Specialising in Pregnancy, Parents and Babies
Relax and enjoy your pregnancy in the peak of health with the use of our special selection of complementary therapies.
Our therapists are all highly trained specialists in the perinatal period. You can consult them in pregnancy and postnatally for yourself, your baby or any member of your family.
You will be experiencing enormous physical changes throughout this time and conventional medicine may be restricted in what it can safely offer you.
When you are pregnant or breastfeeding you will want to avoid certain drugs and over-the-counter medicines as these may carry risks which could interfere with the development of your baby. We offer you a holistic approach where highly skilled therapists can ease many common complaints, discomforts and ailments.
Of course there are times when orthodox treatments are required and in these cases holistic treatments can be used alongside them to aid healing and promote health.
We recommend that you discuss your treatment with your midwife or doctor so that they are aware of the choices you have made and any benefits you experience.
A single treatment when birth is imminent may be of great benefit to harmonise and balance your body before the birth, and a postnatal check or pamper is essential.
You may also select regular treatment in any one of the therapies we provide, to boost your general health and wellbeing. Prevention is always better than cure!
Choosing the right therapy
There are many avenues to health and healing and our clinic offers a range of several options to choose from. This may be confusing at first, and often the same condition may be successfully treated by any one of several therapies.
When making your choice we recommend that you read through the descriptions that follow and select the one that appeals to you most.
If you would like further information, feel free to call the therapist/s to discuss your needs before making your choice. If you are attending classes at the Active Birth Centre you may also approach your teacher for guidance.
While our therapists are all specialists in treating mothers and babies, they are also highly qualified general complementary practitioners. The clinic may be attended by all members of the family (including dads!)
The book New Natural Pregnancy by Janet Balaskas is a useful guide to complementary therapies in pregnancy and is available in our shop.
For cranial osteopathy and osteopathic clinic appointments, please call 020 7272 3003.
For all other therapies, please contact the practitioner direct - numbers are listed at the bottom of the relevant section.
Nutritional Therapy
With Elspeth Stewart and Key Nutrition
With Elspeth Stewart and Key Nutrition
Good nutrition is the ideal way to support a pregnancy and give your baby the best start in life. As your baby grows, each cell will be built using nutrients from the food that you have consumed. For this reason, what you choose to eat now can have a profound impact upon how your baby develops both within the womb and as they grow up. Your diet can also influence your health during and after the pregnancy.
Key Nutrition offers a range of services at the Active Birth Centre to help mothers and families get the information they need. Regular nutrition workshops run by Elspeth Stewart provide an inexpensive and informative option for discovering how to optimise diet either during or after pregnancy for best health outcomes for mother and baby. Find out more
Elspeth Stewart specialises in pre-conceptual nutrition programmes, infertility, nutrition during pregnancy, common pregnancy complaints, supplements for pregnancy and child nutrition. Nutritional therapy is especially beneficial for conditions such as digestive issues including constipation & heartburn, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, low mood/energy, anaemia, postnatal depression, thrush and cystitis.† Elspeth can provide guidance for mothers who have experienced a difficult birth due to a large baby in a previous pregnancy.
Key Nutrition also run a general health clinic for teens and adults looking for support with a range of health issues such as weight management, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, female health issues, migraines, immune health, low energy/mood/fatigue, mental health and depression, musculoskeletal issues and skin complaints.
If youíd like to learn more about what to expect from a nutritional therapy consultation or perhaps you would like to know if it could help you with a condition you have, book in for a free 20 minute appointment. This give you an opportunity to find out more about nutrition, our services and whether they are right for you.
If you would like to book an appointment, please contact Elspeth Stewart on 020 7183 8484 or email her at elspeth@key-nutrition.com
Acupuncture in Pregnancy
with James Mutkin
Acupuncture in pregnancy is a safe procedure, which can benefit both mother and unborn child. It has many applications and is particularly effective for a number of complaints. It has within it specifically designed treatments to assist your pregnancy throughout every step from fertilisation to postnatal care, with treatments directed to building up your strength and overall health.
