At our Chiswick ante and post-natal sessions!
Whether it's writing for newspapers, magazines or talking to The Happy Birth Club, communication is at the heart of everything I do. Since I had my son 15 years ago (two girls followed who are now 7 & 9), I was drawn to use my love of great births alongside my love of words to help couples transition into parenthood. Whether it's through our book, our podcast or - where it all began - our lovely little classes, I still feel privileged to be speaking to people on this daunting but amazing journey. After five years of evolution, we have now perfected our course and I'm genuinely proud of the service we offer: there are no rules, no embarrassment and no finger-wagging – but laughter is guaranteed.
How to sum up the reserves of knowledge, generosity and experience possessed by Pam? TV Presenter Davina Mcall does a better job than I ever could in the video link above - I challenge you not to cry! Having worked in the NHS and Privately for over 25 years there is nothing that Pam does not know about the very latest evidence on pregnancy and birth. Knowing all of our local units but remaining outside of their restrictions, Pam is perfectly placed to advise couples of their genuine choices. Well-loved and well-connected, it's amazing what Pam can make happen in a single phone call! Time after time she helps women get the births they want - be that a homebirth or a planned caesarean section. Post-natally, she is a phenomenon - all baby-care and breastfeeding issues can be tackled in your own home. I was immensely blessed to have Pam catch all my babies and love that her talents are now shared widely through our classes. You can call Pam directly on 07860752651 or send her an email. As our girls say, “All I do is keep calm and call Pam!”
At our 'Obstetrician-led class on Birth' session on our ante-natal courses
Donald may have a million letters after his name but that’s not why I chose him for our team. He is ideal because he is the calmest, most insightful, woman-centred obstetrician in the UK. He has more than 35 years experience in NHS and private practice at The Birth Company. Our couples are privileged to have such a small gathering in which to benefit from his wisdom. His Harley Street’ ‘The Birth Company’ now has new premises in Cheshire and he treats over 2,500 women per year for scans and expert care. He also tells a great tale or two!
At our 'Aromatherapy & Reflexology for pregnancy, birth & beyond' session on our ante-natal courses
Emily is a fabulous recent addition to our holistic team. Her passion for aromatherapy as a complementary therapy during pregnancy and labour is hugely infectious. She is a Registered Midwife, qualified in aromatherapy and Reflex Zone Therapy (RZT) for pregnancy, labour and birth, based at Chelsea and Westminster hospital - if you're lucky she may be on call during your birth! Mum to a three-year-old son (and a dog!) she is based in Chiswick, from where she runs her own business selling personal blends through Etsy and creating content for her successful Instagram account. A truly modern midwife, with women at the heart of all her work.
Running our 4-hour Hypnobirthing workshops
Hypnobirthing is helping thousands of women give birth more easily every day. Harnessing the power of the mind, eradicating negative fears and increasing confidence in your body is a skill for life - not just birth! It was paramount to me that we include the teaching of this skill and Megan is the perfect coach. She runs her own hypnobirthing school in Surrey, but caters for our West London members in our bespoke workshops. She always wins over even the most sceptical dads (and mums!) with her knowledge, warmth and teaching expertise.
At our 'Nutrition & Fitness for labour and life' session on our ante-natal courses
Maite is a Birth Recovery Specialist and runs local Mum and Baby classes which are Pilates based with focus on myofascial release work and movement education. She also just launched an online program, VONLATES-Holistic Birth Recovery which includes exercise and practical lifestyle videos, meditation and nutrition. She is a Pilates teacher and Movement Educator and has taught hundreds of Mums to reconnect and strengthen to those all important core and pelvic floor muscles, as well as using trigger point balls to release the often tight and aching post partum body. Maite lives in Chiswick with her 4 year old daughter and husband and she loves a good slice of carrot cake.
At our 'Breastfeeding with Lactation Consultant' session on our ante-natal courses
Our breastfeeding expert is Chloe Dymond Tucker, a lovely midwife who trained at King’s College Hospital, and now works at Guys and St Thomas'. She is a fully qualified lactation consultant who works as an NHS community breastfeeding in Lambeth, seeing up to 70 women per week. Chloe believes in helping families make decisions that allow them to enjoy their new life with a baby. Getting to know her prior to having your baby is a god-send if you need help afterwards. Her sunny disposition and sense of humour make her class a total joy..
