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Number of features: 134
Is it safe to have sex? I'm 25 weeks pregnant and have read that sperm, contains a hormone that triggers labour. Is it safe to have sex without going into an early labour?...
Feeling Bloated I am 11 weeks pregnant and feel extremely bloated and have a lot of trapped wind. Is this normal at this stage and what could I do relieve these symptoms? Is there any medication that I can take?...
Vitamin intake while trying for a baby Me and my husband are trying for a baby and it was recommended to me that I take Pregnacare while we are trying to conceive to make sure I get my vitamins. Is it okay to take my normal multi vitamins...
White tongue My baby daughter is 2 weeks old and is being bottle fed and after every feed she appears to have a white coating on her tongue, however, this does not seem to fade away and is there throughout the da...
Weaning from breastfeeding Now that I am weaning my baby, when should I breastfeed? I have read that you should breastfeed in the morning and at bedtime but should you also continue breastfeeding during the day? Also, I was ...
C-Section I had my little girl 2 weeks ago by emergency c section. My wound appears to Be healing well with no weeping etc. However, the area underneath my scar in One place feels very hard, almost like a ba...
Bottle Feeding Sometimes halfway through bottle feeding my baby, she will start to panic, go red in the face and cry even while the bottle teat is still in her mouth. I would then take the bottle out of her mouth...
How long will it take to breastfeed my baby? How long will it take to breastfeed my baby?...
Am I going into labour? I have been told that my baby's head is down in my pelvic area does this mean the baby's head is engaged? I have been getting bad back pains and have been feeling some pains in my belly and feel like...
Worried about miscarriage I am approx 6 weeks pregnant, and am absolutely petrified of having a miscarriage. When do the risks of miscarriage go down? Also is it true that if you have symptoms of pregnancy (ie, sore breast, s...
Sleeping position Is it normal for the baby to sleep on his back with his head turned towards his right hand side most of the time? I am a bit worried, as the last few days I noticed a small bone to appear on the righ...
When can I fall pregnant again? Whilst I’m still bleeding from giving birth (lochia?) and breastfeeding, is it possible to fall pregnant again?...
Muscle twinges I often feel muscle twinges in my stomach especially when moving from sitting to standing position but today I felt quite a sharp pulling pain right across my lower 'bump' that took a couple of minut...
Maternity Notes Hi, I was told the baby was not engaged at my last midwifes appointment, I’m 39weeks, this is my first child, Does this mean I will go over and possibly be induced or caesarean? In my maternity notes...
Bathing Baby I was looking through books about bathing the baby and it tells you what to do but it doesn’t tell you when to do it. Please don’t think I’m going to be a bad mum but do you bath the baby every day? ...
Contraception after breastfeeding I have just stopped breastfeeding after 7 months. Can you advise on contraception and periods? I am currently on Microval since my baby’s birth....
What are the best presents to buy for my first expected grandchild Some grandparents offer to buy one of the larger items needed for a baby, a cot or pushchair for example. However it is important to discuss this first with the parents-to-be and to let them choose t...
Our grandchild has been born and my daughter wants me to help with childminding, how do I prepare for this, I raised my children a long time ago? Your daughter will probably want you to care for the baby in as similar way to the way she does as possible. However, she may find it difficult to ‘tell’ you how to look after her child...
Group B Strep: The facts every mum-to-be should know Group B Strep (GBS) is the most common cause of life-threatening bacterial infection in newborn babies in the UK. The good news is that it can usually be prevented....
Decision making following the news of a fetal abnormality while still pregnant In few cases, the decision to terminate the pregnancy for abnormality is very clear cut. The woman and her partner may have discussed what they will do if there is a serious problem but often the dec...
Grief after termination for abnormality Very few parents are prepared for the intensity of grief which follows termination for abnormality. This experience can be just as distressing as the death of a live baby. The feelings of loss and ...
Men, relationships and other children Fathers are often expected to be rational, strong and in control in order to keep things stable during a family crisis and their own emotional needs are sometimes overlooked. Often men do not have th...
Tips for Surviving Pregnancy This month's tips include cutting ths cord and the post birth phonecalls...
Tips for Surviving Pregnancy This month's tips include contractions and induction...
Bathtime Sooner or later, you’re going to notice some grubbiness around the baby’s ears, maybe, or perhaps between the toes. At this point you will think to yourself, “Ah. I should make this baby cleaner than...
