Beside You Kent

19/10/2026

Cluster feeding can feel tough when you are living through it. Remember you are supporting your baby's needs. Hear from some local families of their experiences and know you are not alone.

If you are worried about how often your baby is feeding for any reason don't worry about reaching out, our website has lots of information and an interactive map about where to access support.

17/10/2026

Keep an eye on your baby, not the clock! It's so important to tune into your little one's cues when they're ready to feed. They might not be able to tell us with words, but they have their own special ways of letting us know. Have you noticed these signs from your baby?

Early hunger cues:
💚 Mouth opening
💚 Stirring
💚 Turning their head and rooting

Medium hunger cues:
🧡 Hands to mouth
🧡 Stretching
🧡 Increased movements

Late hunger cues
❤️ Becoming more fussy
❤️ Crying

Being attentive to your baby's hunger cues is a key part of responsive feeding.

You'll often find that latching at the breast is smoother when you catch those early signs. If your baby reaches the later cues, they might need a bit of soothing and calming before they're ready to feed.

You're doing an amazing job by responding to your baby's needs!

15/10/2026

"How do I discuss expressing with my employer when returning to work?"
Let your employer know in writing that you’ll be breastfeeding when you return to work.
Employers have an obligation to create a plan to support you to do that including a specific risk assessment.
Employers should provide a private, healthy and safe environment for you to express and store milk, although they are not legally obligated to do so.
The Health and Safety Executive does state that toilets are not a suitable place to express.
Maternity Action offers tips on negotiating with employers for returning to work, check out the link in the comments 👇

If you have had this conversation with your employer do you have any tips?

13/10/2026

Did you know if you baby picks up a bug (even if you don't), they will transfer the germs to you through their saliva when they feed and your body will then make the exact antibodies they need and deliver them through your milk, which will help them get better.

12/10/2026

This Baby Loss Awareness Week, we remember every baby whose life was cut short and everyone affected by pregnancy and baby loss.

We stand alongside bereaved parents, families and loved ones, and remind them that they are not alone.

On Thursday, 15 October, join the by lighting a candle at 7pm in remembrance.

We want to highlight some of the organisations to offer support and guidance for those who need it.

If you know of any others do please share them in the comments below so we can all come together 🩷🩵

11/10/2026

👶 Did you know your baby's nappies can tell you a lot about how feeding is going?

✅ More wet nappies each day during the first week ✅ Yellow poos from around day four ✅ Pale, mild-smelling urine

If you notice fewer nappies than expected or have any concerns, contact your midwife or health visitor. They're there to help.

- Days 1-2: Expect 1-2 wet nappies and at least one black meconium poo each day.
- Days 3-4: Look for 3 or more wet nappies and lighter brown or green runny stools.
- Day 4+: Aim for 4 wet nappies and 2 yellow poos daily, about the size of a £2 coin.
- Day 7: By now, there should be 6 or more wet nappies and 2 yellow poos each day.

09/10/2026

Discover Togetherness – your free online learning platform for emotional health and connected relationships.

These online courses support emotional wellbeing for grown-ups and children. With resources on brain development, emotional health and parenting, Togetherness can help you build healthier relationships and happier lives.

Created by NHS clinical psychologists, alongside practitioners and parents, these online courses will help you and your family better understand and manage your emotional health in daily life.

👉 Start your learning journey: www.togetherness.co.uk/learn and use the local access code 'Invicta.'

07/10/2026

Fantastic news!

From January 2027 we will begin offering a new Perinatal Mental Health Peer Support service. We are excited to be able to offer a new form of peer support to parents in Kent, within NCT this type of peer support service is called Parents in Mind.

We're currently recruiting for 7 positions to support the delivery of peer support groups across the county.

If you are interested in joining a passionate, supportive team and contribute to meaningful work that transforms the lives of parents and families, via the link in our bio, or scan the QR code, to find out more and apply!

📆The closing date for applications is 24th September 2026.

If you have any questions about the role, please email [email protected]

07/10/2026

Getting ready to start your baby on solid foods? Kent Family has trusted NHS easy-to-follow tips on everything from choosing the right first foods to making mealtimes fun and safe for your little one.

You can also hear from local parents sharing their experiences on what it’s really like.

For parents of babies four months plus.

Every first bite will be a new discovery, a new flavour…a new mess!

Feel confident every step of the way with your local health visiting team at Kent Baby.

If you still have questions, book a face-to-face or virtual session with your local health visiting team.

family.kentcht.nhs.uk/introducingsolids

05/10/2026

What do you need to breastfeed?

When it comes to items, the most needed things are just you and your baby, keep it simple!

But in terms of what truly makes the journey smoother...

Encouragement, knowledge, dedication, help, support, and time are key.