Lancashire Health Visiting and School Nursing

20/12/2025

❤️ Car seat safety ❤️

Letting children wear winter jackets in car seats is a common mistake.

Read on to learn more about why you should remove thick winter clothing before placing your child in the car seat.

gives the following advice and information;

❗ Clothing can affect how snugly the seat’s harness fits the child, so it’s important to check it is snug on every journey.
❗ If your child is wearing a thick jacket or body suit the harness will not be close enough to his/her body, which means it will be too loose.
❗ In a collision, this would allow the child’s body to move too much before the harness starts to restrain the child, which reduces the safety of the seat considerably.
❗ We do not recommend that thick jackets or bodysuits are worn.
❗ If a child was wearing a thick coat on a previous journey, and is wearing something less bulky on the next journey, it is doubly important to check the harness fits snugly.
❗ If more than two fingers can fit between the child's chest and the harness, it is too loose.

For further information please look at;

https://www.rospa.com/lets-talk-about/2016/november/child-car-seats

https://www.childcarseats.org.uk/

https://www.gov.uk/child-car-seats-the-rules

(images below from BeSafe.Com)

19/12/2025

With Christmas celebrations just around the corner, you may be wondering whether it’s okay to have an alcoholic drink while breastfeeding 🥂

There’s often a lot of discussion around this, so today we’re sharing some key points to break it down clearly:

• Having occasional, small amounts of alcohol while breastfeeding is generally considered fine (for example, a glass of wine with a meal or a couple of drinks socially).

•You should not drink regularly or heavily (e.g. binge drinking) without thinking about how to reduce your baby’s exposure.

• If you plan to drink heavily, make sure your baby is cared for by a sober, responsible adult.

• Never share a bed or sofa with your baby if you’ve had any alcohol.

• Anyone who’s been drinking should avoid situations where they could fall asleep with a baby—whether that’s on a bed, chair, or sofa.

• You don’t need to “pump and dump” to remove alcohol from your milk. As your blood alcohol level drops, the amount in your milk drops too.

• You may want to express for comfort to avoid engorgement when missing feeds.

• If you want to minimise your baby’s exposure to alcohol, you can avoid feeding for 2–3 hours after drinking.

Find out more in our factsheet:
www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/factsheet/alcohol/

✨Having a drink this Christmas?✨
Thinking ahead can help you enjoy the holidays safely - plan your celebrations so you can enjoy a drink while making sure your baby is cared for.

[ID: Alcohol and Breastfeeding. Images of two glasses of wine. www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/drugs-factsheets.]

18/12/2025

Winter is a busy time for families, but we're still here to help.

Whether you need support with pregnancy, early years advice, emotional wellbeing, or would like to visit one of our Child Health Clinics, we're here to support you and your family every step of the way.

Find out about all of our services: https://bit.ly/4pyS9si

18/12/2025

17/12/2025

Are you planning a family holiday abroad this summer? Don’t forget about travel vaccinations!

Different countries may require extra vaccines to protect your child against illnesses like hepatitis A, typhoid, or yellow fever.

Before you travel, make sure you:

✅ Check destination-specific vaccine advice
✅ Book vaccinations at your GP surgery at least 6–8 weeks before you go
✅ Keep your child’s routine UK immunisations up to date

Travel vaccines aren’t always included in the NHS schedule, so planning ahead is key 💉

For more information, visit the NHS website: https://bit.ly/4laHOBd

Or if you need advice, speak to your GP or school nurse team - we’re here to help keep your family safe and healthy.

17/12/2025

For some people, symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can feel more noticeable or harder to manage during the winter.

But small things can help:

🔵 try some physical activity – anything that gets you moving
🔵 make the most of natural light – getting outside or sitting near windows
🔵 plan for tougher days – shifting stressful tasks or building in more rest

There’s also treatment available if you’re finding things really tough – such as light therapy, talking therapies or medication.

Find out more ➡️ www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/overview/

16/12/2025

Breastfeeding has so many benefits.

Blackburn with Darwen Public Health have produced this video to explain some of these benefits. Listen out for some of our youngest residents who are our voiceover stars!

