Derbyshire Family Health Service

Derbyshire Family Health Service Supporting Derbyshire children, young people and families with health, wellbeing and NHS advice. To speak to our team tel. Closed bank holidays. Thank you

no. 01246 515100 (Mon-Fri, 9am - 4.30pm). If you need urgent medical advice please contact your own GP, out of hours service - NHS 111, or in an emergency, call an ambulance or attend your local Emergency Department. House rules:

We ask everyone to remember this is a family page and to abide by social media rules. We welcome all comments and opinions, but ask everyone to be polite and respectful to one another. Comments that include content deemed to be abusive, offensive, sexist, racist, trolling or contain bad language will be removed. Anyone who persistently posts such content will be blocked from the page. We sincerely hope this will never happen so we can be an open, honest and respectful online community.

Can I have an alcoholic drink when I am breastfeeding?This is a question that gets asked often and particularly at this ...
08/12/2025

Can I have an alcoholic drink when I am breastfeeding?

This is a question that gets asked often and particularly at this time of year.

Breastfeeding mothers can have occasional, small amounts of alcohol but should not drink regularly or heavily (e.g. binge drinking) without considering how to limit the baby’s exposure. It is not necessary to express breastmilk to clear it of alcohol.

• If you drink any alcohol, regardless of feeding method, do not bed share or fall asleep on a sofa/chair with your baby.
• If you do binge drink, your baby should be cared for by an adult who has not had any alcohol.

Stay safe this Christmas and New Year.

For more information on breastfeeding and alcohol: https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/factsheet/alcohol/

[Image description: A woman lifts a smiling baby in striped pyjamas near a decorated Christmas tree; both wear festive jumpers. The Derbyshire Family Health Service logo is in the top right corner.]

As we head into another busy festive season, many young people will be getting ready for Christmas and New Year parties....
05/12/2025

As we head into another busy festive season, many young people will be getting ready for Christmas and New Year parties. Here are a few helpful reminders to discuss with your teen before they head out to celebrate:

- Set clear expectations. Agree on house rules and curfews, ask for party details, what time they plan to be home and how they’ll get back safely.

- Encourage them to eat first. A proper meal can slow the absorption of alcohol.

- Check their phone is charged. We’ve all been caught out by a low battery - remind them to charge up or take a portable charger.

- Have open conversations about drugs. The safest option is not to use drugs at all. If they choose to, ensure they understand the risks, know what they’re taking and tell someone they trust in case something goes wrong.

- Promote safer choices. Partying responsibly helps reduce the risk of excessive drinking and unsafe behaviour, including unprotected s*x, so make sure they have some condoms. These can be ordered for free through Your Sexual Health Matters:
https://www.yours*xualhealthmatters.org.uk/contraception/free-condoms

[Image description: Three young people are outdoors at night, smiling with sparklers, wearing green novelty glasses, a Father Christmas hat and reindeer antlers. The "Derbyshire Family Health Service" logo is top right.]

There is no single way to approach gift giving at Christmas. We all do what works best for our family. If you don't have...
04/12/2025

There is no single way to approach gift giving at Christmas. We all do what works best for our family. If you don't have the financial means for gifts this year, or don't want to partake in over-consumption, then the 5 gift rule can help you keep to a budget:

• Something they want⁠
• Something they need⁠
• Something to wear⁠
• Something to read⁠
• Something to experience (a trip somewhere, or a special movie night)

It’s a simple way to create a bit of structure without the pressure to go overboard, and it keeps the focus on thoughtfulness rather than quantity.

Remember, it’s absolutely fine if your version of Christmas looks different from someone else’s. Children value time, warmth and connection far more than piles of presents. Whether you follow the five-gift idea, adapt it, or skip gifts altogether in favour of shared moments, you’re doing what’s right for your family and that’s what truly matters.

[Image description: Infographic titled "The Christmas gift 'Rule of Five'" shows icons for a bicycle, toothbrush, jacket, book, and event tickets. Lists: want, need, wear, read, and experience. Derbyshire Family Health Service logo in the corner.]

