We wouldn't advise applying it to your baby's delicate skin until they are at least three months old.

Our blog talks through how to do perineal massage, and we also have an animated video showing you how to do it too!

The research available is based on women who had undertaken perineal massage from 35 weeks of pregnancy, so there isn’t data on the effects of starting it sooner. If you want to start it sooner it would not be harmful, but equally it may not provide you with any extra benefits.

Our Spritz for Bits is a cooling spray developed by our team of midwives to help soothe discomfort during pregnancy and after birth. During pregnancy, it can help to relieve symptoms of thrush and haemorrhoids (piles), including itching, swelling, and pain (we'd also recommend seeking medical advice to see whether a prescription is also required). For post-birth perineal care, it's ideal for soothing tears, swelling, or stitches after a vaginal delivery. For c-section recovery, it's safe to use once the dressing has been removed, to calm irritation and support scar healing. It contains tea tree, witch hazel, and lavender, which help reduce inflammation and promote natural healing. Simply spray directly onto the area or onto a maternity pad. Use as often as needed for comfort. We also hear wonderful stories of people using Spritz for Bits for cuts, grazes, piercings, post-surgery care, and even sunburn, it's a real household essential!

Yes, you can use both Spriz for Bits and Soak for Bits if you have had a C-section. Spritz for Bits offers the same benefits for your caesarean scar as for your vulva and perineal/anal areas. The essential oils it contains can help to relieve itching, stinging and discomfort, and also to help moisturise C-section scars. For Soak for Bits make sure that your dressing has been removed and that your C-section wound is undergoing the normal healing process. Seek medical advice if you think your wound is becoming infected, feeling more sore as each day goes by, has redness spreading around the area, is oozing or smelling or you have any other concerns.

We would advise that you go with a trusted brand which understands conception, pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum periods as your body has very specific requirements during these times. My Expert Midwife is a trusted and well-established maternity brand and our All-In-One Pregnancy Supplements have been specially developed by our in-house Midwives to meet all of those needs whilst avoiding anything you should avoid.

We recommend a regular, daily intake but if you have missed a day or two this won’t do any harm. Just take it again when you remember and as directed. You should not take more than the recommended amount to make up for any days you have missed.

The UK Department of Health recommend supplementing folic acid to reduce risks of problems in the baby’s development in the early weeks of pregnancy. Folic acid can prevent birth defects known as neural tube defects including spina bifida. Vitamin D regulates the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body, which are needed to keep bones, teeth, and muscles healthy. The Department of Health recommend that all people consider taking 10 micrograms of Vitamin D between September and March when we are not exposed to summer sunlight which makes vitamin D. Vitamin D is only found in a small number of foods, so it is difficult to get enough from your diet.