Parents-to-be Stoke Newington
Life is about to change in the most monumental way and there's no better time to meet new friends or to make time for some relaxation.
We hope this website will help you meet other parents-to-be in your community. You can't underestimate the incredible difference it makes to communicate with people wh0 are experiencing the same concerns as you or the preciousness of those friendships once baby arrives. Who else is up every two hours throughout the night for loo stops and who else can tell you what a difference strategically used almond oil can make?
Get to know other local parents-to-be: We know there are charities out there which help you get to know each other. But you can also use our New Parents link-up Facebook group as a free way to get in touch with local parents with similar due dates.
And be sure to get your hands on a Local Buyers Club shop-local card to help you find, support and save at brilliant small businesses in the area.
There's so much happening for parents in Stoke Newington - we've done our best to collate what's on but give us a shout if you're aware of other great services.
Preparing for labour
If you've just found out you're expecting: check out this useful page on Mumsnet, which has lots of advice about what to do next, foods to avoid and pregnancy milestones. www.mumsnet.com/pregnancy
Want to learn how to reduce allergies and sensitivities in your newborn? Nutrition Health holds regular talks at The Well Garden in Amhurst Terrace. Please see details on www.nutritionhealth.net
Breathing and Exercise Classes from the NHS at Linden's Children's Centre. Tuesdays 5.30pm
NCT and Active birth trained teacher Jessica James offers antenatal classes for people interested in an open-minded, holistic and energising approach. With gentle yoga, knowledgeable advice and a focus on a positive birth on your own terms. An alternative to NCT and weekend workshops, Jessica’s groups allow parents the space and time to build confidence and practical skills for birth and beyond in a relaxed local environment. www.jessicabirthclasses.com
Bump and Baby Club helps parents-to-be feel prepared and relaxed about the arrival of their baby and is a great forum for making new friends. The antenatal course is supportive, sociable and fun, and includes baby first aid, an afternoon tea for the girls, drinks at the pub for partners, and a reunion once all the babies have made their appearance.
Classes take place at the The Old Fire Station, 61 Leswin Road, Stoke Newington N16 7NX
The course takes place over two consecutive Sundays (10am-4pm and 11am-4pm). The price is £250 per couple. www.bumpandbabyclub.com
Nurturing Pregnancy. A day of connection, support & guidance for expectant mothers at The Well Garden, Amhurst Terrace.
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Pregnancy yoga to start the day
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“Meet The Midwives” - a talk and Q&A with the highly respected and experienced independent midwives from The London Birth Practice
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Homeopathy for pregnancy and birth - understanding and using the birth kit
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Nutritional support for pregnancy & birth
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Learn how herbs and essential oils can support you in pregnancy and birth
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Mindfulness and hypnosis for pregnancy & birth
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Gong meditation to soothe you and your baby
Cost: £25 per person (includes a nutritious lunch and goodie bag). To book visit: http://www.thewellgarden.co.uk/born-together/4589503669
Hypnobirthing course with doula and clinical hypnotherapist Katrina Berry. Some Sundays at 6.30pm. Learn to use your natural birthing instincts for a calm and comfortable birth. Visit www.katrinaberry.co.uk
Pilates Living offers Antenatal Pilates on Monday evenings (6.45pm) at Shelford place near Clissold Park. Classes cost £10 a session if you sign up for a block of 10 (£12 for drop in) and it it's a great way to meet other pregnant mums. Instructors are fully qualified by BAS, Body Control and Pilates Foundation.
For more info visit www.pilatesliving.co.uk
Birth preparation workshops are held at Yogahome in Allen Road. Help includes breathing techniques to help manage labour & birth, positions and movement for 1st and 2nd stages of labour plus relaxations to calm the mind and body throughout labour. The two-day course costs £150 for you and your partner. www.yogahome.com
NCT courses. Local courses are held at Clissold House. It's a chance for you and your birthing partner to ask questions about labour and to discuss your hopes - you'll get lots of information to guide you through pregnancy and your baby’s early days. The 17 hour course also features a session on breastfeeding. www.nct.org.uk/courses/antenatal/signature-antenatal-course
Pregnancy massage in Shine, Church Street. Local mum Jo said: "I had a massage at 38 weeks and asked her to focus on my pressure points for inducing labour. I started to feel twinges over the days following and she gave me awesome hints in regards to helping labour start naturally."
Visit www.shineholistic.co.uk or call 0207 2415033
The Positive Birth Movement has come to Hackney with a meeting at 7pm on the first Monday of every month in Dalston.
Attendees include an NHS midwife, an independent midwife, a doula, birthrights lawyer, parents and mothers-to-be. Email PBMHackney@gmail.com for more details including information about where the group meets. The next meeting takes palce at 7pm on January 6th at Betty's Coffee in Kingsland Road.
Check out Netmums for listings of doulas, midwives, complimentary therapy, birthing pool and TENS machine hire in Hackney: www.netmums.com/hackney/local/index/pregnancy/pregnancy-birth-services
HypnoBirthing Practitioner Dr Carly Walker-Smith is based in Dalston nd offers private courses and group courses to prepare you for birth and parenting. Courses consist of five 2.5 hour sessions over consecutive weeks. Group classes are £295 per couple. Visit www.rainbowcocoon.co.uk
Keeping fit
Fit to Pop. Prenatal and postnatal cardiovascular and body conditioning exercise programme to help strengthen pelvic floor muscles, avoid excessive weight gain and improve posture. Email nicolasinclairpt@gmail.com
Pregnancy Yoga: Yogahome in Allen Road offers special pregnancy sessions on Wednesdays (7pm-8.30pm, £11) and Sundays (10am-noon, £12.50). Stokey Mum Jo who attended the Sunday class regularly during her pregnancy said: "It is very relaxing and really helped my back aches etc. It was also a good way to meet people." Visit www.yogahome.com
Movement Kitchen is running a six-week Whole Body Core Strength course from January 2018, helping you improve your movement mechanics and strengthen the body from inside out.
Perfect for people with recurring back or pelvic pain, abdominal weakness and separation / diastasis recti, new mums and anyone who is interested in exploring how their body works and would like to improve their functional strength.
Suitable for beginners as well as experienced movers, as the group is small and each of the practices will be adapted to you.
www.movementkitchen.co.uk/courses-workshops/
Get to know other parents-to-be
You're welcome to use our Parents link-up Facebook group as a free way to get in touch with local parents with similar due dates.
Check out the NCT website. You can still join a host of events without signing up for an expensive course. Bumps and Babies social nights, coffee and a chat events are held at various local venues and there's a Fathers' Network. Visit www.nct.org.uk/branches and enter your postcode to find out what's on.