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Ellie May Maternity, London (2026)

11/10/2026

This World Mental Health Day, the theme is
"Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change"... So here's mine 💜

🌟 Undiagnosed OCD from early childhood - we didn't know it but it's been clear as I've grown up, with anxiety, daily and nightly rituals, compulsions and obsessive thoughts (i was sharing a room with my brother in early childhood - under 5 - and he can tell you all about my bedtime compulsions as can my parents)
🌟 12 years old - first CBT therapist who diagnosed my OCD and Generalised Anxiety Disorder
🌟 Throughout school - did CBT with various therapists at various points
🌟 2015 - started uni and really struggled with my anxiety, not sleeping and very low, saw someone for talking therapy, dropped out of uni, found a private psychiatrist and got prescribed Duloxetine, confirmed diagnosis of perfectionism centred OCD and Generalised Anxiety Disorder and started CBT again privately with regular psychiatrist check ins to review medication and next steps
🌟 2016 - restarted studying and tried coming off medication but anxiety and OCD worsened again so restarted and, over the next 2 years did some NHS CBT too
🌟 2021 - new life stage beyond education, restarted therapy privately for CBT and talking therapy
🌟 2025/26 - decided life feels stable and I want to start reducing, and eventually coming off, Duloxetine so found a therapist to support me through it, focused more on talking, looking back at my childhood, causes behind my anxiety and providing me a safe emotional check-in point each week

As someone who works with people in a time of huge life and hormone changes which can majorly effect mental health, I am very open about my struggles with anxiety and OCD and wish people felt able to look after their mental health as much as their physical needs. I am always happy to listen and will never judge 🧠

If I were in charge, I'd find the money so therapy would be free for all but, for now, other support is available ☎️ 💻

💜 Samaritans: Call 116 123
💜 Shout 85258: Text SHOUT to 85258
💜 NHS 111
💜 NHS Talking Therapies
💜 Every Mind Matters
💜 Local Borough services
💜 Mind charity
💜 PANDAS - Perin

09/10/2026

Here's why you should be wary of people responding to your concerns around sleep with simple 1-size-fits all phrases like "Sleep Breeds Sleep" 🙄

💤 Sleep is complex: multiple factors are involved in how we all sleep, both in our control and not in our control from our unique temperament, our unique sleep needs (whether we need our full 8hr+ or can't stand up or are ready to go after a 4hr night on the town), our diet/feeding, environment, routine etc. so to really look at why something is happening, we need to look at some of this, starting with the basics of just what a general week looks like, are there patterns etc?

⌚ There IS a limit to how much sleep we each need in 24hrs - across the day and night - and that applies to our little people too! Even with newborns, they can be very sleepy but if left to sleep all day and not woken now and then for feeding, they can often play catch up overnight. With older babies and toddlers sometimes a nap that's that bit too long means they are up until 10pm or awake at 4am because their sleep tank has been filled/doesn't need refilling yet!

The situation this post was triggered by - a 9 month old waking early and parents wanting to limit naps to 30 minutes to help - cannot be responded to with simply "sleep breeds sleep so let them nap as long as they want" because clearly something is causing these early starts and sleep over 24hrs is what would be good to explore first! 🌅

This doesn't mean I'm saying the current approach is the right one (it also has not been working so far apparently) but that all sleep situations are unique and complex so, if you're struggling and someone responds without further questions with simply "sleep breeds sleep", it's ok to look elsewhere for support that looks at the whole picture 👶🌟

08/10/2026

This coming Saturday (10th October) is the annual Great Ormond Street Hospital Race for the Kids through Hyde Park and I'll be participating for the 3rd year running with a group of my fellow Weekend Club volunteers 🏁🏥

Funds raised from generous donations in the lead up to this event will go towards the continued mega building project currently taking place, of the new Children's Cancer Centre which will include cutting edge facilities for research, diagnosis and treatment of the biggest killer of children aged 1-14 in the UK - Cancer 💛

