Saint Mary's Hospital Maternity

22/01/2026

22/01/2026

🚨 Urgent Equipment Appeal 🚨

We’ve seen a significant increase in referrals this month, with over 105 children referred to our service already this month. As a result, we urgently need essential baby equipment to ensure families can be supported safely and without delay.

We are reopening donations for equipment only and are currently seeking:

• High chairs (folding or IKEA style)
• Cots (120 x 60cm or 140 x 70cm – no Moses baskets or next-to-me cots, please)
• Baby bouncers
• Microwave or plug-in sterilisers

⚠️ Please note: we are still closed to preloved clothing donations until February due to space and capacity constraints.

These items are critical. Without them, families are left waiting for essentials that support safe feeding, safe sleep and day-to-day care for their babies.

👉 How you can help:
• If you have one of the items listed above, please comment “Equipment” and we’ll get in touch
• If you don’t have items to donate but would like to help, comment “Wishlist” and we’ll send you a link to our Amazon Wishlist, where items can be sent directly to us
• Please also share this post with your networks to help us reach anyone who may be able to support

Thank you, as always, for standing with local families when they need it most 💚
Your support helps us respond quickly, safely and with dignity.

22/01/2026

Today, we’re talking about blocked ducts — when inflammation causes milk ducts to narrow.

This can be caused by:
• sudden changes in feeding patterns
• latch issues
• pressure on the breasts from bras, clothing, or fingers during feeding
• knocks and bumps

You can continue to feed or express as normal — this will help ease discomfort. Avoid trying to empty the breast, as this can lead to oversupply.

If you choose to massage, it’s important to be gentle. Any pressure should be no firmer than stroking a cat 🐱

A warm compress on the ni**le may help with let-down - not too hot, or often, as this could increase the swelling. A cool compress on the inflamed area may help ease symptoms between feeds.

If you experience blocked ducts frequently, speaking with one of our peer supporters may help. They can look at feeding positions, latch, and feeding patterns if needed.

Visit a local group or contact our National Breastfeeding Helpline UK - available 24/7 💜

You can find self-help measures on our website:
www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/breastfeeding-information/mastitis-breastfeeding/

It’s also important to watch for early signs of mastitis. Symptoms may include breasts that are painful and/or hot to the touch, and changes in skin colour (reddened or darker areas, depending on skin tone).

If you start to feel ill, dizzy, confused, or develop nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or slurred speech alongside mastitis symptoms, please seek urgent medical attention.

✨ Have you received support from us for blocked ducts or mastitis? Let us know in the comments ✨

[ID: What are blocked ducts? Blocked ducts. (Inflamed ducts/ductal narrowing). Researchers now think that ducts don't become blocked or plugged with thickened milk. Milk ducts can narrow due to inflammation, which may cause milk to 'back up' behind swollen lumps. Attempting to unblock a 'plug' by squeezing or aggressively massaging your breast isn't likely to be effective and may damage the tissue.]

17/01/2026

Safe sleep 💤👶

There are so many baby sleep products on the market it can be hard to know what you should buy in preparation for your baby's sleep. Many sleep products that are advertised are expensive and are not recommended as safe to use for baby sleep.

Its important to remember that baby's sleep space should remain clear of anything that could cause suffocation or affect babies airways such as bumpers , pillows , duvets , teddies and nests.

For safe sleep it is recommended you buy
🔸️ a cot or moses basket
🔸️ a firm flat mattress
🔸️ sleeping bag or sheets and lightweight blanket
🔸️ a portable sleep space if you plan to sleep away from home
🔸️ a room thermometer

Visit The Lullaby Trust website for more information about safe sleep recommendations.

https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/baby-safety/baby-product-information/baby-sleeping-products/

17/01/2026

Anterior placentas

The placenta is an incredible organ, belonging to both you and your baby. It's the only transient organ in the human body, meaning that it grows and stays temporarily, leaving once it's fulfilled its purpose. Connected to your baby by the umbilical cord, it releases hormones which help your baby to grow, while also supplying them with nutrients and oxygen. The placenta is also responsible for carrying waste products, such as carbon dioxide, back to your bloodstream to be disposed of.

The placenta develops wherever the fertilised egg embeds into your uterus. Your sonographer will check the position of your placenta during your 20-week scan, to ensure its position won't affect your pregnancy. An anterior placenta simply means your placenta is attached to the front wall of your uterus, between the baby and your tummy. It's a completely normal place for it to implant and develop. It isn't connected to having a low-lying placenta (called placenta previa) and it shouldn't cause you problems.

Although feeling movement can be trickier for anterior placenta mums, your baby should still develop regularity to their movement. If you feel as though your baby's movements have slowed down or stopped, it's important not to assume your placenta is the reason. Call your midwife or maternity unit straight away if you have any concerns.

17/01/2026

10/01/2026

BIRTH CENTRE FEEDBACK 🩷

“Hello, I would like to share some positive feedback I had during my birth on Tuesday 4th November.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to two extraordinary midwives, Jenna and Lizette (student midwife). From the very beginning of my birthing journey even from the moment I arrived in triage the care I received was quick, efficient, and incredibly reassuring. Everything moved smoothly, and I felt supported right from the start.

