Pre-natal Massage
During pregnancy, the body is changing daily. We are growing a baby, and this can take it's toll on the body, mind, spirit and emotions.
Integrative support during this time can allow you to feel yourself again, to take time to feel more nourished and relaxed.
Pregnancy massage is tailored to you. Preferences might be simply for a lower leg and foot massage, or for a back neck and shoulder massage.
Ease sore joints and musclesReduce swollen feetImprove circulationPromote a sense of wellbeingFeel nurturedImprove relaxation
Please note, your midwife should ...
Adapted pregnancy sun salutation
Adapted pregnancy sun salutation is a lovely way to give a good stretch to the whole body and create space for yourself to breathe deeply.
In pregnancy yoga we adapt postures to suit. We do not overstretch as this can cause weakness after birth, due to the amount of the hormone 'relaxin' during pregnancy, making us think we can stretch further than necessary. Stay within your limits and be gentle. Downward dog is not for everyone, feel free to miss it out completely if you want to.
Afterwards, please lie on your left side with a bolster supporting your right leg, and ...
Your birth plan
A birth plan, of course, is an 'ideal' scenario. Rarely do birth plans follow suit without some tweaks here and there. As an example, I wrote on my third baby's birth plan 'Do not touch me!' and my wonderful midwife respected that totally, but of course as I progressed and the situation changed, she did touch me with permission. Had to in fact. But for the whole of my labour she did not actually physically touch me. I had my reasons, and they were important at that time. But she helped me and empowered me to birth my way until I needed her.
Things to include are your ...
Private pregnancy yoga classes
DVD's can be helpful for routines, but cannot give you that one-to-one attention and discuss your individual needs. Private pregnancy yoga classes can give you that confidence in yourself and your body. They are tailored to suit you completely.
Become empowered in your pregnancy at times that suit you better, in your own home. Time is yours to make of it what you want, for example labour or birth related questions can be answered as they occur, practises can be adjusted for your personal needs.
Private partner yoga classes are also available which include ways to support ...
Private partner pregnancy yoga class with labour and birth preparation
Private partner pregnancy yoga class with labour and birth preparation includes time exploring yoga postures to connect with the breath, to improve flexibility, to connect with each other and our baby (or babies).
We aim for our pregnant partner to feel empowered to birth fully supported and, as partners, empowered with knowledge of techniques to offer different types of support, as needed.
Movements to support optimum foetal positioning are practised, and there are tips to encourage labour to begin if baby is ready. If labour has started, or waters have broken, and ...
Yoga Nidra
We are currently looking for a venue in Allestree for group yoga classes. Please contact me if you are aware of a large warm room locally
Yoga Nidra is loosely translated as 'Yoga-Sleep; since yoga means union of the body-mind, therefore 'union of the body and mind in a deeply relaxed state'. The practise is quite simple. Lying down or sitting supported, so that you can totally relax, all you need to do is listen and feel.
It is a different technique to a meditation, and it is not a trance. You are very safe. You may fall asleep, and although this is not the aim, it can ...
Meditation
There are so many different types of meditation. Some contain movement; some contain stillness. Some have breathing practices; some have visualisations. Some have eyes open, some closed. The common element is focus.
Key benefits of regular meditation include: stress reduction, sleep improvement, sense of wellbeing, less emotional ups and downs, increased resilience, better concentration, clearer thought patterns.
As the mind stills, with regular meditation practice, it is able to recognise when it is wandering, catastrophising and creating drama. At this point we can ...
Reflexology
What is Reflexology?
You may have heard people talking about this complementary therapy, but actually are unsure what is reflexology. I will attempt to describe it for you here. Reflexology is a special kind of massage on the feet, hands or face.
Points and areas are pressed and gently held or 'finger-walked' to balance and soothe the body. This brings about a deep state of relaxation and encourages homoeostasis. I work with a gentle, but not light, pressure, which can also vary as I move around your feet.
Over 7000 nerve endings are in the feet alone. Based on ...
Pregnancy yoga classes
We are currently looking for a venue in Allestree, Derbyshire. Please contact me if you know of a large comfortable space for hire.
Yoga during pregnancy is a gentle form of exercise, helps ensure optimum foetal positioning to ease back aches and facilitate an easier birth, and teaches you ways to help you relax, reduce anxiety, make space and keep you fit and flexible during your pregnancy. We prepare for labour and birth using postures, adapted sequences and breathing techniques.
Even if you know you are planning a caesarean birth, these classes are beneficial through ...