| A Gentle Approach to Baby Wellness Nicole Schubert-Nicolas introduces a new Holistic Baby Clinic The NHS has long been a vital resource for families in the UK, offering essential care for urgent and acute health issues. However, with services under ever increasing pressure, many parents experience long waiting times, especially for ongoing or non-emergency concerns. Problems like a persistently runny nose or a baby who is unsettled and clingy can weigh heavily on parents, even though the child may not be prioritised for treatment. Holistic approaches can offer complementary care by providing gentle, effective and supportive treatment for these persistent issues. In Dartmouth Park, Moon Women’s Health has launched the Holistic Baby Clinic, continuing a North London tradition of community-centred healthcare for babies and young children. The clinic offers treatment for common childhood ailments like colds, ear infections, eczema and colic, giving parents an alternative to conventional care. Operating on a ‘pay what you can’ model, it ensures accessibility for all families, regardless of their financial situation. Why Holistic Care? Parents often seek non-invasive, gentle alternatives for managing their baby’s minor but ongoing symptoms, preferring holistic options such as homeopathy and craniosacral therapy to drugs or more invasive treatments. These therapies work with the body’s natural healing processes to relieve discomfort and promote wellbeing. Both therapies are available at the clinic, creating a balanced approach to common childhood health issues. Supporting Parents and Babies In addition to providing care for babies, the clinic recognises that a baby’s health is closely linked to the well-being of their parents and the clinic extends its support to mothers recovering postnatally. One key feature of the clinic therefore is its collaboration with Pam, an experienced Pilates teacher who offers guidance on postnatal recovery. She provides practical advice on how mothers can reclaim their bodies after childbirth through gentle exercises that can be done at home. This support is essential, as it helps mothers rebuild strength, reduce discomfort, and regain energy, which in turn benefits their babies. Pam’s philosophy is simple but powerful: parents need to take care of themselves in order to care for their children effectively. By taking time to nurture their own health, parents indirectly nurture their babies, ensuring they have the emotional and physical resources needed to navigate the challenges of early parenthood. Homeopathy One of the treatments available at the clinic is homeopathy, a holistic approach that uses highly diluted natural substances to stimulate the body’s healing response. For parents who are reluctant to rely on conventional medicine for persistent issues like eczema, recurring ear infections, frequent coughs and colds or digestive problems, homeopathy can provide a gentle, supportive option. As the clinic’s homeopath I take the time to listen to parents and understand the child’s overall health, including physical symptoms and emotional state. This comprehensive view allows me to create personalised treatment plans aimed at addressing the root causes of health issues, rather than simply alleviating symptoms. Parents who have tried conventional treatments without success often turn to homeopathy as an alternative. As one commented, “Nicole was able to resolve many of my child’s health issues that conventional medicine couldn’t, from out-of-the-blue chest pains to hay fever. She’s always able to offer a fresh perspective and is patient, kind, and knowledgeable.” Another parent spoke about how homeopathy helped their daughter: “My daughter had suffered from recurring ear infections for over a year. After beginning homeopathic treatment, the infections stopped entirely, and she has remained healthy since.” Craniosacral Therapy with Katie Craniosacral therapy is another treatment offered at the clinic, focusing on gentle, hands-on techniques to release tension and promote balance in the body. This therapy is particularly effective for babies dealing with recovery from a difficult birth, colic, sleep disturbances, or emotional difficulties like clinginess and irritability. It works by addressing imbalances in the nervous system, helping to calm and soothe babies in a non-invasive way. Katie, who leads the craniosacral therapy sessions, brings more than 30 years of experience in nursing, health visiting, and alternative therapies. Her dual expertise in conventional and holistic medicine allows her to integrate both approaches. Katie’s practice is rooted in the belief that touch can play a vital role in healing, particularly for babies who are highly responsive to their physical environment. Reflecting on her work, Katie says, “I’ve always been struck by the power of human connection through touch. In my years working as a nurse and health visitor, I witnessed how touch could accelerate healing in ways medical interventions sometimes couldn’t. Craniosacral therapy offers that kind of healing to babies, helping to soothe their bodies and minds in a way that feels natural and gentle.” Parents often turn to craniosacral therapy when other treatments haven’t provided results. Many report significant improvements in their babies’ sleep, mood, or feeding. Carrying on a Tradition of Community Care Hedwig Verdonk was a renowned osteopath who made significant contributions to holistic healthcare in north London. She was deeply committed to community-based initiatives, collaborating with a group of osteopaths at various low-cost drop-in clinics. These provided affordable treatments for those who otherwise lacked access to private healthcare. Hedwig also dedicated six years to the Osteopathic Centre for Children, a pioneering London clinic offering specialized care for children and families, addressing both physical and emotional traumas through non-invasive treatments. Jennifer Hautman was known for her work as a homeopath and advocate for natural healthcare. She focused on supporting families, participating in numerous community health campaigns. Her professional life reflected a deep commitment to community support, social justice, and natural healthcare approaches. She volunteered with the Crossroads Women’s Centre in Kentish Town, supporting women facing challenges such as violence and poverty, and was involved in the HMC21 campaign, providing homeopathic care to low-income families and vulnerable groups. Hedwig passed away in 2022 and Jenny followed earlier this year. We continue to feel inspired by their work and are keen to continue their legacy in providing accessible holistic care to north London families and beyond. Accessible and Affordable Care The Holistic Baby Clinic is designed to be a welcoming space where parents can find not only treatment but also community support. The ‘pay what you can’ model ensures that cost is never a barrier to care, with contributions made via card or cash on the day, and no minimum donation required. For parents seeking a natural approach, and those who have tried conventional treatments without success, the clinic provides both support and an alternative that complements existing healthcare options. The clinic is open at the Moon Health Clinic at 63 Chetwynd Road, London NW5 1BX on the first Wednesday of the month, with appointments available from 9:30 am to noon. Parents are encouraged to book 30-minute sessions in advance, but walk-ins are also welcomed from 8:30 am For more information see www.mwhealth.co.uk/new-mama–parent-one-stop-drop-/. |
