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Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm 7pm - 9pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 5pm

Nest & Nurture - Bump, Birth & Beyond, Belper Community Hall, Belper (2025)

20/10/2025

⚡ After Pains ⚡

For some this can be a bit of a surprise after they have had their baby that they will experience after pains – these unexpected cramps and contractions that can feel like a second round of labour contractions, especially when breastfeeding. 🤱

Afterpains are contractions of the uterus that occur once the placenta has been born. They can be mild or non existent after a first baby, though not always, but can increase in strength with every additional baby.

They usually occur after the placenta is birthed and last for the first 2 to 3 days. They can be stronger when baby is breastfeeding as the oxytocin release triggered by a baby's suckling can set off contractions of the uterus muscle.

Pretty efficient as this post birth contractions are a way of ensuring the uterus shrinks back to its pre pregnancy size and goes back down into the pelvic area. It also helps keep the placenta wound as small as possible and minimise postnatal bleeding.

However it can be a pain to deal with alongside recovering from birth and looking after a tiny needy human.

So here are some handy tips from me to help deal with them:
♨️ Use a hot water bottle or heat pack over your lower belly.
➿ Use a TENS machine
👌Remember that this is completely normal. It is a natural process, helping to ensure that your uterus contracts reducing postnatal bleeding.
🚽Empty your bladder frequently like every couple of hours
💆‍♀️Massage or rub the area.
🌬️Breathe really deeply - like the breathing you will have learnt to do throughout labour.
💊 Take painkillers if the pain becomes really uncomfortable

Sometimes after pains are too much and perhaps that could indicate retained placenta tissue or membranes. It is a good idea if you feel unwell or have excessive after pains to talk to your midwife. Seek immediate help if you experience severe pain and excessive blood loss.

Well after pains are in general normal they can be a right pain and yes it is a bit unfair and you have every right to tell everyone so as well. 😉

What was your experience and what helped you?

20/10/2025

What’s Tara up to this week? 👀✨

Booking for baby classes in November/December are now open for all. There are only a few spaces left though in Belper or Ripley.

This week this is what's on:

🤰 Antenatal & Birth Prep 🤰

It is week 2 of pregnancy yoga in Ripley, expect a flowing yoga class with plenty of releasing and relaxing.

👶 Socials
🫖 Halloween Tea Club 🫖
A parent social/meet up giving you the chance to meet other new parents and to ask questions/get support from Tara.

What's on offer:
- Cuppa and cake
- Playmats, baby sensory toys, books
- Weighing scales
- Halloween back-drop for photos

Tuesday in Belper
Wednesday in Ripley

🤱 Doula Support – This week’s availability: I have some availability on Friday morning only the rest of the week is fully booked.
📲 Want to join a class or book support?
DM me or head to nestnurture.co.uk

19/10/2025

🤰Birth Story Sunday🤰

I am so pleased to be able to share this beautiful birth story, they are first time parents and they had a water birth at the birth centre at Royal Derby Hopsital. This beautiful couple did hypnobirthing classes with me a couple of months before their baby's birth.

🎂Birthday: 19/11/2024
📅EDD: 25/11/2024
👶First baby
⚖️ Birth weight: 8lbs 1oz
🏠Planned birth: Water birth, no induction, no intervention
🛁Actual birth: Water birth, no induction, gas & air

When I first found out I was pregnant, I’ll be honest, I was terrified. I’d only ever heard the negative sides of pregnancy and birth: months of sickness, exhaustion, and then the pain of labour itself. I couldn’t help but fear the unknown. But I knew I wanted to change that mindset and approach my journey differently.

That’s when I discovered hypnobirthing with Tara — and it truly was the best decision me and my partner made. It completely transformed the way we viewed birth. We learned how to stay calm, how to advocate for ourselves, and how to trust the process. Most importantly, it gave me the confidence to believe that birth could be beautiful and it was.

Towards the end of pregnancy I was diagnosed with GD at 36 weeks and they recommended an induction. I didn’t need to go down this route as he arrived early but would have declined and waited for him to come in his own time (which he did!) 🫶🏻

Fast forward to labour day, which, of course, turned out to be the snowiest day of the year! I laboured at home for around six hours and until my contractions were about two minutes apart. At which point my husband gently suggested it was time to head to the hospital.

The drive there was like something out of a film — we had to re-route after coming across a lorry that had jackknifed and completely blocked the road. For a moment, I genuinely thought our baby might arrive in the snow! But thanks to my hypnobirthing techniques, I stayed calm, breathing through each wave and keeping my focus.

