Bespoke Birth with Amanda Lafferty

09/09/2025

04/09/2025

Baby sleeping bags with hoods, or those without arm openings, do not meet UK safety standards and are not permitted to be sold here. They can cause babies to suffocate, overheat or die.

Yet far too many are available to buy online.

In fact, a new investigation by Which? found many dangerous baby sleeping bags, similar or identical to products that have been officially recalled for suffocation risks, for sale online.

So, please shop safely.

Sleep bags should be well-fitted, (think neck and arm holes that fit well) so that your baby can’t wriggle down inside.

Plus, any sleep bags with hoods or head coverings should be avoided.

To learn more about shopping safely for your baby, and other dangerous baby products visit: https://capt.org.uk/10-baby-products-that-could-pose-serious-safety-risk/

04/08/2025

Do you have this game? Or perhaps you know someone who does?

Multiple cases of this magnetic strategy game have been recalled due to the danger of strong magnets small enough to be swallowed.

Strong magnets like these can rip through a child’s gut if swallowed, causing life-threatening injuries.

That’s why we recommend avoiding any small, loose magnets in the house if you have young children.

Discover more about the risks and how to keep children safe: https://capt.org.uk/magnet-safety/

23/07/2025

12/07/2025

Heading off on summer adventures with your baby? Or planning to leave them in someone else’s care with expressed breastmilk?

It’s worth planning ahead to make sure your milk is stored and transported safely 💜

🥛Storing:
Always use a sterile container with a lid, not the collection jug, to store your breastmilk. Store your breastmilk in the fridge or freezer as soon as possible - at the back of the fridge, not in the door.

🧊 Keep it cool:
Breastmilk stays at the highest quality when stored in a fridge running at 4°C or lower. If you're unsure of your fridge's temp, assume it’s warmer (5–10°C) and use the milk sooner.

❄️ Freezing is fine:
It slightly reduces some (but by no means all) of the nutrients and anti-infective ingredients of breastmilk.

👜 Travelling?
Use a cool bag with ice packs when travelling or transporting milk. Keeping it cold helps protect its quality.

⭐Using milk:
When stored, the cream and milk may separate out. This is normal. Shake gently to mix before use. If the milk smells sour DO NOT USE.

Check out our website for more information on expressing and storing breastmilk:
www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/breastfeeding-information/continuing-the-breastfeeding-journey/expressing-and-storing-breastmilk/

If you'd like to talk to someone about travelling while breastfeeding, give our National Breastfeeding Helpline UK a call on 0300 100 0212 or send them a message on social media - 24/7 💜

[ID: Safe storage of Breastmilk. Milk - Place - Maximum time. Fresh Breastmilk including colostrum. Room temperature - 6 hours. Fridge at 5°C-10°C - 3 days. Fridge at 4°C or lower - 5 days. If temperature rises above 4°C after 3 days then use within 6 hours. Frozen Breastmilk. Freezer at -18°C or lower - 6 months. Defrosting Breastmilk. When defrosting in the fridge - Usually takes 12 hours to defrost, use as soon as fully defrosted. When defrosting outside the fridge - Use as soon as fully defrosted. .]

12/07/2025

BackgroundThis study explores associations of maternal organic food consumption and diet quality during pregnancy with pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel dis...

06/07/2025

Going back to work soon?? There are lots of resources out there that can help you and your baby navigate this transition..we've put a few together here for your convenience 😊

https://westerntrust.hscni.net/healthy-living/breastfeeding/ #:~:text=Western%20Trust%20supports%20creating%20environments,'Return%20to%20Work'%20pack.

https://www.laleche.org.uk/working-and-breastfeeding/

https://www.laleche.org.uk/legal-rights-breastfeeding-mothers-returning-paid-employment/

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/breastfeeding-and-going-back-work

12/05/2025

Today marks the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 (12th-18th May). The theme for this year is ‘Community’.

It is important to celebrate the power and importance of community and being part of a safe, positive community is vital for our mental health and wellbeing both to protect and nurture positive mental health. It is also important to recognise communities can provide a sense of belonging, safety and support in hard times and reminds us all we are not alone.

Our Health Improvement, Equality & Involvement Department offer a range of free training courses, open to all and include a variety of emotional health and wellbeing courses. See attached calendar of training programmes running throughout the month of May in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Week

For further details please contact health.improvement@westerntrust.hscni.net

For information, advice and support to help people in Northern Ireland look after and improve their mental health and wellbeing and to find out what to do in crisis visit ▶ https://www.mindingyourhead.info/

07/05/2025

Due to the introduction of encompass there are some changes to our antenatal clinics in the coming weeks. If you are due to attend Dr Jamison's or Dr Lavery’s Antenatal Clinic as listed below, these will now be held at:

Fetal Assessment Unit, Level 1, South Wing, Altnagelvin Hospital

▪ Monday 12th May - Dr Jamison’s Clinic
▪ Tuesday 13th May - Dr Lavery’s Clinic
▪ Monday 19th May - Dr Jamison’s Clinic
▪ Tuesday 20th May - Dr Lavery’s Clinic
▪ Friday 23rd May - Dr Jamison’s Clinic
▪ Tuesday 27th May - Dr Lavery’s Clinic

For more information on encompass, visit ▶ https://westerntrust.hscni.net/about-the-trust/encompass/

29/04/2025

Babies don’t have to fall far to suffer a serious head injury. Their heads are much heavier than their bodies, which makes them top-heavy. And when they land, their head takes much of the impact. That’s why it’s so important to learn the risks and the simple things we can do to keep them safe from serious falls.

Download our free from falls fact sheet for top tips: https://capt.org.uk/resources/free-from-falls-fact-sheet/

18/04/2025

If you have experience pregnancy, stillborn or baby loss and feel this amazing programme could help you contact Kellie on 71281900. Limited spaces available.

18/04/2025