Good Hope Hospital Maternity Unit

27/08/2025

A change in movement can be a warning sign that your baby is unwell. It doesn't mean something is ALWAYS wrong. But by reporting all cases of change in movement we have the best chance of saving the babies at risk.

Of course there are people who had reduced movement and everything was fine. It doesn't mean everyone will have the same experience.

In 1982, the year before car seats became a legal requirement there were 2443 road deaths, by 2016 that was 816. Seatbelts saved lives. That didn't mean everyone that didn't wear a seatbelt died. I was born in 1980, I was driven around without a seatbelt. I'm still alive. Do you think I wear a seatbelt every time I get in the car? You bet I do!

Survivor Bias means there are a lot of people who did something and 'were fine' but those that weren't aren't here to comment.

If someone tells you their baby slowed down and they were fine, congratulate them and continue to report all your cases of reduced movement to your midwife or maternity unit.

Stillbirth rates have improved greatly over the last 100 years, but more babies are still stillborn than die from SIDS, Road deaths, meningitis, cancer and drowning COMBINED!

Please continue to raise awareness and report any change in your baby's movements, this could be a reduction, a rapid increase, a change in intensity or type of movements.

Kicks Count

26/08/2025

BSOL MNVP will be hosting our third quarterly meeting with a focus on UHB in 2 weeks time!

🤝Service Users are welcome from 10am, to share, listen and support change. Equally if you are not ready to share, it may be an opportunity to hear our conversations. Our aim is to improve experiences within Maternity and Neonatal services in Birmingham and Solihull, champion good practice and working in collaboration with Service Users, Community Partners and our NHS Trusts.

📣For our Community Partners or any other third party organisations, please do share this post within your own networks, as all voices are important for representation.

💌If you would like to attend and have not already received an invite, please email bsolmnvp@gatewayfs.org to RSVP. Please see location address in the post above.

🥐Refreshments and a safe space will be provided.

04/08/2025

5 facts for mothers:
1⃣ Your body is ready to breastfeed from the moment your baby is
born
2⃣ Breastfeeding lowers stress & anxiety.
3⃣ It sets up a baby’s immune system for life.
4⃣ It helps babies fight infections.
5⃣ The more you breastfeed in the early days, the faster your body
makes milk.

01/08/2025

To those who don’t feel like celebrating World Breastfeeding Week — this is for you 💜

Maybe you're in pain. Maybe you're overwhelmed. Maybe you stopped breastfeeding - not because you wanted to, but because you weren't given the support you needed.

You’re not alone.

💔 80% of women who want to breastfeed stop before they’re ready.
Not because they failed — but because they weren’t supported.

This week isn’t just about celebration.
It’s about you.

If you’re finding it hard, if you have questions, or if you just need a listening ear — the National Breastfeeding Helpline is here for you.

No pressure. No judgement. Just real, human support - 24/7

Call 0300 100 0212 or send us a DM on social media anytime💜

Our trusted service is provided by The Breastfeeding Network (UK), with Association of Breastfeeding Mothers

🌟Please share to help us reach more mums and families who need us🌟

[ID: Close-up of child breastfeeding. National Breastfeeding Helpline. 0300 100 0212. World Breastfeeding Week 2025 logo.]

01/08/2025

Calling all knitters 🚨

We need your help to support our littlest patients.

🫶 Knitted donations of bonding squares and bottle covers are incredibly useful on the neonatal units at Heartlands and Good Hope Hospitals.

Bonding squares are tightly knitted 10 cm wide squares that come in sets of 2. They are passed between Mum and baby to help bonding, even when baby is in an incubator, which also helps give baby some comfort and reduces stress.

Bottle covers make a huge difference to new mums, helping to prevent anxiety about breast feeding and pumping at an already stressful time.

💙 If you can help, please contact us at, charities@uhb.nhs.uk.

01/08/2025

It’s organised by WABA World Breastfeeding Week and to kick things off, today, we’re celebrating UK organisations and schemes working to protect and support breastfeeding

Here are some that we love ▶️

Association of Breastfeeding Mothers
The Breastfeeding Network (UK)
UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative,
La Leche League GB
La Leche League Collective
National Childbirth Trust
Lactation Consultants of Great Britain
Twins Trust Breastfeeding Peer Support
Bliss
NHS Healthy Start /Best Start Foods (Scotland)
UK Association for Milk Banking

31/07/2025

29/07/2025

16/07/2025

08/07/2025

Don't forget to join Us for a Mommy & Baby Morning Drop-In Session, 14th July
Come along and connect with local support services:
🤰 Maternity Neonatal Voices Partnership – Share your maternity journey for change & improvement.
👶 Breastfeeding Network – Chat with friendly team members about support available for new mom and moms to be.
🏡 Perry Barr Family Support – Discover what’s on offer for families in your area.
🎨 Plus, enjoy Memory Maker Crafts for a fun, creative touch!

03/07/2025

New Dad?

We’ve Got You!

Becoming a dad can be exciting — and overwhelming.
Our FREE online New Dad Workshop is here to help you feel more confident, connected and prepared.

✅ What to expect
🧠 Mental wellbeing
👶 Baby bonding
💬 Space to ask questions
🧍‍♂️ Meet other dads

📅 Book your place now:
👉 www.dadmatters.org.uk/workshop or https://shorturl.at/pQLqq