When we finally arrived at the hospital, my midwife was waiting for me with the birthing pool already set up, she’d been informed by the nurse I saw on the antenatal ward that I planned for a water birth. This small detail meant so much; it showed how incredible the communication was between the staff and made the whole transition so smooth. It allowed me to stay completely in my zone, focused, calm, and in control.

At one point, I was asked if I wanted to be checked to see how far dilated I was. Initially, I hesitated — I worried that hearing a small number might knock my confidence or take me out of my mindset. But after some gentle reassurance, I agreed and to my surprise, I was already 7 centimetres! That moment gave me such a boost. I suddenly knew that I could actually do this!

I got into the pool, with my trusty sidekick — gas and air — by my side and five hours later, our beautiful baby boy entered the world. It was everything I had hoped for and more calm, empowering, and magical. The moment I held him, I was in complete awe of what my body had just done.

I feel incredibly lucky to have had the birth I had always dreamed of. I truly believe hypnobirthing made all the difference it allowed me to remain calm, centred, and in control, even when things could have felt overwhelming. I can honestly say I’ve never been calmer than I was in labour (which still makes me laugh!).

Now, knowing how powerful and positive birth can be, I’m excited to experience it again - not scared - and next time would love a home birth.

And because the whole experience was intertwined with that beautiful snowy day, we chose the middle name ‘Nix’ — which means snow in Latin. I love that people ask what his name means, because it gives me the chance to share the story of the most magical day of our lives.

15/10/2025

This evening all around the world many people will be lighting candles at 7pm to remember babies lost too soon.

Some babies were lost a couple of weeks past a positive pregnancy test, some were only seen on screen, some parents may have held their babies but had to say goodbye to them heartbreakingly early.

Some people will be remembering a loss from many years ago and some will be lighting candles for a loss so fresh it physically hurts.

Some will be mourning a baby no one even knew about, some will be lighting a candle with their families and some will be on their own.

Some of us will have found our happy endings, some of us will still be waiting and some of us won't know which way to turn.

Everyone will have a different story but raising awareness and if it feels right sharing these stories might help us all feel less alone.

Thinking of everybody who is remembering their little angels every day and lighting a candle tonight. As always I am holding you all in my heart as I too light a candle this evening.

15/10/2025

This evening all around the world many people will be lighting candles at 7pm to remember babies lost too soon.

Some babies were lost a couple of weeks past a positive pregnancy test, some were only seen on screen, some parents may have held their babies but had to say goodbye to them heartbreakingly early.

Some people will be remembering a loss from many years ago and some will be lighting candles for a loss so fresh it physically hurts.

Some will be mourning a baby no one even knew about, some will be lighting a candle with their families and some will be on their own.

Some of us will have found our happy endings, some of us will still be waiting and some of us won't know which way to turn.

Everyone will have a different story but raising awareness and if it feels right sharing these stories might help us all feel less alone.

Thinking of everybody who is remembering their little angels everyday and lighting a candle tonight. As always I am holding you all in my heart as I too light a candle this evening.

15/10/2025

🌟 DOULA AVAILABILITY 2026 🌟

I am full booked for birth support until February 2026

If you are early in your pregnancy and are interested in hiring me as your doula please do get in touch asap. I often get bookings from a pregnancy test onwards.

If you are due but you can't afford full in person doula support, I do have space for virtual doula support packages from £350 and I also offer one-off Doula chats from only £30 per hour.

I always feel incredibly lucky to be chosen to support a family during pregnancy, birth & beyond.

What clients get if they book me as a doula (depending on the package):
🆓️ Free initial consultation via Zoom or face to face to see if we are a good match.
3️⃣ Around 2/3/4 antenatal sessions of approx 3 hours tailored to your needs depending on the package of support you choose.
📱Lots of support via WhatsApp or phone calls throughout pregnancy.
↔️ Signposting to evidence based information so that you can make informed decisions about your care.
👭 Option of attending antenatal appointments with you, if I am available.
📆 Approx 4 weeks of you being able to contact me 24/7. I usually go on-call from around 38 weeks until your little one(s) arrive.
💦 Free birth pool hire for home births.
⚙️ Free TENs machine hire for any births.
🧘‍♀️ Free term of Nurtured Birthing Classes (if local to Belper)
😌 Hypnobirthing education.
🤲 Biomechanics for birth support.
🤱🍼 Infant feeding support.
🧽 Cleaning and tidying your birth space after your little one(s) has/have arrived.
👶 1/2/3 postnatal visits.
🚼 Babywearing support.
👐 Baby massage support.
✅️ Ongoing remote postnatal support for the first 6 weeks.

