TW: This blog contains imagery that may be distressing for others.
What Is RSV?
RSV is highly contagious and while it causes mild, cold-like symptoms in most cases, it can be serious and even life-threatening to babies, older people and those with a weakened immune system.
The Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine, which is being rolled out in September 2024 across the capital, could prevent an estimated amount of around 900 babies being admitted to hospitals in London every year.
We’re joined by Yusra who is here to share the story of how RSV affected her and her son’s life.
Yusra’s Story
Hi, I’m Yusra, a mother and a student midwife. I want to share a personal story that has deeply impacted my life as a mother and how it relates to something very important. RSV and the new vaccine being offered in pregnancy.
Six years ago, my son, just 3 months old, suddenly developed a high fever. His breathing became fast and laboured, and I noticed his chest caving in and out. It was something no mother ever wants to see. I wasn’t in healthcare back then, but as a mother, I could tell this wasn’t just a normal cold.
I quickly called 111, describing his symptoms, and was told to call 999 immediately. Everything after that happened so fast, it’s kind of a blur. By the time we reached the hospital, his oxygen levels were dangerously low and he wouldn’t stop crying. He was admitted immediately and they put him on oxygen and a feeding tube. It was the scariest moment of my life.
“It Felt Like He Was Rejecting Me”
As a mother, seeing your child so weak and vulnerable is beyond heartbreaking. I was breastfeeding at the time, and I remember not being able to feed him because he was too unwell. Whenever I tried to hold him, he would cry—it felt like he was rejecting me, and that was devastating. I just wanted to comfort him, but instead, I felt helpless.
Thankfully, those moments now seem like a distant memory. While his bronchiolitis has progressed into childhood asthma, my son is thriving today. He’s strong, generally healthy, and plays football 5 times a week. He even competes in matches every weekend. I’m so incredibly grateful for how far he’s come, but the memory of that terrifying experience never really leaves you.
Finding Out About The New RSV Vaccine
While my experience with my son’s bronchiolitis didn’t directly influence my decision to become a midwife, hearing about the new RSV vaccine for pregnant women really touched a nerve for me.
I couldn’t help but think: if this vaccine had been available six years ago, I could have taken it during pregnancy to potentially protect my child from RSV and developing bronchiolitis.
As a mother of three, my daughter (who’s 10) and my sons (who are 6 and 5), I’ve learned how vital it is to protect our children in any way we can. Whether it’s through awareness, early interventions, or vaccinations, we have the power to make a difference in their health and future.
Thank you for listening to my story. I hope it helps other parents recognize the signs of serious respiratory conditions like bronchiolitis. And to all the expectant mothers out there, I encourage you to talk to your healthcare provider and midwives about the RSV vaccine – it could be the extra layer of protection your baby needs.
Take care, and stay healthy.
Get Your Vaccinations
The NHS strongly recommends that if you are pregnant you have all maternal vaccinations that are offered to you, including Whooping Cough, COVID-19 and flu. The NHS state that these are safe and effective whatever stage of pregnancy you are at, and are free if you are pregnant. These vaccinations aim to help protect both and your baby from complications and give your baby the protection they need after they are born. Find out more here.
Disclaimer: The NHS have paid a fee towards this post and helped us to advise on the best ways to protect pregnant women and their babies from getting very unwell this winter. This fee will go towards helping more parents find classes and support near them.
Want to get out and about, have fun with your baby or toddler, and meet other parents?
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Unless you’re a fan of James Herriot and his escapades treating farm animals, chances are you won’t have heard of mastitis until (or if) you come down with it. Then, like all postpartum issues, suddenly everyone has a mastitis story or two!
Mastitis inflammation can sometimes turn into an infection which is treated with antibiotics.
What Is The Main Cause Of Mastitis?
For breastfeeding mums, mastitis is usually caused by blocked ducts. So the milk builds up more quickly in the breasts than it is removed. Blockages can be caused by feeding from one side more than the other, your baby latching on incorrectly, and missing feeds.
An injury to a gland or milk duct can also be a cause of mastitis. Check out this diagram of where your milk ducts are.
If you’re not breastfeeding, any sort of crack or tear in the nipple could potentially lead to mastitis.
