By Laura Johnstone When I was growing up, I always had this deep sense of what was fair and what wasn’t. Even when I didn’t have the words or the essay-writing skills to explain it, I felt things strongly. I believed – and still believe – in human rights, in fairness, and in standing upContinue reading “The Night Before the Exam: How Martin Luther King Helped Me Find My Voice”
Category Archives: NICU & SCBU
UK MPs Vote to Remove Criminal Penalties for Abortion – A Historic Shift
On June 17, 2025, the UK’s House of Commons voted by 379 to 137 to decriminalise abortion in England and Wales. This marks the most significant change to abortion law since the 1967 Abortion Act, which allowed terminations under strict conditions, up to 24 weeks, with approval from two doctors . The new amendment targetsContinue reading “UK MPs Vote to Remove Criminal Penalties for Abortion – A Historic Shift”
🌍 Travelling Abroad with Coeliac Disease: Why Italy and Spain Feel Like a Breath of Fresh (Gluten-Free) Air
Going on holiday when you’ve got coeliac disease can feel more like a military operation than a relaxing getaway. You’re not just thinking about swimsuits and suncream — you’re researching restaurant menus, double-checking ingredients, and carrying snacks everywhere you go. You also end up becoming fluent in explaining the difference between “coeliac disease” and “beingContinue reading “🌍 Travelling Abroad with Coeliac Disease: Why Italy and Spain Feel Like a Breath of Fresh (Gluten-Free) Air”
Adriana Smith: A Tragic Testament to the Cruelty of the Heartbeat Law 💔
Last Friday, baby Chance was born via C-section, weighing just 1 lb 11 oz. His mother, Adriana Smith, had been declared brain-dead back in February—yet her body was kept on life support for months, not because it was her wish, but because of Georgia’s strict “heartbeat bill.” She was just nine weeks pregnant at the time of herContinue reading “Adriana Smith: A Tragic Testament to the Cruelty of the Heartbeat Law 💔”
[AD] “Surviving (and Enjoying!) Long Car Journeys with a Toddler: Our Upcoming Trip to Llandudno”
By Laura Johnstone AD – This blog contains a referral link to Toniebox. If you choose to buy through my link, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. (And you’ll save £15 on your first Toniebox, so it’s a win for both of us!) We’re currently preparing for a big tripContinue reading “[AD] “Surviving (and Enjoying!) Long Car Journeys with a Toddler: Our Upcoming Trip to Llandudno””
A Father’s Day Reflection: For the Dads Who Hold On Through the Hardest Days
By Laura Johnstone | The Good, The Bad, and Your Parenting Journey Father’s Day is meant to be a time of smiles, breakfasts in bed, and handmade cards covered in glitter. But for many families—especially those who’ve had a baby in special care—it’s a bittersweet reminder of everything they’ve been through. Two years ago, onContinue reading “A Father’s Day Reflection: For the Dads Who Hold On Through the Hardest Days”
“A Slow Boat to China”: My Journey Through Education as a Neurodivergent Child, to walking across the stage when I got my degree.
I remember being told I was “on a slow boat to China” at school. I didn’t even know what it meant at the time — but the way it was said made it clear it wasn’t meant kindly. It stuck with me, not because I understood it, but because I felt it. It summed upContinue reading ““A Slow Boat to China”: My Journey Through Education as a Neurodivergent Child, to walking across the stage when I got my degree.”
[AD] Choosing Tonies Over TV: A Small Moment That Felt Huge
By Laura Johnstone This morning, something really beautiful happened in our home. It wasn’t a big milestone or a fancy outing — just a quiet, simple moment that felt like a real parenting win. For her birthday, Amelia received a Toniebox. At first, she was a bit unsure about it. We’d tried a couple ofContinue reading “[AD] Choosing Tonies Over TV: A Small Moment That Felt Huge”
The Power of Family Support: When You Can’t Do It Alone
Today was a big day. Amelia had a blood test—but this time, it was taken from her hand instead of her elbow. They couldn’t do it yesterday, and honestly, I’m glad they waited. Because yesterday? Yesterday I completely fell apart. I had a full-blown panic attack and passed out in the waiting room. The heatContinue reading “The Power of Family Support: When You Can’t Do It Alone”
When the Past Comes Rushing Back: Pregnancy Trauma, Panic Attacks and Flashbacks at a Routine Appointment
By Laura Johnstone – The Good, The Bad, and Your Parenting Journey Today, Amelia had a blood test. A simple enough procedure, or at least it should have been. But as soon as we stepped into the waiting room, my chest tightened. My hands started to shake, my vision blurred, and I felt myself spiralling.Continue reading “When the Past Comes Rushing Back: Pregnancy Trauma, Panic Attacks and Flashbacks at a Routine Appointment”
The bad and your parenting journey 