03/12/2025

We’re all feeling the chill now, so many of us will be reaching for hot water bottles to keep warm. They’re a great, low-cost way to warm up, but it’s important to remember two key safety measures:

• Hot water bottles have a limited lifespan. You can find the production date inside a small flower-shaped symbol, and it’s recommended not to use them for more than two years from this date. Over time, the rubber can degrade, increasing the risk of splits and potentially causing burns.
• Do not use with boiling water. For similar reasons you should not fill a hot water bottle with boiling water straight from a kettle, allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes.

This video from Child Accident Prevention Trust explains more:

[Video description: A hot water bottle is seen, the film zooms in to the neck of the bottle and the embossed warning not to use with boiling water. Captions on the screen direct why you should not fill with a hot water bottle with boiling water due to risk of damaging the seams of the bottle and increased danger of perishing. Advice directs to let the water in the kettle to cool for at least ten minutes before filling. The Child Accident Prevention Trust logo is in the bottom centre of the film.]

Ready to say goodbye to the dummy?Once your baby turns one, it’s a great time to gently begin weaning them off the dummy...
02/12/2025

Ready to say goodbye to the dummy?

Once your baby turns one, it’s a great time to gently begin weaning them off the dummy. Reducing dummy use can help with speech development and support healthy teeth as they grow. And what better time to start than Christmas, when there are plenty of exciting distractions?

Some children will adapt straight away to life “beyond the dummy” whilst others might take a little time to adjust. Try these tips to make the transition a little easier:

• Swap the dummy for a special comfort toy
• Read books together about giving up the dummy
• Make a “dummy box” to keep them out of sight during the day
• Collect their dummies and leave them on or under the Christmas tree for Father Christmas to take - he might even leave a special present in return!

Taking small steps to being dummy free can make a big difference.

[Image description: A toddler in tartan pjs sits in front of a decorated Christmas tree, sticking a bow on a present. Several gifts are nearby. The Derbyshire Family Health Service logo is in the top right corner.]

This World AIDS Day (1 December), we’re joining the call to end new HIV cases by 2030.HIV testing is quick, free and con...
01/12/2025

This World AIDS Day (1 December), we’re joining the call to end new HIV cases by 2030.

HIV testing is quick, free and confidential - knowing your status helps you take control and reduce transmission.

Take a test, wear a red ribbon, start a conversation.

yshm.org.uk | worldaidsday.org

[Image description: A person in a black shirt and red ribbon stands confidently. Text reads “World AIDS Day, 1 December 2025. You can end new HIV cases by 2030.” Features a quote from Layton Williams and the website worldaidsday.org.uk.]

You might have heard the terms chroming, sniffing or huffing - they’re some of the names for the same dangerous trend ci...
28/11/2025

You might have heard the terms chroming, sniffing or huffing - they’re some of the names for the same dangerous trend circulating online. It involves inhaling fumes from aerosols or other solvents to get a quick high, but the risks are severe. It can cause brain damage, heart failure or even sudden death.

If you’re a parent or carer, it’s worth having an open chat with your young person about this. They might have seen it on social media or heard about it from friends. Remind them that no online trend is worth their life and if they ever feel pressured or worried, they should talk to someone they trust.

[Image description: Three used silver nitrous oxide canisters and a red balloon on dry grass, framed by a purple border and the Derbyshire Family Health Service logo.]

27/11/2025

Keeping kids active in winter isn’t always easy, but even short bursts of movement can make a big difference. Regular exercise helps children burn off energy, lift their mood and sleep better too. 🍂❄️

From cosy indoor games to chilly park adventures, there are plenty of fun ways to keep 5-10 year olds moving through the colder months. 🏠🛝

Find more ideas and advice on keeping your child active here: https://derbyshirefamilyhealthservice.nhs.uk/our-services/5-10-years/exercise-5-10-years

[Video description: A young child wrapped up in tights, warm clothers and winter boots is seen in the autumn sun navigating an obstacle trail in a park. Stepping across wooden pillars and wobbling along a balance beam. The video is set on a light orange backdrop with the Derbyshire Family Health Service logo in the top right corner.]