Jenna and Lizette, were there through it all. They were respectful, kind, caring, and endlessly supportive. They guided me with such strength, always informative and always compassionate. If I could have written out my perfect birth, this truly was it. They both gave me everything I hoped for and more.

Because of them, my birth was positive, beautiful, and unforgettable. I will never forget the way they believed in me and helped bring my baby safely into the world.

Thank you, Jenna and Lizette, for giving me an experience I will cherish for the rest of my life. You will forever be a special part of our story.

The aftercare following the birth was fantastic as well- I was able to stay in the delivery suite! The rest of the team continued to care for me with such kindness nothing ever felt like too much to ask. They were attentive, gentle, and made sure I was always looked after, even topping me up with orange juice and toast when I needed it most. Their warmth made those first moments of recovery feel safe and supported.”

07/01/2026

🌸 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!

Questionnaire link : https://forms.office.com/e/snXtZJYzWn

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!

06/01/2026

Vaccinations in Pregnancy💉🤰

Vaccines are tested and safe. They are the best way to protect you and your baby from serious illness - they will protect you both throughout your pregnancy and for the first few months after your baby is born.

💙What Vaccines are available? 💙

Flu - available from September 2025 - March 2026
RSV - available all year round - (from 28 weeks)
Whooping Cough - available all year round ( from16 - 32 weeks)

For more information
Search 'NHS GM Winter vaccinations'
Please contact your local maternity team or speak to your midwife.

Vaccination appointments are available as both pre-booked / drop in service at all locations between 08.30 - 4pm

05/01/2026

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.

05/01/2026

Please read if you have purchased SMA formula 🩵

Nestlé is recalling specific batches of its SMA infant formula and follow-on formula.

This is due to the potential presence of cereulide in the batches below. There have been no confirmed reports of any illness but if you’ve bought one don’t feed it to your baby.

The recall notice states you can get a refund: If you have purchased one of these batches, please share a photo of the product and the batch code via https://www.nestle.co.uk/en-gb/getintouch or by calling our careline on 0800 0 81 81 80 (UK) 1800 931 832 (Ireland) and we will refund you.

You can switch to any other first stage infant formula (if you’re using a specialised milk please contact your health professional). I’m assuming the recall means the affected batches are now off the shelves but you can double check any new purchases.

Batch codes can be found on the base of the tin or box for powdered formulas or the base of the outer box and on the side / top of the container for ready-to-feed formulas.

A list of UK products and batch numbers followed by Ireland.

You can check the Nestle website here https://www.nestle.co.uk/en-gb/media/sma-infant-formula-follow-on-formula-recall?_kx=aXTIwfnPEjd8LOiLG1ZmN73fHEcG4TmQLvNnUBOwg7c.RuSAJw

SMA Advanced Follow on Milk 800g
• 52879722AA

SMA Advanced First Infant Milk 800g
• 52319722BA
• 52819722AA
• 51240742F2
• 51890742F2
• 51450742F1

SMA First Infant Milk 800g
• 51170346AA
• 51170346AB
• 51340346AB
• 51580346AA
• 51590346AA
• 52760346AB
• 52760346AD
• 52780346AA

SMA First Infant Milk 400g
• 51350346AA
• 52750346AD

SMA First Infant Milk 1.2Kg
• 51340346BE
• 52740346BA
• 52750346BA

SMA LITTLE STEPS First Infant Milk 800g
• 52740346AD
• 51220346AD
• 51540346AC

SMA Comfort 800g
• 52620742F3
• 51240742F3
• 51439722BA
• 51479722BA
• 51769722BA
• 52049722AA

SMA First Infant Milk 200ml
• 52860295M
• 52870295M
• 53220295M
• 53230295M
• 52870295M
• 53030295M
• 53040295M
• 53070295M
• 53080295M

SMA First Infant Milk 70ml
• 53170742B1

SMA Lactose Free 400g
• 51719722BA
• 51759722BA
• 51829722BA
• 51979722BA
• 52109722BA
• 53299722BA
• 53459722BA
• 51150346AB
• 51500346AB

SMA Anti Reflux 800g
• 51570742F3
• 52099722BA
• 52099722BB
• 52739722BA

SMA Alfamino 400g
• 51200017Y3
• 51210017Y1
• 51220017Y1
• 51250017Y1
• 51390017Y1
• 51420017Y2
• 51430017Y1
• 51460017Y1
• 51690017Y2
• 51690017Y3
• 51700017Y1
• 51710017Y1
• 51740017Y1
• 52760017Y5
• 52790017Y1
• 52860017Y1
• 53100017Y3
• 53110017Y1
• 53140017Y1
• 53140017Y2
• 53150017Y1

Ireland batch numbers

SMA Advanced First Infant Milk 800g
• 51450742F1

SMA Advanced Follow on Milk 800g
• 51240742F2
• 51890742F2

SMA Comfort 800g
• 52620742F3

SMA First Infant Milk 200ml
• 53070295M
• 52860295M
• 52870295M
• 53220295M
• 53230295M

SMA First Infant Milk 800g
• 51590346AB
• 52750346AE

SMA GOLD PREM 2 800g
• 53090742F2

SMA LITTLE STEPS First Infant Milk 800g
• 51540346AD

SMA Alfamino 400g
• 51200017Y3
• 51210017Y1
• 51250017Y1
• 51460017Y1
• 51710017Y1