There is lots of of FREE support for breastfeeding here in Lancashire:

- Contact your Health Visiting Service 0300 247 0040, visit our website https://lancschildandfamily.co.uk/ or download our new app 'Lancashire Child and Family'.
- Anya the 24/7 pregnancy, parenting and baby feeding support app
- NCT Parent Support Lancashire infant feeding peer support available

15/12/2025

There are plenty of low-cost ways to make special memories with the family this winter. Here are five ideas to get you started:

1️⃣ Visit your local library: join for free and enjoy ebooks, audiobooks, comics and graphic novels, perfect for cosy days indoors. Many libraries are also running festive crafts, story times, film nights and sing-alongs throughout December. Find out what's on here: https://bit.ly/4p3DKED

2️⃣ Make the most of your HAF voucher: eligible families can access Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) sessions over Christmas, including warming winter meals, indoor activities, parties and pantomimes, all designed to boost confidence, wellbeing and fun. Find out more here: https://bit.ly/3Tnr79p

3️⃣ Enjoy festive events across Lancashire: from light switch-ons and Christmas markets to Santa visits and unique gifts, there’s so much festive magic happening locally. Take a look at what's happening near you: https://bit.ly/347s1Md

4️⃣ Visit your local Family Hub: this winter, Family Hubs are offering warm, creative and supportive sessions, with festive crafts, holiday programmes, family parties and opportunities to meet Father Christmas. Find out more: https://bit.ly/44fFuCH

5️⃣ Wrap up and explore the outdoors: Lancashire has beautiful winter walking spots, including Beacon Fell and Wycoller Country Park. Fresh air, great views and plenty of space to explore! Find walking routes here: https://bit.ly/48CTsRp

15/12/2025

Expecting a baby? 👶
Have you accessed one of our virtual groups yet?🤩 🖐

If you have any questions, or would like to book your place on one of our live groups, please contact a member of our Healthy Family Team and include your child’s DOB and full name.

Alternatively, access one of our pre-recorded sessions on the website or download our new app for helpful information and support during your parenting journey.

☎️ 0300 247 0040
📧 vcl.019.SinglePointOfAccess@nhs.net
🌐 https://lancschildandfamily.co.uk/services/virtual-groups/
📱Download the app 'Lancashire Child and Family'

Check your junk folder and if you haven't received an email link 48 hours prior to the group then please give us a call.

12/12/2025

Phone line and social media messenger service remains open 24/7 throughout the Christmas period 🙂 📞 Call 0300 100 0212

For helpful factsheets from the The Breastfeeding Network Drugs in Breastmilk Service which are most popular at this time of year visit https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/drugs-factsheets/

• Cough and cold remedies and Breastfeeding
• Decongestants and Breastfeeding
• Sore throats and Breastfeeding
• Alcohol and Breastfeeding
• Mastitis guidance
• Vaccinations and Breastfeeding
• Vitamin D and Breastfeeding

11/12/2025

The festive season is a joyful one, but it can also feel overwhelming. If you need advice, reassurance or support, our local teams are here to help 🎄

Whether you’re looking for health visiting support, feeding advice, emotional wellbeing help, or simply a safe space to talk, you can attend one of our clinics or reach out online.

Find your local clinic: https://bit.ly/4oh24Cm

You’re never alone, and it’s okay to reach out if things feel a bit much this Christmas 🌟

10/12/2025

Are you expecting a baby? 🤰👶
Do you live in Lancashire?

Thursday afternoons - come and join us!

Information and top tips for expectant parents, delivered by Infant Feeding Specialists and Lactation Consultants.

🎦LIVE and Interactive Virtual Group –
Antenatal Infant Feeding - Thursday 12.30-2pm (twice per month)

✅ Pre-recorded online session available via our website
✅ There is also our Bump, Birth & Beyond groups, some of which are held face to face.

Get in touch for more information or to book onto one of our live groups via your Health Visiting Service:
☎️ 0300 247 0040
📧 vcl.019.SinglePointOfAccess@nhs.net.
🌐 https://lancschildandfamily.co.uk/services/virtual-groups/
📱Download our new app! 'Lancashire Child and Family'