Newborn & Early Parenthood

If you’ve started looking at baby bottles, you’ve probably seen phrases like: “Mimics the breast” “Prevents nipple confusion” “Designed for combi-feeding” “Closest thing to breastfeeding” It all sounds reassuring, especially if you’re planning to breastfeed and want flexibility - but how much of this is actually backed by good evidence? A recent 2025 study published in Maternal & Child Nutrition looked into exactly this and the findings are worth understanding if you’re p

.... Your real-life guide to the Scottish Baby Box and newborn essentials that make life easier not cluttered. Having a baby can make you feel like you need to buy everything, but the truth is, your baby really only needs warmth, milk, cuddles, and love. Thanks to the Scottish Baby Box, you already start with a brilliant bundle of essentials to help your baby thrive from day one. It’s designed so that every baby in Scotland has what they need to begin this journey with confi

When Joy Feels Out of Reach: Pregnancy and early parenthood are often painted as glowing, blissful times. And yes, there can be moments of joy and excitement. But for many families across Scotland, those months are overshadowed by perinatal anxiety or birth trauma. If you’ve found yourself thinking “I thought it was just me” - you’re far from alone. What Do We Mean by “Perinatal”? Perinatal simply means the period from pregnancy through the first year after birth. It’s a time

Acknowledge Their Efforts Caring for a newborn is far from a holiday - it’s full-time, round-the-clock work. Recognise your partner’s efforts with simple gestures like “thank you” or “you’re doing an amazing job.” Feeling seen and appreciated goes a long way. Share Household Responsibilities Just because your partner is at home doesn’t mean they should handle every household chore. Share the cooking, cleaning, and laundry so that the load feels lighter and you function as a t

Guys … How to Nail Being a Dad and Birth Partner Congratulations, Dad-to-be! Your partner is pregnant, and life is about to change in the most incredible way. But let’s be honest - while all the focus is usually on mum, it can sometimes feel like dads are just along for the ride. Here’s the truth: you’re not a spare part. You’re a vital part of your partner’s birth team, and the support you bring in labour can make a huge difference. First: Take Care of Yourself You can’t sup

Motherhood is often described as beautiful, rewarding, and life-changing. But what if I told you it’s more than just a new role, it’s a complete transformation of self? Mum and Newborn - Let the Transformation Begin There’s a term for this shift: matrescence. Coined by anthropologist Dana Raphael, it describes the physical, emotional, psychological, and social changes women experience when becoming mothers. It’s like adolescence - messy, profound, and entirely normal. For ma

Sleepy Newborn Bringing a newborn home is magical, but let’s be honest, it’s also exhausting. The first few months are often a blur of feeds, cuddles, and sleepless nights. Many new parents wonder: Is my baby sleeping enough? Why do they wake up so much? Will I ever sleep again? The good news? Everything you’re experiencing is completely normal. And yes, it does get easier. What’s Normal for Newborn Sleep? Newborns sleep a lot - usually 16 to 18 hours per day. Sounds like bli