The Pregnancy Package
THERE are many services available to women during pregnancy that can make this special time a more pleasurable experience. Natasha works with a number of therapists who can assist with pregnancy, child-birth and beyond. The therapies all work in harmony with one another therefore making mother-to-be and baby as happy and relaxed as possible.
Yoga
A regular yoga practice can be incredibly benefical to pregnant women. The combination of gentle stretches, breath work and a lovely relaxation at the end of class leave many women feeling great. If you can go a class on a weekly basis as a minimum and combine that with some stretches at home you should find it really helps with pregnancy and labour. Natasha holds a pregnancy yoga qualification and holds a group class on a Monday night as well as teaching women on a one-to-one basis if that is preferable.
In addition to coming to a regular class, women may like to be able to practise on their own at home. If that is the case, then Natasha is the pre and post natal yoga teacher at VirtualGymTV. For a monthly subscription of £5.00 a month you can join and access Natasha's pregnancy yoga class via your computer and have a go in the comfort of your own home. The company allows you to copy your favourite classes onto a CD so you can play in your DVD player. For details www.virtualgym.co.uk
Osteopathy
Osteopaths are trained to recognise and treat causes of pain. Osteopathy is an established system of diagnosis and manual treatment which is recognised by the British Medical Association. All osteopaths are regulated by the General Osteopathic Council.
Pregnancy is often a challenging time for women with the body undergoing massive postural changes. As a baby growns it alters the centre of gravity of the body from week to week. Also changes in weight and breast size often affect the body. The most common complaints osteopathy can help with are; back and leg pain, sciatica, neck and shoulder pain, indigestion and post natal problems of the pelvis.
Christopher Payne has worked with many pregnant women and can be contacted on 01634 386 387 or via his website www.rainhamosteo.com
Hypnobirthing
Childbirth is a natural process and one that a woman's body is equipped to deal with. Childbirth should be a natural, special time for mother and baby. However, there is a lot of fear surrounding labour, whether because of the unknown or because of a previous experience. Hypnobirthing can help you access your body's own natural ability to give birth in a peaceful, relaxed way. Hypnosis is a calming tool that helps you to relax and stay calm and in control and enable you to be in charge of your child's birth. Hypnobirthing mothers are aware and in control as they go through labour and as a result giving birth is the exciting, pleasureable experience it should be.
Georgina McKinnon has a practice in Kent and can be contacted on 0800 0787 447 or via her website www.hypnosiskent.co.uk
Reflexology
Reflexology is the method of applying gentle pressure to the reflex points of the feet or hands to clear energy pathways that may become blocked due to the stresses and strains of life. Reflexology is a safe, pleasant treatment that isn't invasive and is ideal for pregnancy. Reflexology can help to restore balance in women during pregnancy and can help ailments such as anxiety, constipation, haemorrhoids and insomnia and oedema. In addition the treatment is incredibly relaxing.
Mel Smith is a registered member of the Association of Reflexologists and can be contacted on 077368 44729 or via www.reflextoday.co.uk
Massage, including baby massage, pregnancy massage and massage in labour
Michelle offers massage services across the spectrum and will visit you in the comfort of your own home. She specialises in pregnancy and labour massage and these treatments have been proven to help during pregnancy and in labour. For more details contact www.millieandmonty.co.uk