Serenity birth Club, Salford (2025)

05/09/2025

💛 When Family Means Well… But It Feels Overwhelming

Bringing a new baby home is such a tender, emotional time. Everyone is excited, and family and friends often can’t wait to visit, cuddle, and “help.” Their intentions are usually full of love – but sometimes the constant advice, visitors, or unasked-for opinions can feel a little… too much.

If you’re finding yourself torn between gratitude and exhaustion, please know you’re not alone. Many new parents feel the same. It’s okay to:
✨ Put boundaries in place (“We’d love visits, but just for an hour.”)
✨ Ask for the help you actually need (a meal dropped off, the dishwasher emptied, holding the baby so you can shower).
✨ Say no – kindly but firmly. Protecting your space and mental wellbeing matters.

Remember: you are the parent. You know your baby best. Family will adjust and respect your wishes in time – and the people who love you most will understand.

This time is about you and your baby bonding, healing, and finding your rhythm together. Give yourself permission to prioritise that. 🌸

How did you (or how are you planning to) manage family support after baby arrives?

04/09/2025

September Outdoors with the Family ✨

September in the UK is such a gorgeous in-between month – the heat has eased, the leaves are just starting to turn, and there’s still plenty of daylight to enjoy together. Perfect for getting the family outdoors without the sticky suncream battles!

🌳 Woodland walks (spot the first conkers and crunchy leaves)
☕ A flask of hot chocolate in the park – big treat for little hands
🦆 Feeding the ducks or finding a local nature trail
🚲 Bike rides in that crisp early autumn air
🌅 Evening strolls before the nights draw in

Fresh air does wonders for little ones (and grown-ups too!) – boosting mood, sleep, and giving everyone a healthy glow. Plus, outdoor adventures don’t have to cost a thing.

So let’s soak up the last of the light evenings before the scarves and mittens come out. What’s your favourite outdoor family tradition in September?

03/09/2025

Folate in Pregnancy – Nature’s Boost ✨🌿

Folate is a type of B vitamin that plays a huge role in your baby’s early development, especially for the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. The good news? Nature has packed it into lots of delicious foods!

🥦 Leafy greens like spinach, kale & broccoli
🥕 Veggies such as asparagus, beetroot & peas
🍊 Citrus fruits, avocados & berries
🌾 Lentils, beans & chickpeas
🥣 Fortified breads & cereals

Including these in your meals is a simple (and tasty!) way to nourish yourself and your growing baby.

💊 But here’s the key bit: even with the best diet, it’s still recommended to take a folic acid supplement (400 micrograms daily) from before conception up until 12 weeks pregnant, to give your baby the very best start. Some women will need a higher dose prescribed by their GP.

✨ Think of it as combining the goodness of natural folate with a little extra backup, the perfect team for pregnancy health.

02/09/2025

Autumn Pregnancy Prep 🍂

There’s something magical about being pregnant in autumn, the cosy jumpers, golden leaves, and all the pumpkin-spiced everything. But it’s also the perfect season to slow down and do a little prep before baby arrives.

Think:
🧣 Layer up and stay comfy – temperatures can swing quickly!
🥣 Nourishing soups and slow-cooker meals (great to batch cook and freeze for those newborn days).
📚 Snuggle in with antenatal reading, podcasts, or birth prep classes – autumn is a fab time to focus and learn.
🕯️ Create a calming corner at home – blankets, fairy lights, maybe even practise your relaxation breathing there.

Pregnancy is about preparing your mind, body, and home. Autumn reminds us it’s okay to rest, reflect, and gather everything you need for the new season of life you’re stepping into. 💛

Are you an autumn mama-to-be? What’s your favourite cosy ritual right now?

01/09/2025

☀️✨ Free Family Fun at Home (while summer’s still hanging around!) ✨☀️

Summer holidays don’t always have to mean spending big, some of the best memories are made right at home. Think garden picnics with blankets and cushions, water play with buckets and bowls, baking together (flour fight optional 🤭), or even a family movie night with homemade tickets and popcorn.

It’s often the simple things that stick, giggles in the paddling pool, messy ice lollies on the patio, or a treasure hunt around the house. Kids won’t remember the price tag… they’ll remember the fun. 💛

So let’s squeeze every drop out of the summer that’s left, what’s your favourite at home family activity?

27/08/2025

Please nominate us for a Movement for Good Award. It only takes a minute, and APP could win £1000! https://bit.ly/APPM4G

20/08/2025

🤰 Pregnant at work? Know your rights in the UK!

It’s not just you who’s protected, your partner has rights too. Here’s what you both need to know:

✅ Antenatal appointments

You: entitled to paid time off for scans + midwife checks.

Partner: entitled to unpaid time off for two antenatal appointments.

✅ Maternity leave

You: up to 52 weeks (first 39 weeks can be paid depending on eligibility).

Partner: up to 2 weeks paid paternity leave, plus the option of Shared Parental Leave if you want to split the time.

✅ Workplace safety

Employers must risk assess your role and make adjustments if needed to protect your pregnancy.

✅ No discrimination

It’s illegal for employers to treat you unfairly for being pregnant, on maternity leave, or for your partner supporting you through it.

