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.
Appointments with any of the practitioners within our Complementary Therapy Clinic, with the exception of the Osteopathy Clinic, are booked through our Receptionist on 020 7272 7003. The telephone number for Cranial Osteopathy and Osteopathy Clinic bookings is 020 7272 3003.
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.
Appointments call 020 7272 7003
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact
James 07811667067
Touch is vital for physical and emotional well-being in pregnancy. It is well known that massage actually reduces the secretion of stress hormones in the body - allowing more space for the sensitive hormones that prepare your body for birth. So massage is an optimal tool to help you to get ready for labour and to feel more comfortable throughout your pregnancy.
Massage during pregnancy is therapeutic bodywork that focuses specifically on your needs as your body changes throughout the childbirth experience.
This provides a space for you to be nurtured with the power of touch and essential oils, which creates a deep sense of harmony, balance and health on a physical, mental and emotional level.
Postnatally this is a wonderfully therapeutic treatment for the new mother, giving you an oasis of time to regenerate your energy and nurture yourself.
Sharon Segal has been practicing pre and post-natal massage for the last 11 years and has experienced at first hand the benefits that it brings to women's lives. She tailor-makes every client's essential oil blend according to their own specific needs. She then spends the next hour giving a full body massage, concentrating on any specific problems that you might be experiencing.
Sharon Segal is a member of the International Federation of Aromatherapists.
Appointments call 020 7272 7003
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Sharon.
07747 695565
sharonsegal@hotmail.com
www.mamanmassage.co.uk
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.
Appointments 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.† If you would like homeopathic treatment or you want to ask Dawn more, please call her directly on
07745 687256 or email 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 and Ali also help 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 and Ali are experienced and qualified reflexologists 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 and Ali click here.
For appointments ring 0207 2727003
Or contact Sophia 01442 879485 email, and Ali 07802 589630 email
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: