Natal Restore

19/07/2024

I share this every year and with it being so hot today I thought it was the perfect time to re-share again.

🌞Hosepipe Safety this Summer🌞
Temperatures have soared this week. High temperatures and time at hand usually add up to fun with water in the garden and many families reaching for a hosepipe to fill paddling pools and have water fights.
What many people do not consider is that their hosepipe may contain residue water from its previous use which, if the pipe has been left in direct sunlight, may well be hot enough to cause significant burns to young skin.

The dangers have been brought back to the fore by the attached YouTube clip. https://youtu.be/7V5cJJgzqAI

The footage shows a young child in Arizona with partial thickness (2nd degree) burns over 30% his body. Temperatures in Arizona can be significantly higher than here in uk, however the risk of burns remains.. Current advice remains to allow the water in the hose to run for several minutes before use to ensure the potentially hot water is replaced by cooler water from underground. This also removes any health risks (i.e. legionella) associated with water that has been standing inside the hose for long periods of time.

Stay safe this summer.💛

24/06/2024

It's common for sleep to be affected during pregnancy but there are many things that can help to improve this.

The more rested you feel going in to childbirth can make a huge difference to how you feel and cope with the sleepless nights postnatally.

I wish I'd put more effort in to making sure I got my sleep right during my first pregnancy. Second time round I cracked it and oh did it make a difference to how I coped in those early days.

Some of the biggest things that helped me were making sure I didn't drink too late and that I emptied my bladder fully before bed (rock back and forth on loo, stand up and sit back down again then try to empty again). First pregnancy I was up and down every hour needing a wee and I never felt rested! Second time maybe just once or twice, much better.

The other thing that helped me was making sure I didn't stay up late. Especially close to due date. You never know when Labour might start and getting a few decent hours of sleep in before it kicks off can make a huge difference to how you feel during childbirth but also in those first few days where sleep can be hard to come by.

I hope these help!

08/06/2024

Something amazing happened this week. My dreadful sleeper 16 month old managed to sleep through 6 nights in a row! 6 NIGHTS!!! That has been the best and most consistent sleep I've had in about 18 months and I feel so much better for it. I'm finally starting to feel like the Mum I always hoped I'd be. More patience, more fun, more organised and just happier in general.

Sleep is SO important for mental and physical health. It's something I always ask about during my physiotherapy and Mummy MOT appointments. I tailor every rehab plan to the needs of the person in front of me. If they aren't sleeping, the exercises chosen will be different. The amount of exercise I suggest will be lower and so achievable when sleep deprived. I may not even suggest exercise at all.

Absolutely never feel like you may be wasting your or my time if you're struggling with the motivation to exercise at the moment! There is always a way to work on your postnatal recovery whether it involves exercise or not.

I'll post a few sleep tips in the coming days to help optimise the moments you do get chance to sleep. ❤️

08/06/2024

Do you know how the uterus works?

📷

I really love talking about how the uterus works during the sessions that I teach. When you know how the body works, you can work with it rather than against it. So many people don’t understand how it works, and seeing the lightbulb moment is wonderful.

Your uterus is beyond amazing!!

The uterus comprises sets of muscles that work together as pairs. Long muscles which run top to bottom and round muscles which circle the cervix and uterus like rings.

The majority of labour is all about the long muscles contracting and the round muscles relaxing. Drawing the cervix up over the baby’s head. A lot like gathering up a sock or jumper to put on. This forms a big wedge of muscle at the top of the uterus. As this wedge builds your baby is already gently being nudged down the uterus and into the birth canal. Also, the cervix won’t always be 10cm open! The cervix opens until it is up and over the baby’s head. When the cervix is fully open and therefore the huge band of muscle has built it is now ready for the expulsive (pushing) stage of labour. When the round muscles squeeze and push your baby down and out.

Pretty clever and mind-blowing - right?

I have always been fascinated by the science surrounding birth. It is even more fascinating when you link the emotional and spiritual and see that one can’t exist without the other and how all three have to dance and work together harmoniously for birth to work!

If you would like to understand more about birth and how you can work with your body rather than against it, join the birth preparation+ course. The antenatal course that takes a deep dive into layers that are rarely explored. I will not only help you know and understand your options and choices but also how to make those choices and options happen whilst ensuring that it is right for you, your pregnancy, birth and baby.

Steph x

06/06/2024

Parents still come to me even after their child has had counselling…

They tell me a similar story…
“They had counselling in the past and it helped a bit, they really liked them but nothing really changed…they still struggle emotionally…”

There can many reasons why it seems as though nothings changed after counselling…

And there’s different types of counselling too…

Counselling and therapy is so powerful and can be life-changing! I’ve had both and it really really helped me process and move on from things in the past I was holding on to - and I learnt so much about myself!

BUT…

I still felt unequipped for the future…
I felt like something was missing in my self-development…
I didn’t feel fully prepared to cope better with stress & anxiety…

So - I began my own journey to learn more about the brain, positive psychology, NLP and CBT and I began practising mindfulness! All of which changed my life! This knowledge and understanding of the brain and body empowered me! I didn’t feel messy or muddled any more. I had more clarity and confidence in my own experiences of life and the emotional rollercoaster we’re all on.