Expecting a special delivery this December? Are you pregnant or know someone who is? Would you like to know more about f...
26/11/2025

Expecting a special delivery this December? Are you pregnant or know someone who is? Would you like to know more about feeding and comforting your baby? Why not go to one of our antenatal feeding sessions and find out more about different feeding methods, how to get off to a good start and where to access feeding support.

Sessions are run all over the county - you can attend any session that is convenient to you and you can travel to, not just your nearest session. You are also welcome to bring a partner, family member or friend with you.

December sessions are:
• Buxton - Tuesday 2nd December 9.30am - 11am
• Long Eaton - Tuesday 2nd December 10am - 12midday
• Belper - Wednesday 3rd December 10.30am - 12midday
• Clay Cross - Thursday 4th December 1pm - 3pm
• Matlock - Monday 8th December 9.30am - 11am
• Ilkeston - Thursday 11th December 10am - 12midday
• Bakewell - Friday 12 December 10am -11.30am
• New Mills - Wednesday 17th December 10am -12midday
• Alfreton - Wednesday 17th December 10.30am - 12midday
• Chesterfield - Thursday 18th December 09.15am - 10.45am
• Dronfield - Friday 19th December 09.30am - 11.30am
• Shirebrook - Friday 19th December 12midday - 2pm

To find out more, including the venues for these free sessions, visit the 'What's on' section of our website and use the drop-down category filter to select 'Antenatal Feeding sessions':

https://derbyshirefamilyhealthservice.nhs.uk/about-us/news-and-events/whats-on

[Image description: Two women smile together; one, pregnant and wearing a Father Christmas hat, as the other rests her head on the bump. A Christmas tree and Derbyshire Family Health Service logo are in the background.]

Did you know that we're on Instagram? Follow us for updates on how we're supporting Derbyshire children, young people an...
25/11/2025

Did you know that we're on Instagram?

Follow us for updates on how we're supporting Derbyshire children, young people and families with health, wellbeing and NHS advice 💬💙

👉 Find us on Instagram: - whether you're a parent, carer or simply want to stay connected with local health services, we’d love to see you there.

Give us a follow and say hello!

www.instagram.com/derbyshirefamilyhealthservice/

[Image description: Colourful silhouettes of families and children surround a banner that reads "Follow us on Instagram ," with the Instagram logo in the centre and the Derbyshire Family Health Service logo at the top.]

Most babies begin teething between 4 and 6 months, though this can vary. Start brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as the...
24/11/2025

Most babies begin teething between 4 and 6 months, though this can vary.

Start brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears. Use a child-sized toothbrush and a small smear of fluoride toothpaste.

Aim to brush twice daily, gradually working up to two minutes as your child’s teeth develop, eventually reaching all 20 teeth.

[Image description: A smiling woman helps a baby to brush their teeth with a turquoise toothbrush. The baby looks at the camera. The Derbyshire Family Health Service logo is in the top right corner.]

November is Mouth Cancer Action Month 👄Did you know that mouth cancer can be linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV)?  ...
21/11/2025

November is Mouth Cancer Action Month 👄

Did you know that mouth cancer can be linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV)? Smoking and drinking can raise your risk too.

Mouth cancer can affect your lips, tongue, cheeks or throat - so it’s important to stay mouth aware 👅

Things to watch out for:

• Ulcers that don’t heal after 3 weeks
• Red or white patches
• Lumps in your neck or jaw
• Ongoing hoarse voice

If you notice any of these, get it checked by your dentist or doctor as soon as possible.

Regular dental visits = early identification and better outcomes.

[Image description: A doctor in a white coat shows a blue awareness ribbon between open hands. The photo is on a blue background with the text 'Mouth Cancer Action month' in white above. Derbyshire Family Health Service logo is in the top right corner.]

Address

Headquarters, Newholme Hospital, Baslow Road
Bakewell
DE451AD

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9am - 4:30pm
Friday 9am - 4:30pm

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