Holding a premature baby My baby was born premature and on average is only awake for about an hour a day. Is my holding her detrimental to her sleeping pattern?...
Trying for a baby We have been trying for a baby for nearly three years, what do you recommended we do to increase our chances?...
Can I conceive? I have suffered several miscarriages and my GP referred me to my local hospital. I have had numerous test and they came back all clear. Following one loss which was an ectopic pregnancy, I had my fa...
Irregular morning sickness I started with severe morning sickness at 5 weeks. It stopped at 9 weeks. I am worried that there may be something wrong because it stopped early, with all my other pregnancies the sickness stopped a...
Am I pregnant? I have carried out a pregnancy test one week early and have a very faint line, is this possible to be a positive pregnancy. I don't really have much other symptoms except a funny taste in my mouth an...
Induced labour I was induced with my last pregnancy so will I be late, and possibly induced, again this time?...
Bra Buying Guide Buying well-made, well-fitting maternity and nursing lingerie is key to ensuring support and comfort for your breasts at a time when the tissue is at its most delicate. Follow our top tips below to f...
Tips for Surviving Pregnancy This month's tips include planning the birth and the waiting game...
Enthusiasm Have you ever put on an act for someone to make you appear a certain way? Perhaps there is something about you that you are uncomfortable with and rather than being exposed you cover it up by putting...
Tips for Surviving Pregnancy This month's tips include talking to the bump and the sleep monster...
Masks We Wear Have you ever put on an act for someone to make you appear a certain way? Perhaps there is something about you that you are uncomfortable with and rather than being exposed you cover it up by putting...
Gratitude Gratitude is one of those emotions that we are all capable of showing, but sometimes we either forget or don’t even attempt to consider showing it. Have you ever heard someone say "a little bit of g...
How will I know when I go into labour? This is the biggest concern for most new mothers and often for mothers who have been through labour before because each labour may begin different from before....
What is the average weight of a newborn baby? If you are not sure what weight your newborn baby should be, or the different factors that affect it, read here...
Stopping the baby crying Babies cry because something is wrong. All you have to do is find out what’s wrong, and put it right. Then the baby will stop crying. OK, it’s not always that simple but, surprisingly often, it is....
Tips for Surviving Pregnancy This month's tips include number crunching and big breasts!...
A Second Baby Having a second baby brings about many changes in the family that will effect everyone including your other child. There are many things a parent can do to help their toddler feel secure from the arr...
Common rashes in babies from birth to six months There are three common rashes that can occur in young babies: Milia, Seborrheic Dermatitis and Infantile Eczema......
Hair Loss following the birth of a baby It is common to lose hair following the birth of a baby. This usually occurs around three months after delivery. During pregnancy there is a rise in hormones & because of this the hair that normally...
Changing the nappy Babies, like humans, have to perform excretory functions. Once you have a baby, you must refer to these functions as peeing and poohing. These excretions can be conveniently captured in a nappy...
Saying No Just think back to when you were last asked to do something for someone and all you wanted to say was No I can not do that but instead a Yes came out of your mouth and you later regretted it. This h...
You're the Daddy - Author Interview Stephen Giles talks about his book 'You're the Daddy'. From nappy mess to happiness in one year - the art of being a great dad ...
Tips for Surviving Pregnancy This month's tips include exercise and 'The Tears'...
Doing something about wind You’ve almost certainly heard about winding babies but what does it actually mean? When are you supposed to do it, and how? Winding is one of those total mysteries which suddenly becomes clear within...
Why is my baby crying? Crying is normal for a baby, it is their first communication tool and many babies cry for an overall average of one to two hours a day. When baby is newborn they are helpless and so this is the only ...
What happens during a breastfeed? Read our article to find out what actually happens during a breastfeed...
Too tired... When you return home after the delivery of your baby you will probably feel pretty exhausted and the prospect of all those visitors might make that worse. But can you tell them this without hurting t...
When can we have sex again? How soon after the delivery can we resume our sexual relationship?...
When will I see my midwife again? Find out how often you will see your midwife after giving birth...
Can I change my birth plan? So, you have set out your ideal birth plan, which is to go completely natural with no pain relief. But what if you feel you cannot cope during labour, will you be able to have some relief, even thoug...
