Top 11 tips for sucessfull breastfeeding

breast_feeding_baby

Women often spend so much time reading books preparing for birth but little time getting ready for breastfeeding. If you think about it we spend a few hours in labour but maybe months breastfeeding.

To help  you along the way we have prepared these helpful hints and also have  FREE breastfeeding workshop on Sunday 1st of April.

Whilst some women find breastfeeding straightforward, the vast majority of us may have some form of struggle. Even on my second baby, and as a doula supporting breastfeeding women, I had issues. So here goes:

  • If you are having problems ask for help from your hospital’s lactation consultant. These are very very busy women, so rather than depend on staff midwife to chase her up. Get her phone number at your next prenatal visit, save it into your phone and ring her from your bed. If you are at home or the hospital staff are too busy, call up your local independent lactation consultant.
  • Don’t forget that for the first 2 weeks or so, that breasfeeding can be a bit uncomfortable on the nipples and take your breath away! Some people recommend preparing them for that babies vice-like gummy grip by roughing them
  • Read More

Posted in Pregnant |

Benefits of Osteopathy during Pregnancy: FREE talk March 10th

preggy-belly

During pregnancy enormous physical, chemical and emotional changes take place over a relatively short period of time. The body has to get used to carrying up to 20lb/10kg of baby, waters and placenta, which can impose great physical strain on the organs, tissues, joints and ligaments of the body. In order for the pregnant body to adapt to all these changes it has to find new ways to walk, sit and sleep resulting with new aches and pains arising.

Any mother with an existing back problem, or a history of strains or imbalances in her body from past accidents, may find it difficult to accommodate these changes, and she may suffer more discomfort as a result.

The elbowroom Osteopath Jonathan Wills will be discussing the benefits of osteopathy in the elbowroom on Sat March 10th after Prenatal Yoga class and will be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. Jonathan will give some top tips to relieve back pain in pregnancy, discussing areas such as exercise, sleeping positions and posture.

Benefits of Osteopathy During Pregnancy

Osteopathic treatment during pregnancy alleviates symptoms and encourages the best possible environment for the development of the baby. In addition, osteopathic treatment … Read More

Posted in Pregnant |

What’s on in March at the elbowroom

springtime

We are well into the New Year now, which we find is a good time to check how our resolutions are going.  Lent might be helping you get back on track with some diet issues.  We have workshops and courses starting this month which may help with getting your exercise plan or lifestyle balance plan back on track.

For full details and booking information see our events page here.

Here is a quick summary:

Workshops

Pilates Foundation Course – Monday 5th March 8:25pm – 9:20pm   -  Wednesday 21st March 8:45pm -9:40pm
This great four week foundation course will bring you through all the basics you need to get the best from your Pilates classes. From engaging your core, getting a great neutral curve in your spine to using your breath effectively.

Beginners Yoga Course – Thursday 15th March 7:50pm – 9:05pm
For those completely new to yoga or haven’t been in a while and would like to refresh. Learn the basic postures, breath work and get a great yoga foundation.

Restorative Yoga – Sunday April 1st – 12:30pm – 2:30pm
Cultivate deep relaxation with reclined breath awareness and meditation to begin the practice. We will then work with … Read More

Posted in News |

Treat Your Mammy! A fab Mother’s Day Indulgence!

Mother's Day

It’s that time of year again when we need to treat our Mammy for putting up with us when we were kids, and doing all our washing, making dinners, providing a taxi service to football or dance practice, and generally being at our beck and call 24/7 for the rest of her life!!

So the lovely people in the elbowroom Clinic have decided to make it easy for you this year to treat your Mammy by providing the following yummy mummy offers:

Shiatsu Facial Treatment:

Working on the head, neck and shoulders, combining Shiatsu pressure point massage on the face with Indian Head massage to relieve stress and tension, leaving Mum feeling refreshed and pampered!

40 min treatment is €35    click here to book

Aroma Foot Treatment:

Using a combination of reflexology and aromatherapy to give THE most relaxing foot treatment around!

1 hour treatment is €50 click here to book

Or if you want to get into your mammy’s good books for the rest of the year try this!!!

The Mega Mamma Treatment:

A combination of the Shiatsu Facial Treatment and the Aroma Foot treatment for head to toe pampering!!

1 hour 40 minute treatment Special offer of €80 … Read More

Posted in News | Tagged , , |

Try acupressure points to help labour progress

acupuncture-hand

Many women receive acupuncture treatment to help them through the different stages of pregnancy, it is an ideal treatment during pregnancy as it is non-invasive and drug free, and will not cause any harm to the baby. Below we show you 3 acupressure points that you can use yourself throughout your pregnancy and labour and a list of benefits of acupuncture during your pregnancy.

