Countess of Chester Maternity Services

11/03/2026

🚭 National No Smoking Day – A smoke-free life starts with a smoke-free day 🔆

There’s no better time to stop smoking than during pregnancy. Quitting can improve both your health and your baby’s health, and helps reduce risks such as complications in pregnancy and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Our Smokefree Pregnancy Service offers friendly, non-judgemental support including carbon monoxide monitoring, personalised advice, free ni****ne replacement therapy and the opportunity to take part in the Smokefree Pregnancy Incentive Scheme.

With the right support, you’re three times more likely to quit for good.

💬 “Rachel and Charlotte provided me with so much support and encouragement during my pregnancy. They never once judged me and gave me the guidance I needed to quit for my health and most importantly my baby’s. I now have a beautiful healthy baby and I’m forever grateful.”
- Lydia 💬

If you’d like support to stop smoking during pregnancy, our team is here to help.

📱 Call or text 07714 169436
☎ Office 01244 362674

10/03/2026

✨ February with the Countess of Chester Maternity Team ✨

We welcomed 151 babies into the world: 77 girls and 74 boys 🩷💙
Luca and Harper are among the most popular names this month.

There were many different birth journeys, including the joy of 3 sets of twins during the month 👶👶 and our busiest day was the 20th February, with 11 babies born that day.

Did you welcome your baby with us in February? We’d love to see your photos and hear your stories in the comments. ✏️💭

10/03/2026

💤Safe Sleep Week – Baby necessities 🧺

There are so many products marketed to new parents that it can be hard to know what your baby actually needs.

When it comes to sleep, the essentials are simple:

✔ A cot, crib or Moses basket
✔ A firm mattress that fits properly
✔ A fitted sheet
✔ A light blanket or baby sleep bag

Items like pillows, positioners, nests, cot bumpers and soft toys may look cosy, but they can increase the risk of suffocation and overheating.

Keeping your baby’s sleep space simple and clutter-free helps keep them safe.

If you’re unsure about which products are safe, the Lullaby Trust product guide can help:
🔗https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Product-guide.pdf

The Lullaby Trust

09/03/2026

💤Safe Sleep Week – Keep it simple, keep it safe 💤

This week we’re supporting Safe Sleep Week, sharing simple ways to create a safe sleep space for your baby.

Our lovely community Maternity Support Worker Denise has helped us demonstrate two different Moses basket setups so you can easily spot the difference between a safer sleep space and one that could increase risks.

❌ The left side shows an unsafe sleep setup:
• Baby wearing a hat indoors
• Large cuddly toy in the basket
• Rolled blanket used for propping
• Multiple blankets swaddling baby and a duvet-style cover

These items can increase the risk of overheating and suffocation.

✅ The right side shows a safer sleep setup:
• Baby on their back to sleep
• A clear cot or Moses basket
• A firm mattress with a fitted sheet
• A light blanket tucked under the arms or a baby sleep bag
• No hats indoors
• Nothing else in the basket/cot (no toys, pillows or positioners)

💡 Keep it simple to keep it safe
Safe sleep spaces should be clear, flat and firm – babies don’t need lots of extras.

Preparing for a new baby can feel overwhelming, but when it comes to sleep, the safest space is often the simplest one.

You can also find helpful guidance on choosing safe sleep products here:
🔗https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Product-guide.pdf

We’ll be sharing more safer sleep tips throughout the week.

The Lullaby Trust

08/03/2026

💜 International Women’s Day 💜

💪Today we celebrate the incredible strength of the women we care for every day.

Pregnancy, labour, birth and early motherhood are some of the most powerful and life-changing moments in a woman’s life. We are privileged to witness the courage, determination, love and resilience shown by the women and families we support throughout their journey.

Every birth story is unique, and every woman’s strength looks different - but each one is inspiring in its own way.

We also want to take a moment to recognise the amazing women who make up our maternity team. From midwives, doctors and maternity support workers to ward clerks, housekeepers, cleaners and support staff - it takes a whole team working together to provide safe, compassionate care for the families in our community.

Today we celebrate all women, those becoming mothers, those supporting families, and those dedicating their careers to caring for others.

Happy International Women’s Day 💜

05/03/2026

✨ Creating a calm space for birth ✨

Every birth is unique, and so is every birthing environment. Even when women need to be cared for on our labour ward rather than in our midwifery-led birth rooms, we always try to support their birth preferences wherever it is safe to do so.

This video shows one of our labour rooms that has been prepared to create a calm, relaxing environment for a family welcoming their baby.

In our labour rooms video, you might notice:
🚪 A hypnobirthing sign on the door to encourage a quiet, peaceful space
🌟 A projector providing soft lighting and starry lights on the ceiling
🎶 A speaker playing patient's-own calming music
💬 Positive affirmation posters around the room
🛏 A delivery bed positioned to encourage mobilisation and upright positions in labour

Creating a calm environment during labour isn’t just about comfort, it can also help the body do what it’s designed to do. Feeling relaxed and supported can encourage the release of oxytocin, the hormone that helps labour to progress and supports bonding after birth.