“I had it, but very early stages, so antibiotics saw it off really quickly.”
-Liz, Team Happity
What Are The Symptoms of Mastitis?
You may notice a swollen area on one or both breasts which feels painful. It may feel hot to touch, or have red patches or streaks. You may have nipple discharge and feel hot or feverish with flu-like symptoms.
Blocked ducts can often be an early stage. Watch out for these as you can often clear them on your own, either through offering your baby the affected side, pumping or using your hand.
You can move manual pumps around the breast easily and alter speed and pressure. Electric pumps can be helpful too, though some might not quite get the right area and you have to know your pump well! You definitely don’t want to be pressing hard on a swollen breast with a pump, so hand-expressing may be gentler.
Infection from mastitis can lead to a complication like an abscess, but this is very rare. For this you will need minor surgery.
“Best to catch it quickly and get to the GP for antibiotics (which incidentally help any other cuts or skin blemishes so it’s not all bad!)”
-Emily, Team Happity
How Long Does Mastitis Last?
If you catch mastitis in its early stages and treat it at home, you may stop it in its tracks.
If symptoms don’t improve after the first 12-24 hours and you then see your GP and start antibiotics straight away, you can avoid mastitis lasting for longer than a few days. Most cases will resolve within a week.
“I had a blocked duct, small red area on one side and a very low-grade temperature. The GP saw me straightaway, said it was ‘developing’ and prescribed antibiotics. All was well within a few days. I also worked hard to unblock the blocked duct!” (Liz, Team Happity)
How Do You Treat Mastitis?
Keep breastfeeding (or pumping) as normal, as this will help with blocked ducts. Try not to overfeed, as this might actually overstimulate your breasts to produce even more milk!
You may want to hand-express a little to help with engorgement. Run your free hand gently across the whole breast down towards the nipple to help unclog those ducts.
Try soaking a cloth with warm water and laying it on your breast. Warm showers will also help. You can even hand-express in the shower.
As an alternative to a cloth, some people swear by cabbage leaves.
To help with pain and your temperature, take paracetamol or ibuprofen. Make sure you get plenty of sleep, rest and drink plenty of fluids. Treat it as you would the flu as you’ll probably feel really run-down.
Make sure you’re wearing loose-fitting clothing and avoid underwired bras – maybe wear an extra cup size up, or don’t wear one for a while.
If your symptoms don’t improve within 12-24 hours at home, see your GP as you will need antibiotics. These will be prescribed for a week or 10 days. You should start to notice an improvement immediately but, as with anything, always take the full course. Even if you’re feeling better, this will help prevent the mastitis from returning.
Go back to your GP if your symptoms don’t improve within 48 hours of taking antibiotics.
“I found expressing in between feeds helpful to ease pain. BUT – only express a little! I expressed full feed and ended up producing enough milk for twins but I only had one! So I then had to slowly reduce to just little tiny expresses often to reduce this (which it did quickly). I also found warm showers helped relieve the pressure. I didn’t get to cabbage leaves but hear they work too…”
-Emily, Team Happity
Can I Prevent Mastitis?
As with anything, prevention is better than cure, but don’t worry if you come down with mastitis more than once – it’s actually really common.
Try and alternate sides when you are feeding. You may need to pump a little, or hand-express if you feel your breasts becoming swollen and your baby doesn’t want to feed. It’s all about keeping a good flow! Check out this NHS video on how to express milk by hand.
Keep an eye out for blocked ducts and any areas of redness on the breast which may develop.Loose-fitting clothes and comfy, soft bras (no underwires) will help stop milk getting trapped in the breasts too.
We know it’s hard when you have a baby, but try and take care of yourself. Plenty of sleep, food and fluids should help your immune system.
If you come down with any sudden temperature, look out for swelling on the breast (you’ll probably notice the swelling before the temperature actually!)
Blocked ducts can feel like hard areas, a bit like ‘cords’ or ‘ropes’ in the breast, leading from the armpit to the nipple.
There’s a difference between ‘milk plugs’ or blocked ducts and mastitis. While blocked ducts don’t always lead to mastitis, they are uncomfortable and you will want to unblock them as soon as you can. If you are breastfeeding, feeding your baby on that side will help. Or you can pump, or hand express.
