Bringing your baby home is one of life's most unforgettable moments. It can also be one of the most overwhelming.

Feeding, sleeping, nappies, crying and weight loss, those first few weeks are filled with questions. How do you know what's normal? When should you ask for help? And why does everyone seem to have different advice?

In this episode of Family Health by Mini First Aid, Kate is joined by NHS paediatrician Dr Lillie Parker to guide parents through the realities of life with a newborn.

Drawing on both her professional expertise and her own recent experience as a new mum, Dr Parker explains what parents can realistically expect during those first days and weeks after birth.

Together they discuss newborn feeding, understanding weight loss, sleep patterns, recognising normal newborn behaviour and why preparation before your baby arrives can make those early weeks feel a little less overwhelming.

This episode is packed with practical advice and gentle reassurance for anyone adjusting to life with a brand new baby.

In this episode:

• What life with a newborn is really like
• Why those first weeks can feel overwhelming
• Newborn feeding and recognising when baby is full
• Breastfeeding, formula feeding and establishing routines
• Why babies lose weight after birth
• Sleep expectations during the newborn period
• Normal newborn behaviour
• Preparing before your baby arrives
• When to seek advice from healthcare professionals

To find your nearest Mini First Aid class or browse our range of trusted first aid products, visit www.minifirstaid.co.uk.

Mini First Aid Family First Aid Kit - Platinum Award-winning first aid kit, voted a Best Buy in the Loved By Parents Awards 2021, is a comprehensive first aid kit for all the family. Containing 115 essential items, it is ideal for keeping in your car or at home for any first aid emergencies.

Find out more about our multi-award-winning two-hour Baby & Child first aid classes here, delivered in a relaxed and comfortable style to give you the confidence to know what actions to take if faced with a medical emergency.

For press enquiries and to contact Mini First Aid, email info@minifirstaid.co.uk

Dr. Lillie Parker is an NHS paediatrician dedicated to providing expert, compassionate care. Her Instagram page @doctor.lils offers parents and carers a reliable source of health advice amidst the overwhelming noise of unregulated information online. Her mission is to create a supportive community and empower parents to confidently manage their children’s health using trusted, evidence based advice and information.

This podcast is brought to you by Mini First Aid, the UK's leading family first aid provider. Whether you're preparing for a new baby, stocking up at home or equipping a workplace, you'll find trusted first aid kits, defibrillators, burns care, eyewash and everyday essentials at https://minifirstaidshop.co.uk/

Family Health Podcast listeners can also get 10% off Mini First Aid own-brand products online with code PODCAST10 until the end of October 2026.

Most parents will meet a health visitor after their baby is born, but many aren't quite sure what a health visitor actually does.

Do they simply weigh your baby? When should you contact them? Can they support your own wellbeing as well as your baby's?

In this episode of Family Health by Mini First Aid, Kate chats with registered health visitor Ruth Watts to explore the vital role health visitors play throughout pregnancy and the early years.

Ruth explains that health visitors are there for much more than routine weight checks. They support families from pregnancy through to school age, offering advice on feeding, sleep, child development, emotional wellbeing, safe sleep, parenting and much more.

Together, Kate and Ruth discuss how health visitors work alongside midwives and other healthcare professionals, the routine appointments parents can expect, and why asking questions, however small they may seem, is always encouraged.

They also have an honest conversation about maternal mental health, building your support network and why every family's journey is different.

Whether you're expecting your first baby or already navigating life with little ones, this episode will help you understand how your health visitor can become one of your greatest sources of support.

In this episode:

• When you'll first meet your health visitor
• What happens during antenatal and postnatal appointments
• Why health visitors are about so much more than weighing babies
• Support with feeding, sleep and safe sleep
• Maternal mental health and emotional wellbeing
• The importance of family support networks
• How health visitors work alongside midwives
• When you should contact your health visitor between appointments
• Common misconceptions about the role

NHS Services & Support for Parents

Home Start - Help for Struggling Families: Support for families struggling with post-natal depression, isolation, physical health problems, bereavement and many other issues.

The Lullaby Trust, Safe Sleep Advice

Find a Family Hub near you.

National Domestic Abuse Helpline

Information, advice and directory: The Breast Feeding Network

Find a Baby Bank near you.

Mini First Aid Family First Aid Kit - Platinum Award-winning first aid kit, voted a Best Buy in the Loved By Parents Awards 2021, is a comprehensive first aid kit for all the family. Containing 115 essential items, it is ideal for keeping in your car or at home for any first aid emergencies.

