Lancashire Health Visiting and School Nursing

01/04/2026

✨ Breast milk is magic ✨

Blackburn with Darwen Public Health have produced this video to explain some of the many benefits. Listen out for some of our youngest residents who are our voiceover stars!

There is lots of of FREE support for breastfeeding here in Lancashire:

☎ Contact your Health Visiting Service 0300 247 0040 or download our new app 'Lancashire Child and Family'.
👶 Anya the 24/7 pregnancy, parenting and baby feeding support app is FREE from pregnancy until baby turns 2!
🤱 NCT Parent Support Lancashire infant feeding peer support available

✨ Breast milk is magic ✨

31/03/2026

🚶‍♀️ NEW Group – Pram & Push at Preston Family Hub (West) 🚶‍♂️

Join us for a refreshing walk and talk every Tuesday from 9:30am to 11:00am. It’s a great way to get outdoors, meet other parents, and enjoy some friendly conversation!

👶 For children in prams only – no walkers or dogs, please.
✨ A relaxed and welcoming group for parents and carers.
📍 Where: Preston West Family Hub PR2 1TU

Spending time in nature and exercise are both ways to support new parents emotional health and wellbeing and it's also great for your baby to spend time in nature as they get the benefits of being in a green space too.
Whether your baby is in a pram or a sling you are welcome to come along and meet other new mums, dad’s, grandmas etc and find out what's going on in a Family Hub near you.

Come along and make Tuesday mornings brighter! 🌟

30/03/2026

🌼 Spring’s a great time to freshen up your home, and it’s also a perfect moment to make sure your space is safe for little explorers who are starting to crawl and move around.

As babies become more curious and mobile, everyday objects and surfaces become part of their world. A few simple steps can help reduce risks while you clean and organise.

Here are our tips for a safer spring clean:

• Store cleaning products safely: keep all sprays, detergents and polishes well out of reach in high cupboards or locked cabinets.
• Check low surfaces and floors: remove small items (coins, batteries, elastic bands) that could be choking hazards.
• Secure loose cords and wires: keep electrical and blind cords tucked away or secured.
• Use gentle, baby-safe cleaning products: strong chemicals can leave residues; choose mild, non-toxic options where possible.
• Lock away small parts and heavy decor: anything that can be pulled down or swallowed should be out of reach.

Did you know, many household cleaners can be irritating if touched or tasted by little hands. Always read labels and consider fragrance-free, non-toxic options if you have young children at home 🍃

For trusted guidance on home safety for children, visit: https://bit.ly/4qNNEKL

30/03/2026

If a baby who has happily been nursing, suddenly stops, it could be a nursing strike and can be distressing for both of you. More information here on what it is, and what to do.

https://www.laleche.org.uk/nursing-strikes/

[Image: mother and baby lying on their backs on a bed looking up Text: Has your baby suddenly stopped breastfeeding? Is it a nursing strike? ]

27/03/2026

27/03/2026

Expecting a baby? 👶
Have you accessed one of our virtual groups yet?🤩 🖐

If you have any questions, or would like to book your place on one of our live groups, please contact a member of our Healthy Family Team and include your child’s DOB and full name.

Alternatively, access one of our pre-recorded sessions on the website or download our new app for helpful information and support during your parenting journey.

☎️ 0300 247 0040
📧 vcl.019.SinglePointOfAccess@nhs.net
🌐 https://lancschildandfamily.co.uk/services/virtual-groups/
📱Download the app 'Lancashire Child and Family'

Check your junk folder and if you haven't received an email link 48 hours prior to the group then please give us a call.

26/03/2026

Longer, lighter days are lovely - until it’s still bright at bedtime! Changing daylight can throw off sleep routines for babies children, but a few simple tweaks can help keep sleep on track.

Here’s how to make bedtime smoother as the clocks change:

🌅 Get outside earlier in the day - morning and afternoon daylight helps reset your child’s internal clock - bright light in the daytime = easier sleep at night.

📅 Stick to steady sleep times - similar bed and wake times every day help your little one’s body clock stay on track - even when evenings stay light longer.

📘 Set a calming bedtime vibe - wind-down routines with quiet activities and dim lights tell the brain it’s sleep time.

📵 Ease off screens before bed - screens and bright lights near bedtime can keep little brains switched on - dim the lights and enjoy cosy quiet time instead.

If you need help with your child's sleep, we are here to support you.

Get in touch with us here: https://bit.ly/3MUQZK7

26/03/2026

Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 is coming soon...

The next Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week will take place from Monday 4 to Sunday 10 May 2026, with World Maternal Mental Health Day 2026 on Wednesday 6 May. There will be events and resources on this page during this week.

Get involved using .

Speak to your GP, Midwife, or Health Visitor as soon as possible if you're experiencing any of these signs.

https://maternalmentalhealthalliance.org/

Perinatal Mental Health Partnership

25/03/2026

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)

24/03/2026

I genuinely wish cookies boosted supply. I wish that was the answer x

23/03/2026

🌟 Your Child’s 3–3.5 Year Review 🧸🌈💛
Your little one is growing into a confident, curious preschooler — such an exciting stage! ✨
No need to book — we’ll contact you to arrange your child’s 3–3.5 year review.
During this review, we’ll chat about:
🦷 Oral health
😴 Safe sleep
🎒 School readiness
🚽 Toilet training
🗣️ Speech & language development
It’s a great opportunity to talk about your child’s progress, ask questions, and get support as they get closer to starting school. 💛

20/03/2026

It's World Oral Health Day 2026! 😬

Check out top tips on looking after your little ones teeth...