Check out loads of breastfeeding and bottle-feeding tips here.
“After my experience with mastitis, I became extra aware of blocked ducts and would hand express or pump if I felt any hard or ‘ropey-feeling’ areas.”
-Liz, Team Happity
Where Can I Read More About People’s Experiences Of Mastitis?
Look at kellymom’s blog for further advice about breastfeeding, plugged ducts and mastitis.
Read a personal story from actress Jenna Dewan for Emma’s Diary and further info here. You can also read about Big Bang Theory star Mayim Bialik’s breastfeeding journey here.
Or check out The Unmumsy Mum if you want to read a comedy story about unblocking milk ducts and husbands!
“Once you’ve read The Unmumsy Mum’s (rather hilarious) experience of hand-expressing, cabbage leaves and wet towels (involving her husband as well!), you never quite forget it!”
Did you know men can also get mastitis? It’s not as rare as you think. Something as simple as a shirt chafing against a small cut in the nipple area can lead to it! Nipple piercings can also be culprits.
Definitely see a GP straight away if you think you have mastitis and you’re not breastfeeding.
So if you’re suffering at home with mastitis, a quick text or WhatsApp chat with friends may reveal more kindred spirits than you think! It’s really, really common.
Also check out Midnight Mums if you want to chat in real time with a network of mums who are up and about.
Want To Get Out And About, Have Fun With Your Baby Or Toddler, And Meet Other Parents?
Search Happity to find everything that’s happening for the under-5’s in your local area – from music and singing classes, to messy play, arts and crafts, baby massage, gymnastics and more. Simply enter your postcode and child’s age to search, and then book your spot in a few taps. Enjoy dedicated fun time with your little one, watch their skills develop, and make friends at the same time. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers will all find something to love!
If you’re a regular viewer of Canadian or American comedies, dramas and sitcoms, you may have heard the idea of a ‘doula’ bandied about when a key character gets pregnant.
In the UK, doulas are becoming increasingly popular too, and it seems many parents know of a parent who either knows a doula or knows of a mum who has used one.
So what is a doula and how do you decide whether you need one?
What is a Doula?
A doula provides emotional and practical support to expectant parents, both before, during and after the birth of your child. They can support women during pregnancy, labour, birth, and in the early months of parenthood, helping them to feel empowered.
“Doulas are available privately for families who do not meet the criteria for a free doula.”
– Kalcey Davies, Doula
What Does A Doula Do?
A doula might be involved to support the parents at any or all of the three stages of being pregnant (antenatal), giving birth and having a baby to look after (postnatal).
You can hire a doula to help you prepare for when your baby arrives. They might give you practical advice including what equipment to buy, as well as help you and your partner prepare emotionally. You can also have a doula present when you give birth, whether that’s at home or in a hospital. You might also want a doula in the months following childbirth when you have a newborn to look after, again to support you emotionally and practically with areas like feeding.
Check out this handy guide from the NCT (National Childbirth Trust) on the difference between birth doulas and postnatal doulas, as well as some of the more commonly asked questions about doulas.
“Doulas are meant to advocate for the mother and probably are best used to optimise a natural birth. However, with so many variables in birth it’s hard for any professional to predict birth outcomes. Doulas can still play a very supportive role if the birth situation changes, e.g. induction or more medical management is needed. I think it can be calming to still have the doula there even if the birth isn’t going to plan.”
– Rachael Kuik, Physiotherapist
Why Might I Hire a Doula?
You might want someone there to personally support you as you prepare for the birth of your child who has experience of what that looks like. Getting to know someone really well as you prepare to become parents can be incredibly reassuring.
Or you might want an extra pair of hands and support in the delivery room as well as your birth partner and the midwife on shift. A doula can help advocate for you during labour and birth.
People might also consider hiring a postnatal doula to help with the transition to parenthood.
“We’ve all heard the phrase ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ but more often than not, we don’t have a village ready and able to help us on our doorstep. A postnatal doula can provide that support; emotional and practical – cooking nutritious meals, holding the baby while you take a nap or have a shower, playing with older siblings and being a non judgemental ear for the highs and lows.”
– Caitlin Birling, Hypnobirthing Instructor
What are the Benefits of Using a Doula?