Find out more about our multi-award-winning two-hour Baby & Child first aid classes here, delivered in a relaxed and comfortable style to give you the confidence to know what actions to take if faced with a medical emergency.

For press enquiries and to contact Mini First Aid, email info@minifirstaid.co.uk

Ruth Watts has been a registered health visitor in England for over 10 years. Her greatest passion is to empower parents and support them with feeling confident in their decisions whilst trying to listen to their gut instinct. Her Instagram page @ahealthvisitor provides vital information to support parents on their parenting journey.

This podcast is brought to you by Mini First Aid, the UK's leading family first aid provider. Whether you're preparing for a new baby, stocking up at home or equipping a workplace, you'll find trusted first aid kits, defibrillators, burns care, eyewash and everyday essentials at https://minifirstaidshop.co.uk/

Family Health Podcast listeners can also get 10% off Mini First Aid own-brand products online with code PODCAST10 until the end of October 2026.

No parent expects their baby to need neonatal care, but thousands of families experience this journey every year.

For families whose baby is born prematurely, needs support after birth or requires specialist treatment, the neonatal unit can feel like an unfamiliar and overwhelming place.

In this episode of Family Health by Mini First Aid, Kate is joined by NHS paediatrician Dr Lillie Parker for an honest and reassuring conversation about neonatal intensive care.

Drawing on both her clinical experience and Kate's own personal experience of having twins cared for in the neonatal unit, they explain what parents can expect if their baby is admitted to NICU or a Special Care Baby Unit.

Dr Lils discusses the different levels of neonatal care, why babies may need extra support with breathing, feeding or temperature regulation, and explains some of the equipment and terminology parents are likely to encounter.

Most importantly, this episode aims to remove some of the fear surrounding neonatal care by helping parents understand the incredible expertise and support available throughout their baby's journey.

In this episode:

• What NICU, NNU and SCBU mean
• Why babies are admitted to neonatal care
• Premature birth explained
• Breathing support and feeding tubes
• Understanding incubators, monitors and alarms
• Supporting babies born early
• Why some full-term babies also need neonatal care
• How parents are supported throughout their stay
• What happens as babies prepare to go home

Although nobody hopes to need neonatal care, understanding what happens inside a neonatal unit can make an unexpected journey feel just a little less frightening.

NHS Guide to Special Care

Bliss Charity - Support for Parents

SuperDinky - Clothing for Premature NICU Babies

Pampers Preemie Nappies

To find your nearest Mini First Aid class or browse our range of trusted first aid products, visit www.minifirstaid.co.uk.

Mini First Aid Family First Aid Kit - Platinum Award-winning first aid kit, voted a Best Buy in the Loved By Parents Awards 2021, is a comprehensive first aid kit for all the family. Containing 115 essential items, it is ideal for keeping in your car or at home for any first aid emergencies.

Find out more about our multi-award-winning two-hour Baby & Child first aid classes here, delivered in a relaxed and comfortable style to give you the confidence to know what actions to take if faced with a medical emergency.

For press enquiries and to contact Mini First Aid, email info@minifirstaid.co.uk

Dr. Lillie Parker is an NHS paediatrician dedicated to providing expert, compassionate care. Her Instagram page @doctor.lils offers parents and carers a reliable source of health advice amidst the overwhelming noise of unregulated information online. Her mission is to create a supportive community and empower parents to confidently manage their children’s health using trusted, evidence based advice and information.

Birth plans: what really matters and what happens if things don't go to plan?

For many expectant parents, writing a birth plan can feel like one of the most important parts of preparing for labour. But what exactly should you include? How detailed does it need to be? And what happens if your labour takes an unexpected turn?

In this episode of Family Health by Mini First Aid, Kate is joined by experienced midwife Lesley Bland from My Expert Midwife to explore how birth plans can help parents feel informed, confident and prepared, while understanding that birth can sometimes be unpredictable.

Lesley explains why she prefers to think of a birth plan as a set of birth preferences, helping parents communicate what matters most while allowing flexibility if circumstances change. Together, Kate and Lesley discuss the role of the midwife, how decisions are made during labour, and why clear communication is one of the most powerful tools in creating a positive birth experience.

Whether you're expecting your first baby or preparing to welcome another child, this episode offers practical advice to help you approach birth with confidence and realistic expectations.