I began to feel in control of how I felt and knew what I could do in moments of overwhelm, stress or anxiousness. I got comfortable feeling my emotions and letting them pass up and out. I got comfortable in the presence of my daughter’s big emotions and wasn’t triggered. I have the ability to access my calm and share it with her 💜

I learnt how to teach these tools to children and parents and now it’s my mission to empower others 💜🌿💪🏻🧠🌟

Hi, I’m Kate and I’m an Emotional Wellbeing Mentor:

If you have a child who’s struggling in some way - please reach out and let’s talk!

Also…if you want to empower yourself and learn tools for yourself and your kids - I’ve written a course to teach you how! 😁

💫 Emotionally Intelligent Parenting 💫

Click the link in the comments ⬇️

7 Modules for only £44! 🙌
(Content worth over £2500!)

It’s self-led so you can dip into it whenever you can. Plus you get personal guidance along the way 💜

Come join the growing group of EIP parents (and grandparents!) in our private Facebook group 🌿

Message me if you’d like to arrange a call too 😁

Much love,
Kate x

02/06/2024

🌟🌟🌟 NEW YOGA CLASS! 🌟🌟🌟

We are delighted to welcome Emily Owen to the team here at Jenna Blair Yoga, Shrewsbury - and I know many of you will be very happy to read that! 😉

Emily is an excellent, experienced teacher already loved by many in Shrewsbury and we are really happy that she will be delivering a Wednesday morning Sunrise Yoga class on a weekly basis starting 12 June at 7.15am.

Sunrise Yoga is a flowing sequence of poses that change with every breath to increase strength and flexibility, ending with deep relaxation to start your day.

Book now > www.jennablairyoga.co.uk

… and watch this space for more classes and workshops with Emily coming soon! 😉

Jenna 🧘🏼‍♀️

01/06/2024

This may just look like another ordinary family photo but it means a lot to me.

5 YEARS! It's been 5 YEARS since we last went out on our mountain bikes.

2 pregnancies and a whole lot of sleep deprivation have meant that mountain biking just kept being pushed to the bottom of the priority list.

The problem was, mountain biking was a something we enjoyed so much as a couple before having children. The loss of some of our old hobbies over the past few years have certainly felt like a losing a bit of our identity.

But it's back! It's finally back! It felt totally incredible to be out on the bikes again and this time we got to witness the joy it brought our little ones too. A very special outing.

If you've had a baby and are feeling a bit lost as to where to start in your journey back to your previous active hobbies, do get in touch! I'd love to support you in getting back to feeling a little like you again. 🥰

hello@natalrestore.com

www.natalrestore.com

17/05/2024

I'm a big believer that even if you aren't experiencing pelvic floor symptoms like pain, incontinence or prolapse, it's worth getting a pelvic floor check to ensure you're doing those exercises correctly. Especially after having a baby.

Pelvic floor exercises aren't just about treating a problem but also preventing problems occurring in the future so you can keep running around after those kiddies with no leaking, particularly as menopause hits.

If you aren't experiencing any symptoms but just want to check you're doing your pelvic floors correctly, have a look at my 30 minute 'Simply Pelvic Floor' in clinic option. It's just £45 and includes an internal or external pelvic floor examination and bespoke pelvic floor exercise plan.

I was keen to add this as an option as the full assessment can be expensive if you don't need a comprehensive assessment. Have a look here for more info: www.natalrestore.com/services

If you're pregnant, it may still be possible to have an internal assessment depending on what stage you're at in pregnancy and whether or not you've had complications. Get in touch to discuss 🙂 hello@natalrestore.com

04/05/2024

Feedback like this makes me SO happy! It's exactly why I do what I do 🥰

If anyone else wants to kick start their postnatal recovery and become equipped with positive pelvic health strategies for life, I'm offering a 20% discount on my online postnatal recovery course during the bank holiday. That means you can get hold of the course for just £29.60!

Code: BANKHOL20 at checkout ( https://www.natalrestore.com/postnatalcourse )

If you later decide to book a full Mummy MOT, I'll deduct the price of the online course from your face to face appointment. That's because the online course is included with all my Mummy MOT appointments ☺️

Thanks for the feedback .anniepadgett (check her out if you want some life coaching top tips compatible with a busy Mum life!).

30/04/2024

A much needed PAUSE.

Today my husband and I had a much needed day off together. Not a 'Mummy and Daddy' day, but a 'Hazel and Tom' day. We've both been so busy with work and parenthood that, as many new parents I'm sure can relate, means we've had hardly any time to nurture our own relationship.

Time off together as a couple is SO important and we've loved being able to do some of the things that brought us together in the first place - without interruption from the children! Just us, blissfully in each other's company.

29/04/2024

This just seemed so relevant to me right now that I thought I'd share it. 'Embrace the season of life you are in right now'.