We are also really lucky in the local area as there are quite a few of us doulas and we all know each other really well. So even if I don't have availability for your due date or I am not the doula for you, please still get in touch, and I can refer you to another local doula.

14/10/2025

🤰Pregnancy Yoga🤰

⏳LAST CHANCE TO BOOK ⏳

Yoga is so much more than just movement. It’s a chance to pause, turn inward, and truly connect with yourself, physically, emotionally, and mentally. It’s about listening deeply to your whole being.

Pregnancy is a beautiful and transformative time to embrace this practice. Not only does pregnancy yoga support your changing body, but it also offers a powerful way to prepare for birth - mind, body, and soul.

Backed by research, pregnancy yoga combines breathing techniques, mindfulness, and movement in a supportive group setting. The benefits are wide-reaching, including:
✨ Deepen your bond with your baby
✨ Strengthen the mind-body connection
✨ Ease common pregnancy discomforts
✨ Encourage optimal foetal positioning
✨ Build flexibility & stamina for labour
✨ Reduce stress & anxiety
✨ Improve sleep quality
✨ Lower the need for pain relief during birth
✨ Decrease the chance of unplanned Caesarean
✨ Support faster postnatal recovery

In addition, classes offer a warm and welcoming space to connect with other local mums, share experiences, and talk openly about pregnancy and birth.

If you’d like to join me on the mat and experience this for yourself, you can find more comment 'YOGA' below.

❤ Like this post
👇 Share your thoughts in the comments
🤰Tag an expectant mama
✨ Follow for more support on your pregnancy journey

14/10/2025

📝 Testimonial Tuesday 📝

It's always fantastic to receive feedback. It's wonderful to know how valuable parents find the support that I provide outside of classes as a infant feeding peer supporter/doula and how important they find the support within our community and how it makes a difference to women during motherhood.

"Thanks so much. Your support has made a huge difference for us in these first challenging weeks. Also, receiving a breast milk donation through your community, which was kindly delivered, was amazing! This enabled our daughter to get the best start in the circumstances and took the pressure of me."
Kay

14/10/2025

✨Partner going back to work ✨

For any parent who has had a baby(ies) will know at some point their partner returns to work. Sometimes this can be another room within the house or other times it is an actual work place.

It can feel daunting for the new mother when this happens as this might be the first time she has looked after her newborn alone without an additional pair of hands. It’s a big adjustment, and it’s completely normal to feel a bit overwhelmed.

Here are some tips from me and our mamas community.

The most important things for the first couple of weeks after partners return to work are ensuring you get enough:
🍲Food and hydration
😴Downtime, rest, sleep
👭Company, emotional support

🍲Food and hydration 🍲
Can you or your partner cook food in advance, utilise the slow cooker, air fryer and stay one or two days ahead with food.
In morning or the night before someone make up a packed lunch for two people and leave it in the fridge. So you don't have to think about it the next day.

Keep a water bottle upstairs and one downstairs so that you always have a drink to hand and invest in an insulated mug. As a cup of tea or coffee will stay hot a good few hours that way. Partners can make this in the morning too.

😴Downtime, rest and sleep 😴
This might be tricky during the day, however if baby is happy to contact nap use this time to rest. Try not to doom scroll, but instead read something not baby related, magazine, book or catch up on the latest Netflix series.

If someone wants to come round and see you both and is happy to help, then invite them to come once your partner has gone back to work. The best ones are either those that can look around the house and know what jobs need doing, or are happy for you to tell them how they can help and they will do it willingly and not begrudgingly.

👭Company and emotional support 👭
So you may already have that awesome friend who just remembers really well what it was like with a newborn and is the perfect pair of listening ears or you might want to venture out and pop along to a baby group or class. We are super lucky in Belper as we have many groups and classes and if you are struggling to find a group then I can definitely help and a lot (but not all) of groups are also listed in Boom Magazine Derbyshire.

