One of the most important aspects of Mamaheaven is the childcare and it is one that we are most proud of. We run a gorgeous womblike crèche kitted out with cosy sheepskins, bright mobiles, wooden toys, books, calming music and natural objects. Alice Maclaine is Montessori trained and is affectionately known as the baby-whisperer, such is her affinity with babies and their unspoken needs. It’s an inviting and homely place that the majority of babies, whatever their age enjoy spending [...]
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A fundamental part of our retreats is our commitment to organic food and optimum nutrition for mothers and weaned babies. At Mamaheaven we are deeply fortunate to be under the caring wing of Daphne Lambert, chef and writer of many books including the Organic Baby and Toddler Cookbook. She has over the years clarified, supported and expanded all our ideas around nutrition for mothers and babies. She has taught us new ways with food and always produces fare that is [...]
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Taking inspiration from the book What Mothers Do by Naomi Stadlen an intrinsic element of Mamaheaven is the Mamacircle workshop. Mamascircle, is led by Paula Gallardo, to discuss relevant or pertinent issues about motherhood, this hugely powerful practice used the world over by traditional cultures to big businesses. Sharing points of views and feelings in a guided circle contributes to a deep communal respect, greater understanding and even conflict resolution. During a Mamacircle at Mamaheaven, mothers are encouraged to either [...]
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At Mamaheaven we offer baby massage workshops. These lovely sessions are done in a beautiful warm room using fragrant and calming organic baby-massage oils from our goody bag. Our experienced masseurs show mamas gentle and fun techniques to sooth, nurture, exercise and strengthen their babies. The massage strokes not only help to calm babies but also help to connect their right and left-brain and increase mother-baby bonding. Baby massage has been known to help with many childhood issues such as [...]
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Why,when mothers with young children are excitedly advised by all who see them, to get out of the house, to get some much needed time for themselves, to join a mum and baby group or 1 o’clock club, do their tired eyes glaze over, their shoulders hunch further and heads bow? Why do they insist that they are not the “toddler group type” and why do we not believe them? I remember braving the local drop in baby group with [...]
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A founding member of Mamaheaven, Paula Gallardo has been a Doula (birth assistant) and a recognised member of Doula UK since 1995. She has three children and currently works as a pregnancy, birth and parenting teacher and advisor in London helping many women and their partners on their journey to becoming a parent. Paula is also a trained yoga teacher specializing in pregnancy and post-natal yoga. In her work she covers many areas of the birth and parenting spectrum supporting [...]
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Co sleeping… the term use for sleeping within an arms length of your baby. With an unusually large number of requests for cots at our last Mamaheaven our memories drifted back to our own sleep struggles of the past. Now with children who safely put themselves to bed (or stay up well after us!) we remember only the joy of waking up with a rosy smiley face right next to us, the angel breath of our babies and the bliss of it [...]
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The lovely Hetty Los is a Jungian psychotherapist and counselor and member of the Guild of Analytical Psychology and Spirituality where she teaches regularly. She has been working with clients for more than 10 years and has gained a lot of experience working with women in all stages of their lives. She is also one of the founder members of Mamaheaven. Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause and aging sometimes bring emotional challenges with them. Challenges also arise when women encounter problems with infertility, [...]
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Alice Maclaine is a qualified Montessori teacher and children’s yoga teacher – including children with special needs www.specialyoga.org.uk. She has twelve years of experience in caring for children and babies and is fully trained in first aid. She is currently studying Tibetan Buddhism and meditation. Alice has an 11-year-old son and lives and works in northwest London. The Team at a glance Testimonials
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