Having been a volunteer at the hospital for over 10 years, I've seen the amazing work the medical teams do and can only imagine how this new provision will enhance the amazing work they already do to help children across the country and the world 🌟

I first participated in the race in 2024 and dressed up in a to-be-identified animal onesie to join an upside down clown, a dinosaur and more to move from the start line to the finish (I don't run unless being actively chased) entertaining children on the way! Last year, 2025, I was Luigi and a fellow volunteer pal was Mario, joined by a banana, a bumblebee, a couple of minions and some running parrots 😆

This year, I'm being a Wally! So, if you're in the area and want to ask Where's Wally and genuinely find me (or one of my friends or foes) in the Park scene, come and cheer! 🙌👏

And if you have a little going to spare to sponsor our team, the link to our fundraising page is in my bio (I've already exceeded my goal but every little helps!) 💰

06/10/2026

This coming Saturday (10th October) is the annual Great Ormond Street Hospital Race for the Kids through Hyde Park and I'll be participating for the 3rd year running with a group of my fellow Weekend Club volunteers 🏁🏥

Funds raised from generous donations in the lead up to this event will go towards the continued mega building project currently taking place, of the new Children's Cancer Centre which will include cutting edge facilities for research, diagnosis and treatment of the biggest killer of children aged 1-14 in the UK - Cancer 💛

Having been a volunteer at the hospital for over 10 years, I've seen the amazing work the medical teams do and can only imagine how this new provision will enhance the amazing work they already do to help children across the country and the world 🌟

I first participated in the race in 2024 and dressed up in a to-be-identified animal onesie to join an upside down clown, a dinosaur and more to move from the start line to the finish (I don't run unless being actively chased) entertaining children on the way! Last year, 2025, I was Luigi and a fellow volunteer pal was Mario, joined by a banana, a bumblebee, a couple of minions and some running parrots 😆

This year, I'm being a Wally! So, if you're in the area and want to ask Where's Wally and genuinely find me (or one of my friends or foes) in the Park scene, come and cheer! 🙌👏

And if you have a little going to spare to sponsor our team, the link to our fundraising page is in my bio (I've already exceeded my goal but every little helps!) 💰

02/10/2026

Do you NEED to turn your baby world-facing in their buggy? 👶🌎

Did you know that there is no health and safety reason you need to ever turn your baby/toddler from facing you in the buggy to facing outwards 🌟

While many do so perhaps because they feel their little one can see more, I am a big fan of keeping them facing me as long as possible (as long as they need to use a buggy to get around) and here's some reasons why ✅

Why?
👁️ I can see them and know they are happy and safe. I can spot signs they are tired or hungry or something is bothering them - none of which I can as easily do when they are facing away from me
💬 Babies and young children learn so many communication skills through casual daily conversation - talking about the world going by, watching the way our mouths move when we talk, seeing people's facial expressions
👂I don't know about you but I can hear people much better when we are face-to-face especially in places I may be using a buggy e.g. while walking next to a road, in a busy building or on public transport. Hearing them more clearly means I can respond to their needs more easily without stopping and starting our journey
🤯 The world carries a lot of sensory input for our little people (and us...) and can become easily overstimulating and, when overstimulated or overwhelmed, our little ones like to find a safe space to come to - you. Facing you means they have the best of both - the excitement of watching the world and the safe space of you to come back to

I'm always interested in hearing from other people: why did/do you plan to turn your little one round? Is any of this something you've thought about? Let's chat below 👇

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2008/nov/22/forward-backward-facing-baby-buggies?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

01/10/2026

Let's talk turning your little one forward facing in their car seat...🚘💺

(I am not a certified car seat safety professional but have educated myself a lot via groups and professionals on up-to-date practices to support my work as a Newborn Care Specialist and someone who works with families daily - websites, organisations and groups I've got guidance from are at the end of the caption 🙋)

While the legal minimum age little ones can face forward is 9 or 15 months depending on when your seat was tested and what standards safety was measured on ☑️

But these are not based on what is SAFEST when considering the physiology of babies and children 🤯