You’ve got enough to think about without worrying if work is on your side – but the law has your back. 💛

👉 Save this for later or tag a parent-to-be who needs to know!

19/08/2025

Pregnant + in need of a break? Staycation it is! ✨🌿

Who says you need a long-haul flight (and swollen ankles) to enjoy a holiday? The UK has plenty of bump-friendly spots to relax, recharge and make memories before baby arrives.

☕ Cosy countryside cottages – think morning tea in your PJs with rolling hills as your view.
🌊 Seaside escapes – salty air, gentle walks, and maybe even a cheeky ice cream on the pier.
🌳 Forest breaks – peaceful woodland cabins where you can nap, nest, and stargaze.
🛁 Spa hotels – pregnancy massages, fluffy robes, and zero guilt for ordering dessert twice.

A staycation means less stress, no airports, and all the pillows you want for those extra-comfy naps. Perfect for a little babymoon without the hassle! 💛

Where would your dream UK pregnancy staycation be?

18/08/2025

😴 Pregnancy + Summer = Sleepless Nights? You’re not alone! Hot nights and a growing bump can make it tricky to get comfy. Here are some simple hacks to help you drift off a little easier:

✨ Cool your room – A fan, blackout blinds, or even a damp flannel on your forehead can make all the difference.
✨ Keep it light – Lightweight cotton pyjamas and bedding help your body breathe.
✨ Hydrate smart – Sip water through the day, but ease off before bed to avoid midnight bathroom marathons.
✨ Find your position – Side-lying with a pillow between your knees supports your bump and hips (your back will thank you in the morning!).

Summer nights may feel endless, but so will the new-born nights soon 😉 – so take every bit of rest you can.

💤 Sweet dreams, mamas-to-be! 🌙💛

17/08/2025

🩹 First Aid for Families. 3-Hour Essential Course 🧸🚑
Because knowing what to do in an emergency could save a life.

Would you know what to do if your baby started choking?
If your toddler had a febrile seizure?
If a loved one stopped breathing?

It’s a scary thought, but being prepared makes all the difference, and you don’t need to be a medical professional to save a life.

This relaxed, hands-on class is designed especially for parents, grandparents, babysitters and extended family.
You’ll learn the practical, no-nonsense skills to feel more confident in real-life situations, without the panic.

✅ What we cover (all in just 3 hours!):
• Baby, child and adult CPR
• Choking – with real-life manikins
• Febrile seizures
• Burns, cuts and bumps
• Meningitis symptoms
• Allergies and anaphylaxis
• When to get help – and when not to panic

👶 Babies are very welcome to come along too! Feed, cuddle, and change as needed, no judgement here.

📍 Where? Worsley United Reformed Church, Swinton
🕙 When? Saturday 24th August, 10am–1pm
💷 Cost? Just £20 per person

Delivered by a midwife and first aid trainer who gets it, no pressure, no scary stories, just practical learning and friendly support.

🧡 Spaces are limited. To book your place visit www.serenitybirthclub.com

13/08/2025

What is Hypnobirthing, and why are so many parents choosing it?

Spoiler alert: it’s not about being hypnotised or chanting in a forest (unless that’s your thing… in which case, go for it 🌿).

Hypnobirthing is all about understanding how your body and mind work in labour, and learning tools to stay calm, in control, and confident throughout.

✨ Here’s what hypnobirthing can help with:
💭 Reduces fear and anxiety around birth
💪 Boosts confidence in your body’s ability
💆‍♀️ Teaches deep relaxation, breathing & visualisation techniques
📚 Helps your birth partner feel involved and prepared
📉 May reduce the need for pain relief or intervention
🩺 Encourages a more positive birth experience, however your birth unfolds

It’s not about having a “perfect” birth. It’s about having a more informed, more empowered one.

Birth is not just a physical event, it’s deeply emotional and transformative. Hypnobirthing gives you tools to feel more grounded, supported and in tune with your instincts.

And you don’t need to be ‘zen’ or ‘spiritual’ to benefit. Just open-minded, curious, and ready to prepare for birth in a different way 💛

Whether you’re planning a home birth, hospital birth, or C-section – hypnobirthing can be part of your toolkit.

12/08/2025

😴 Warm Weather & Baby Sleep, What’s Going On? ☀️

If your baby has suddenly decided sleep is optional since the weather warmed up… you’re not imagining it.

Hot, sticky nights can really mess with your little one’s sleep, and yours too. Babies struggle to regulate their body temperature, and when they’re too warm, it can make them feel uncomfortable, restless, and more likely to wake frequently.

You might notice:
🌡️ More fussiness at bedtime
💧 More night feeds (they’re thirsty too!)
🛏️ Difficulty settling or staying asleep
😵‍💫 A tired, grumpy baby during the day

What can help?
💨 Keep their sleep space as cool as possible, blackout blinds by day, fans by night (don't place the fan directly over your baby)
🍼 Offer extra feeds for hydration
🩲 Dress them lightly, just a vest or nappy is often enough
🧊 A lukewarm bath before bed can help bring their body temp down

And remember, this is temporary. As the temperature cools, their sleep will likely settle again.

Be kind to yourself, rest when you can, and know that if bedtime feels a bit like a battle right now… you're not doing anything wrong 💛

Serenity birth Club

05/09/2025

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