The Gentle Touch Parenting

12/07/2024

6 months ago today on 12th January 2024 my world was shattered. My darling husband Chris died. He had been ill for a short few months with cancer. To say these past months have been hard is an understatement. Unfathomable, unbelievable, and unmeasurably sad are words that spring to mind. We have two young boys aged 10 and 12, I have spent these past months desperately trying to be a good stable force in their lives, to help them navigate life without their Dad, they are amazing but obviously this is so hard for them.

I closed The Gentle Touch Parenting as I needed the time to focus on our hearts. In all honesty I still don't know when I will return to work and indeed when I do, what exactly that will look like. Grief on such a profound level changes a person and I'm still figuring out who that is.

Thanks to those who have sent messages and supported me since all this happened. I will post again when there is anything further to tell you about my work plans.

Please hold those you love close ❤
Emma x

16/01/2024

18/11/2023

Those of you who have been following my page for a while now will know this picture. I post it every year on this day. (OK this year I'm a day late, but life happened yesterday)

12 years have passed since our premature baby entered this world. It was a scary time. Not knowing why, not knowing if they're safe, not knowing how they're development might be affected, not knowing. So many unanswered questions, which sometimes can be answered by imagination...this is my fault, my body isn't good enough, what did I do wrong, why can't I be pregnant as nature intended.

It can take a long time and lots of support to move on from such a time. But 12 years later he's as tall as me, growing and developing just fine. I'm so proud of him. I'm so proud of my body for doing what it could do to it's best, no guilt, no judgment. Be kind to yourself ❤

15/11/2023

Beautiful biology ❤

14/11/2023

I thoroughly enjoyed launching The Mother Village yesterday at The Beehive Centre in BS5.

I was a bit nervous, starting something new but this is something I've been building up to for years, 11 years of working with Mums in this capacity has culminated in the content I delivered. The feedback was super. The Mums gave the feedback I needed to help fine tune the group structure. We Have 3 more weeks left.

There is still opportunity to join us on the launch course. The Southville one is starting next Wednesday 22nd November.

BOOK NOW I'd love to see you there ❤

11/11/2023

I'm writing this as I sit on my sofa, after a very busy and testing few weeks. I need to pause, to reset, even if it's for a short while before I can continue. I know if I don't it will manifest in illness, burnout or something. This doesn't help anyone. Can you relate?

Everyone has busier times and quieter times in life, and sometimes you will need to put your foot on the accelerator to get through a busy time. Digging deep to get through.

This puts the body and mind under stress. Our bodies are designed to be able to cope with small burts of stress, 100mph... for short periods of time.

Please do remember to take your foot off afterwards. It's not sustainable to keep going at this fast rate. Something will have to give - don't let it be your physical or mental health.

How can you ensure you take your foot off the gas and keep your health in check ?

09/11/2023

We are just commencing the last Baby Massage courses for 2023!

If you'd like to be first to get your name down for Jan 2024. Message me now.

I always keep the groups small and intimate. Perfect for your first baby group. A safe space for you to get to know your brand new little one.

You can buy for a friend, colleague or relative, just tap reply and we'll organise that for you 🙂

01/11/2023

HI November 👋 You've brought the chilly weather with you. I quite like this time of year, when the clocks have gone back and it's getting darker in the evenings, there is something cosy about it.

What I'm not so keen on is how fast life seems to be whizzing by right now. Something happened as the kids (now 10 and 12) got older, time seems to have got faster 🏃‍♀️

Maybe something to do with them not being quite so dependent and I have more time to myself and I feel an urgency to get done all the things I wanted to get done.

That, and also, my health is a lot better these days. I had another Iron infusion recently and it seems to, so far, given me far more energy. For those who don't know I've suffered from chronic pain in my side, adenomyosis/ dodgy c.sec scar and ongoing anaemia for over a decade now.

It has massively affected my life/work/relationships/family - everything. I'm hoping that this improvement is here to stay. Have your fingers crossed for me.

I have a passion for working with Mums as you transition into Motherhood, and beyond (as the transition never ends) and I have a particular enthusiasm for working with Mums who are struggling with this journey and need some intensive support. If this is you, I'm here for you ❤

Have a fab November.

Xx

29/10/2023

What time were you up this morning ? Or rather what time did your children wake you this morning?

It is a very long day when you have been up since the early hours. I know it's a grey old day here in UK but getting outside will be so beneficial.

Getting daylight on their faces will help reset the body clock and tire out the children in a healthy way.

You can either adjust the naps and bedtimes all in one go today or you can do it incrementally over a few days, depending on what works best for you.
..and I wish you strength - in coffee and in mind!

24/10/2023

Come and join us at The Mother Village. Come as you are, you're too important not too. Take some time for yourself to reset.

Babies welcome. We always do our best to accommodate the little ones, you can feed, change, bounce them etc during the class.

Relaxing with your little one might sound tricky but I think it's important to not wait to be without the children to relax, building time in with your baby can be key.

Emma x

22/10/2023

You're invited to join me at my new group 🙏

I need a handul of Mums (babies welcome, under approx 12/16 mths) to come enjoy my first term of this group as a beta tester. This just means you get a reduced price whilst I test out the running order/content etc and you give me your feedback and review.

I have been working with Mums like you for 10 years and I've filled this course with things I know Mums need. Your village. Connection, relaxation, chats, hot drink, stretching, music and lots lots more. Each week is slightly differnet but what holds throughout the whole course is a safe and nurturing space Just. For. You ❤

Come and experience it

BOOK HERE https://the-gentle-touch.com/booking/