Chinese medicine has been used for thousands of years, combining acupuncture, herbs, nutrition, massage and exercise into one integrated system. One of its main branches is Acupuncture, which aims at restoring the body to a state of balance. Acupuncture achieves this regulation by using very fine needles to stimulate specific areas of the body. These areas are known as acupuncture points and are situated along pathways known as meridians, which bind and unite the body together.
James Mutkin is a fully qualified practitioner, attaining a degree and bachelor of medicine in Chinese medicine. He has various practices in and out of London, one of which is the heading up and running of a maternity acupuncture service within an NHS hospital, treating patients throughout all stages of pregnancy.
For further information or to make an appointment, call James on 07811 667067
This is an exceptional clinic for pregnancy, babies, postnatal mothers and families which specialises in cranial osteopathy and general osteopathic treatment.
In pregnancy osteopathy helps the body adapt/prepare for labour by balancing the mother's pelvis and spine as the baby grows, so assisting the baby's head to correctly engage and facilitating a comfortable pregnancy for mother and baby.
Treatment is gentle, potent, safe and relaxing. During and after pregnancy, pelvic, pubic, back, neck, shoulder and rib pain; sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, oedema and heartburn can be treated. Postnatally, mastitis, depression and fatigue respond well.
It is recommended that every baby receives a cranial osteopathic check due to possible retained birth compression, particularly after very fast or long deliveries and in the case of ventouse, forceps or caesarean.
Babies suffering from colic, benefit from cranial treatment. Naturopathic advice can be given on nutrition, diet and nutritional supplements.
For further information or
to make an appointment call 020 7272 3003
Homeopathy is an ideal natural therapy to use as your baby grows during pregnancy, all the way through to the post natal period - where it is also invaluable for easing discomfort and minor ailments in mothers and babies. The medicines (homeopathic remedies) are prepared in a special way, making them non-toxic and gentle, and they are a valuable alternative for use during pregnancy when most drugs are contra-indicated.
Homeopathy treatment is tailor made to suit your particular needs and takes into account all of your symptoms as well as respecting who you are as a person.† Dawn will listen sensitively to the way you describe what is happening for you, which can be felt physically, mentally or emotionally, and then choose a prescription which will cover the overall picture and bring you back to balance and well being. Having a new baby is an immense life change and homeopathy eases the transition for both parents. The consultation in itself can be a reassuring and clarifying experience, freeing you to appreciate the myriad joys that pregnancy and your new baby bring.
These are some of the symptoms that usually respond well to homeopathy:
Nausea and vomiting in the early stages of pregnancy, piles, heartburn, constipation and itching can all be effectively managed with homeopathic medicines.
For labour Dawn provides a kit containing remedies which are especially helpful for pain management, calming anxieties, encouraging the contractions to remain rhythmical, tiredness, and for reducing the bruising which can follow an interventive birth. Post natally homeopathy eases the physical repair process, soothes a colicky baby and helps with establishing breastfeeding.
Homeopathy has a wide application and can support all your family including acute short-lived illnesses such as colds and more chronic long term conditions such as asthma, eczema, joint disease, auto-immune disorders and mental/emotional states such as depression and anxiety.†
For further information or to make an appointment
call Dawn on 07745 687256 or email at dawn@golten.co.uk
For more information about Dawn click here
Reflexology is a strength-giving natural therapy. It generally balances all systems - mental and emotional as well as physiological and can be beneficial as preparation for an easier birthing. Described as "Nature's tranquillizer", reflexology promotes endorphin production and natural oxytocin, the "love hormone" that plays a primary role in the birth process. As the feet hold a mirror reflection of the whole anatomy and all body systems, including a mirror of the pregnancy itself, the treatment harmonises the hormones at every stage of the life cycle from preconception, throughout pregnancy and after birth to menopause.
A reflexology treatment involves massage strokes and pressure sensitively applied with the thumbs on the feet, and sometimes the hands too. Sessions are comfortable and carefully tailored either for preconception preparation (men and women), the pregnant woman, during birth itself and for the postnatal period.
Some common pregnancy discomforts which can be improved or alleviated are: heartburn, nausea, varicose veins/piles, swollen ankles/fluid retention, pelvic discomfort, back aches, ligament/joint pains, sciatica and symphysis pubis discomfort. Reflexology may also help to keep blood pressure under control, stabilise mood swings, stress and fear. Babies love reflexology, whether during wombtime or after! Post birth, reflexology helps recovery and supports breastfeeding, providing much needed "Me time". An ideal gift for a new mother!