In this episode we discuss:

• What a birth plan is and why it is better thought of as birth preferences
• What to include in your birth plan
• Creating the birth environment that feels right for you
• Pain relief options and how decisions may change during labour
• The important role of your birth partner
• Why flexibility is just as important as planning
• How midwives support parents emotionally as well as medically
• What happens if your labour doesn't go according to plan
• Why communication and informed consent are central to maternity care

To find your nearest Mini First Aid class or browse our range of trusted first aid products, visit www.minifirstaid.co.uk.

Febrile seizures can be one of the most frightening things a parent witnesses, yet they’re surprisingly common, affecting 1 in 20 children.

In this episode, Kate is joined by NHS paediatrician Dr Lillie Parker to explain what febrile seizures are, why they happen, and how to respond calmly and confidently if your child has one.

Reassuring, informative, and essential listening for parents, grandparents and anyone who looks after young children.

Dr. Lillie Parker is an NHS paediatrician with almost a decade of experience caring for children and young people, from preterm babies to young adults up to18 years old. A graduate of Southampton University (BMBS BMedSci) and a certified member of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, she is dedicated to providing expert, compassionate care. Her Instagram page offers parents and carers a reliable source of health advice amidst the overwhelming noise of unregulated information online. Her mission is to create a supportive community and empower parents to confidently manage their children’s health using trusted, evidence-based advice and information.

Connect with Dr Lillie Parker on Instagram

NHS Guidance for Febrile Seizures

Teddy Cold Gel Pack

Mini First Aid Family First Aid Kit - Platinum Award-winning first aid kit, voted a Best Buy in the Loved By Parents Awards 2021, is a comprehensive first aid kit for all the family. Containing 115 essential items, it is ideal for keeping in your car or at home for any first aid emergencies.

Find out more about our multi-award-winning two-hour Baby & Child first aid classes here, delivered in a relaxed and comfortable style to give you the confidence to know what actions to take if faced with a medical emergency.

For press enquiries and to contact Mini First Aid, email info@minifirstaid.co.uk

Series 5 of the Family Health Podcast by Mini First Aid is sponsored by Things Happen, a trusted broker which offers the best financial advice to help parents and their families make informed decisions, ensuring a secure and tax-efficient future for their children.

The team at Things Happen consists of highly qualified financial experts who can guide you through the different types of life insurance policies to consider as your family expands, taking the stress out of decision-making by finding the best deals.

If you already have life insurance Things Happen will carefully review your existing policy to ensure it still meets your family's needs, giving you peace of mind, knowing your family is fully protected. If reviewing your life insurance is still on your to-do list, take time to get in touch with an experienced Things Happen financial advisor today.

If you’ve ever found yourself pacing the floor at 3am, rocking a baby who refuses to sleep or sharing your bed with a wriggly five-year-old, you are not alone!

In this episode of Family Health by Mini First Aid, Kate chats to Jenna Wilson, co-founder of Little Dreams Consulting and expert in baby and child sleep. Jenna shares practical, no-nonsense advice on everything from newborn sleep patterns to dealing with toddlers who won’t stay in bed, and even what to do if your 10-year-old still creeps into your room every night.

Whether you're preparing for a new arrival or desperate for a decent night’s sleep, this episode is full of calm, supportive guidance to help you make small changes that can have a big impact.

We cover:

• What’s normal for newborn sleep
• How to manage the four-month sleep regression
• When children might realistically “sleep through”
• Common mistakes (and how to fix them)
• Tips for moving to a big bed
• Sleep challenges in older children
• How to protect everyone’s sleep when a new baby arrives
  
  

It’s never too late to make sleep better for your whole family - listen now!

Connect with Jenna Wilson

Find out more about Little Dreams Consulting

Read the blog about bedtime and the October clock change

Follow Little Dreams Consulting on Instagram and Facebook

Mini First Aid Family First Aid Kit - Platinum Award-winning first aid kit, voted a Best Buy in the Loved By Parents Awards 2021, is a comprehensive first aid kit for all the family. Containing 115 essential items, it is ideal for keeping in your car or at home for any first aid emergencies.

Find out more about our multi-award-winning two-hour Baby & Child first aid classes here, delivered in a relaxed and comfortable style to give you the confidence to know what actions to take if faced with a medical emergency.

For press enquiries and to contact Mini First Aid, email info@minifirstaid.co.uk

Series 4 of the Family Health Podcast by Mini First Aid is sponsored by Things Happen, a trusted broker which offers the best financial advice to help parents and their families make informed decisions, ensuring a secure and tax-efficient future for their children.

