Serenity birth Club, Salford (2025)

23/07/2025

✨ Why being upright in labour just makes sense (and science agrees!)

Did you know that staying upright during labour can shorten your labour, reduce the need for interventions, and help baby into a better position?

Here’s what the evidence says:

📚 Research shows:

Upright positions in the first stage of labour can reduce its length by up to an hour (Lawrence et al., Cochrane Review 2013)

It may lower the chance of needing an epidural

There’s a reduced risk of baby being in a less-than-ideal position (like back-to-back)

Being active helps baby’s head press down on the cervix, triggering stronger, more effective contractions

💡 It also makes you feel more in control.
Standing, swaying, kneeling, bouncing on a ball,these are all instinctive movements your body often wants to do when it’s left to get on with it.

🚫 Lying on your back can narrow the pelvis and make it harder for baby to descend, not ideal when you’re working so hard!

And remember, upright doesn’t mean doing laps of the ward! It can be as simple as:
🪑 Sitting forward in a chair
🧘‍♀️ Kneeling over a birth ball
💃 Swaying to music
👣 Leaning on your partner or the bed

🌟 It’s your birth, your way, but having this knowledge gives you more tools to choose what feels right for you.

Want to explore all the ways to work with your body during labour? Join one of my antenatal courses, we cover this and so much more, in a fun, friendly and judgement-free space.

📍 Swinton
🖥️ www.serenitybirthclub.com

22/07/2025

👶Feeling baby move? It’s one of the most magical (and important!) parts of pregnancy

From those early flutters to full-on kicks in the ribs, your baby’s movements are a sign that they’re doing well in there, and learning your baby’s pattern is so important.

🗓️ When should I feel movement?
Most people feel their baby move by 16–24 weeks.
First baby? It might be closer to 20–24 weeks ,and it can feel like flutters, bubbles or tiny nudges at first.

🔁 From 28 weeks, movements become more noticeable and follow a pattern that’s unique to your baby. There’s no “normal number” of kicks, it’s about what’s normal for your little one.

⚠️ Reduced movements? Call your midwife. Always.
Not sure if it’s less than usual? Feel something’s not quite right?
Please don’t wait. You’re never wasting anyone’s time.

💛 You know your baby best. Trust your instincts.

For more reassuring pregnancy support and down-to-earth advice, join one of my antenatal classes in Swinton, I’d love to help you feel calm, confident, and ready.

📍 www.serenitybirthclub.com

21/07/2025

🥄 Starting weaning? Welcome to the world of bibs, broccoli flings and “what even is that on your eyebrow?”

Weaning (introducing solid foods) usually starts around 6 months, when baby is showing signs they’re ready to try more than milk:

✔️ Sitting up with good head control
✔️ Showing interest in your food
✔️ Lost the tongue-thrust reflex (so food doesn’t just get spat straight back at you!)

🍎 Start simple
First tastes can be mashed veg, soft fruits, or baby-led finger foods. Think: avocado, sweet potato, pear, all the beige squishables!

😋 It’s all about exploring, not eating
At first, it’s more about play, taste, texture and fun. Milk is still their main food until around 12 months, food is a bonus, not a replacement.

🚫 No honey before 1
❌ No added salt or sugar
🥜 Watch for allergens, introduce one at a time

😅 Expect mess. So Much Mess!
Strip them down, roll up your sleeves and get a camera ready, the faces are gold.

💛 Weaning doesn’t need to be stressful, it’s just the next little step in growing your happy, healthy eater.

📍 www.serenitybirthclub.com

18/07/2025

🛁☀️ Beat the heat with bath-time fun!
When it’s hot outside and your baby’s getting sticky, there’s no need to head to the pool ,the bath is your summer bestie! 💦

💛 Bathtime = playtime
A lukewarm bath is perfect for helping baby cool down and have a bit of splashy fun. Think of it as their own private spa… minus the cucumber slices.

Here’s how to make it playful:

🧼 Bubbles (the gentle kind!)
🌈 Colourful bath toys
🎵 A splashy soundtrack – bath time bangers only
🌊 A shallow tub or even a washing-up bowl in the shade for mini outdoor paddling

🏖️ No paddling pool? No problem!
Pop the baby bath in the garden or bathroom floor with some warm (not cold) water, and let them swish, splash, and squeal to their heart’s content.

👀 Always supervise, even a tiny bit of water needs full attention. But you already knew that, super parent 💪

And the best bit? Water play isn’t just cooling, it’s fab for sensory development, bonding and giving you both a giggle.

📍 www.serenitybirthclub.com

17/07/2025

🐾👶 Bringing baby home to meet the fur baby?
It’s a big moment, for you and your pet! Here are a few gentle tips to help make the introduction calm, safe and positive for everyone (including the one with paws):

💡 Start early. During pregnancy, get your pet used to baby smells (nappies, lotion, baby-grows) and sounds (try baby cries at low volume). Think of it as antenatal prep for your pet!