Sophia also helps with breech turning (after 36 weeks), priming of labour, intensive preparation for birth (for post due babies), and other specialised help (including IVF pregnancies, caesarean, and other sensitive requirements).
Sophia is an experienced and qualified reflexologist with a number of extra trainings and skills which contribute to a highly effective and memorable treatment session or programme. For more information and to find out more about Sophia click here.
For further information or to make an appointment call Sophia on 01442 879485
Janet offers one to one counselling and couples sessions for any problem related to the childbearing year whether the issue is personal, to do with your relationship or any issue related to your pregnancy, birth or parenting.
This includes general issues to do with the adjustment to the life changes and transition of becoming a parent, labour and birth choices and the more vulnerable pregnancy.
Counselling can be invaluable as a 'debriefing' after a difficult birth or if you are dealing with issues of illness or bereavement while pregnant. If you think you may be suffering from depression Janet will help you to find the appropriate referral.
If you need special support or guidance during difficult times please feel free to contact Janet. She has worked in this field for more than 25 years and has a long and ongoing association with the Spectrum Centre for Humanistic Psychotherapy where she attends a variety of courses and trainings.
Appointments call 0785 547 6390
Breastfeeding help with Sarah Brown
Some women are unaware of the specialist care available to them when they encounter breastfeeding problems. Many women stop breastfeeding their babies much sooner than they would have wished because of the lack of appropriate expert support. Lactation Consultants provide this professional, one to one breastfeeding care, information and help.
Sarah Brown is an health care professional with over 20 years experience helping and supporting mothers and their babies to breastfeed. Her goal is to help women make informed decisions about the way in which they feed their babies.
As a certified Lactation Consultant she has passed a fully credited examination set by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). Being a Lactation Consultant gives Sarah the in depth knowledge to provide evidence based care to babies and their mothers. This includes practical solutions and guidance to help solve some of the following problems:
Pregnancy and Postnatal Massage
with Sue Boughton
Blending Shiatsu techniques with Swedish massage, this treatment is specially designed to support you through the physical and emotional demands of pregnancy, birth and the post natal period. Relaxing and restorative, it is also an excellent therapy for encouraging labour to start and for post-natal recovery. Meridians and shiatsu points are gently worked with thumbs or palms to relax and rebalance the mind and body and to help alleviate certain pregnancy related symptoms.
Holistic Massage has been known and used for thousands of years as one of the most beneficial ways of keeping the body free from stress and illness. Holistic means considering the complete person, mind, body and spirit. Massage at this time will help†improve your circulation, bringing oxygen and essential nutrients to help repair the bodyís cells, it also encourages the elimination of toxins and releases muscular and emotional tension and stress. Having regular massage treatments can ease minor aches and pains and can help to prevent many common ailments such as repetitive strain injury, back ache and symptoms of stress such as headaches, insomnia, anxiety and general fatigue. So massage will also be beneficial for your partners at this time.
Sue has been working as a holistic massage practitioner since 1997, she is qualified in Anatomy, Physiology and Holistic Massage, Indian Champissage [Indian Head Massage], Pregnancy and Postnatal Massage and Massage for Labour. Sue has also taken training in Reflexology and Aromatherapy, Sports Massage and No Hands Massage. Sueís treatments use a mixture of these disciplines, adding reflexology points, deep tissue massage where appropriate and a few Indian Head Massage techniques to finish a truly holistic treatment.
All the pregnancy, labour and postnatal massage training was taken with Suzanne Yates of Well Mother, www.wellmother.org. After working with pregnant and postnatal clients for a few years Sue decided to train as a birth doula and did further training with Well Mother, she has been working as a doula since 2008 and is a recognised doula with Doula UK, www.doulauk.org.uk.
The Greek word Doula, now refers to an experienced woman who offers practical and emotional support to a woman or couple before, during and after childbirth. A doula supports the mother, during pregnancy, birth and the early days of being a new mum. This support also helps the whole family to relax and enjoy the experience of bringing a child into the world.
For further information or to make an appointment
call Sue on 07811 953 277
or email at souladoula@gmail.com