Beyond Birth Mid Ulster

04/08/2025

It’s World Breastfeeding Week 1-7th August

29/07/2025

28/07/2025

Just a week ago, this body was celebrated for being cute and pregnant.

But now, society pressures us to 'bounce back' to our pre-pregnancy weight.

Can we shift the focus from bouncing back to moving forward, embracing a new role and a new normal? After all, our bodies won't return to exactly how they were before, but should they?

Postpartum bodies shouldn't be met with shame, disgust, or comparison.

Instead, they deserve self-love, admiration, and appreciation.

ALWAYS.

📸
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22/07/2025

22/07/2025

At least 1 in 10 men are known to experience poor mental health in the perinatal period. Su***de remains the leading cause of death in men under 50. There is strong evidence that fathers’ mental health has significant impacts on their babies’ health and development, and the health of their partners, during pregnancy and beyond.

Yet services for families, including health visiting, remain strongly focused on mothers, leaving many men feeling ignored, excluded and reluctant to ask for help if they are struggling.

The Institute of Health Visiting have produced this webinar to highlight the importance of recognising the impact of the perinatal period on Father's mental health.

Click on the join link to view the webinar at 8.30pm tonight

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22/06/2025

10/06/2025

What does everyone mean by 'infant mental health'?

Incredibly, our early experiences lay the foundations for our emotional health and wellbeing later in life. And Infant Mental Health Awareness Week provides us with the opportunity to come together to discuss how we can support babies' wellbeing to help them flourish in the future!

29/05/2025

Are you a mum or dad-to-be?

This free online antenatal course is available now and offers lots of useful information for everyone in the family as you prepare to welcome your new baby 👶

Visit https://orlo.uk/in_our_place_ZeTJr and use access code NIFAMILIES to get started.

20/05/2025

Are you interested in maternity matters?

We want to hear from you as part of our Maternity Voice Partnership, a group made up of expectant and new parents, community organisations representatives, doulas, midwives, obstetricians and senior maternity managers, all passionate about making positive change within our maternity services🧑‍🍼

If you have experience of maternity services in the Northern Trust including Antrim Area Hospital, Causeway Hospital and community midwifery teams please come along to our upcoming meeting to make your voice heard👶

🗓️ Tues 27 May
🕙 10am – 11.30am
📍 Ecos Centre in Ballymena

We welcome all feedback to help us improve maternity services for all ❤️

Refreshments will be provided and reimbursement for expenses may be available.

For further information please email northerntrustmvp@gmail.com

13/05/2025

Would you like to find out more about breastfeeding as you prepare for the birth of your baby?

Come along to one of our antenatal breastfeeding workshops aimed at antenatal mums (24+weeks), dads and partners 🧑‍🍼

🏥 Antrim Area Hospital
📍 Level A, Maternity Outpatients Department 4
🗓️ May 20, July 29, Sept 23, Nov 18, Dec 16

🏥 Causeway Hospital
📍 First Floor Maternity Outpatients Department
🗓️ June 17, Aug 19, Oct 21

All workshops will run from 7pm - 9pm.

To book a place please email breastfeedingworkshop@northerntrust.hscni.net

08/05/2025

10 Golden Rules for Visiting a Newborn 👶✨

Visiting a newborn is exciting, but let’s do it right! Here’s how to be the best guest ever:

💡 Before You Visit:
✔ Give parents time to settle in – Don’t rush over right after birth. Let them invite you!
✔ Ask if they need anything – Instead of just showing up, bring food, groceries, or essentials.

💡 During Your Visit:
🧼 Wash your hands & skip the kisses – Babies have delicate immune systems!
🔕 Silence your phone & avoid loud noises – Let’s keep the peace for the little one.
🚫 No surprise visits – Always check if it’s a good time before heading over.
👀 Don’t expect to hold the baby – Some parents aren’t comfortable with it, and that’s okay!
🙌 Help, don’t just visit – Fold laundry, wash dishes, or play with older siblings. Small gestures go a long way!
🤍 Be mindful of the mom – Avoid comments about her body or unsolicited advice. Support is better than opinions.

💡 After Your Visit:
⏳ Keep it short & sweet – 30-60 minutes is enough unless they want you to stay longer.
📩 Check in later – A kind message means more than a long visit!

Let’s make those first days easier for new parents! 🍼💕

01/03/2025

We can't wait!! 🐽

Congratulations Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig and family with love and best wishes for the exciting adventure to come! Did you know both you and Daddy Pig can access our free antenatal course on inourplace? Here to support you during every stage of parenthood as Peppa and George grow too!

Peppa Pig