Saint Mary's Hospital Maternity

17/02/2026

17/02/2026

17/02/2026

The busiest midwife was Fatimah - with a total of 8 births!
Congratulations to all the families that joined us during this month and hope you're enjoying your new arrivals! 💖

13/02/2026

🍼 Struggling to find milk for your formula-fed baby because of the ?

TOP TIPS
🤱 If you’re mixed feeding, more if you can

1️⃣ You can use any first infant formula for 0-12 months, whether powdered or liquid – they all provide the nutrients your baby needs. You may notice changes in your baby’s poo but switching between first infant formulas is safe

2️⃣ Follow on formula can be used for 6-12 months (whether powdered or liquid) but NEVER give follow-on formula to babies under 6 months old

3️⃣ 4️⃣ NEVER give growing up or toddler milks or drinks to babies under 12 months

❌ Be aware that no formula milks are necessary at all for children over 12 months

❗ Only use a specialised formula milk (lactose-free, anti-reflux, comfort) on the advice of a medical professional

REMEMBER
🦠 Powdered formula milks are NOT STERILE: Always follow the NHS advice on making up and storing formula to minimise the risk of bacterial contamination which can make your baby sick.

🤖 Formula preparation machines often do not produce water that is hot enough to kill any bacteria in the formula powder, so it’s best to avoid using them at all.

For more *independent*, expert information on formula for parents who use formula to feed their babies, see www.firststepsnutrition.org/parents-carers

NHS Food Standards Agency Professor Amy Brown - Breastfeeding Uncovered National Breastfeeding Helpline UK Institute of Health Visiting

02/02/2026

🌸 We’re looking for women and birthing people to take part in a research study! 🌸

The study is exploring healthy lifestyles after having a baby to help improve postnatal and preconception services across Greater Manchester 💜
Who can take part? Women and birthing people who have had a baby in Greater Manchester in the last 12 months, are over 16 years old and speak English, Arabic or Urdu.

📝 What’s involved?
You can complete a questionnaire and/or take part in an interview - whatever works best for you!

Your experiences could help shape the future of postnatal support for women and families 💬

📧For any questions please contact: Kylie Watson 07929759975 Thank you for helping us make a difference!

02/02/2026

31/01/2026

We do not recommended using home dopplers to listen to your baby's heart rate. If you have any worries about the wellbeing of your baby please contact your local Triage immediately - we are available 24/7 ☎️

Urgent reminder 🚨

Today, BBC Morning Live featured a segment about private scan clinics.

After interviewing 2 mums with negative experiences of private scan clinics, the presenter said pregnant women could check their baby’s heartbeat themselves with a stethoscope for reassurance. This advice is not only wrong, but dangerous because you could be falsely reassured.

No home scanning device, doppler or app can tell you if your baby is well. While it may sound tempting, it's not a safe way to listen to your baby’s heartbeat or check they're okay. This can only be done by a midwife or health professional.

Unless you're professionally trained, it's easy to confuse what you're hearing or seeing and be falsely reassured.

If you're worried about reduction in baby's movements, or have any other concerns, contact your maternity unit immediately.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3JuW58H

28/01/2026

28/01/2026

Are you worried your baby isn’t getting enough milk?
Been topping up and want to know how to reduce bottle feeds?
Not sure if your baby needs top-ups, and receiving conflicting information?

We’re here for you 💜

No judgement. No bias. No question too silly...
Just information, support, and a listening ear!

Contact our peer supporters on 0300 100 0212, or drop us a private message — anytime.

✨ Please share this post to help us reach more mums and families ✨

Provided by The Breastfeeding Network (UK), with Association of Breastfeeding Mothers

[ID: It's not unusual to worry that you're not producing enough milk for your baby. If they are producing the expected amount of wee and poo, and their weight is increasing as expected, then they are getting enough milk. National Breastfeeding Helpline. 0300 100 0212.]

28/01/2026

When should I start to feel movement?
Most women and birthing people usually begin to feel their baby move between 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy.

How often should my baby move?
There is no set number of normal movements. Get to know your baby's individual regular pattern of movement

What should I do if I notice reduced movement?
If you think your baby’s movements have slowed down or stopped call your maternity unit or midwife immediately. The maternity unit is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Don't put off calling until the next day or wait until your next scheduled appointment.

What if my baby’s movements are reduced again?
You should contact your maternity unit again, however many times it happens. Even if everything was normal last time, don't hesitate to contact your midwife or maternity unit for advice. You're always doing the right thing.

Why are my baby’s movements important?
A reduction or change in a baby’s movements can be an important warning sign that a baby is unwell. Around half of women who had a stillbirth noticed their baby’s movements had slowed down or stopped. It's NOT true that babies move less towards the end of pregnancy

You should continue to feel your baby move right up to the time you go into labour and whilst you are in labour too.

Should I prompt my baby to move?
As it can cause a delay in getting medical advice, do not use ice, fizzy drinks etc to make your baby move, always call your maternity unit.

What if my baby’s movements reduce again after check up?
If, after your check up, you are still not happy with your baby’s movements, you must contact either your maternity unit or midwife straight away, even if everything was normal last time. NEVER HESITATE to contact your maternity unit or midwife for advice, no matter how many times this happens.

Should I use a phone app or home doppler to check the baby's heartbeat?
Do not use hand-held monitors, Dopplers or phone apps to check your baby’s health. Even if you hear a heartbeat, this does not mean your baby is well.

28/01/2026

A reminder of where and when you can access vaccinations in your pregnancy 🤰🏽

Walk in appointments are available every week at each site 💪🏼🩹