It's easy to look at others in my life, especially others in my industry and think 'How Do They Do It'?!?

I feel I have so many wonderful plans for my business going forward and then the next minute my youngest is teething again, sleep all goes wrong and that creative part of my brain switches off for a while.

I think, gosh how does everyone else do it?

Well often, it's because they are in a different season of life. One with no children, older children, children who just sleep consistently allowing more free time and a clear functioning brain!

So I keep reminding myself not to compare. To embrace this season of my life. It's one full of beauty and excitement. Full of joy and wonder with new experiences around every corner.

Things may take longer to 'get done' than I would like right now... but that's ok. In this season I'll go slow... so I can be more present with my children and see the excitement of the world through their eyes. 💙💕

15/04/2024

💦 Hydration

The European Food Safety Authority recommends a fluid intake of around 2 litres for women. As we get approximately 20% of our daily fluid intake through food, we should be aiming for around 1.6L fluid from drinks 💧

🤰During pregnancy we should aim for an additional 300ml per day and breastfeeding women should drink an additional 700ml per day.

This guidance is for the average sized women, there is of course variation depending on size, weather conditions, activity levels etc

07/04/2024

🧘🏼‍♀️🧘🏼‍♀️🧘🏼‍♀️ NEXT BLOCK OF MUM & BABY YOGA CLASSES STARTS THIS WEEK - BOOK NOW! 🧘🏼‍♀️🧘🏼‍♀️🧘🏼‍♀️

Mum And Baby Yoga With Sally Brocklehurst
4-week block starting Friday 13 April 1:45 - 2:30pm

A friendly Mum & Baby Yoga 4-week course suitable for new mums and babies following the 6 week postnatal check up (8 weeks following c-section).

These classes have been lovingly designed to ease away tension and calm busy minds. We will slow down our breathing and move gently to help find our inner calm, release tight muscles and strengthen the body, particularly the core and pelvic floor area.

Yoga for babies can be weaved into the the classes throughout (we wouldn't want them to feel left out after all) or baby can lie on mat next to mum.

Book here > www.jennablairyoga.co.uk

Jenna 🙏

06/04/2024

Our Gentle Yoga & Tai Chi sessions to support those living with cancer resume next week! 🌟

These are FREE sessions funded by Lingen Davies Cancer Fund and delivered by Jenna Blair Yoga, Belle Vue Road, Shrewsbury.

To book, contact sath.macmillaninformation@nhs.net

Please share with anyone you feel may benefit.

Jenna 🧘🏼‍♀️

03/04/2024

What a time it has been! I had so many plans for my Easter break but instead, the last 2 weeks have mostly been spent looking after two very poorly children (thankfully they are now fully recovered!). Huge apologies for my silence here!

So given I haven't managed to send out any reminders about my 20% discount coming to an end, I've decided to extend it until the 8th April. So until the 8th April, all bookings of my face to face appointments will have 20% deducted at checkout 🥰

My next two clinic dates are the 9th and 23rd April 🩵

25/03/2024

This is so true ❤️

Our second child is due this summer. By this time, I will be thirty-nine and it will have been five long years since I last became someone’s mum.

Five years. Just long enough to forget the intensity of it all. To forget how babies work. I fear that I have forgotten how to even hold a baby.

I look at old photos and videos of baby-you and hone in on all our rookie errors. Something about the way we held you at first, as though you weren't fully ours.

I swear I changed your nappy too many times each night. I breastfed you for over two years and yet I still don't really understand when I am supposed to swap sides.

I should be a dab hand by now, but somehow feel more wobbly than ever. Equal parts delighted and scared. I know too much now.

I have become spoiled by time. By space. By independent play and sleep-filled nights. Can I really go back there?

I tell your dad about my worries. He reminds me that I had all these fears the first time around. That I would feel like an imposter in the baby aisle at Tesco or get jumpy at the sight of other people's children, having no idea how I was going to actually do this myself.

He pulled me in closer for a hug and said, "I keep forgetting to enjoy us. Because I won't see you now, for a few years".

Part of me felt sad at his immediate acceptance that I will go missing for a while. Can't it be different this time? But another part felt relieved at that acceptance too. The fact that our eyes are wide open, this time.

That we know that the two of us will likely be camped out in separate rooms, comforting babies through the night for a few years. That I will be touched out and immersed elsewhere and that the babies will always come first, and that's OK. That we will be challenged in ways that we cannot even comprehend right now.

That the two of us can only be pulled in so many directions, that something always has to give, and that will more than likely be us, yet again.

But, crucially, we are equipped with the knowledge that early parenthood lasted about three years longer than we anticipated. Still, somehow, it felt like no time at all.

We won't have them long.

So, yeah, see you in a few years, dude.

Art: https://www.instagram.com/alev.neto?igsh=ZXRsNHV2ODN1MWl3

Words: Mother Truths

Words taken from my book:
'STRETCHED: all the feels from second-time motherhood'

Available to buy here: http://linktr.ee/mother_truths

18/03/2024

My new business cards are here and I am in love 😍😍😍 Thanks