Additional tips:
🎒Pack your change bag the night before if you are going out the next day. Remember to add in an outfit change for baby (check its the right size) and possibly an extra top for you. Also put an extra bag in the car with nappies and wipes in case you run out of things in the changing bag.
🚼Hire/buy a sling and if you are struggling with it drop me a DM as I can provide support or go to a sling library such as the one at Cariad Babi. A sling will help to settle your baby and you get your hands back.
📅Try and plan one thing in a day - so a walk to the park, a trip to a cafe, a baby group. You might find too much in one day is overwhelming though.

Here are some thoughts and tips from our community:

"The thing that’s kept me the most sane while I’m on my own with the kids is to get outside as much as possible, makes us all feel better in my experience. And if you’ve just got the 1, enjoy the contact naps, forget the housework and find something to binge on telly for when you are at home 💕"

"I would say that most important thing is your support circle. Don't be afraid to reach out. Don't feel embarrassed about asking for help. Don't obsess over dishes or laundry. Let your baby sleep on you and read a book/have a cuppa. Lean into what you feel cause every single feeling is valid. There is no right or wrong way 🤍"

"I would say don’t fear it. I quickly enjoyed it as we got into our own little rhythms and routines. Try to get out and about as much as you can, my little one hated being home x"

"Easy said than done and I didn’t do it until baby number six was nearly a year old but take time for yourself.
And get out and about :) we always feel much better if we’ve been out even if it’s in the garden or to the shop xx"

"I loved the time after my husband went back to work! It felt like real bonding time between me and baby. Get outside! My first solo walk was literally down the road and back, but the more you do it the more you feel comfortable with it and with getting everything set up etc. If there are places you want to take baby, like a coffee shop or park etc then go with partner before they go back to work first so you can figure out if you'll be comfortable doing it on your own. My first day on my own with baby I got my mum to pop round for a cup of tea in the day so I knew I had someone around. Also my partners first day back was a half day, see if your partners work can do that (appreciate many cant) as it made it feel less daunting being on my own for just half a day. Have a place downstairs where you feel comfortable setting baby down if you need to do something. Ours was a soft play mat."

"Iv definitely found being out and about easier than in the house, the day goes quicker and baby has slept better with the fresh air x"

"Yep, getting out if the house is one of the best things.
A walk to your local coffee shop, toddler group, walk round the park or meet up with friends either way it gets you and baby/little ones out in the fresh air and socialising with others and a change of scenery. The more you do the more you’ll get use to it and you can chat to baby/little ones about what they can see/what’s going on around them and what they can see/hear xx"

"As the birth partner who is gradually returning to work - yes please to ditching house work in favour of baby bonding and me-time! I can help with dishes later, I'm not going to remember in years to come who did what load of dishes when but I'll remember finishing work and my wife telling me what baby did for the first time today. Nuts to housework. Look after what matters, yourself and baby(babies) 🥰"

What tips would you give an expectant or new mum to help with this phase?

13/10/2025

🍂 Autumn Offerings for Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond 🍂

Here are the latest spaces for terms starting in October and November at Nest & Nurture.

✨ For Pregnancy & Birth

🧘 Pregnancy Yoga (Ripley)
Gentle, supportive weekly yoga sessions designed to ease common pregnancy aches, build strength, calm your mind, and help you connect with your baby.

🤰 Nurtured Birthing (Belper)
A unique blend of pregnancy yoga and antenatal education. These sessions not only support your changing body but also prepare you emotionally and practically for a positive birth in a truly nurturing space.

💫 Nurtured Hypnobirthing
A 10-hour birth preparation course that gives you real, practical tools for labour and birth. Expect knowledge, confidence, calm, and even excitement about the big day.

🤱 Breastfeeding Workshop
Learn how breastfeeding works, how to get off to the best start, and what to do if you face challenges. With evidence-based information and local support signposting, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

👶Practical Baby Care
This hands-on, fully interactive and genuinely fun session is designed to give you everything you need to feel prepared for those early days with your baby. Whether you’re wondering how to change a nappy without being covered in wee, how to babywear safely, or how to soothe those late night cries, this workshop has got it covered.

✨ For Babies & Beyond
🐣 Hatchlings (4w–5m)
The perfect first class for you and your baby. Each session includes baby massage, reflexology, gentle baby yoga, postnatal yoga, and plenty of support to help you bond and feel more confident.
• Ripley – Wednesdays
• Belper – Thursdays

🐤 Nestlings (5–10m)
A relaxed and friendly class with gentle parent & baby yoga, songs, sensory play, and time to connect with your baby and with other parents.
• Ripley – Wednesdays
• Belper – Thursdays

🥄 Starting Solids Workshop (Online)
Wondering how and when to begin? This 2-hour session covers everything you need to feel confident about weaning—practical tips, safety guidance, and plenty of reassurance, all from the comfort of your home.