You should never exceed the maximum limit of your child's car seat however it's good to be informed on what next steps could be to keep your little one as safe as possible 🚘💺

Note: I am aware some parents may forward face early for medical or other reasons. I am simply talking about what the research shows for most circumstances 😊

Why rear-face longer:
👶 Babies heads are a lot bigger in proportion to their body than an adults (25% of body weight v 6%)
👶 Young children are growing and developing lots - their bones are largely cartilage and don't fully ossify until early teenage years
👶 Since front facing seats are recommended to use seat belts not 5-point harnesses, a child has to be at the right size and maturity to fit and use a seatbelt safely which many younger children aren't making it more dangerous and a risk they will unbuckle themselves
👶Testing in Sweden (where extended rearfacing is common practice) have found forward facing in a crash increases risk of serious injury or death by 5x compared to rear facing and is always safer no matter what type of impact is had 💥

That's why seats are now available to fit a child rearfacing up to 125cm or 36kg which makes them suitable up to around 7years on average! 🧒

If you want to check out some of my Resources:
🚘 Besafe.com
🚘 RoadsafetyGB
🚘 Axkid
🚘 Which.co.uk
🚘 Bump to Booster UK car seat support

30/09/2026

Here are some things to consider when it comes to when and whether or not you turn your baby around to world-face when Babywearing 🌟

🦘 Babies are born with big heads, weak necks (and vulnerable airways), and weak cores so should face your body so they can safely curl into your body and rest their head on your chest or back
🦘 Back-carrying can be done from birth - I am not qualified to support you in that but lots of traditional wrap style Babywearing is done with tiny babies on their back so you can find suitably trained educators to help you do this
🦘 Babies can get "nosy" at around 3-4 months and so it can be tempting to turn them around then but they can see plenty when positioned correctly in a carrier facing you and still have the ability to then turn in and rest as needed
🦘 Babies can be easily overstimulated by the sensory experiences of the world and the weather (sun, wind, rain in their face) and get tired quickly so be aware of this if they are facing outwards and always turn them inwards to sleep safely and try and limit world facing to 20-30mins at a time
🦘 World facing should not be considered until a minimum of 4 months but mostly closer to 6 when baby can comfortably tripod sit at least and some recommendations state not to world face beyond a year or 10kg
🦘 Not all carriers can be used for world facing - wraps should never be used for facing outward and some buckle carriers do not provide the right adjustments needed to comfortably and safely do so e.g. narrowing, synching and shortening the panel so check your carrier
🦘 Gravity is not on your side when outward facing so can be more uncomfortable for both of you as it pulls you both forward so it's not something you're necessarily doing wrong if you're in more pain world-facing

Alternatives to world facing are: continuing to inward face, hip carry or seek support to backcarry with a carrier suited to your baby's weight 😊

Resources I recommend for deeper Babywearing advice from even more qualified individuals:
🌟
🌟 .ot
🌟 Babywearing UK Facebook groups
🌟 Local sling libraries and consultants

(I'll add more accounts

29/09/2026

I am...or am not...the 2027 postpartum support for you if you want someone who 👇

❌ Promises to get your newborn sleeping through by "x" weeks

✅ Supports you to feed your baby comfortably and confidently (without schedules)

✅ Teaches you how to safely use slings and carriers to hold your carry mammal

❌ Tells you you must "teach" your baby to "Self-Soothe"

✅ Will happily babywear or take your baby for a walk if you need time to yourself or another child

✅ Understands biologically and developmentally normal infant sleep

❌ Takes your baby from you overnight so you can rest

✅ Will show up in the morning to give you a helping out and a chance to recover from feeding overnight

✅ Doesn't need to be asked to help out while you're feeding: putting a wash on, hanging Landry, bringing you water, making the best cup of tea you've ever had and keeps you company

✅ Doesn't just "take the baby" but helps where it's needed, even if that's with older children

❌ Uses a monitor while baby naps alone in another room under 6 months

✅ Understands and follows safe sleep guidelines, getting jobs done even while baby sleeps in the living room or kitchen

✅ Understands bedsharing is biologically normal and will help you do it safely if you want

✅ Looks at sleep and feeding struggles holistically not a "one-size-fits-all" or a symptom-focused "just get Colief/a prescription" approach

❌ Has all the answers to your baby worries

✅ Knows where her expertise lies and will help you find someone else when problems go beyond her scope

❌ Loves dogs and understands your dog is your first baby and will treat them accordingly... Sorry....

