Mother and Baby Clinic

Our Mother and Baby Clinic aims to provide services and treatments to look after the expectant Mum and unborn baby, through to birth and beyond. Our team of complementary practitioners offer fertility and IVF support, pregnancy massage and maternity reflexology, pre and post natal yoga and Pilates, acupuncture, physiotherapy, osteopathy and cranial osteopathy.

Our acupuncturists aim to provide treatments to increase fertility and support women and men through IVF. Acupuncture attempts to bring natural relief from morning sickness, backache, anxiety, pelvic pain and insomnia, thereby reducing the need for drugs.

Our reflexologists aim to provide relief for stress and anxiety during pregnancy, fluid retention, to reduce heartburn and high blood pressure, alleviate constipation, sleeplessness and to prepare for labour, amongst other symptoms.

Our pregnancy massage therapists aim to minimise and relieve aches and pains in the back. Pregnancy massage can relieve leg cramps and help to improve circulation plus ease water retention and boost energy levels.

Our Anti Natal Yoga instructors provide gentle sessions where pregnant women are helped to trust and adapt to their developing body, whilst increasing their core strength.

We hope that our maternity services create a healing setting to allow the expectant mother to unwind, and in doing so, focusing on her body in connection with baby.

Post Natal Yoga and Pilates aim to ease problems such as weakened pelvic floor, sore neck and shoulders, weakened Abs and loss of endurance. Symptoms such as symphysis pubis, diastasis recti and those related with the Pelvic Floor weakening through childbirth can also be helped.

Osteopathy and Cranial Osteopathy can help with pregnancy and birth related problems.

To make an appointment please contact Reception: info@theawarenesscentre.com or call 0208 673 4545. Some practitioners provide home visits.

Please click on the relevant link below:

Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine with Judi Holt

Support for Fertility/IVF and Pregnancy

Judi Holt has completed an Integrated Acupuncture Seminar for Obstetrics and Fertility. She also has a Post Graduate Diploma in TCM Clinical Gynaecology & Obstetrics. She has specialised in this area for over 6 years. Her patient list has built through word of mouth, with many mothers returning to extend their families.

She uses acupuncture as a safe, natural therapy to help increase fertility and support couples through IVF. In pregnancy, she uses it to help relieve morning sickness, backache, anxiety, pelvic pain and insomnia, reducing the need for drugs. With the stimulation of a point on the little toe, she uses it to help turn breech and posterior presentations from 33 weeks onwards (a treatment now recommended by many midwives).
Many of Judi's patients once they have conceived, go on to use acupuncture as a prebirth treatment from week 36 in preparation for labour. This treatment can help to shorten labour and reduce medical intervention, along with a hands-on guide to acupressure for pain relief during labour. Prior to a medical induction, acupuncture can also provide a more natural induction.

If couples begin a healthcare program 3-4 months prior to conception, it can have a positive impact on the quality of egg and sperm. Even a six week course of acupuncture can help to prepare couples for IVF treatment.

Fee:
Acupuncture - 1st appointment £75 for 1 hour, follow ups - £55 for 45 minutes

Pregnancy treatments - £55* for 45 minutes
*£5 reduction for afternoon appointments

Herbal Medicine consultation - £45 for 30 mins
One month supply concentrated powders - £35

Acupuncture with Mark Kiely

Support for Morning Sickness, Breech Presentation and Induction

Mark Kiely Lic Ac, MBAcC, BSc (Hons) studied four years at the London College of Traditional Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and has a degree in acupuncture from Portsmouth University. He has been in practice since 2008 and currently works at the Awareness Centre and at a G.P. surgery in Camberwell.

Mark frequently treats morning sickness. The nausea and/or vomiting associated with early stage pregnancy is very common and occurs in more than half of pregnancies. The good news about these very unpleasant symptoms are that, ironically enough, they provide a good prognosis for a healthy pregnancy and childbirth. In terms of traditional Chinese medicine, the stronger and more healthy the little one growing inside her, the more likely that they will provide some energetic imbalance in the expectant mother. Happily, acupuncture treatment provides a safe, simple, and effective cure to morning sickness without risk of harm to mother or child. Weekly treatments during the first trimester should stop all symptoms. Occasionally the severity of morning sickness may necessitate medical intervention, and Mark is trained to know when to refer patients.