🏡 First meeting matters. Let someone else greet your pet first when you get home so they can release that excited energy. Then, introduce baby slowly and calmly, always with supervision.

🐕 Sniff, don’t smother. Let your pet sniff a blanket or baby-grow before meeting baby. Keep first meetings short and sweet, and don’t force interaction, it’s not a Disney movie (yet!).

🎉 Reward the calm. Treats and praise for gentle curiosity go a long way. Make sure your pet has a safe retreat space if it all gets a bit much.

👶🐶 Take your time. Bonding may not be instant, and that’s ok. You’re building trust, not rushing a friendship.

💛 Remember, you know your pet best. Trust your instincts and take it at their pace.

For more real-life new-born tips (human and furry!), join my antenatal classes in Swinton.
📍 www.serenitybirthclub.com

16/07/2025

Suns out… but baby’s skin is in!
Babies under 6 months have super delicate skin that burns easily, so sun safety isn’t just a summer extra, it’s essential.

Here’s how to keep your little one safe in the sunshine:

🕶️ Shade is your best mate
Keep babies in the shade when the sun’s strong (especially 11am–3pm). A pram with a proper sunshade or parasol is great, a muslin or any cover over the hood is dangerous and doesn’t count (it can make them too hot!).

🧢 Dress smart
Loose, lightweight clothes that cover arms and legs, plus a wide-brimmed hat to protect that little head and neck.

💦 Stay cool and hydrated
Offer extra breast or bottle feeds in hot weather. Babies can get dehydrated quickly.

🧴 Sunscreen (for over 6 months)
Use factor 50+ baby-safe sunscreen on little ones over 6 months. Don’t forget tops of ears, feet, and backs of hands!

😴 Check their temperature
Touch their chest or back, if they’re sweaty or hot, move to the shade and cool them off.

Babies and sunshine can go together, just think shade, hydration, and a cute sunhat.

🖥️ www.serenitybirthclub.com

15/07/2025

✈️ Travelling While Pregnant? Here’s What You Need to Know! 🤰

Jetting off for a babymoon? Driving to see family? Whether it’s a city break or just popping down the motorway, here are a few bump-safe travel tips to keep you comfy and confident on the move 👇

✨ When’s best to travel?
The second trimester (weeks 14–28) is usually the sweet spot, morning sickness has usually eased, energy levels rise a little, and you’re not quite at the ‘waddling everywhere’ stage yet!

🚗 Car journeys:

Always wear your seatbelt, with the lap part under your bump and across your hips, not over your belly.

Take regular breaks to stretch your legs and help reduce the risk of clots (and snack. Definitely snack).

Keep water handy and try to stay cool, pregnancy turns your internal heating system up a notch!

✈️ Flying:

Most airlines allow travel up to 36 weeks for single pregnancies (28–32 weeks for twins) but always check!

Wear compression socks to support circulation.

Keep your maternity notes with you – just in case.

Stay hydrated and move around when you can, even just a shuffle up the aisle helps.

⚠️ When to avoid travel:

If you’re feeling unwell, have complications like high blood pressure, or your healthcare provider advises you not to.

Always listen to your body, you’re not just packing a suitcase; you’re packing a whole little person in there too 👶

And if you’re staying local, come join one of my antenatal classes for bump-friendly support, laughs, and loads of practical info 🧡

www.serenitybirthclub.com

14/07/2025

July & August Babies. Little Stars with Big Personalities! 🌟

If your baby is due in July or August, you're welcoming a true summer soul, and depending on the date, they'll be either a Cancer or a Leo… and oh my, what a combo! 💫

👶 Cancers (June 21–July 22) are often known for being deeply sensitive, cuddly little homebodies. They love snuggles, familiar faces and tend to have a wonderfully intuitive nature. Basically, they're born to love, and be loved 💕

🦁 Leos (July 23–August 22) are the natural-born entertainers! Think bold, bright, and full of character. Leos love attention and thrive on praise, don’t be surprised if your little one has a flair for drama or flashes you a cheeky grin before they’ve even mastered rolling over 😄

Both signs are full of heart, whether they’re leading the way or feeling all the feelings and summer babies tend to be full of light in more ways than one 🌞

And if you're still preparing for the big day, come join one of my fun, down-to-earth antenatal classes at Serenity Birth Club. Because even star babies need well-prepped parents! 🌙✨
www.serenitybirthclub.com

11/07/2025

💗 Let’s talk about perineal massage…
Not the most glamorous topic, but one that could really help when it comes to birth!

From around 34 weeks pregnant, gently massaging the area between your va**na and a**s (the perineum) can help prepare your body for birth by making the tissues more flexible and elastic.

It’s especially helpful for first-time mums.
📚 According to the Cochrane Review (2020), regular perineal massage from 34 weeks may reduce the risk of perineal tearing and lower the chance of needing an episiotomy (a cut to the perineum during birth), particularly in your first birth.

