Born for Life by Julie Watson

26/01/2026

Shortage raises rates of maternity intervention, while improving access to care could potentially save 4.3m lives a year, say experts

25/01/2026

For all you knitters and crocheters out there the Hats for Hamlin project is ongoing. For the pattern of a beanie that will save the life of a newborn baby in Ethiopia 🇪🇹 please click the link. Pm if you have beanies to send to Ethiopia. They will be sent in March and November. Thanks to all those people who have knitted beanies so far.

🧶 New for Hats for Hamlin – Crochet Baby Beanie Pattern 🧶

We’re excited to share that we now have a crochet version of our Hats for Hamlin baby beanie pattern, thanks to the generosity of Vicki, one of our wonderful supporters.

If you’ve been wanting to contribute hats for newborns in Ethiopia but prefer crochet over knitting, this pattern is for you! It’s simple, easy to follow, and makes a perfect newborn-sized hat — very similar to our original knitted version.

Every hat helps keep a baby warm and encourages mothers to seek help when delivering their baby from a skilled Hamlin midwife.

You can find both the knitting and crochet patterns here:
https://hamlinfistula.org.nz/patterns/

💛 If you know a keen crocheter who might like to help, please tag them or share this post.

23/01/2026

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23/01/2026

Today, we’re talking about blocked ducts — when inflammation causes milk ducts to narrow.

This can be caused by:
• sudden changes in feeding patterns
• latch issues
• pressure on the breasts from bras, clothing, or fingers during feeding
• knocks and bumps

You can continue to feed or express as normal — this will help ease discomfort. Avoid trying to empty the breast, as this can lead to oversupply.

If you choose to massage, it’s important to be gentle. Any pressure should be no firmer than stroking a cat 🐱

A warm compress on the ni**le may help with let-down - not too hot, or often, as this could increase the swelling. A cool compress on the inflamed area may help ease symptoms between feeds.

If you experience blocked ducts frequently, speaking with one of our peer supporters may help. They can look at feeding positions, latch, and feeding patterns if needed.

Visit a local group or contact our National Breastfeeding Helpline UK - available 24/7 💜

You can find self-help measures on our website:
www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/breastfeeding-information/mastitis-breastfeeding/

It’s also important to watch for early signs of mastitis. Symptoms may include breasts that are painful and/or hot to the touch, and changes in skin colour (reddened or darker areas, depending on skin tone).

If you start to feel ill, dizzy, confused, or develop nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or slurred speech alongside mastitis symptoms, please seek urgent medical attention.

✨ Have you received support from us for blocked ducts or mastitis? Let us know in the comments ✨

[ID: What are blocked ducts? Blocked ducts. (Inflamed ducts/ductal narrowing). Researchers now think that ducts don't become blocked or plugged with thickened milk. Milk ducts can narrow due to inflammation, which may cause milk to 'back up' behind swollen lumps. Attempting to unblock a 'plug' by squeezing or aggressively massaging your breast isn't likely to be effective and may damage the tissue.]

23/01/2026

Jaundice in newborn babies can present challenges in the early days. Our article looks at the importance of breastfeeding going well to prevent jaundice and what to do if your baby has jaundice:

https://www.laleche.org.uk/jaundice/

[Image: newborn baby with jaundice lying on his back with arms above his head in a green sleepsuit. Text: Jaundice and breastfeeding]

23/01/2026

Liz and I at Ed Sheeran concert in Wellington.

19/01/2026

29/06/2025

Born for Life- Midwife in Africa is now available on Amazon as an Audiobook.

Nothing could prepare Julie for the experience of living and working in the heart of Africa. This memoir takes you on Julie’s journey to Kalene Mission Hospital in Zambia, where she worked as a midwife for five months caring for African women and their babies at the most cherished time in the...

29/06/2025

Nothing could prepare Julie for the experience of living and working in the heart of Africa. This memoir takes you on Julie’s journey to Kalene Mission Hospital in Zambia, where she worked as a midwife for five months caring for African women and their babies at the most cherished time in the...

29/06/2025

‘Born for Life- A Midwife’s Story’ is now available as an audio book. So pleased to be able to offer this format. 😊

A nurse aide position in the local maternity annexe at the age of sixteen gave Julie a love for being with women during labour and birth and caring for mothers and their babies. Life could not have been happier until the tragic death of her own baby in the first hour of life led to depression,...