Baby, Toddler And Parent Interaction Bonding is a wonderful experience, it has so many benefits and contains no limitations. The stronger the bond between you and your child, as they will get older, help in all areas of their developmen...
Terrible Twos - Author Interview Caroline Dunford discusses her book 'How to Survive the Terrible Twos' - her diary of a mother under siege!...
Tips for Surviving Pregnancy This month's tips answer the questions 'To move or not to move' and 'When was the last time you washed that?'...
Inspiration Many things can inspire you such as love, dreams, journeys, nature, beauty and spirituality. People can inspire each other to better their lives and it will be you that inspires your child in life....
Respecting yourself and others You’ve probably heard the phrase – treat others how you want to be treated but have you ever stopped to wonder what this really means? It's important that you respect others, and yourself...
Baby Massage Baby massage encourages a positive relationship between you and your baby. Massage is a special and intimate way bonding with your baby. Not only do you familiarize yourself with your baby, but they ...
From Lad to Dad - Author Interview Steven Giles talks about his book 'From Lad to Dad' and how to survive as a pregnant father....
Tips for Surviving Pregnancy This month's tips answer the questions 'Is it still ok to go out with friends?' and 'Will sex hurt my unborn baby?'...
Sunshine Tips At this time of the year, most people are enjoying safe exposure to the sun. Children especially, need to be protected from the harmful rays as well as enjoying a safe amount of sunshine. ...
Why should I breastfeed? Everyone knows that Breastfeeding is good for your baby, but why? In this feature we explain the benefits and relevance behind each reason....
What should dads take to the labour room? There are lots of advice for women for what they should take to the labour ward - but how about the guys? Labour can last for many hours so here are few things you may consider...
Skin to skin contact Skin to skin is becoming an ever more popular physical way of bonding between fathers and babies. This article aims to educate you about skin to skin, provide advice and benefits of bonding in this w...
Tips for Surviving Pregnancy This month's tips include tests, tests and more tests plus morning (noon and night) sickness!...
Holding the baby Once your baby has been born you may find yourself overcome by a strange desire to hold it for no real reason at all. But is there a right way and a wrong way to hold a baby?...
The Art of Hiding Vegetables - Author Interview Karen Bali and Sally Child talk about their book 'The Art of Hiding Vegetables' and talk about sneaky ways to feed your children healthy food...
Esteem When you look in the mirror what do you see? Is it a beautiful pregnant young lady, or a fat, overweight lump? How you look at yourself effects how you feel. So how do you tackle low self esteem?...
Your quick guideline for weaning You may wish to know ahead when is the right time to begin weaning your infant. Here our Healthvisitors provide a guideline for you....
Giving birth to the baby Roni Jay talks about the fathers role in giving birth taken from her book 'Babies for Beginners'...
Full Time Father - Author Interview Want to know what it's like to be a stay at home dad? Author of Full Time Father Richard Hallows tells it like it is...
New Birth, New Father and Bonding For some expectant fathers and new fathers, it may be difficult to prepare yourself and become involved for the birth and arrival of you newborn. Here you will find provided common tips to help you b...
Will Power Anyone who has gone through the pain and pleasure of child birth after carrying a baby for 9 months and going though all the body changes, mood swings, cravings, sickness and tears must posses great ...
Tips for Surviving Pregnancy This month's tips include how to cope with 'the fear' and how to tell your boss!...
What equipment do I need for a homebirth? An increasing number of expectant parents experiencing a normal pregnancy are showing interest in planning for a home birth. This feature outlines the essentials needed when designing you home based...
Instinctive Birthing Giving birth these days can be, for many women, a precarious, lonely and frightening experience. But Instinctive Birthing by Val Clarke can change this....
Overcoming obstacles There will be many occasions in your pregnancy when you will have to overcome an obstacle. You need to find the power within to deal with these emotions and overcome them....
Understanding your baby's stools (poo!) Your baby's stools will change throughout the first few months and the changes will be more obvious in the first few weeks. We, as mums, often spend lots of time checking our baby's nappies and talk...
When should a caesarean be planned? You don't have an automatic right to demand a caesarean if it's considered not to be in your best interests medically. So when would it be in the best interests of you or your baby to have a caesarea...
How can I give myself the best chance of getting pregnant? Preconception advice is given to couples who wish to prepare for a future pregnancy. Many women will become pregnant quite easily, while others will find it more difficult So what can you do to give ...
