I am a Chartered Physiotherapist specialising in Women’s Health and a Childbirth Educator, and have been teaching ante-natal classes since 1975, following the birth of my first child. I have practiced both here in London and California, where I originally trained as a Lamaze teacher. Over the years I have taught classes at the Portland Hospital in London and at the Active Birth Centre founded by Janet Balaskas and am also familiar with Gowri Motha and her philosophy of “Gentle Birth”.

I am passionate about birth, having had four children, including one home birth, and view it as every woman’s right to give birth in the appropriate setting for herself and her birthing partner.

In my own classes I include “tools” such as breathing, positioning, acupressure, visualization, and relaxation techniques as well as information on medical pain relief, in the belief that the more the couple know the better, and what I’m hoping for is a positive birth experience whatever the outcome.

Birth may not go according to plan but the eventual outcome is the birth of a healthy baby and a couple who feel they had input, and some element of control in the decision making. I am an obstetric physiotherapist with an interest in acupuncture and pain relief and I understand the value of optimum positioning both for mother and baby. I also introduce other methods of natural pain relief, such as TENS, and protocols for  safeguarding the integrity of the “pelvic floor” during delivery.

I run a clinic at Holly House Hospital, on the border of East London and Essex, where I work as a physiotherapist specializing in the “pelvic floor”, and would recommend any “new mum” contacting me there on 0208 936 1210 if you have any concerns post partum and would like a consultation.

Birth may well be a “natural and normal event” but your ongoing health is my concern and sound abdominal muscle strength together with a strong pelvic floor may well limit future problems such as chronic back pain and incontinence. I believe the health of the mother doesn’t stop with the birth of her baby but continues long after this most amazing and special event.

Pregnancy magazine, February/March 2002