Mark encourages all his patients to return at the end of the 6th month of pregnancy to receive a one-off treatment of the acupuncture point referred to as the Beautiful Baby Point. In ancient (and modern-day) China and East Asia, this has been used to prevent the transmission of toxins from the mother to the child, to increase the baby's strength and immunity, and to strengthen the mother ahead of the final stages of pregnancy.

Acupuncture can effectively treat two conditions related to late-stage pregnancy. Firstly, it can be used to correct a breech presentation, providing a non-invasive alternative to a caesarian delivery. It is important that treatment is commenced as early as possible once a breech presentation has been diagnosed. Best results are achieved when the treatment is begun in the 34th week. Acupuncture needles are not used for this; instead a herb called moxa is used to stimulate acupuncture points with gentle warmth. Acupuncture can also provide an effective alternative to medical or surgical induction. Various points located on the hand, shoulder, and inner calf can be used to start labour.

Post-partum, acupuncture can be used to treat post-natal depression, often in combination with Chinese nutritional therapy.

For further details please visit: www.traditionalacupuncture.net

Fees:
£50 for a one hour treatment

Substantial discounts are available when booking courses of treatment.

Homeopathy with Gloria Feenan

Gloria Feenan Gloria Feenan LCCH CthA is a Classical Homeopath who has 25 year’s experience of treating mothers and babies. She feels that homeopathy has been found helpful in conditions associated with preconception, pregnancy, after birth and with new born baby.

Gloria has worked specifically with mother and babies in The Sunrise Clinic in North London and ‘Me and my baby clinic’ in Fulham. She also works from her private practice at home and from The Awareness Centre in Clapham.

Fee:
£60 for one hour
£40 for concessions

Physiotherapy and Osteopathy with Jo Bowyer

Jo Bowyer is a generalist Chartered Physiotherapist and Registered Osteopath with over 30 years experience in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions in mothers to be and after the birth. She is happy to see babies as soon as the parents feel able to bring them in. Sometimes Midwives, Maternity nurses and Health Visitors suggest that the baby is checked by an experienced practitioner after a difficult birth or if the baby finds it difficult to feed,or to settle after feeding.

Jo worked in the NHS for nine years after qualifying as a physiotherapist in Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea and at Bedford General Hospital. For the last eighteen years she has been in private practice in Clapham and Bedford.

Due to the very high birthrate in this part of South London, about a third of Jo's caseload consists of babies,children and teenagers. Within the last year Jo has started to see the babies of those who first came for treatment in the early '90s when they were children and teenagers. Jo enjoys working with four generations of several Clapham families.

Jo Bowyer will advise regarding specialist opinion if she feels that any condition is beyond her scope of practice.

For further details please visit: www.jobowyer.com

Fee:
£50 for 30 mins

Reflexology, Massage & The Gentle Birth Method with Sara Wood

Maternity Reflexology, Prenatal, Pregnancy and Postnatal Massage and The Gentle Birth Method Programme

Key Specialist Areas: Pre-conception, Prenatal & Postnatal Pregnancy, Birth Preparation and Labour Support

Sara Wood Sara has been working as a Complementary Practitioner since 2001. She has enriched her skills and experience and focused her practice in supporting women through all stages of pregnancy; from pre conception, through pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. Sara underwent Maternity Reflexology training with Susanne Enzer, who is a worldwide recognised author, Midwife and teacher of Maternity Reflexology. She was also trained by Dr Gowri Motha, (founder of the Gentle Birth Method ) and taught by Suzanne Yates from Well Mother , a guiding light in Pre and Postnatal massage.

She has developed a successful practice in the South & West London area. The majority of her clients are through word of mouth or from referrals by local midwife teams and other alternative therapy practitioners.

Sara offers a holistic and individualised programme of support by using reflexology, acupressure, yoga assisted stretching, massage, diet, breath work, self-hypnosis and visualization techniques. Self help exercises and techniques are also shown and given.