Even if you need additional monitoring or care on labour ward, our team will always work with you to help create the birth environment that feels right for you wherever possible.

If you’re planning your birth, remember to talk to your midwife about your preferences - we’re here to support you. 💙

02/03/2026

✨ Meet the Team Monday ✨

This week we’re introducing Sue, one of our Labour Ward Shift Leaders.

Sue trained here at the Countess of Chester and has stayed as part of the team since 2008! She has been a Labour Ward Shift Leader since 2017, bringing years of experience, calm leadership and dedication to both families and colleagues.

💙 What does a Labour Ward Shift Leader do?
They coordinate the ward during their shift - overseeing staffing, supporting midwives, liaising with obstetricians and anaesthetists, managing emergencies, and ensuring every family receives safe, timely and compassionate care. They're often the person making sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

Sue says what she values most is supporting people during what can be a very anxious time, while also supporting the team to provide the very best care possible.

Her advice?
“If you’re ever concerned, please ring. We’re here to support you.”

Thank you, Sue, for your leadership and for everything you do for our families and team 💙

26/02/2026

📞 What happens when you call triage?

If you’re worried about your pregnancy, unsure about symptoms, or just need reassurance, our maternity triage team is here for you.

When you call, you’ll speak to a midwife who will ask a few questions about what’s been happening. This helps us understand how best to support you.

If we ask you to come in:

🪑 You may have a short wait to be seen. Emergencies are always prioritised, but we will keep you informed.

👩‍⚕️ You’ll be triaged by a midwife who will:
• Listen to your concerns
• Ask about your symptoms
• Check your observations
• Decide if you need further assessments or tests

🤍 If you are over 26 weeks pregnant, we may monitor your baby’s heart rate to check how baby is doing.

🩺 If needed, the midwife may arrange for you to be reviewed by an obstetrician or another member of the team.

Sometimes you may go home with reassurance and advice. Other times, we may recommend further monitoring or treatment. Every plan is individual to you and your baby.

No concern is too small. If something doesn’t feel right, please call - even if you have been seen recently or you have an upcoming appointment.
We would always rather you contact us.

23/02/2026

✨ Meet the Team Monday is back! ✨

We’re excited to be bringing back our Meet the Team series, giving you a chance to get to know the incredible people who care for you and your families every day.

First up is Phoebe, one of our midwives who predominantly works in Maternity Assessment & Triage.

Phoebe is often one of the first faces you’ll see when you’re feeling unsure, overwhelmed or worried.

💙 “My favourite part of my job is alleviating your worries and helping you feel safe, informed and supported.”

Triage exists for a reason - whether it’s a small concern or a big question, you are never bothering us. We’re here so you can receive the care, guidance and reassurance you deserve.

🌟 Fun fact: Three families have loved Phoebe’s care so much that they’ve named their babies after her, which is incredibly special and a true testament to the impact she has.

We’re so proud to have Phoebe as part of our team 🤍

Keep an eye out every Monday as we introduce more of the people behind your maternity care.

16/02/2026

✨ January in Maternity – A Look Back ✨

January has been another special month in our maternity unit as we welcomed new arrivals and supported families at every stage of their journey 💙

It’s always lovely to look back at the month’s highlights, including two sets of twins and births on our Midwifery-Led Unit.

If you had your baby with us in January, we’d love to see your photos and hear your stories in the comments 💬

13/01/2026

✨ December at the Countess of Chester Maternity Unit ✨

December was a wonderfully festive month in our maternity unit, with 164 babies born at the Countess 💙

Some fun facts from the month:
👶 More boys than girls this time – 90 boys and 74 girls
👶👶 Five sets of twins welcomed!
💧 Four water births
💜 Nine births in our Midwife-Led Unit

Did you welcome your baby with us in December? We’d love to see your photos and hear your stories in the comments 👇

07/01/2026

Important product recall - Nestle infant formula

We're sharing the information following a precautionary recall of a specific batch of Nestle SMA infant formula.
If you are currently using SMA formula, please check the batch details carefully against the recall notice. Only certain batches are affected.

If you think you are using an affected product:
❗️Do not use it
❗️Follow the instructions on the recall notice for next steps
❗️If you have any concern about your baby's health, please contact your GP, midwife, health visitor or NHS 111

If you're unsure or would like feeding support, our Infant Feeding Team is available to help and can talk you through safe alternatives if needed.
📞01244 365401 or 01244 363646

The safety and wellbeing of babies is our absolute priority. As a precautionary measure, Nestlé is voluntarily recalling specific batches of its SMA infant formula and follow-on formula.