Doulas can give you continuity, both before, during and after the birth of your child. Accessing the same healthcare professional throughout your pregnancy journey can give you peace of mind. Depending on where you live in the UK, you may find maternity services are less able to provide continuity, so having a doula gives that extra support that you may need.
Having continuous support during birth and labour has benefits for both babies and mothers according to research.
“The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends continuous support for women during childbirth.”
– Kalcey Davies, Doula
Do I Need a Doula?
A doula can be there to support you emotionally and physically, and help be your voice during labour and birth.
Maternity services are stretched in many areas and there is evidence that birth trauma is becoming more normal. So birth preparation like NHS antenatal courses, NCT courses, hypnobirthing and the use of doulas can really help.
“I think more people are considering working with a doula as they recognise the importance of continuity of care in improving outcomes for birthing people. Sadly the idea of seeing the same midwife throughout your pregnancy and birth is incredibly rare [in some areas of the UK] due to staff shortages and stretched services so a doula can provide this, as well as being someone who can advocate for your wishes during birth.”
– Caitlin Birling, Hypnobirthing Instructor
Of course you can also ask a parent, sister or trusted friend to be with you in the delivery room if that makes you feel more comfortable.
Women who are more vulnerable may also benefit from the support of a doula.
“I believe that mothers who have experienced trauma during previous births should also be assigned a doula. Doulas are experienced in birth, understanding how birth can psychologically affect mothers and their babies afterwards. Doulas help mothers feel safe in labour so I feel it is essential that all vulnerable mothers who do not have a support system should be offered a doula.”
–Kalcey Davies, Doula
Why do Parents use Doulas?
Parents want support, and choice. A doula can provide this, complementing and extending the role of the traditional midwife.
Did you know that, according to one expert, doulas in Canada are really commonplace? If you get pregnant in Canada, hiring a doula is something parents would expect to do just as you would buy a car seat and cot.
“I’m not a doula myself but know plenty of them and am fiercely passionate about supporting pregnant people to feel confident in their choices when it comes to their birth.”
– Caitlin Birling, Hypnobirthing Instructor
How Do I Find a Doula?
Check out the Doula UK website to find a doula near you.
You can also go through the NCT (National Childbirth Trust) website to find an NCT Doula. All these doulas have all done a 9-month accredited course.
Remember that some doulas will offer their services without training, so make sure you ask them about training before you employ them!
“It’s always best to interview any potential doulas and get one that is experienced. Also check that the hospital allows them to your labour. Some doulas offer postpartum packages, which is also a good time to reach out for help and assistance.”
– Rachael Kuik, Physiotherapist
How Much Does a Doula Cost?
It depends on your circumstances, exactly what and how long you wish to employ a doula for. The Doula UK website has comprehensive information.
NCT Doulas vary in price depending on their location and experience. They also have an option to employ a student doula at a reduced rate.
If you don’t have a birthing partner to support you when you give birth, you can look at the charity Birth Companions. Birth Companions can give some women in the community or in specific circumstances (such as prison) access to a doula at a nominal rate.
Want to get out and about, have fun with your baby or toddler, and meet other parents?
Search Happity to find everything that’s happening for the under-5’s in your local area – from music and singing classes, to messy play, arts and crafts, baby massage, gymnastics and more. Simply enter your postcode and child’s age to search, and then book your spot in a few taps. Enjoy dedicated fun time with your little one, watch their skills develop, and make friends at the same time. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers will all find something to love!
There is a growing body of research that shows how beneficial telling family stories is. Not just for children but the whole family. From making the whole family more resilient to helping children’s emotional and cognitive development: there are loads of reasons why you should be sharing your family stories with your kids.
Sonja, the founder of the Storydo family book platform, joins us to give Happity her top tips on how to make family storytelling engaging and fun for your whole family. They have worked with a few dozen families and as many experts as possible to create the Storydo BookBuilder. Here is what they learnt about how families can harness the power of storytelling, and why it’s so great for families to do.
Use HAPP30 to get 30% off your first book.
Win 1 of 4 children’s family storybooks from Storydo
Made-to-be treasured storybooks with your child at the centre. Book any class throughout September to enter our booking competition and be in with a chance to win. More info here.
