This was our first review about our inaugural Mamaheaven back in 2005, where Amy Raphael joined us on retreat with her young daughter Bonny. Since then over 300 mothers and babies have ventured to our retreats to enjoy the Mamaheaven experience. If life was fair, Mamaheaven would be offered on the NHS. As it is, this country’s first weekend retreat for mums with babies up to the age of 18 months doesn’t come cheap. But it’s worth it for a [...]
Read MoreYogaat Mamaheaven is so much more than your average post-natal exercise class. By taking part in the daily yoga sessions offered over the retreat mamas get a chance to immerse themselves in the multi-layered effects of yoga, getting in touch with their new bodies – the bodies that have been transformed by the experience of childbirth, feeding and parenting. We observe as mothers marvel at feeling their new muscles as much as their forgotten ones, and re-acquaint themselves with being [...]
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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 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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Mother of two, Erika Tourell has been teaching yoga for over 15 years and working as a holistic massage therapist for over 20 years. She is presently studying cranio-sacral therapy and chi nei tsang – a deep abdominal massage which is a form of Taoist healing. She also holds a passion for singing/chanting/voice-healing and has been studying Hindustani vocal training with a senior Indian teacher for the last year. From 1992-95 she lived in Thailand and India studying meditation, Buddhism, [...]
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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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