What's the big deal if I'm Rhesus negative? At your first antenatal clinic appointment, blood samples are taken in order to determine your blood group and to see if you are Rhesus positive or Rhesus negative. If a mother is Rhesus negative but...
How can expectant fathers bond? Just like women, fathers are expectant parents too, and the experience can be daunting. Find out here how to connect with your baby throughout the pregnancy, by using practical and recommended method...
Positive Thinking When you look at the world around you, do you see the glass half full or half empty? Do you have problems or are they challenges? Do you always see the worst in a situation or can you see what good c...
Introduction to Bonding If you are an expectant father or new father this feature article is for you! Read each month to educate yourself about bonding and benefit from professional advice about ways to do it. This month: ...
Safe car travel for your baby If you have a car or travel in cars regularly you should always use a car safety seat when you travel with your baby...
Bottle feeding Breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed your baby and costs nothing. If you use an artificial baby milk powder, it is very important for your baby’s health that you follow the instructions for ma...
Pregnancy after 35 There has been a lot of coverage in the media over the last few weeks about the various reasons that women choose to leave it until their 30s and 40s before trying for a baby...
Early signs of pregnancy Some women can go right through their pregnancy without even knowing that they are pregnant. Others know their bodies well enough to pick up when things are different...
I have piles and they're so uncomfortable I'm 40 weeks and have piles, is there anything you would recommend to ease the pain? I have already tried having a hot bath but that didn't seem to work. I'm so uncomfortable...
When should I feel my baby move? I am 20 weeks pregnant today and I am worried about not able to feel the baby. I have been asking my friends who have been pregnant when they felt there baby move most of them said 16 weeks but I'm ...
Flatulence and incontinence following birth Since giving birth I have the embarrassing problem of passing wind and occasionally a small amount of faeces. My doctor said it was due to weak pelvic floor muscles. Despite doing over 60 pelvic floo...
Support in Labour It doesn’t have to be just a Dad’s role to support you when you’re in labour. In fact in some cases he may be far from the best person to offer support. Research has shown that a good birth partner c...
Getting your baby's wind up We do not know the cause of colic but many believe it is related to babies feed time in that they may take in air with their milk. Small bubbles of air cause wind in your baby’s stomach or bowels an...
Beating the Ban Pregnancy is one of the biggest factors in deciding to quit smoking. The forthcoming ban on smoking in public places will be further motivation for many....
Soothers may reduce cot death risk You will have probably heard or read on the news this month that a recent research study has suggested that giving your baby a 'dummy' (pacifier/soother) at night may reduce the risk of cot death. T...
Understanding your Babies Ultrasound scan - part 1 Most parents look forward to their scan because it gives you the first glimpse of your baby. Here we provide you with an understanding of frequently used terms used on your ultrasound report....
Understanding your Babies Ultrasound scan - part 2 Most parents look forward to their scan because it gives you the first glimpse of your baby. Here we provide you with an understanding of frequently used terms used on your ultrasound report....
Understanding your Babies Ultrasound scan - part 3 Most parents look forward to their scan because it gives you the first glimpse of your baby. Here we provide you with an understanding of frequently used terms used on your ultrasound report....
Understanding your Babies Ultrasound scan - part 4 Most parents look forward to their scan because it gives you the first glimpse of your baby. Here we provide you with an understanding of frequently used terms used on your ultrasound report....
The Semantics of Breastfeeding Breastfeeding, Breast-feeding or Breast Feeding? Which is it? Does it actually matter? Is there any significance to these differences?...
World's best dad Becoming a father for the first time can be a scary experience. If you want to get the most out of it then read our article on the qualities make a good dad....
Motivation When you think of the word motivation what comes to mind? As the definition suggests, it can be used in many different ways, but ultimately they all relate back to one thing … taking action...
The 60 Minute Father This book appealed to me. Not particularly because I expected the contents to be much of a revelation (although I was looking forward to unlocking the secrets of becoming a Super-Dad) but because I l...
What is the Guthrie test and why is it done? The Guthrie, or heel prick test is a screening test carried out on your newborn baby in the days after birth. It is offered to all infants in the U.K. with the aim of screening for up to 5 disorders...
Bonding with your new baby Some new fathers say that they feel love for their newborn baby right from the start. Others, however, are unsure about their feelings particularly when they are mixed with exhaustion and uncertainty...