The team at Things Happen consists of highly qualified financial experts who can guide you through the different types of life insurance policies to consider as your family expands, taking the stress out of decision-making by finding the best deals. If you already have life insurance Things Happen will carefully review your existing policy to ensure it still meets your family's needs, giving you peace of mind, knowing your family is fully protected.

If reviewing your life insurance is still on your to-do list, take time to get in touch with an experienced Things Happen financial advisor today.

In this episode, Kate chats to fitness expert and winner of The Apprentice 2024, Rachel Woolford. Together they unpack the do’s and don’ts of exercising during pregnancy and after giving birth.

Whether you're newly pregnant, navigating postpartum recovery, or supporting someone who is, this episode is filled with down-to-earth advice and reassurance.

From finding the right kind of movement, to managing mental health, and even what to do with the baby while you work out.

A must-listen for mums, mums-to-be, and anyone who wants to move their body in a way that feels good.

Listen now for:

• Realistic pre & postnatal fitness tips
• Mental health support through movement
• Advice for C-section recovery
• Finding confidence in your changing body
• How to make exercise part of your life – even with a baby in tow

Connect with Rachel on Instagram

Find out more about Rachel’s fitness studio North Studio

Watch Rachel win The Apprentice

Read the NHS guide to your post-pregnancy body

Mini First Aid Family First Aid Kit - Platinum Award-winning first aid kit, voted a Best Buy in the Loved By Parents Awards 2021, is a comprehensive first aid kit for all the family. Containing 115 essential items, it is ideal for keeping in your car or at home for any first aid emergencies.

Find out more about our multi-award-winning two-hour Baby & Child first aid classes here, delivered in a relaxed and comfortable style to give you the confidence to know what actions to take if faced with a medical emergency.

For press enquiries and to contact Mini First Aid, email info@minifirstaid.co.uk

Series 5 of the Family Health Podcast by Mini First Aid is sponsored by Things Happen, a trusted broker which offers the best financial advice to help parents and their families make informed decisions, ensuring a secure and tax-efficient future for their children.

The team at Things Happen consists of highly qualified financial experts who can guide you through the different types of life insurance policies to consider as your family expands, taking the stress out of decision-making by finding the best deals. If you already have life insurance Things Happen will carefully review your existing policy to ensure it still meets your family's needs, giving you peace of mind, knowing your family is fully protected.

If reviewing your life insurance is still on your to-do list, take time to get in touch with an experienced Things Happen financial advisor today.

In this episode of Family Health by Mini First Aid, we’re joined by Adelle Fishlock, Consultant Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon at Leeds Children’s Hospital and familiar face from the BBC series Saving Lives in Leeds.

Adelle gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what really happens when a child is brought into hospital with a suspected broken bone. From playground falls to complex surgery, she explains how her team works to assess, treat, and support young patients and their families.

Adelle also opens up about her own emotional experience when her young son needed surgery, a powerful moment that reshaped how she supports the families in her care.

We also talk about:

• How to spot the signs of a broken bone
• What to do before you reach medical help
• Where to go: 999, A&E or minor injuries?
• Why vitamin D and warm-ups matter more than you think

Whether you're a parent, carer or health-conscious listener, this is an episode not to miss.

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe for more expert-led family health advice.

NHS guide to broken arms or wrists

NHS guide to a broken leg

Find out more about the BBC Series featuring Adelle Fishlock: Saving Lives in Leeds

Watch all episodes Saving Lives in Leeds

Find your nearest A&E department

Mini First Aid Family First Aid Kit - Platinum Award-winning first aid kit, voted a Best Buy in the Loved By Parents Awards 2021, is a comprehensive first aid kit for all the family. Containing 115 essential items, it is ideal for keeping in your car or at home for any first aid emergencies.

Find out more about our multi-award-winning two-hour Baby & Child first aid classes here, delivered in a relaxed and comfortable style to give you the confidence to know what actions to take if faced with a medical emergency.

For press enquiries and to contact Mini First Aid, email info@minifirstaid.co.uk

Series 5 of the Family Health Podcast by Mini First Aid is sponsored by Things Happen, a trusted broker which offers the best financial advice to help parents and their families make informed decisions, ensuring a secure and tax-efficient future for their children.

The team at Things Happen consists of highly qualified financial experts who can guide you through the different types of life insurance policies to consider as your family expands, taking the stress out of decision-making by finding the best deals. If you already have life insurance Things Happen will carefully review your existing policy to ensure it still meets your family's needs, giving you peace of mind, knowing your family is fully protected. If reviewing your life insurance is still on your to-do list, take time to get in touch with an experienced Things Happen financial advisor today.