Babies can receive nurturing touch and gentle strokes from when they are first new born (see newborn nurture workshop). However, it is advised that you don’t massage a baby with oil until at least 6 weeks. Babies from 6 weeks can attend although it is recommend from 8 weeks, as this is after your post-natal check.

After at least 6 weeks, it is recommended that you use organic sunflower seed oil, or coconut oil. These are 100% natural and organic and will be easily absorbed in your baby’s skin. They also only carry a faint smell, are full of nutrients and are fine if your baby sucks their finger or thumb.

A blanket or towel for baby to lie on and you might want to bring a small cushion to support your lower back. You may want to bring a toy or a teether to soothe baby. Comfortable clothes are recommended, as you will be sitting on the floor. I always ask parents to bring a travel mug so `I can make you a cuppa.

Classes are Baby-led, which means they are in control of the class. It is perfectly normal for your baby to cry because this is their only means of communicating and I encourage you to respond to them. They may just want to change position, be fed, changed or just want a cuddle and this is a normal part of my classes. It is through this that they learn how loved and important they are. We never massage on sleeping babies, so you are encouraged to join in with a spare doll or a cuddly toy until baby is ready. It is very likely you will spend some of the class feeding or changing your baby and that is absolutely OK.

There are videos of each week that you will be sent of that particular routine. Plus at the end of the course you will get a work booklet that has photos and step by step instructions of how to massage your baby.

Yoga is suitable from 8 weeks onwards, although some poses are only suitable from 12 weeks. It is advisable to wait until you and your bay have had their 8 week post-natal health check.

A blanket or towel for baby to lie on and you might want to bring a small cushion to support your lower back, because you will be lifting baby. You may want to bring a toy or a teether to soothe baby. Comfortable clothes are recommended, as you will be sitting on the floor at times and moving around.

Classes are Baby-led, which means they are in control of the class. It is perfectly normal for your baby to cry because this is their only means of communicating and I encourage you to respond to them. They may just want to change position, be fed, changed or just want a cuddle and this is a normal part of my classes. It is through this that they learn how loved and important they are. We never massage on sleeping babies, so you are encouraged to join in with a spare doll or a cuddly toy until baby is ready.

Definitely not. You can be a beginner, advanced, or never have tried yoga before. Classes use yoga inspired poses for parents and the rest of the class is focused on the baby.

There are yoga inspired, gentle stretches, breathing exercises that you will do with your baby. the whole point of the class is that you and your baby are together and bindings maximised. Some classes have more parent yoga than others- the class goes with the flo and energy of each class- often there is a lot of connection between parents which leaves less time for parent yoga.

It is recommended that you start the course anytime after your 20 week scan. The more time you have to practice the techniques, the better. I do have couples or individuals start the course right up to 38 weeks - however, earlier is definitely recommended.

Absolutely, many of my clients do both NCT and Hypnobirthing. Both classes take different approaches. Hypnobirthing is focused more on preparation for birth and during birth. We go into a lot of detail about the biology and physiology of your birthing body. Whilst NCT focuses more on when baby is here. Because I am a mindful breastfeeding practitioner, a newborn nurture teacher and a baby massage teacher, I include a lot about post birth too. If money is an issue, and you can't afford to do both courses, there is also the option to do just 'birth basics' with nestle and nurture, which focuses on the key areas for hypnobirthing.

Absolutely not. Nestle and Nurture’s hypnobirthing course is for everyone. Whether it’s your first baby or your fifth, The Calm Birth Method will equip you with the tools for the empowering birth experience you deserve. In fact, our techniques have been proven to help mums who’ve had previous traumatic birth experiences overcome these to change their birth this time around. You can either do a full course, a refresher or an intensive. I also offer a 'Second time around' course which is specific for people who have had one or more births before and are keen to meet others in a similar position

Of course. It is recommended that you have someone to support you during your birth and this can be anyone that you feel comfortable with. This could be a friend, family member or doula.

Yes! Knowing that you have options for how you give birth is often a revelation for twin mums-to-be. I will support your birth choices and help you prepare for the birth you want.

It is of course possible to have a pain free birth but pain is obviously a very subjective word. As long as you spend time practicing the relaxation techniques, training your body to respond by relaxing all your muscles to allow it to do what it needs to do during birth, you will manage the discomfort. Hypnobirthing is not about promising a 'perfect' or a pain free birth but supporting you, to feel in control of your birth. My course will empower you and give you so many tools and techniques to keep you calm and in control at each stage of your labour.

Yes! There are huge benefits to using hypnobirthing with a planned abdominal birth including staying calm in the run up to your operation, and a faster recovery time. There are hypnobirthing tracks specifically for preparing for an abdominal birth. I can run a private course tailored exactly to your requirements so contact me to discuss how I can help you prepare for your birth. There are ways to prepare for a gentle c-section and to think about how you can maximise benefits to baby once she/he is earth side.

Yes. This is a fully personalised course, where we will discuss your previous birth and tailor the course to your requirements.

There are many different options to book a course. You can choose a group course which is run weekly on the same evening every week. Or you can choose a private session and depending on where you live, I can come to your house. You can also choose to have your class online- which means you can stay in your pyjamas (pregnancy means you want to go to bed early). You can also choose an intensive or refresher, which are both in person or online.

I have completed a birth trauma competency training course so I can provide you with the right support and sign post you to other support if needed. I had a traumatic birth myself and something that made it harder was that I wasn't prepared for my birth. Talking, planning and learning about your body and birth is one of the best things you can do to achieve a positive and calm birth.