👉 Swipe through the carousel to learn:

What perineal massage is

When to start

How to do it safely

The benefits and the real talk stuff to consider

✨ I teach this technique (with a practical demo) in all of my antenatal classes, along with other helpful tools to help you feel informed, confident, and calm as birth approaches.

Want to feel more prepared?
Book a spot in my next antenatal course at: www.serenitybirthclub.com

It’s all taught by me, a midwife, mum, and supporter for your kind of birth.

10/07/2025

⚠️ Let’s Talk About Pre-eclampsia ⚠️
Because knowing the signs can make a huge difference.

Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy complication that usually develops after 20 weeks, affecting around 6% of pregnancies. It’s linked to problems with the placenta and can cause high blood pressure and problems with the organs, mainly the kidneys and liver.

While it can be mild, it can also become serious if left untreated.
The key? Spotting it early.

👀 Symptoms to watch out for:

Persistent headaches that don’t go away

Blurred vision, flashing lights, or floaters

Swelling in your hands, face or around the eyes (not just puffy feet!)

Sudden weight gain or rapid swelling

Pain just under your ribs (usually on the right)

Feeling generally unwell, a bit “off” without knowing why

High blood pressure or protein in your urine (often picked up in routine checks)

It’s sneaky, because sometimes there are no obvious symptoms at all, which is why regular blood pressure and urine checks in pregnancy are so important.💛

🩺 If you’re ever unsure, always call your midwife or maternity unit. It’s never a waste of time to get checked. Pre-eclampsia can come on suddenly, and it’s much easier to manage when caught early.

📚 According to NICE guidelines, severe pre-eclampsia may lead to complications for both mum and baby, but with close monitoring and treatment (usually medication or early delivery), outcomes are usually very positive.

You know your body best, trust your instincts, and don’t hesitate to speak up.

09/07/2025

✨ Let’s Talk About Colostrum Harvesting ✨
(aka collecting that golden liquid gold before baby arrives)

Colostrum is your baby’s first milk, thick, golden, and packed with everything they need in those first few feeds. Some parents choose to express and store a little colostrum in the weeks before birth , and that’s what we call colostrum harvesting.

🍼 Why do it?

It can be a back-up if baby needs a little extra milk after birth (e.g. if they're sleepy or blood sugars are low)

Great for babies who may be more likely to need support feeding, like if you have gestational diabetes, are expecting a small or large baby, twins, or a planned C-section

Colostrum is packed with antibodies, helps line the baby’s gut, and boosts their immune system

Some parents find it boosts their confidence in hand expressing before baby even arrives

💛 Is it for everyone?
It’s safe for most people with low-risk pregnancies to start from around 36–37 weeks, using gentle hand expressing.
BUT, if you have a history of premature labour, a short cervix, or pregnancy complications, always speak to your midwife before starting, as stimulating the ni***es can cause mild cramping.

🧊 Expressed colostrum is usually stored in small syringes and frozen. You can bring them with you to hospital in a cool bag, just in case baby needs a little top-up.

This isn’t about pressure or performance.
You don’t have to do it, but if you want to, and it feels right for you, it can be a lovely little head start on your feeding journey.

💬 Want to learn how to hand express safely and effectively? I cover this in my antenatal courses booked via www.serenitybirthclub.com with a practical demo and time for all your questions!

08/07/2025

Postnatal Mental Health: Let's Talk About It

Having a baby can be beautiful, but let’s not sugar-coat it.
It can also be messy, overwhelming, and incredibly lonely at times.

💔 It’s estimated that 1 in 5 women experience a mental health problem during pregnancy or in the year after birth. For some, it’s low mood or anxiety. For others, it can be more severe, like postnatal depression or postpartum psychosis.

And it’s not just mums. Research shows that around 1 in 10 new dads also experience depression after the birth of a baby.

These conditions aren’t caused by anything you’ve done. They’re linked to a mix of hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, birth trauma, previous mental health history, lack of support, and more.

🧠 Common signs of postnatal mental health difficulties might include:
Persistent sadness or tearfulness
Feeling numb or disconnected
Racing or intrusive thoughts
Anxiety or panic
Feeling like you're “just going through the motions”
Difficulty sleeping (even when baby sleeps)

The NHS and Royal College of Psychiatrists both highlight that untreated postnatal mental illness can affect a parent’s ability to bond and care for their baby, but with support and treatment, recovery is absolutely possible.

A 2022 UK study (Tommy’s and King’s College London) found that only 7% of women with postnatal mental health concerns felt they received the right care and support.

💛 If you’re not feeling yourself, please know you’re not failing.
You’re not alone.
You’re not “just hormonal.”
And you absolutely deserve support.

🤍 Talk to someone. Your GP, midwife, health visitor, a friend. The earlier we talk about it, the easier it is to get help.

You matter too, not just the baby. Your wellbeing is the foundation your baby grows from.

Serenity birth Club

23/07/2025

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