Safer sleep in Autumn
Autumn can be a tricky time for new parents, as we transition from summer and the temperature drops, it can be tempting to wrap your baby up in thick bedding while they sleep, but this can cause them to become too hot.
We asked Lisa Joyce, from Folk & Thread and one of the UK’s leading baby sleep product experts, to share some practical tips to help keep your baby at a comfortable temperature this autumn and winter.
What to expect during pregnancy: body changes
Pregnancy is an incredible journey that brings about many changes not just emotionally, but physically too. As your baby grows, your body naturally adapts to support them, often in ways that can feel surprising, uncomfortable, or even unfamiliar even if this is not your first pregnancy. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more confident and in control. So the Midwives at My Expert Midwife have pulled together this short blog on some of the more common changes to your body during pregnancy.
The First 3 Days After Birth: Your Transition to Motherhood
The first 72 hours after giving birth can feel like a blur — a whirlwind of love, learning, hormones, and very little sleep. Whether this is your first baby or your fifth, those early days are a huge physical and emotional shift. At My Expert Midwife we believe in preparing you for what’s real, not just what’s picture-perfect so here’s what you might expect in those precious first few days.
Keeping your baby’s airway clear while they sleep
When it comes to safer sleep, there’s one thing that matters above all else: keeping your baby’s airway clear. Their tiny breathing passages are delicate, and in certain positions, they can become blocked or narrowed—making it harder for them to breathe.
But don’t worry, safer sleep doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple habits, you can create a sleep space that helps protect your little one while giving you peace of mind.
We asked Lisa Joyce, from Folk & Thread and one of the UK’s leading baby sleep product experts, to share some practical advice on keeping babies’ airways clear during sleep.
The Two Conditions Every New Mum Should Know About
Pregnancy and early motherhood are incredible, emotional, and at times overwhelming experiences. Your body is doing amazing things – growing a whole new human, no less – but let’s be honest, it’s not without its challenges. Two of the most common (and sometimes confusing) conditions that can sneak up on you during this time are anaemia and mastitis.
We chat to Cathy Tabner, expert midwife at My Expert Midwife, about these two often misunderstood conditions.
Caring for your newborn
Caring for your newborn baby should be the most wonderful experience, but equally it can be filled with the overwhelming fear of responsibility for this tiny new bundle. In the UK, we are fortunate to have support from our incredible NHS midwives who are there to offer support and guidance to new parents in the early days and weeks following birth both within the hospital setting and out in the community. Once the Midwifery team discharge you from their care, they will ensure that the Health Visitors have been in contact with you, and it will then be they who continue to provide any support necessary until your baby is school age!
Top Tips to Protect Your Baby’s Health
Protecting your baby’s health starts long before birth. A mother’s health during pregnancy plays a crucial role in shaping her child’s future well-being. Research shows that key nutrients, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices can influence not only birth outcomes but also long-term risks of conditions such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, autism, anaemia, and cognitive function deficits. Here’s how you can support your baby’s health from pregnancy and beyond.
Safety essentials for busy new parents
As a busy mummy to 6 children, I am constantly dealing with scraped knees, sprained ankles, bumped heads and baking-related burns. I get asked questions about first aid all the time, so I’ve made a list of the top things you really need to know.
Clock change – we’re springing forward!
Hooray for spring! It feels like a long winter – just us?! And with the lighter days, comes the clock change. Twice a year when the clocks change, we’re inundated with questions and parents asking what they can do to manage the change. Although the spring clock change can play havoc with our bodies (an increase in heart attacks and strokes the day after this happen), it can actually really help you out if you have a little one who likes waking before 5am!