local resources
We would love to expand this list - if you know of any local groups, or would like to be included on it yourself, please do contact us.
MIDWIVES
Your midwife is always a vital part of your birth - and if you are thinking about using a pool you will need someone who has experience and feels comfortable with water birth. Talk to your midwife and discuss all the issues before the birth. She will be a source of advice and support, and can be part of the decision to use a birth pool.
Local Independent Midwives
LOCAL RESOURCES - PRENATAL
Birth preparation & homebirth support groups
Birth services
Cranial sacral & osteopathy & chiropractic
Gentle, safe & effective treatments that can help relieve the aches and pains caused by weight and posture changes during and after pregnancy.
Birth Doulas
Birth doulas who 'mother the mother' - offering reassuring help & support (both practical & emotional) both before, and during, labour & birth. Women who have a doula to encourage them tend to have a shorter labour, less need for pain relief, and their chance of having a caesarian is reduced by half. Please note - the following may be either fully registered or trainee doulas.
Exercise classes
Massage
Other alternative therapies
Therapists who have specific training for / interest in working with pregnant women; alleviating many of the unpleasant symptoms of pregnancy, reducing stress, and preparing the mind and body for birth.
Yoga
LOCAL RESOURCES - POSTNATAL
Baby groups
Baby yoga
Breast feeding
Childcare
Cranial sacral & osteopathy & chiropractic
Safe, effective & very gentle treatments for mothers and babies. Can help with conditions including back pain, depression, fatigue, and babies with colic, sleep problems, recurrent infections, feeding difficulties etc. Cranial work is particulary beneficial where events during or before labour may have caused excessive moulding of the baby's head (ie: where labour has been long, rapid, induced, assisted, overdue or very early).
Post-birth Doulas
Help and support for families with a new baby. This varies according to the needs of the mother - for instance giving emotional support, or physical help such as helping with baby, cooking, household chores etc. Please note - the following may be either fully registered or trainee doulas.