Acupuncture in Pregnancy

Prebirth Acupuncture can be effective in the treatment of the following conditions during pregnancy:

  • Morning sickness
  • Lower back pain
  • Sciatica
  • Anxiety
  • Food cravings
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Depression
  • Heartburn

Acupuncture has been widely researched in western medicine and there are many studies in respected medical journal to show that acupuncture is effective and can help with:

  • Shorter labour times (Cervical Ripening Protocol) – studies of women who have had regular acupuncture throughout their pregnancy have been shown to have shorter labour than women who have not
  • Induction of labour – acupuncture can be useful in inducing labour and midwives have found that women receiving acupuncture tend to have fewer complications
  • Breech Babies – acupuncture can help turn the baby after 34 weeks if it is in a breech position
  • Pain during Pregnancy – acupuncture
  • Read More

Posted in Pregnant |

Stretch it! The benefits of stretching as part of your exercise routine

kick start bootcamp dublin

As you age, your muscles tighten and range of motion in the joints can be minimized. This can put a damper on active lifestyles and even hinder day-to-day, normal motions. Tasks that used to be simple, such as zipping up a dress or reaching for a can off of the top shelf, now become extremely difficult. A regular stretching program can help lengthen your muscles and make daily living activities easier.

Everyone can learn to stretch, regardless of age or flexibility. Stretching should be a part of your daily routine, whether you exercise or not. We have included some useful tips below to help you prepare more effectively for your exercise sessions, and how beneficial stretching can be even if you don’t get around to doing much exercise!

Our resident physical therapist Ciaran Aherne will talk you through the benefits of stretching and provide effective stretching techniques for you in your relevant exercise, from running to aerobic training, from yoga to pilates.

Come listen to Ciaran’s practical advice on stretching and flexibility at his talk on Saturday March 3rd at 12 noon and reduce chances of injury during your exercise routine – handouts available at the talk illustrating easy Read More

Posted in Pilates and Fitness |

Parent and Child Yoga

kids-yoga

End the mid-term break with this fantastic Parent and Child yoga class.

Give them wings and let them fly.  Twist, hold each other, tumble over together, laugh, have FUN and share quality time.  Develop strong bonds as they rely and assist each other in the yoga postures.  Movement, storytelling, music and play are combined with the yoga practice to create a very unique and fun experience.

Learn to relax together building lifelong skills to help with those crazy moments which are all part of parenting.  Imagine being able to draw on specific relaxation techniques when things go pear shaped, bring a sense of calm to the whole family.

 

This proceeds from this class are going to special needs services to please donate what you can.  Spaces are limited so booking is essential.  Adults can be any age and kids 6+.


Read More

Posted in Parenting |

Tips to Protect your Immune System from seasonal bugs!

general health physiotherapy massage

It can’t be avoided, there are a few dreaded bugs causing havoc this month! It is therefore more important than ever to make sure that you and your family are in the best possible health in preparation for the demands of Ireland’s ever-changing seasons.

Our immune system plays a central role in keeping us healthy.  It is not only responsible for protecting you from foreign invaders such as colds and flu’s but it also helps to mop up the wastes created by your body. Considering this, it’s sensible to take every practical step to support it.

Here are some of Kevin’s tips for keeping well this Spring!

Mood
It may not be the first thing you think of but stress has a hugely depleting effect on the functioning of the immune system.   Low mood and anxiety have been found in studies to hamper immune function.  Meditation is one of the cheapest and most effective tools I have found for stress management.  Indeed, my clients respond so much better to treatment for all sorts of ailments if they do only 20 minutes meditation per day.

Food
Nutrient deficiency is a major contributing factor in lowered immunity.  Try to eat more nutritious … Read More

Posted in Health |

Valentine Treats

chocolatey fingers

Think outside the chocolate box this Valentines day and give a gift of relaxation and well-being rather than dubious underwear or guilty chocolates.

And if you are a bit last minute you can redeem your romance by getting something online in our shop. Either print the voucher or send the gift via email on the date of your choice. To book a voucher click here and select the amount you want to spend. Easy peasy.

We have a huge selection of new stock in the studio and are open until till late on Monday 13th Feb if you are still scrambling for a Valentines gift! See the full product range here. Lots of bright colours and a great selection. Just pop in to us at Reception to have a look!

We have many special offers that could take the stress out of Valentines Day for you this year. Your loved one can then book their session or course (or we can do it for you). Here are a few ideas for you.

Gift ideas for any budget

  • Drop in Zumba class €13
  • Drop in Community lunchtime class €12 (€6 unwaged)
  • Drop in Yoga /Pilates class €15
  • 40 minute therapeutic
  • Read More

Posted in News |

Cravings and Crashes – Free talk February 9th at 7pm

cravings

Come and join us at our Free ‘Cravings and Crashes’ talk on Thursday Feb 9th at 7pm with the elbowroom naturopath and acupuncturist Kevin Callan, B.Sc. Dip.Ac. N.D.

Often get that 3pm slump?
Ever get sudden sugar cravings during the day or late in the evening?
Is your diet affecting your energy levels and mood?

As The elbowroom clinic’s resident naturopath and acupuncturist, my talk will discuss the healthy options supported by recent nutritional studies and help you make better food choices and keep your blood sugar levels regulated to prevent cravings.

Here are some good tips to keep you healthy in the meantime.

  • Remember to always try to keep your blood sugar balanced.  The best way to start this is by having a good quality breakfast.  Think porridge or scrambled eggs.  Any breakfast that gives you a slow release of energy and helps to keep your blood sugar balanced.
  • Don’t go too long between meals.  When you go too long without eating your adrenalin kicks in and makes energy with out the benefit of fuel.  You wont be surprised that this increases stress levels!  Even if you don’t feel particularly hungry it is important to not leave
  • Read More

Posted in Health |