Keeping Your Family Stories And Your History Alive
Young children are fascinated with seeing photos of their mum being pregnant and themselves as a newborn, so my advice is to think ahead, and collect these images, print them out, make an album, or a Storydo baby book. One day, your child will love to look at them and want to know all about them.
Likewise, keep collecting images of ancestors, relatives and important memories. Even if it’s just in an old biscuit tin! These pictures are priceless and a part of who you are.
Why Telling Family Stories Is Great For Babies
We all know just how important it is to talk to babies to support their language as well as emotional development. Besides reacting to their cues, such as facial expressions and naming things they point at, it’s also a great time to tell them how much you love them and how much you want them.
This age is perfect for you to practise your family storytelling. They will love listening to your voice, and make them feel connected. Parents who have important but complex stories to tell (for example, parents through donor conception or adoption) often do this and practice explaining their family history while they’re babies so that it comes naturally and feels normal to talk about these things when they’re older.
Why Telling Family Stories Is Great For Toddlers
Did you know that reminiscing together supports children’s speech development more than looking at books? And it does so much more! It’s at this point that family storytelling becomes so much more important.
It really roots children in their families and bestows them with a sense of pride in their origins.
Top Ways To Tell Your Family Stories To Your Kids
If you’re not sure where to get started or how to get your kids engaged in your storytelling, here are just a few tips!
1. Do You Remember When?
The easiest prompt is ‘Do you remember when…’ and then add a family anecdote. Try and let them retell the story if they would like to.
Pick a moment when everybody is relaxed, in an environment that’s free of distractions. Like when you’re eating together, on holidays, or driving in the car. If something reminds you of an anecdote, make that link.
Or, if you don’t have that opportunity but want to get started, you can just dive straight in. Try starting a few conversations when playing that’s along the lines of, ‘Did you know that your grandmother… ?’ or ‘Can you imagine that when I grew up, we didn’t have mobile phones/iPads/had to take the bus to school…’
2. Use Your Family Snaps
Another great way to remember recent family adventures is to look through the photos in your camera roll, like when you’re on the train or waiting for an appointment. Even better, print out your favourites and put them into frames. Let your children make collages with them, or stick them into scrapbooks.
3. Create Your Own Family Storybook
There’s something extra special about seeing your story in a printed book. It allows us to see it from another perspective, a bit more objectively, which really brings out all the wonderful things and the love and great stuff you do.
You can use a photobook platform, but it’s very time-consuming to do your book from scratch, so we created the Storydo BookBuilder to make it easy for parents to create a bespoke book that tells their unique family story simply by answering questions and uploading photos. All for the same price you would pay for an A4 hardcover book with about 80 pages on the major photobook platforms.
Storydo – Personalised Storybooks With Your Child At The Centre
I have always loved making family storybooks for my family, using all our favourite photos to help kids learn where they come from, and feel incredibly loved. I wanted to help other parents tell their family stories, and that’s what’s behind the heart of Storydo.
You can include anything from grandparents and/or chosen family, meeting your partner (if relevant), your wish for a child, pregnancy, birth, milestones, home, family life, and so much more.
Storydo books don’t just help children to learn where they have come from and feel a sense of pride in their origins, but they also show them love and security, right at the heart of their family. It makes them feel seen, represented and their experience validated. They like to go through them over and over again, each time a great opportunity for more family storytelling.
Our users say that making the book made them feel good about their family, considering it as a cherished keepsake. They are:
Suitable for all family setups (from solo to blended and everything in between)
Helps to normalise all family types (solo, LGBTQ+, etc) and can be used as an aid to explain topics such as donor conception, separation or adoption
But more than anything, our books celebrate all families and make children feel very special
Disclaimer: Storydo are our partner brand for September 2024. This partnership will help us in our goal of connecting more parents with classes and to help find support near them.
Want to get out and about, have fun with your baby or toddler, and meet other parents?
Search Happity to find everything that’s happening for the under-5’s in your local area – from music and singing classes, to messy play, arts and crafts, baby massage, gymnastics and more. Simply enter your postcode and child’s age to search, and then book your spot in a few taps. Enjoy dedicated fun time with your little one, watch their skills develop, and make friends at the same time. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers will all find something to love!
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