HollyBlue Antenatal

26/02/2026

20/02/2026

Expecting a Baby in April, May or June?

Join my Antenatal Classes in Wombourne, your essential guide to birth and early parenthood.

What you’ll learn:

Labour & Birth

Caesarean Birth & Induction

The First 24 Hours with Your Baby

Newborn Baby Care

Postnatal Recovery

Emotional Changes & What to Expect

Feel confident, informed, and supported as you prepare for your little one's arrival.

**3 spaces left on my March course!**

We meet up once babies are born at a lovely cafe in Wombourne to catch up and meet everyone's babies

Book your place now via our website

https://www.hollyblue-antenatal.com/

11/02/2026

Birth marks cont...

Some babies may have deep red birth marks which may be raised.

The official name of this type of birth mark is Hemangioma but may also be known as a strawberry mark.

These are caused by blood vessels being close to the surface of the skin.

This is more common in girls, twins or babies who are premature.

Parents may find the marks get darker in the first few years but most then disappear by the age of 7.

10/02/2026

Birth Marks

Some babies are born with them and some aren't.

There is no reason why a baby would be born with or without a birth mark - it is nothing to do with what the mother ate or dreamt during pregnancy although some of the old wives tales are interesting 🤔

Some babies may be born with a Mongolian blue spot birth mark. These are caused by pigments collecting in the deep layers of the skin.

They tend to be blueish green in colour and are generally on the lower back although they can be on the bottom too.

This type of birth mark is most common in African and Asian backgrounds.

**They can be mistaken for bruises so if your baby is born with one it should be noted down on their notes**

05/02/2026

What is a retained placenta?

The placenta is an organ that provides your baby with oxygen and nutrients through pregnancy.

Once your baby is born and placed skin to skin, you will birth your placenta.

Once your placenta is birthed, your midwife will examine it and make sure it's complete.

If a woman has a retained placenta it means part of the placenta has been left in the womb.

This is not a common thing to happen but when it does happen it's serious.

If it is picked up and noticed in hospital it can be removed before your discharged, by giving you anaesthetic and it being removed by a doctor.

Once home if you notice any of the following signs, it is recommended to make an appointment with your GP or call your midwife and tell them:

🚨 Fever

🚨heavy bleeding or big blood clots

🚨feeling sick or vomiting

🚨Pelvic pain

🚨 difficulty breathing

There are three types of retained placenta:

🔵 The womb not contracting enough

🔵 The placenta being too deeply attached

🔵 The placenta becomes trapped behind the cervix as it starts to close after your baby's birth

Factors that may increase your likelihood of a retained placenta:

⚫ If you have had one previously

⚫ Premature births

⚫ Previous miscarriages

04/02/2026

When packing for your birth partner, they will have things for them but also distractions and activities such as books and cards etc

💚 Swimwear if a water birth is an option so they can get in with you

💜 Toiletries

💚 Change of clothes

💜Cards, books and magazines

💚Any medication

💜Snacks and drinks

💚 Phone and charger

💜 Money and wallet

03/02/2026

Birth bag for the birthing mom ❤️

If you have chosen to give birth in hospital, you will take a bag with you.

Here is a list of what to pack for the birthing mom ☺️

💚 Maternity notes and birth preference list
💜Maternity bra X3
💚Nightdress
💜Nursing pads
💚 Maternity pads X2 packs
💜Money/purse
💚Phone and charger
💜Comfy bottoms - joggers/loose trousers
💚Comfy tops with buttons for skin to skin/breastfeeding of choosing to
💜 Disposable knickers/maternity knickers X6
💚Dressing gown
💜 Jumper/top (loose fitting)
💚Slippers
💜Socks
💚PJ's
💜Toiletries including lip balm, flannel
💚 Any medication your on
💜Water bottle and straw
💚Snacks
💜Going home outfit
💚 Pillow
💜 Magazines/books
💚Towels
💜 Hand held Fan

02/02/2026

Three couples finished their antenatal course yesterday ❤️ can't wait to meet their babies in May/June at Jes759 for our catch up 😊

02/02/2026

Baby's hospital bag checklist ☺️

Alot smaller than mom's

💜4x babygrows

💚 4 X vests

💜 Shawl or blanket

💚 Muslin cloths

💜 Hat ( remember to take it off when doing skin to skin)

💚 Nappies - I bag

💜 Wipes/cotton wool

💚 Going home outfit

💜 Bottles if your choosing not to breastfeed

Tomorrow will be your birth partners list 💚