Lancashire Health Visiting and School Nursing

12/12/2025

Phone line and social media messenger service remains open 24/7 throughout the Christmas period 🙂 📞 Call 0300 100 0212

For helpful factsheets from the The Breastfeeding Network Drugs in Breastmilk Service which are most popular at this time of year visit https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/drugs-factsheets/

• Cough and cold remedies and Breastfeeding
• Decongestants and Breastfeeding
• Sore throats and Breastfeeding
• Alcohol and Breastfeeding
• Mastitis guidance
• Vaccinations and Breastfeeding
• Vitamin D and Breastfeeding

11/12/2025

The festive season is a joyful one, but it can also feel overwhelming. If you need advice, reassurance or support, our local teams are here to help 🎄

Whether you’re looking for health visiting support, feeding advice, emotional wellbeing help, or simply a safe space to talk, you can attend one of our clinics or reach out online.

Find your local clinic: https://bit.ly/4oh24Cm

You’re never alone, and it’s okay to reach out if things feel a bit much this Christmas 🌟

10/12/2025

Are you expecting a baby? 🤰👶
Do you live in Lancashire?

Thursday afternoons - come and join us!

Information and top tips for expectant parents, delivered by Infant Feeding Specialists and Lactation Consultants.

🎦LIVE and Interactive Virtual Group –
Antenatal Infant Feeding - Thursday 12.30-2pm (twice per month)

✅ Pre-recorded online session available via our website
✅ There is also our Bump, Birth & Beyond groups, some of which are held face to face.

Get in touch for more information or to book onto one of our live groups via your Health Visiting Service:
☎️ 0300 247 0040
📧 vcl.019.SinglePointOfAccess@nhs.net.
🌐 https://lancschildandfamily.co.uk/services/virtual-groups/
📱Download our new app! 'Lancashire Child and Family'

09/12/2025

Info and support for pregnancy, parenting and feeding your baby with the Anya app for FREE here in Lancashire!

08/12/2025

Winter weather can be harsh on a baby’s delicate skin. Cold air, wind, and dry indoor heating can all cause dryness or irritation.

Here are some tips on how to keep your little one comfortable and protected:

✨ Moisturise regularly with a gentle, fragrance‑free cream or emollient, especially on exposed areas like cheeks and hands
✨ Limit exposure to cold and wind - try to keep outings short or cover exposed skin with hats, scarves, and mittens
✨ Dress in layers so your baby can stay warm without overheating; soft fabrics next to the skin and a warm outer layer work best
✨ After baths, gently pat your baby dry and apply moisturiser while skin is still slightly damp to lock in moisture

For more on how to care for your baby’s skin in winter, check out these expert tips: https://bit.ly/4pl6kRX

08/12/2025

Today's myth - lets talk about returning to work?!
💚 Can I continue to feed?
💚 How do I express?
💚 Can I offer formula and breastfeed when at home?
💚 Should I stop?
Returning to work can be a huge change for both of you.
There are lots of options for you.
You can continue to breastfeed.
Expressing for work is also an option.
Yes, we support families who would like to offer formula.
This doesn't have to be the end, but we can also support you to stop too.
We have lots of families who want to carry on, and finding what works for them was really important.
It can also be the perfect tool for when you are back together:
🥰Helps to regulate feelings.
🥰Reconnection after a long day apart.
🥰Means you have to stop and rest for a moment.
Have a read here:
↗ https://www.nct.org.uk/information/life-parent/support-change/breastfeeding-and-returning-work
How did returning to work look for you?

05/12/2025

04/12/2025

Christmas can be exciting, but the extra noise, lights and changes to routine can feel overwhelming for children with SEND.

Here are our top tips for a calmer Christmas:

✨ Use visual timetables or simple picture schedules to show what’s happening
✨ Have a quiet space your child can retreat to when things get too much
✨ Use sensory supports like headphones, comfort items or weighted toys
✨ Introduce new activities slowly and keep routines where you can

Every family is different - remember, it's okay to do what works best for you and your child this festive season.

And if you need support, your local 0-25 SEND or Health Visiting team is here to help 💛

03/12/2025

“No matter how much you prepare, you can never be fully ready for a premature baby.”

Leah’s baby, George, was born five weeks earlier than his due date.

“A tiny baby at 4.3 pounds, he was our little Christmas miracle! He stayed in neonatal intensive care (NICU) for a few days before we took him home on Boxing Day. We redid Christmas day shortly after, which was such a special day.” Leah told us.

“I found it hard to sleep at first and found myself staying up, watching him to check he was breathing. “

“I found The Lullaby Trust’s webpage about premature and low-birth weight babies really reassuring. George was really tiny and I found it so helpful to read specific information about how to keep him safe.”

Read Leah’s story in full 👉 https://bit.ly/4h93Oep

01/12/2025

We’re helping to raise awareness of the campaign by the The Children's Society, which highlights the signs of child exploitation and encourages everyone to speak up if something feels wrong.

If you’re worried about a child or young person, trust your instincts and report it.

How to report:
🚨 999 - if a child is in immediate danger
📞 101 - for non-emergency situations
📱 NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
🕵️ Crimestoppers (anonymous): 0800 555 111

Remember, your report could help keep a child safe .

01/12/2025

Why is rearward-facing travel safest for babies and young children? 👶

Children travelling forward-facing can be thrown forwards in a head-on collision. That puts stress on the fragile head and neck, which can lead to serious injury.

If your child is travelling rear-facing, the car seat spreads the forces across the whole back, protecting the delicate head and neck. As 70% of accidents are frontal collisions, it's safest for children to travel rearward-facing until their muscles and bones have properly developed.

Rear-facing is always safest, no matter what their age so the longer you can find a rear-facing car seat that fits your child's height and weight requirements the better.

To find out more about general car seat safety advice (and the law!) take a look at the links below, including one about rear-facing car seats up to 36kg by WHICH.

https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/child-car-seats/article/best-extended-rear-facing-baby-or-child-car-seats-aFotf0W2b3e8 (rear-facing car seat reviews)

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/first-aid-and-safety/safety/choosing-a-baby-car-seat/ (NHS)

https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/9-car-seat-factsheet-2019-09-09-1.pdf (Lullaby Trust)

https://www.capt.org.uk/car-safety (Child Accident Prevention Trust)

28/11/2025

We love our groups and we want every parent to find their village 💚
We have 15 groups across Lancashire,including our online group!
No need to book, all free. Antenatal and postnatal families welcome. Yes bring your older babies and toddlers too. Refreshments available. No need to be struggling.
Have you been to your local group recently?
Find your local groups here: https://lancashireinfantfeeding.nct.org.uk/support