✅ Will sing to your baby all the time

❌ Will stay for the first 3 months (4th trimester) and then leave you to it...

✅ Can stay for your baby's first year and maybe even beyond!

❌ Believes you should be able to parent alone and I'm just there to show you how...

✅ You want someone who believes parenting takes a village and who is free from the end of January/beginning of February 2027 to join yours

Would we work well together? Or do you know someone who might benefit fr

25/09/2026

As a certified Gentle and Holistic Sleep Coach, support families without implying that the answer to all their problems is "training" their baby or child to sleep with minimal or no support 🤦

All the work I do with families around sleep is based on the underlying understanding that humans - adult and babies - are Carry Mammals and that sleep needs to be considered as part of the reality of our little one's biology and developmental abilities when it comes to sleep! 😴💤

Sleep is also complex and sometimes the reasons for disrupted sleep go beyond my scope as a sleep coach 🤷

But what CAN I do?
💤 Intake form detailing the history and current situation regarding sleep and a minimum of 5 days of a diary tracking sleep and possible other factors involved e.g feeding
💤 In-person or online discussion of what is happening with sleep and and any concerns
💤 Ensuring your understanding of sleep expectations is realistic and grounded in evidence
💤 Working together to come up with gentle, developmentally appropriate steps towards your sleep goals

We might discuss the role of 👇

🛏️ The environment

🧰 Your sleep toolbox

🎮 What's in your control and what isn't

⏰ Routine

🤱 Feeding/diet

🚩 Red flags

By the end of the session together, the hope is you have some clearer understanding of some next steps to move closer towards your sleep goals 👣🥅

24/09/2026

As well as my daily maternity support over the first year of your new baby's life, I also offer 1:1 support as a certified infant feeding coach! But what does that involve? 👇

As an Infant Feeding Coach, I can help you
xplore your feeding goals and how you feel you can best reach them with the resources available to you and adjustments that work for you and baby. Through listening to your own feelings, questions and concerns around your feeding journey and where you want to get to as well as sharing evidence-based information and guidance, I aim to support you and your family to feel confident on your feeding journey 👶🤱

I talked in my last reel on antenatal education about that kinds of things we would look at regarding feeding 🫄

But what about when your baby is here? 🎉

A session with me can be online over video or in person 🧑‍💻🙋

ℹ️ Information gathering before:
🌟 Why you have sought out support
🌟 Your history - any issues from pregnancy or birth or before that may be relevant
🌟 Previous feeding journeys
🌟 The current situation

so we have an idea of where to start!

In the session:
❓We can discuss these questions and answers more thoroughly
😫😀 check in with how you're feeling about your journey
👶 Your babys unique cues and feeding patterns
👁️‍🗨️ Observe you feeding your baby when they request it to identify any areas we could work on
💬 More chatting to clear up any misconceptions, introduce new skills etc.

I always make sure I have my crocheted b**b and a doll with me to demonstrate things and we can talk about managing supply, causes of discomfort and how to resolve them 🧶

If there are issues beyond my scope of practice that should be explored by other professionals, I'll help you find who to see 🧑‍⚕️💆

By the end of the session you will hopefully have a plan and some simple steps to move forward in your journey 🗺️

After your session I send a write up of what we covered and any handy resources that may help 💻

Ellie May Maternity

11/10/2026

09/10/2026

08/10/2026

06/10/2026

02/10/2026

01/10/2026

30/09/2026

29/09/2026

25/09/2026

24/09/2026

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