We Are All Part of the Village
There is an old saying that it takes a village to raise a child, but if you have ever been pregnant, or stood by the side of someone you love going through it, you know that the right pregnancy services, and the right people, are needed long before the baby arrives.
The thing is, a village only works because not everyone plays the same role. Maybe you are the one who is pregnant right now, exhausted and looking for someone who just gets it. Maybe you are the woman still on the journey, and it is proving to be longer than expected. Maybe you are the woman who has decided that motherhood is not your path, and yet you are drawn to care for the women who are on it, because nurturing others is its own form of that energy. Maybe you already did this, you went through the sleepless nights and the sore body, and now you want to pass that knowledge forward. Or maybe you are the friend who has absolutely no idea, but you just forwarded this article to someone who does, and that act alone is part of the village.
Why Community Changes Everything
As you might know by now, I am the practitioner who doesn’t have kids, but nurturing mothers is my own form of that energy. I may not need a village of my own in the same way, and yet I know the pressure society puts on women regardless of the decisions we take. Whether you choose motherhood or you don’t, the world will have something to say about it, which is one more reason to stay close, and to support each other’s journey.
Since I started offering pregnancy massage, I have had the chance to meet so many incredible practitioners working to make motherhood more joyful when society falls short. And so this article is a small celebration of that village we have built.
Because as it turns out, Walthamstow and surroundings has a quietly brilliant network of people doing exactly this. Here are some of them, and I hope this becomes an ongoing resource you return to, share with someone who needs it, or add to with your own comments and recommendations.
Pregnancy/Postnatal Services
Pregnancy Yoga
Sian Haestier Yoga
Walthamstow
Pregnancy yoga is a beautiful way to connect with your breath, body and baby on your journey through pregnancy. Prenatal yoga aims to keep you feeling comfortable, strong and present physically and emotionally as you grow and prepare to birth your baby. Connect with a local community of parents and make new friends.
Roxanne Ridge
Leyton and Hackney
She teaches a pregnancy-adapted vinyasa flow class with bump-friendly sun salutations and poses you can take from mat to labour.
She also offers hypnobirthing workshops to learn everything you need to stay positive during the entire birthing process, including information on tecniques, stages, rights, plans, science and positions.
Pregnancy Reflexology
Lin Reflexology
East London
Reflexology can support you in preparing your body for pregnancy and during the early weeks, helping with relaxation, hormonal balance, and overall wellbeing. In the later stages of pregnancy, reflexology sessions focus on preparing your body for birth and helping you feel calm.
Rowan & Oak Reflexology
Walthamstow
Sam offers foot and facial reflexology sessions from her beautiful studio in Walthamstow Village, or in the comfort of your own home. Each session provides deep relaxation and gentle support to connected to your body at all stages of pregnancy and postpartum.
Antenatal Classes
The Antenatal Club
East London
Antenatal Social Club offers antenatal classes to first and second (plus timer) focusing on postpartum and the realities of newborn life as well as building your village.
Doulas
E17 Birthouse
East London
Fanny, is a full spectrum doula and birth keeper, based in Walthamstow. She is passionate about all things birth, and a defender of birth rights and informed choice.
As doula, she offers independent, calm, and compassionate guidance through pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.
She will champion your choices, help you feel confident, and support you in creating the experience you want.
Stephanie Pochet
East London
London-based doula with a holistic approach which means you and your baby’s physical wellbeing is as important as your emotional, spiritual, and mental health. Her aim is to empower you to find strength and joy, helping you trust your instincts to have a positive experience. She offers evidence-based information and heart-centered care to guide you in making informed decisions aligned with your values and feelings.
Postnatal Support
Held Circle
Walthamstow
Come join the weekly women’s circle in Walthamstow. The circle is a safe space for sharing stories, laughter, and support. Whether you’re a new mom or a seasoned pro, everyone is welcome to come. Bring your little ones for a play while you enjoy some authentic listening and open sharing.
The Mums Club. Hackney
Hackney
TMC hosts events and connect like-minded women who happen to have children! Abigail is the local host and became first time mum in lockdown making her cherish connecting with other mums in this experience of motherhood. You’ll find new friendly faces, a relaxed vibe, and connections that genuinely makes a difference.
Mama Needs Coffee
Hackney
Join Mama Needs Coffee a chance for new families to connect over coffee and community. Bring your babies, there will be a little play area all set up.
Second Tuesday monthly. No need to book in advance, swing by for a few minutes, stay for the whole time or something in between!
It Takes A Village Playcafe
Walthamstow
A play cafe where kids can explore a bespoke play frame, ball pit, magna-tiles and a fully stocked home corner, while parents sit with a proper Climpson’s coffee and an artisan pastry. This is a space designed for community as much as play. Bookable 90-minute sessions, open all week, best to book ahead at weekends.
Hypnobirthing
Elin Clements
Walthamstow
Elin Clements is a doula and offers KG Hypnobirthing is a complete antenatal program, which is simple, logical and profound. Its focus is on releasing fear and building confidence in the natural process of birth.
She will be providing you with information to feel empowered to make the best choices about your care, for you.
Roxanne Ridge
Leyton and Hackney
She teaches a pregnancy-adapted vinyasa flow class with bump-friendly sun salutations and poses you can take from mat to labour.
She also offers hypnobirthing workshops to learn everything you need to stay positive during the entire birthing process, including information on tecniques, stages, rights, plans, science and positions.
Baby Massage
Mothers & More
Around East London
Rebecca hosts gentle and supportive courses designed especially for new parents and their babies.
Learn calming baby massage and reflexology techniques to help soothe, settle and support your baby’s development, while creating beautiful bonding time together.
Family Massage and Yoga
Chingford/ Waltham Abbey
Developmental Baby Massage is designed to give parents and carers the knowledge to gently massage their babies.
Touch is your new-born’s first language, it is their prime means of communication and plays an essential role in the forming of early parent-child relationships.
Pregnancy Post/Natal Massage
If you’re experiencing anxiety, stress, or simply want to reconnect with your changing body, pregnancy massage can offer exactly the support you need. This nurturing practice brings comfort and relief from some of the most common pregnancy discomforts: back pain, swollen legs, and muscle tension.
By stimulating oxytocin production, it can help improve labour outcomes and deepen the bond between you and your baby.
Sessions are available in the comfort of your own home across E4, E10, and E17, as well as in studio at Pause and East of Eden.
Eleonora is the founder of Re-Set-Pause. She is a RYT550 yoga teacher and a certified Ayurvedic Yoga Massage and Pre/Post Massage therapist.
Experience the benefits of massage during and after pregnancy with our exclusive offer:
Book 3 massages for £225 ( and save £30)
New to Re-Set-Pause?
Eleonora is the founder of Re-Set-Pause, a qualified Ayurvedic Yoga Massage therapist and a Yoga teacher based in East London. You can book a mobile treatment in Walthamstow, Leyton and Highams Park or in studio at Pause or East of Eden.
LOCATIONS: Walthamstow | Leyton | Highams Park
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