Massage is a popular form of therapy that has been around for centuries, but despite its widespread use, there are still many myths and misconceptions about the practice. In this blog post, I will dispel some of the most common massage myths and provide you with the facts about this therapeutic practice.

​Mental health is an essential aspect of overall wellness that is often overlooked. Many people focus on physical health, but neglect to take care of their mental health. However, mental health and physical health are closely intertwined, and addressing mental health concerns is vital for maintaining overall wellness.

A good number of folks have heard some of my "health history" story - but many have not. So here I'd like to explore with you a little deeper into just one of the reasons I am so very passionate about the work that I do. The whole tale is far too long for one wee blog post, but the "York Notes" (really dating myself there, amn't I!?) version is that having undertaken an M.A. at St Andrews University, an M.Sc. at the University of Sheffield, an M.Phil. at the University of Sheffield, and powering through the remainder of my Ph.D...my health suddenly collapsed under the combined weight of Fibromyalgia, ME, and ~unnamed gut issues~. I went from doing all the things for all the people all the time to...nothing.

Mindfulness is a powerful tool that can help us navigate the stresses and demands of daily life. It is a practice of being present in the moment and paying attention to our thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. Incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine can help you to feel more grounded, focused, and at peace. Here are five simple ways to get started:

Take a mindful walk. Walking is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air, and it can also be a powerful tool for mindfulness. Next time you go for a walk, try to focus on the sensation of your feet hitting the ground, the sound of the birds singing, and the feel of the breeze on your skin.

​Holistic wellness is the practice of caring for the whole person - mind, body, and spirit. It is an approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of all aspects of our being and the importance of treating them in harmony. In this post, we will explore the connection between the mind, body, and spirit and how to achieve holistic wellness.

Yoni steaming, also known as vaginal steaming, is a traditional practice that involves sitting over a steaming pot of herbs to cleanse, rebalance, and rejuvenate the vaginal area.

Proponents of yoni steaming claim that the practice can help with a variety of issues, including menstrual cramps, irregular periods, and vaginal dryness. It is also believed to help with emotional and spiritual well-being.

Pregnancy massage is a therapeutic massage that is specifically designed to meet the needs of those who are currently pregnant. As the body goes through significant changes during pregnancy, massage can provide a variety of benefits for both the parent and child. From reducing stress and anxiety to improving sleep and circulation, pregnancy massage can help to create a more comfortable and healthy pregnancy.

Massage is a therapeutic practice that has been used for thousands of years to promote physical and mental well-being. It is a non-invasive form of treatment that involves the manipulation of soft tissue to improve the function of the body and to relieve pain and tension. In this post, we will discuss the many benefits of massage and why it is essential for overall health and wellness.

​Placenta encapsulation is a popular practice in postpartum care, as it is believed to have many benefits for postpartum recovery. At its most basic, the process involves taking the placenta, which nourished the baby during pregnancy, and dehydrating it, grinding it into a powder, and then placing it into capsules for consumption. Many other styles and types of remedies can be created from the placenta, however.

There are several reported benefits of placenta encapsulation, including increased energy, improved mood, and faster postpartum healing. Some people also report an increase in milk production, and a decrease in postpartum bleeding. Additionally, the placenta is a rich source of hormones such as progesterone and oestrogen, which can help regulate the hormonal cycle after giving birth. The placenta has created an hormonal ecosystem within the body which has been sustained for nine months, and which ceases to exist immediately upon placental delivery. Through careful preservation and preparation into managed portions, the placenta can be reintroduced into the body in order to ameliorate this enormous transition in state from pregnant to postnatal.

It is vital to research and speak with an appropriately trained and experienced healthcare professional before making the decision to try it. Practitioners should have been trained by a body with appropriate accreditation from a body such as the Placenta Remedies Network, have up to date health, safety, and food preparation certificates​, and sufficient experience in this niche field. This will ensure that your placenta is properly prepared and handled to avoid any potential risks or contamination.

Those interested in placenta encapsulation should use the look for a trained and certified professional with the Find a Specialist search feature on the PRN website. It is also important to note that placenta encapsulation may not be suitable for everyone and should be avoided in certain situations. For this reason, it is vital that you check with your chosen Specialist if your own personal circumstances are in any way contraindicative to the creation of placenta remedies. Do remember that even if one type of remedy is not suitable for you, your Specialist will be able to recommend product options that are appropriate for you.

Overall, placenta encapsulation is a personal choice and should be carefully considered in consultation with a healthcare professional. With such incredible benefits, though, what are you waiting for!?

When it comes to having a baby, there are a lot of decisions to be made and options to consider. One important decision that many expectant parents overlook is whether or not to hire a doula. A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional and physical support to mothers, families, and anyone having a baby during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
​
Hiring a doula can have many benefits for both you and your family. During labour, a doula can provide continuous support, helping you to manage pain and cope with the physical demands of childbirth. Doulas can also help you to advocate for yourself and make informed decisions about your care. Studies have shown that having a doula present during childbirth can lead to shorter labour, lower rates of caesarean delivery, and fewer medical interventions such as epidurals and inductions.

In addition to providing support during labour and birth, doulas can also help you and your family to adjust to life with a new baby. We can provide information on breastfeeding and newborn care, help with meal planning and light housekeeping, and provide emotional support during the often overwhelming postpartum period.

Another important reason to consider hiring a doula is that they provide support for the entire family unit. Doulas can assist with the logistics of birth and postpartum, help your birth partner to be involved in the birth process and support the whole family with bonding and family dynamics during this transformative time with information, experience, and wisdom.

When hiring a doula, it's important to do your research and find a doula who is a good fit for you and your family. The key aspect to this is, as with so much in life, chemistry. Begin your search by looking for a doula who is trained and certified, and who has experience working with families like yours. From this initial list, whittle down your shortlist to those people who really speak to you and whose 'vibe', humour,  or 'energy' appeals to you - trust me when I say this will be key for the intense journey you may travel together! Many doulas offer a free consultation, so book a series of these with those doulas on your shortlist and take advantage of this opportunity to get to know them and ask any questions you may have. From there, it should be clear who is the best fit for you, your family, and your birthing journey.

In conclusion, hiring a doula can be a valuable investment for expectant parents. With the emotional and physical support that a doula provides, you and your family can feel more confident and empowered throughout the birth process, and in the postpartum period. This can lead to a more positive birth experience and a smooth transition into parenthood.