class="bodygeneral2">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.

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.

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.

Homeopathic medicine has been in use for over 200 years and is safe, non-toxic and non-addictive and can be used instead of or alongside conventional medicine for both acute and long term conditions, as well as first aid and travel situations.

Many women use homeopathy for the first time during pregnancy when allopathic drugs are contraindicated. Homeopathy can help with the early symptoms of pregnancy such as nausea, vomiting, tiredness, breast tenderness and constipation and can be used later on to induce labour and to encourage babies to turn to the optimum position for birth. Other common pregnancy conditions that can be treated are piles, varicose veins, backache and anxiety.

Homeopathy is also a fantastic option for pain management in labour and Caroline offers a special consultation to explain how to use remedies for labour and postnatal recovery.
Remedies can be used for tiredness, mastitis, low energy, postnatal depression and for colic, eczema, teething, sleeplessness and allergies in babies. Caroline also advises on vaccination issues.

Maternity Reflexology

with Sophia Smith

Maternity reflexology involves massage strokes and pressure sensitively applied with the thumbs primarily to the feet and, if needed, the hands, carefully tailored to the pregnant woman and her baby.

The feet hold a mirror reflection of the whole anatomy and all body systems-including the mirror of the pregnancy itself.

Reflexology is a very earthy, strength-giving technique.  It eases labour and helps all systems, including mentally, emotionally and spiritually-so everything integrates better.

The technique harmonises the hormones at every stage: preconception, pregnancy, postnatal stage.

Problems associated with pregnancy such as backache, ligament and joint pains, nausea, food fads and heartburn, sciatica and symphysis pubis pain, swollen ankles and carpal tunnel can all certainly be helped by reflexology. Also helps keep blood pressure under control and can relieve mood swings, sleep problems, stress and fear.

Sophia also works with breech turning and priming of labour where overdue.

Reflexology is thought to reduce the chances of a difficult birth. Also it is helpful in treating postnatal problems such as mastitis, caesarean section, episiotomy, bruising, bladder control and so on.

It is profoundly relaxing: women feel more in tune with themselves and connect with the baby in a renewed way...babies in the womb love it as well!

The treatments are safe, enjoyable, medicinal and completely individual.

Sophia Smith, BSc,TAI,MAR, IFPA, is the active birth centre's qualified Maternity reflexologist. Sophia is an experienced practitioner of reflexology for many years, combining the powerful pioneering methods created by Susanne Enzer (Midwife and Reflex Zone Therapist) with Colour Therapy via the feet and Swiss Trace Element Supplementation, where advisable.

Counselling

with Janet Balaskas

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