Well Mother Individual Support

For Mothers, Babies and their Partners/Friends through Pre-conception, Pregnancy, Birth, Babyhood and Beyond

Well Mother offers a supportive environment in which women and their partners can learn to discover and trust their inner wisdom and find their own unique paths.

You can choose from a range of approaches, including shiatsu, massage, exercise, relaxation/visualisation, discussion and homoepathy. We are adapatable to your needs - you may want to come for a one-off session or a series of sessions. You may be a first time mother, wanting to create the best for you and your baby or perhaps you have had a difficult previous experience and are looking for something different this time round. Maybe you had a good experience and want to repeat it! You may be trying to conceive, either naturally or through fertility treatments.

If you don't see exactly what you want, please contact us to discuss your individual requirements.

Well Mother also works with the media and health professionals to offer its unique perspective in these times of emphasis on the technological approach to pregnancy, birth and parenting. We give talks and run courses for midwives, childbirth educators, shiatsu practitioners, massage therapists and anyone else who would benefit from our approach.

You can read an article written by Suzanne for a more indepth view of the Well Mother approach to pregnancy, birth, early parenting and shiatsu.

See also Benefits of shiatsu and massage during pregnancy

Types of sessions offered

Shiatsu and massage are individual sessions but for most of the other work, small group sessions can also be arranged.

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Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a Japanese form of healing through touch with originated 5,000 years ago. It encompasses our whole being, physical and emotional. Points on the body are stimulated which promote relaxation, well-being and enhance our awareness of our body. It has often been called "acupuncture without the needles" although stretches and more massage type techniques may be included. You remain fully clothed through the session. Shiatsu can be effective in promoting natural fertility as well as supporting the body through assisted conception. In pregnancy, the quiet healing space gives the mother an opportunity to connect deeply with her baby. Shiatsu can help with many complaints such as backache, stress and fatigue. In labour there are specific points which may induce labour as well as providing pain relief. It can also be beneficial for partners, babies and children. Suzanne often combines shiatsu with massage to develop routines you can use with your family. Sessions last approximately one and quarter hours.

Further information here

Therapeutic massage

A powerful tool for deep relaxation, massage addresses many physical and emotional issues. It has similar benefits to shiatsu and includes direct work on the body with oils. Sessions last approximately one and a quarter hours.

Exercise and personal training and support

Suzanne has developed the exercise component of her work from a blend of shiatsu exercises, obstetric physiotherapy approaches (from her training with Elizabeth Noble) and the influence of yoga. Women are supported to become more aware of their bodies' needs through movement, breathing and posture. Suzanne can offer individual tuition/consultations and work out personal exercise plans for you. Exercise can be modified to suit women not used to exercise, as well as those who are already quite fit. Relaxation includes work with breathing and visualisation. In pregnancy, women are prepared to be better able to meet the physical challenges placed on their bodies as well as connecting with the baby growing in the womb. Positions and breathing for labour can be explored. After birth, women are supported to regain health and vitality. Babies can be included in many of the exercises. Sessions usually last one hour.

Birth preparation

An opportunity for the birth partner to learn to support the mother. You will learn about birth positions, breathing, relaxation, shiatsu, massage and homoeopathy for labour. You can have time for the partner to explore how they feel about their role during birth and their relationship with the baby. Sessions usually last two hours.

Baby massage/shiatsu

Regular massage/shiatsu contributes enormously to your baby's physical and emotional development and can be fun for you both. It can also help heal birth trauma or support during periods of illness. You can learn techniques to use on your baby, or Suzanne can work directly with your baby - or a combination of the two.

Baby exercise

You may want to learn exercises you can do with you baby, as well as exercises to support your baby's development.

Birth support

Suzanne is able to draw on her experience to offer support tailored to your needs during labour, either in person or by phone.