Real Life Stories

✨ Surrogacy births are moments of joy — but too often, intended parents are excluded not because of medical needs, but because of uncertainty and outdated policies.
Every family deserves to feel seen, respected, and included in their child’s first moments. 💜
In our latest post, we share: 👶 What the evidence shows about positive surrogacy journeys
⚠️ The gaps that families and professionals still face
🤝 Practical steps for intended parents to take control
👩‍⚕️ How healthcare professionals can create truly inclusive care
Thank you to Michael from @officialmysurrogacyjourney for sharing this insightful post over on All4Birth!
🔗 Read the full article: Freeflow: Supporting Parents Through Surrogacy – Avoiding Exclusion at Birth Check out in our stories or Linktree!
#SurrogacySupport #InclusiveCare #MaternityCare #FamilyBuilding ...

🌈 Introducing Rainbow Baby Week (16–22 Aug) 🌈⁠
New this year, Rainbow Baby Week shines a light on the mental health impact of pregnancy after loss—a journey filled with both hope and heartache.⁠
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Created by Willow’s Rainbow Box, the week offers insight, support, and solidarity for families navigating this emotional path.⁠ Please follow @willowsrainbowbox along for their posts on this special week 🌟
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Tap the post to read more on the evidence, stories from families, and how this amazing charity is helping with practical support 💛⁠
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#RainbowBabyWeek #PregnancyAfterLoss #WillowsRainbowBox #MentalHealthMatters #BabyLossAwareness ...

Dealing with gestational diabetes? 🍳📘 Real Food for Gestational Diabetes by Lily Nichols has been a go-to resource for nearly 10 years — and it still holds weight today. While first published in 2015, Lily continues to share up-to-date evidence on her blog, making this book a strong starting point for anyone exploring real-food approaches to blood sugar control in pregnancy.
We’ve reviewed it with midwives and parents in mind — check out the full post via the link in bio for an honest, balanced take. 💬✨ #GestationalDiabetes #RealFoodForGDM #MidwiferySupport #PregnancyNutrition #EvidenceBasedCare ...

From skincare superstar to a key player in childbirth 🌟 Dive into the fascinating role of hyaluronic acid in ensuring a smoother labor journey. Don’t miss out on how this miracle molecule can transform pregnancy outcomes. Written by @functional.maternity! Tap the link to unfold the science! #HyaluronicAcid #HealthyPregnancy ...

🤱 Breastfeeding is vital but can be challenging, especially with a medically complex baby. 🌟 From practical to psychological barriers, parents need extra support. 💪
Dive into our full post to learn how to overcome these challenges and find the support you need, written by the wonderful @lyndsey_hookway . 🩺✨ Check out our story or Linktree for more! 📚🔗
#Breastfeeding #Support #ParentingJourney #All4Birth #WorldBreastfeedingWeek #HopefulFutures ...

Your baby suddenly feeding every hour? It’s probably a growth spurt — and it doesn’t mean your milk has “dried up.”
This post explains why cluster feeding is a good thing, how it relates to your milk supply, and how to avoid the common “top-up trap.”
Babies go through phases of wanting to feed more frequently. Paediatric Nurse, Health Visitor and IBCLC @lyndsey_hookway has written about this topic in the All4Birth article ‘Growth spurts, cluster feeding, what’s it all about?’:
“You may feel like you have been glued to the sofa for a few hours. Left breast. Pause. A bit more left breast. Burp. Five-minute rest. Right breast. Right breast. Left breast. Burp. Left breast. Which breast do I feed from again?? You may wonder if there is something wrong with your milk supply, especially if this is out of the blue”.
💻📱To read the full article click the Linktree link in our bio!
#WorldBreastfeedingWeek #HopefulFuture ...

🤱 Does the way your baby latches on make a difference to breastfeeding? The short answer is YES! 💯 A good latch means comfort for you and more milk for your baby. If you’re struggling, seek help from qualified experts like Lactation Consultants or trained midwives. 🩺💖
Remember, breastfeeding is a team effort! Your baby has natural instincts to latch on perfectly. Try a laid-back position for better results. 🛋️👶
Curious for more tips? Read the full post to learn how to make breastfeeding comfortable and effective! 📚✨Click the link in our story or Linktree to read the full post!
#WorldBreastfeedingWeek #HopefulFutures ...

