Heartbeat: Say hello to Flo – a text messaging service for parents

July 19, 2022

The infant feeding team has introduced a new information text messaging service for expectant parents and those who have recently had a baby.

The service called Flo sends useful tips around safer sleep for babies, breastfeeding and building a loving relationship. Friendly reassuring texts are sent throughout the pregnancy from 28 weeks until the baby has arrived. Once the baby is born, parents can sign up to continue to receive useful information.

Louise Thompson, Infant Feeding Team Coordinator, said: “Being a new mum can be wonderful, but also overwhelming at times. This service helps parents before their is born and when they arrive by sending useful tips, videos and information on building a relationship with your baby, how to tell if your baby is feeding well and safer sleep.

“They can sign up to it by asking their midwife to register their number. It doesn’t cost the parents anything and they won’t be charged if they reply to the number. Flo is used in a number of other maternity services in NHS Trust’s and has proved popular with parents.

“It is delivering information to them in an accessible way.”