Some of the benefits of this holistic approach may help:

Eliminating common pregnancy ailments such as water retention, back pain, heartburn, and nausea,
Provide relief if suffering from pelvic girdle pain
Encourage your baby into the best birthing position
Help turn breeched babies (using a specific reflexology technique)
Manage and control pain and contractions
Help reduce anxiety and fear of labour
Bond more deeply with your baby

Post natal issues may also be helped through a combination of specific massage treatments and teaching self- help techniques. These could include:

Inadequate lactation
Urine retention
Engorged breasts/mastitis
Constipation and haemorrhoids
Recovering from a caesarean
Stress and anxiety problems
Postnatal depression

Sara also runs individual sessions with birth partners, giving them a ‘toolbox’ of massage, pain relieving and relaxation techniques to help through labour. Starting this Autumn, Sara will be running Birth Preparation workshops here at the Centre

Fee:

Initial consultation and treatment: £60 for 75 mins (this will include a 15 min consultation), £75 for 90 mins, follow up treatments £70.

If you pay for a block of 5 treatments, the 6th treatment will be free. (need to redeem within a year of purchase)

This applies to both treatments given at the Centre as well as home visits.

Please note for home visits prices include parking fees but not congestion fees. Discounts will be given if more than one treatment is booked at one time.

Sara also runs one of our monthly Baby Massage courses. Other therapies Sara offers are, Ayurvedic Yoga Massage, Indian Head Massage, Seated Acupressure, Facial Rejuvenation and Hot Stone Reflexology.

Reflexology and Massage with Zoe Knight

Pregnancy Reflexology and Pregnancy Massage

Key Specialist Areas: Pre-Conception, Pregnancy and Postnatal

Zoe Knight Zoe has over 11 years experience in Complementary Therapy and Beauty Therapy and is Director to her company Relax & Recharge. She has an established and expanding clientele that she has looked after throughout this very special time and who she often continues to see for further treatments after the pregnancy.

She gained her NVQ qualification in Massage and Aromatherapy in 2002 at Bournemouth and Poole College and worked at The Retreat Health and Beauty Centre where she trained in the luxury brand E’spa’s Pregnancy treatment available in spa’s and salon’s worldwide. She attended The Holistic Training Centre in Southampton for Reflexology training and gained a V.T.C.T qualification in 2004 and then went on to attend The London School of Reflexology where she obtained a Reflexology Diploma in Pre-conception, Pregnancy and Post Natal care and a post graduate certificate in Spinal Reflexology with Louise Keet who published the best sellers ‘The Reflexology bible’ and ‘A guide to a successful Pregnancy.’
She is also a member of The Federation of Holistic Therapists.

In her treatment sessions Zoe creates tailor made programs to suit individual requirements, often combining Massage, Aromatherapy, Reflexology and Reiki along with nutritional and lifestyle advice and relaxation techniques.

Pregnancy massage treatments are suitable for after the first trimester and up until birth and are designed with the comfort of the pregnant woman in mind. They help to support the mind and body during this period of great physical change, help to ease back ache and pains, improve the blood and lymphatic circulation, help to reduce fluid retention and provide time for essential relaxation and bonding between mother and baby. Oils are selected to improve the skin’s elasticity and help prevent stretch marks.

Pre-natal Reflexology treatment can be of great benefit and aims to balance the body in preparation for pregnancy. It helps to promote better functioning of the body’s systems prior to conception and is recommended as a regular treatment for anyone who is trying to conceive.

During pregnancy, Reflexology is extremely relaxing and can provide excellent stress relief and help to ease the common ailments that can be experienced, such as muscular pain, joint pain, heart burn, digestive imbalance, fluid retention and sleep disruption. The treatment is adapted to suit the pregnant client throughout each stage and towards the end of the pregnancy, points can be focused on to help stimulate and encourage the natural labour process.

Post birth Reflexology is an excellent aid to recovery, helping to restore energy levels and rebalance hormone levels, reducing the chances of post-natal depression and conditions such as mastitis or insufficient lactation.

Home visits are available, please ask at reception for details.