At our 'Place of Birth & Labour' session on our ante-natal courses
I used to be a bit skeptical about acupuncture but after seeing how many women Chiswick-based Gordana has helped into easy labours I am a convert! Gordana has worked wonders for thousands of women, but is the first to admit that it is not a miracle treatment. Although we have witnessed her skill in bringing about natural inductions, acupuncture is best used throughout pregnancy to get the full benefits. Gordana attends your class on wellbeing and inevitably becomes a valuable resource to many women. She is a member of The Acupuncture Society and a Senior Associate of Royal Society of Medicine. In the UK, her main acupuncture clinic is situated on South Molton Street in Mayfair, London.
At our 'Nutrition & Fitness for labour and life' session on our ante-natal courses and running our post-natal Weaning sessions
I knew Georgie would fit perfectly into the team on our first meeting. She is a Mum of four including twins, specialises in helping Mums with their health issues as a Nutritional Therapist and is also an aerobics instructor. Georgie is a member of The British Association for Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy (BANT) and creates personalised plans for private clients in Acton that focus on sustainable diet, lifestyle and supplement recommendations in order to support their symptoms, conditions or goals long term. She also imparts her wisdom on both our ante-natal course and in leading our post-natal weaning session.
At our 'Aromatherapy & Reflexology for pregnancy, birth & beyond' session on our ante-natal courses and running our post-natal Baby Massage course
Sam is a fully qualified reflexologist with a magic touch! She has an amazingly open and warm manner and never fails to raise a smile. Sam is a great advocate of happy births, having had two short, easy labours which she attributes to reflexology. She runs her reflexology business from her beautiful Putney home where she specialises in children and babies as well as adults and pregnant women. Our women love Sam - and so do we!
Running our post-natal Sleep sessions
Annie Simpson has 20 years of experience working locally with families in various roles, including maternity nurse, nanny and special needs teacher. She set up Infant Sleep Consultants with two pals and does wonderfully kind and supportive work helping exhausted families tackle baby sleep problems. She is always a wise and entertaining addition to our classes, confessing to the many challenges of parenting. As a mum of 3 there is nothing she hasn’t heard or felt herself! Infant Sleep Consultant.
Running out 'What to buy when having a baby' session
We like to keep it in the family here at The Happy Birth Club and Katie has provided us with a new and exciting class which our couples are currently raving about! We met whilst she was pregnant with beautiful Harriet. As an ex-city employee with her own business developing start-ups, she has a sharp brain and a keen eye. As a self-confessed shopping-addict with a forensic attention to detail, Kate’s diligent approach to educating us about “What to buy and what NOT to buy” has been a revelation. Her class is not to be missed.
Running our unmissable 'Paediatric First Aid' sessions
Coming soon
Often found popping into our 'Place of Birth & Labour' session on our ante-natal courses
Lisa is an Osteopath with a keen interest in maintaining musculoskeletal health for sport are pregnancy (we often say that giving birth is like running a marathon so getting in tiptop physical shape helps). She is great at helping our women to look after their backs and hips in pregnancy. She has a Master of Osteopathy Degree from the British School of Osteopathy; is registered with the General Osteopathic Council and is a member of the British Osteopathic Association. Oh, and has an MBE for her international squash career. A great addition to our team. Osteopath West.
Often found popping into our 'Place of Birth & Labour' session on our ante-natal courses
Hannah is one of London’s top women’s health physiotherapists. Now based at Bodies under Construction at The Riverside Gym in Chiswick, she has worked on Harley Street and the prestigious Royal National Orthopeadic hospital. I knew she would fit in perfectly with our ethos when she arrived smiling on her bike and talked with such passion about helping women to preserve their pelvic floor health in pregnancy. A real expert who works daily to ease debilitating post-natal problems such as incontinence and pelvic pain. We just love Hannah!
Often found popping into our 'Life with a Newborn' session on our ante-natal courses
Having a doula on our course was very important to me and over the years Sarah has since become very important to many of our women! She lives in Chiswick with two teenagers and is passionate about supporting new families during the post-natal period. She became registered in 2009 and is also a Breastfeeding Peer Supporter with Ealing Hospital, volunteering at several breastfeeding drop-in centres in the Ealing & Hounslow boroughs. She offers families reassurance, practical and emotional support.