🤱✨ Freeflow Article: Top Tips to Get Breastfeeding off to a Good Start 💖🍼 by @mother.shaheda
Breastfeeding is a beautiful journey, but it comes with challenges—especially in the UK, where rates remain surprisingly low. Lack of support and resources plays a significant role. Let’s change that narrative! 🌍💪
1️⃣ Colostrum Harvesting: Discover the power of collecting liquid gold before birth! It’s not just for high-risk situations—any mom can try at 36 weeks. Familiarise yourself with the process, boost confidence, and prep for postnatal expressing if needed. 🤱💛
2️⃣ Uninterrupted Golden Hour: Skin-to-skin time is pure magic! Enhance bonding, stimulate natural reflexes, and let your baby explore breastfeeding at their pace. Ensure a stress-free first hour; it sets the tone for a successful breastfeeding journey. 🌈💆‍♀️
3️⃣ Cluster Feeding Wisdom: Embrace the beauty of cluster feeding! Understand its role in milk supply and your baby’s comfort. Go with the flow, be responsive, and avoid unnecessary supplements. Seek help if needed to navigate this phase seamlessly. 🔄👶🍼
4️⃣ Say No to Bottles/Dummies Early On: The early weeks are crucial for latch and milk supply. While bottles may be necessary at times, resist the urge during cluster feeding. Let your baby master breastfeeding essentials without interference. 🚫🍶
5️⃣ Seek Support ASAP: Don’t go it alone! Trust your instincts and seek help if something feels off. From midwives to online resources like La Leche League, Breastfeeding Network, and private consultations, a wealth of support awaits you. 🤝💕
Let’s empower everyone to navigate the breastfeeding journey with confidence! Share your tips or experiences below.#WorldBreastfeedingWeek #HopefulFutures ...

World Breastfeeding Week is back — and it’s more than a celebration.
It’s a global call to invest in breastfeeding as a public health, gender equity, and sustainability issue.
Today’s post outlines this year’s theme, what’s at stake, and what needs strengthening for meaningful change.
#worldbreastfeedingweek ...

🌟 Calling all new parents! 🤱 one of our post explored the crucial “fourth trimester,” where incredible physiological changes support the transition from pregnancy to motherhood. Did you know the uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy size through a process called involution? 💪 Learn how to navigate these changes, support maternal recovery, and establish a nurturing environment for your newborn. From understanding the physiology of postnatal changes to offering guidance on maternal recovery, breastfeeding, and mental health, this is a must-read for navigating early motherhood with confidence and resilience. Tap the Linktree in our bio or link in our story for all the insights! 🌸✨ #PostpartumJourney #FourthTrimester #MaternalHealth #BreastfeedingSupport #NewMotherhood ...

Considering another pregnancy after a traumatic birth? You are not alone — and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. This carousel gives a snapshot of how to begin healing and planning with confidence and care. 💛 Tap the link in bio to read the full article by Dr Jenna Brough, Perinatal Clinical Psychologist @dr.jenna.psychologist ...

Birth Trauma Awareness Week 2025 is here (July 14–20).

Around 30,000 women and 12,000 partners in the UK experience PTSD after birth every year. Many more struggle in silence.

Let’s change that. Let’s talk about what birth trauma really looks like — and how we can heal. 💛
👉 Swipe through to learn more ...

Thinking about reusable nappies but feeling overwhelmed?
As a midwife and parent, @theecomidwife had no clue—until she watched parents transform rashes, ditch creams, and save hundreds.
✨ In this post, Angie busts myths, sharing what really happens with cloth nappies, and why they’re easier (and cleaner!) than you might think.
💧 No poonamis
💷 Big savings
🌎 Huge environmental wins
👶 Better for baby’s skin
➡ Swipe through for my honest journey and practical tips
🔗 Read the full post (link in bio) for everything you need to know.
📚 Save it. Share it. Let’s start the cloth nappy convo.
#ClothNappyJourney #MidwifeAdvice #EcoFriendlyParenting #ReusableNappies #GreenParenting #BabySkinCare #SustainableChoices #NewParentTips ...