Birth with Fay

04/06/2026

It’s often wrong in so many ways - please don’t rely on AI for correct information

"Let me ask ChatGPT."

Whether it’s a chatbot, AI Mode or the summary at the top of a Google search, AI is changing the way we look for information. But with studies and investigations showing AI search results can be inaccurate, it’s important to be cautious about how you use it, especially for information around pregnancy.

Our advice to anyone planning a pregnancy, or who is currently pregnant, is to avoid AI search for any questions you have – or be very careful when you do.

No matter how quick or convenient it seems, AI is simply not reliable enough to use for serious medical advice.

We'd always recommend seeking out trustworthy, evidence-based information, like the pregnancy resources and baby loss support on our website. Most importantly of all, AI should never take the place of speaking to your midwife or another healthcare professional straight away if you have serious or urgent concerns.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4efAJOE

02/06/2026

01/06/2026

31/05/2026

Such sad news, rest in peace lovely lady ❤️

It is with deep sadness that we share the news that our much-loved co-founder Trustee, Breastfeeding Counsellor, and close friend, Maddie McMahon, has died following her earlier diagnosis of cancer.

Our love and thoughts are very much with Chris, Libby, Danny, Sean and her whole family, as they grieve their deep loss.

Among many things, Maddie was one of the founders of Cambridge Breastfeeding Alliance. CBA grew out of her creating a breastfeeding drop-in at Homerton Children's Centre in 2007. Over the years her compassionate, knowledgeable, loving support touched so many families, both in our groups and online. She radiated love, kindness and an extraordinary passion and wisdom for birth, mothers, babies and breastfeeding.

There is so much we could say, but right now we are simply devastated. Maddie, we love you. We thank you for all you did, and for the inspiring ripples of change you leave in the world. You made a difference, and we are so proud of you.

We will miss you beyond words.

The Trustees and Team at CBA

27/05/2026

Covering your baby's pushchair or pram during a heatwave might seem like a good idea. Here is some information from The Lullaby Trust on why this isn't a good idea:

Babies’ prams, travel systems, and buggies should not be covered with blankets, cloths, or any cover that prevents the air circulating. Covering a pram or buggy with a blanket could lead to overheating, which increases the chance of SIDS. Using a cover also creates a barrier between parent and baby, which is risky as parents won’t be able to see if their baby is having difficulties or monitor their temperature easily.

Check out their website for more summer safety tips.

https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice/baby-summer-safety

25/05/2026

💙 1 in 10 dads / partners experience mental health struggles during the perinatal period. You’re not alone.

We have lots of support for new and expectant dads and partners including:
🎥 Acacia: Real dads, real stories
Watch the video “Dads Struggle Too” and explore resources for partners and dads:
▶️ https://ow.ly/scOA50PBm4Y
🌐 https://ow.ly/2Pxl50PBm4W

💭 Dads in Mind: Your mental health matters too. MIND has a page dedicated to helping partners during pregnancy and the postnatal period.
Explore the support here:
👉 https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/postnatal-depression-and-perinatal-mental-health/partners/

25/05/2026

Babies in hot weather (I didnt think Id be resharing this in May!!l)

Hot weather can be quite difficult to manage with a young baby. It can change feeding and sleep patterns. Babies often wake more when it's hot (adults do too!) and often like to feed more frequently. Here are some tips!

Keep the bedroom cool by keeping the curtains drawn. Windows close on the hottest part of the day open when cooler. Try to get a through draft between rooms.
(For those of you outside the UK, yes, it's true. We don't often have air conditioning here as it's hot for about 2 weeks a year!)

If baby has a bath, keep the water cool.

Keep clothing and bedding light, and cotton is best. Layers are good, so you can add something in the early hours of the morning if the temperature cools a little.

Use a fan to keep the air circulating, but don't point it directly at the baby.

Avoid direct sunlight. Keep babies in the shade as much as you can.

Remember, babies will probably need to feed more often in the hot weather to keep themselves hydrated. Or sometimes they just sleep and make up for it later!

Breastfed babies don't need any extra water if they're under 6 months. They will feed little and often, and the milk will be more watery to keep them hydrated.

Formula fed babies may need a little water but can also have more milk.

For combination fed babies, try to have set times for formula feeds and then breastfeed responsively in between so baby can stay hydrated. There's no need for water.

All babies over 6 mths can have a little water with solids.

It can get very hot and sticky when feeding and cuddling babies in hot weather. Putting a muslin square between your skin and baby's will help. But believe it or not, skin to skin will actually cool baby down.

Don't cover the buggy. It makes the temperature much hotter

When baby wearing have baby in one thin cotton layer or just a nappy. A layer of fabric between you and baby will stop you getting too sticky

24/05/2026

The 2026 WHO Code Status Report is out now!

Every two years, World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and IBFAN release a status report on national implementation of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes. This year’s report shows some progress in implementing the Code into law, but monitoring and enforcement provisions remain inadequate. This report shows that adoption of the Code has a strong association with breastfeeding rates.

See the report here: https://iris.who.int/items/7fd05813-e7f8-46d8-9c29-70fce8ea5ab7

23/05/2026

As we start to warm up, a reminder that even in very hot weather your exclusively breastfed baby doesn’t need additional water, but they will probably want to breastfeed more. It's good to offer!

https://llli.org/breastfeeding-info/water-supplements/

[Photo: a mother breastfeeding her baby in the sun; Text: It's normal for babies to breastfeed more often when the weather is hot.] See less