As a newborn photographer and mother of two, I am very familiar with the world of birth, antenatal and postnatal services in Southampton and Hampshire and thought it would be helpful to offer links to all my favourite birth experts, lactation consultants, yoga teachers and classes in one place.
The UK Parenthood Forum– This is a Facebook group that is primarily focused on Southampton and I find it so helpful for learning about events in the city, schools and play groups. Someone is always willing to answer a question!
Birthing With Confidence– Zana has over 20 years of antenatal education and 13 years as a counsellor. She has 1-1 birth preparation for all kinds of births, hypnobirthing, counselling for fear of birth and resolving feelings after a difficult birth or adjustment to being a parent. She teaches breathing and relaxation and provides audio downloads that help with birth rehearsal and releasing fear about birth on her website!
Little Pickles Markets– These markets are held at various schools and sell a variety of used clothing and toys to help those who are on a budget or just care about reusing clothing for the environment! If you are looking to buy clothes for your new arrival or sell clothes your children have grown out of, these sales are a great resource!
Solent Parenting– Sally is a wealth of knowledge in the antenatal and postnatal realms! She is a Birth & Postnatal Doula, Hypnobirthing Instructor, Sling Consultant & provides lactation support. There are so many benefits to having a doula like reduced need for intervention, never mind the support they give during and after birth.
The Breastfeeding Network– A wonderful support group for breastfeeding in Southampton that meets on Mondays and Thursdays.
Turtle Tots– Turtle Tots offer swimming lessons for a variety of ages, including mums to be! Aquanatal swimming can be helpful for the pelvic floor, strengthening stomach muscles and relaxation.
Align Osteopathy– Gayle is an osteopath who specialises in women’s health and helps with pre and postnatal treatment. She also provides “Mommy MOTs” to check up on pelvic health. I went to Gayle myself for treatments on pelvic girdle pain while I was pregnant with my second child and her treatments were so soothing and relaxing. She also provided me with a range of exercises to strengthen my pelvic health.
Polly Smith IBCLC– Polly is a breastfeeding and lactation consultant based in Southampton. I reached out to her when my two month old was in hospital with bronchiolitis and was struggling to feed. Polly sent me a lovely email to point me in the right direction and guided me with the help I needed!
Liz Knowles Women’s Health and Fitness Physio– Liz Knowles is a an expert in all things pregnancy and birth. She provides Mummy MOTs, pregnancy massage, pregnancy pilates and has a postnatal class that helps with recovery after pregnancy, strengthening the pelvic floor and helping your stomach muscles.
Little Hearts Hypnobirthing– Emma offers hypnobirthing classes to help you become more confident with birth and coping mechanisms like breathing and relaxation methods. Hypnobirthing classes help prepare your body for labour and helps you make informed decisions about your birth.
Yogarise– Natalie is a pregnancy yoga specialist and offers brilliant pregnancy and baby yoga classes. Yoga helps your aching body when pregnant and helps strengthen you for birth! She offers classes in Southampton and Chandler’s Ford.
Apple Tree Yoga– Ani offers pregnancy yoga and hypnobirthing. Her classes are created to help with pregnancy related pain like pelvic girdle pain and sciatica. Her 2 day hypnobirthing courses are tailored to your worries surrounding birth, go over a birth plan and teach a variety of relaxation techniques.
Faye’s Music Dots– I’ve mentioned Faye’s classes on this website many times because she is amazing! We have gone to her classes for almost two years because her music classes are just a blast! She has toddler and baby classes and the children absolutely love her! Her classes are fun and educational. They feel like a little toddler dance party! She also has classes that focus on tummy time and messy play.
Lovemint Lactation– While Raquel is based in London, I’ve included her because she is an old friend of mine and truly knows her stuff! She offers online consultations so it is well worth reaching out to her for your breastfeeding struggles. Raquel is an experienced NICU nurse which sparked her passion to help new mothers with breastfeeding and to become an IBCLC. She really is the best!
Heavenly Hypnobirthing– I find Katie’s work very interesting as her goal is to ensure your birth is a positive experience. In her 1-1 sessions her aim is to make sure you have the tools to make this happen. Katie uses a combination of breathing techniques, positive affirmations and massage. One of the things I like about Katie’s teachings is she also helps your birth partner learn how to support you during labour.
Tots Play Southampton West– Claire runs a lovely baby class that focuses on baby massage, yoga, singing and sensory play. She used to be a primary school teacher so her classes are well planned structured developmental play. These classes are a great place for new mums to meet!
If you run a baby, antenatal or postnatal business or class in Hampshire, feel free to get in touch and I can add you to the directory!