🚽 Toddler Led Toileting Workshop (Online)
Ready to ditch the nappies? This 2-hour online workshop helps you recognise signs of readiness and approach toileting in a respectful, child-led way.

✨ 1:1 Support
🫶 Sometimes a more personalised approach feels right. I offer private hypnobirthing, birth planning, doula support, and even birth pool & TENS hire.
💻 Booking is easy via my website: http://www.nestnurture.co.uk
📩 Or feel free to message me directly with any questions.
💛 You don’t have to do it all alone. Come find your village this Autumn, your journey into parenthood deserves to feel calm, supported, and connected. 💛

13/10/2025

🤰🏾 What does maternity care in the UK actually look like? 🤱🏻

Before we dive in, it’s important to know that all maternity care is voluntary, meaning you choose the kind of care you receive. You can have NHS care, private midwifery care, both, or even none at all.

Within the NHS, care for women with straightforward pregnancies is usually midwife-led (sometimes shared a little with your GP, depending on where you live).
✨ For uncomplicated pregnancies, outcomes are often better when midwives lead your care from bump to birth.

If you have a more complex medical history or if any concerns arise for you or baby during pregnancy, birth, or afterwards it will be recommended that the care is shared between midwives and obstetricians.

🩺 Getting started:
Once pregnant, you can contact your GP or self-refer to a trust of your choice (it doesn’t have to be your closest hospital!).

📅 Typical NHS schedule looks like this:
(You can accept or decline any scan, screening, or vaccine offered)

8–10 wks: Booking appointment with midwife
12 wks: Dating/Nuchal scan → confirms due date + screens for chromosomal conditions
16 wks: MW appointment
20 wks: Anomaly scan + Whooping cough vaccine (flu jab in winter)
25 wks*: MW
28 wks: MW + bloods
31 wks*: MW
34 wks: MW
36 wks: MW
38 wks: MW
40 wks: MW
41 wks: MW
42 wks+: MW/Doctor

At 41 weeks, you may be offered a hospital appointment to discuss induction and/or extra monitoring or scans, completely your choice.
*first baby only

👶🏽 Birth options:
You can choose to give birth at home, in a birth centre (standalone or alongside), or on a labour ward. Even if your care is consultant-led, you still choose your birth location. Midwives will support you throughout, and obstetricians step in if needed.

🍼 Postnatal care:
Care continues after birth, first in hospital (if you stay in), then through home visits or community clinics and might look like:

Day 1: MW visit
Day 3: Weight check
Day 5: Newborn blood spot + weight
Day 10: MW review + handover to health visitors
Week 6–8: GP check for both mum & baby.

💛 Plus extra visits for feeding, recovery, or mental health support if needed.

What did your care look like?

13/10/2025

What’s Tara up to this week? 👀✨

Booking for baby classes in November/December are now open for all. There are only a few spaces left though in Belper or Ripley.

This week this is what's on:
🤰 Antenatal & Birth Prep 🤰
It’s week 6 of Nurtured Birthing! This week we are talking about the second stage of labour.

Perfect for anyone in their 2nd or 3rd trimester who wants to feel calm, informed, and empowered. Missed this term? November term is open for booking and spaces are filling up quickly.

It is also week 5 of pregnancy yoga in Ripley too, expect a flowing yoga class with plenty of releasing and relaxing.

🤱 Breastfeeding Workshop
Learn how breastfeeding works, how to get off to the best start, and what to do if challenges arise. Evidence-based, supportive, and honest.

👶 Baby Classes & Workshops
Wednesday's and Thursday’s
🐤 Nestlings (4/5 to 10 months) – It’s Week 6 and we will be getting spooky in baby yoga and sensory play
🐣 Hatchlings (4 weeks to 5 months) – Week 6 and we are going through a full body massage. Hatchlings is the kind of grounding, gentle space that helps you exhale.
Both classes are followed with a warm cuppa and cake.

🤱 Doula Support – This week’s availability: I have some availability on Friday afternoon.
📲 Want to join a class or book support?
DM me or head to nestnurture.co.uk
✨ Looking forward to seeing so many of you this week💫

Nest & Nurture - Bump, Birth & Beyond

20/10/2025

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Empowering education and support from pregnancy to parenthood

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