update for you shortly featuring our newest festive arrivals!

We wish you a happy and healthy Christmas from all of us at Maternity Services at Newcastle Hospitals.