Fee: £60 for 60 mins, £85 for 90 mins

Please click here for details of special offers

Reflexology and Massage with Julie McCollum

Pregnancy Reflexology and Pregnancy Massage

Julie McCollum is a fully insured and qualified massage therapist (ITEC, IFPA member) with 20 years experience. She qualified as a reflexologist (Crane School of Reflexology-1995) and trained in Maternity Reflexology at the Central London College of Reflexology. She also trained at the Clare Maxwell Hudson School of Aromatherapy and completed further studies in pregnancy massage with OEUF in London. Recently, Julie has completed a degree at the University of Westminster in Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture.
For further enquiries ask reception for contact details.

Fee:
Pregnancy massage, with or without aromatherapy oils, £60 for 60 mins and £90 for 90 mins (First appointment 90 mins - £90).

Maternity Reflexology £60 for 60 mins (First appointment 75 mins - £60).

Baby Signing Basics Course with Little Signers Club

Baby Signing Course, Clapham SW4 Our Baby Signing Basics course is a structured, informative starter course to baby signing.

The course covers key topics and signs such as meal times, family & bedtime and will gently guide you through your baby’s development, as well as providing tips on how to sign with you baby at home. By the time you finish, you will be confident in your ability to use simple signs and know exactly what to expect from your baby as they start to sign back to you!

Class teachers Louise and Nikki have recently completed their BSL Level 1 Qualification. They have also attended Smart Talkers 0-3 Communication Development training and SEN Inclusion and Support training.

Louise and Nikki provide fun, friendly and informative classes which take you through signing in easy stages using songs, rhymes and stories.

Benefits Of Baby Signing:

Removes frustration and distress.
Promotes better language development at an earlier age
Strengthens the bond between parent and baby
Is great fun!

Course Details:

Recommended Age Range: 5 months +
Course length: 10 Weeks

Autumn Term Course Commencing:

Tuesday 11th October at 11:15 (spaces available)
Wednesday 12th October at 09:45 (spaces available)

Fee:

The ten week course is £75 per mum and baby and the classes run for 45 minutes, with older siblings welcome at no extra charge. The Basics course also includes a copy of our lovely course book Signing Hands; Baby Signing Basics (Finalist, Baby Show for Trade 2010).

Booking:

To book on to one of our courses please contact louiseandnikki@littlesignersclub.co.uk
Nikki on 07823 336 487 or Louise on 07702 184 534

Baby Massage with Sara Wood

Baby Massage on Wednesdays with Sara Wood

Who is the course for?
Babies aged from 6 weeks to 1 year.

What does the course cover?
You will learn a massage sequence for the legs, tummy, chest, arms, face and back, a special colic routine and some simple baby yoga movements.

You will also learn what oils to use and how to create a suitable environment, follow your baby's cues, learn some relaxation techniques and how to adapt the massage as your baby grows. Rhymes, songs and lullabies are incorporated into the routine to maximise benefits and add to the enjoyment (singing is optional!). There is also time for discussion and for sharing experiences with others on topics such as sleeping and crying.

What should I bring?
All you need to bring to the classes is a you and your baby, everything else is provided.

Next course dates:

Maximum 8 per group

Wednesdays 12th, 19th, 26th October & 2nd November at 11.30am
Wednesdays 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th November at 11.30am
Wednesdays 23rd, 30th November & 7th, 14th December at 2pm
Wednesdays 7th, 14th, 21st December & 4th January at 11.30am

Fee:
4 week course (1hr per week) - £65 (per Mum and baby)
50ml bottle of oil and hand outs are included in the fee

Private Group Courses:
Get together with friends or your NCT group and book a course in your own home at a time that suits you. The cost is £65 per parent and baby for the whole course

To book or for more information please call Sara on 07970 729 738 or email sara@nbalance.co.uk. Alternatively email info@theawarenesscentre.com or call on 020 8673 4545.

Disclaimer: Please note that all types and forms of complementary therapies are not intended to replace allopathic and conventional medical treatment and care. Nor are they intended to replace proper diagnoses and treatment by a qualified medical practitioner. Complementary therapies are intended to work side by side with conventional treatment. Also, the therapist cannot guarantee specific results. The therapist may give information or guidance that could bring about positive change and such information or guidance is given for the client to consider. Although the therapist will be as supportive and helpful as possible in all decision making and change processes, any resulting choices and changes made by the client do remain the personal and legal responsibility of the client. Thank you.