Male Fertility The choice to have a baby is something that most couples take for granted. In a purely evolutionary sense, we are only here for the purpose of reproduction. Yet having a family is far more important ...
Sharing Parental Responsibilities - Important Changes in the law for unmarried fathers Parental responsibility is a legal term defined as ‘the rights, duties, powers, responsibilities and authority which by law a parent of a child has in relation to the child and his property’. Until r...
Six things to consider in securing your family’s financial future From insurance to savings - these are six important financial decisions that you should think about if you're becoming a father...
The Power of Touch From the moment your baby is born, they need to be touched, stroked and reassured that you love them. Baby massage is a fabulous way to provide your baby with the loving attention they need to help t...
Prams I still remember the first time I walked in to Mother Care to buy things for my new baby. Stunned was an understatement. The sheer volume of equipment of equipment on display was mind blowing and t...
Empower When you think about empowered women who do you think about? Madonna, Oprah, Kylie? Well you don’t have to be famous and rich to be empowered....
Cot Death Once again, this month, the headlines have included new information about the risks of cot death. Recent research shows that although the number of babies dying in their cots has decreased, there has...
Baby Massage Baby massage is becoming more popular throughout the country. There are some specific massage techniques but basically it’s about your baby getting used to ‘positive touch’....
Thrush Thrush is a fungal infection caused by Candida Albicans. Candida is often present in your body but is usually harmless. Pregnancy increases the risk of getting thrush. Symptoms of vaginal thrush incl...
When do I have to have an internal? There are a few reasons why vaginal examinations (internals) need to be done. They are only done when it is necessary and the reason will be explained to you at the time. Although they can be uncomfo...
Home Comforts Home birth can be a reality for every woman, and although it is not widely known, place of birth is a choice for every pregnant woman - you do not have to give birth in hospital. It may surprise you ...
Get Real The jury's out on how long a disposable nappy takes to decompose, and it is estimated that a single nappy could take hundreds of years to break down. Added to this, it is thought that approximately t...
Ready Steady Go! Are you way past your due date? You are probably feeling very uncomfortable and it seems as if you have been pregnant forever, dreading the prospect of a medical induction. You may even be having ann...
Lots of visitors? After the birth of your new baby you may notice that people feel compelled to visit you en masse the instant you return home. We have a simple solution to deal with all those visitors... give them jo...
Euro NCAP 5 Star Standard There are now an alarming amount of considerations you will have to come to terms with when buying a new car. However there’s one piece of information that’s critical you know before you buy... the E...
What shall I bring to hospital when I go into labour? This guideline is primarily for those women who plan to deliver in hospital. However if you are planning for a home birth then you may still need many of the items suggested. ...
Take Time out to Care for your Body after the Birth of your Baby Whether you are a first time mum, or have had four kids, the changes that happen to your body immediately after you've given birth can be quite a shock. Our head to toe guide of what to expect, inclu...
What can I eat? Do you know which foods you can eat and which you should avoid? If you are unsure then click here to find out food to avoid when you're pregnant...
No smoke without fire Are you at risk from passive smoking? Should you be concerned? Find answers here...
Folic Acid If you have been reading up on pregnancy in all the magazines, you will have probably come across the advice given to all pregnant women, and those planning a baby in the future to get the recommend...
Yummy Mummy The big changes that occur during pregnancy can alter the way you feel about your body, and how you feel about sex with your partner. You or your partner may also worry that sex could harm your growi...
Birth Plan Ever thought about writing a birth plan but didn't know where to start or what to include? Check out our guide to writing the perfect Birth Plan for you to ensure you get the very best out of your bi...
A-Z of nutrition in pregnancy Ever heard of eating for two? Forget it! Quality of diet during pregnancy is the most important factor to consider - not quantity. Check out our quick guide to getting the best out of your diet durin...
The Baby Shower Anyone that has ever been a keen watcher of the American series "Friends" will have witnessed both Phoebe and Rachel having a "baby shower" prior to their little ones' arrivals. While holding baby s...
Development in the first 4 months A new baby will have been in a water bag for nine months so all baby's senses need to be awakened... touch, sight, hearing, taste and smell! Take a look at how you can use things like multi-sensory t...
Due Date Calculator Calculate your due date and find out further information on the development of your baby during different stages of pregnancy,...

For parents of children 0-5yrs - visit healthvisitors.com