Features

Read the journal’s professional features, analysis, clinical updates and practice-related articles.

Let's end the postcode lottery

New research calls for five key actions to help community practitioners support women and families living with perinatal mental illness in Northern Ireland. Caroline Cunningham and Susan Galloway discuss.

Best practice

One of your own

Safeguarding nurse Caroline Waldron explores the role of the health practitioner as a corporate parent for looked-after children and care leavers, identifying practical steps.

Best practiceSafeguarding, Growth and development

Breastfeeding: the right support

Professor Sally Kendall MBE explores why breastfeeding rates are so low, and how health visitors can support mums to do more of it.

AnalysisInfant feeding

An early start

More babies are being born extremely premature. While these babies can often face health and developmental issues, their families can also be affected by anxiety and depression. So it’s vital that CPs offer support. Journalist and mum of twins born prematurely Linsey Wynton reports.

AdviceMental Health, Growth and development

My child, my choice. A healthy motto?

Most parents believe they know what’s best for their children, but on education, parents and schools can come into conflict. What’s the best way forward, and how might you help? Journalist Georgina Wintersgill reports.

AnalysisEducation, Growth and development

Closing the word gap

Wendy Nicholson MBE explains how Public Health England and the Department for Education are working to equip socially disadvantaged children with the speech, language and communication needs they require to fulfil their true potential.

Best practiceProfessional, Education, Growth and development

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A postive note

Research is now exploring the link beween singing and better health more rigorously, says journalist Rima Evans.

Best practiceHealth and wellbeing, Mental Health

Care in the community

CEO of Carers UK Helen Walker explains how you can help connect unpaid carers to the support they need this Carers Week.

AnalysisEmployment, Jobs, Professional

Any questions?

Having access to, and understanding, quality health information is vital for life, yet too many adults are still missing out. Journalist Erin Dean asks, what’s going on?

AnalysisHealth and wellbeing, Mental Health

PTSD wake-up call

Young people aren’t getting the support they need for trauma experienced in childhood, and it’s having serious consequences. Journalist Anna Scott reports.

AnalysisHealth and wellbeing, Growth and development

Why are they waiting?

Tongue-tie can be a problem for mothers and babies when it prevents them from breastfeeding, and long waiting times for the simple fix can make it worse, reports journalist John Windell.

ClinicalInfant feeding

Time for a screen break?

Concerns have been raised that digital devices are now a fundamental part of so many children’s lives, but are there mixed messages around the impact on young people? And how can you help parents navigate the advice? Journalist Georgina Fuller reports.

AnalysisVulnerability, Behaviour, Mental Health