Pregnancy Yoga Classes in Enfield/Winchmore Hill??

[Galmum]

Dear all,

Desperately trying to find pregnancy yoga classes in Enfield, Winchmore Hill, Palmers Green, Southgate area?? I have managed to get one number from my midwife, but no answer yet. This is my second child and I'm really keen to do yoga to help me deliver labour as much as possible. Can anyone help?

Hi there,

Thanks Alum for checking into the yoga. I also spoke to Julie about it but she is too booked up to take on another class. Not sure where we could have classes here in Enfield either, but still investigating.

On a different topic:
Is everyone delivering at Chase Farm? Is it a good hospital? I am from overseas and still relatively new to London. Any feedback?

Thanks.

Oops I meant to say ...thanks Galmum, not alum.

Mrsbg, from what I can gather I understand that Chase Farm has improved greatly in recent years as a place to give birth. Based on my experiences of the hospital so far, though, I'm not overly impressed.

1. Had appointment there on Monday - my first one at the antenatal clinic. On arrival, the surly receptionist signed me in and handed me my notes. I wasn't told that these then needed to be handed in to another desk round the back of the waiting area in order to get in the queue in order of arrival. Myself and two others therefore sat in the waiting area clutching our notes until a lady who'd obviously been there several times told us what to do. I ended up waiting over an hour unnecessarily because I hadn't been told anything when I got there - if the receptionist can't be bothered to inform people of what they need to do, then there should at least be a big sign clearly displayed in the waiting area giving patients information.

2. Everything I receive from the hospital is addressed to me as 'Miss', even though I'm married and the notes passed to the hospital by my GP and midwife say 'Mrs'. On three occasions I have requested the hospital to correct their records but this still hasn't happened. There is also a typo in my address. I know this is a minor issue really, but it's one of my pet hates to have my name incorrectly spelled/titled, and just smacks of sloppiness.

Other than that, no complaints!

Currantbun, Thanks for the info.

I was at Chase this morning for my 20 week scan. Again, I cheated on my water before the scan and went wee about 1/2 an hour before. It was all fine.

We went on a tour of the Birthing Center with our midwife and still weighing my options in terms of where to deliver.

Dear Mrsbg,

How was the Ridgeway centre?? I'm planning to have my baby there, as long as everything goes to plan and I don't need to go to the Consultant led unit. I'm also due at the end of Jan.

Just to let you know - I received some stuff from the local NCT, which had an advert for pregnancy yoga with a lady called Lola. For a short while, I thought there was hope, but the number is no longer in use!!!! I think I'm just going to accept that it's a journey to Crouch End for me once a week.

As for hospitals...you hear good and bad stories about everywhere. I've heard some great and not so great things about Chase Farm. One really positive story was from a nurse, so that's not a bad recommendation! I'm reassured by the local midwife I'm seeing for check ups - she works out of Chase Farm and has been really supportive. I've decided to go local - the plan is to chill at home once labour starts for as long as possible and then have a short journey in.

Hope everyone is well.

Hi galmum,

Sorry I have not written back sooner. I liked the birthing center, although the thought of not having the option of epidural is a bit daunting. My DH and I are taking a hypnobirthing class in November which is suppose to be quite good. I think we will go the birthing center route as long as there are no complications with my pregnancy. When are you do in January BTW. I am due the 26th.

I also will be travelling to Crouch End for yoga,.if an opening becomes free.

take care!

I'm also hoping for the Ridgeway Birth Centre if everything continues to go well throughout the pregnancy. Saw the dietician last week (as was referred by antenatal registrar) and she confirmed that there's absolutely nothing wrong with my diet and as far as she's concerned I've put on a reasonable amount of weight for this stage of pregnancy (18 weeks and 5lb). So hopefully they will stop hassling me as though I'm a closet anorexic now.

I must admit that in a fit of pique I've booked my 20-week scan at the Fetal Medicine Centre and cancelled the one at Chase Farm. They've changed my appointment date and time three times now without even a phone call to let me know - just a computer print-out letter telling me that they have had to change the appointment. I wouldn't mind but DH has to plan ahead and can't keep moving meetings at work to accommodate my ever-changing scan date. At least now I've been able to choose the date and time and it means I can just pop out from work for a couple of hours rather than having to take the whole day off - which I know I'm entitled to do, but am busy at the moment and don't really want to take whole days off if at all avoidable.

I got the impression when I had my nuchal scan done privately that Chase Farm weren't impressed, as though I felt they somehow weren't 'good enough' - not the case, it was more convenience and the fact that you do get a bit more time and attention with a private scan.

Hi there,

They refered me for my nuchal scan--to Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital, They were all really nice there. They do not do the nuchal at Chase is my understanding. Sounds like you are having a not so great experience with Chase. My experience has been pretty good. Sometimes just a bit of attitude if you try to change an appointment time.

On another topic, how long does everyone plan on working for? My job is awful, I run a department in a major corporation and I am miserable and the stress has been unbearable. I am on contract and was hired to make the department more commercially viable. It has been the most awful experience ever and I am getting more and more depressed. But I guess I am concerned about leaving work so early, No one will hire me now, I am starting to show. So I am out of work for months before the baby is born with no income. My DH and I will be fine of course, but it just feels like a decision I am having so much trouble making. Any thoughts?

mrsbg, yes, they referred me there for my nuchal scan as well but I never received an appointment. When I chased it up, they didn't seem to have received a referral from Chase Farm and I decided to go privately because there was a chance I wouldn't be seen before 13+6 which is the latest they can do a nuchal scan.

Your work situation sounds very stressful. When are you due? I had originally planned to start my maternity leave at the end of January (baby is due end of February) but am now thinking of working as long as I can. My job is relatively stress-free, and as long as I can cope with the commuting I would rather have the time after the baby is born than sit around at home bored to tears waiting for it to arrive! Depends on how I'm feeling really - if I'm getting really uncomfortable sitting at my desk then I'll consider starting my maternity leave earlier, but I can't help thinking that if the baby's late then I could be facing several weeks at home with nothing but daytime TV for company - I'd rather be at work!

I am due end of January but I think I always had it in my head that I would leave before Xmas, seeing as I would not go back in the new year. But now, I do not think I can hold on any longer here, it can not be good for the baby. I love to work, and would normally never think of leaving. But this place is such a mess, I have an incredibly difficult group of people that I am up against. They are bullying and have no respect for me and are going to do whatever it takes to have things the way it used to be. Not sure if they know I am pregnant or not. I have never told them because it is so tense here. I am sure they must know cause I am showing. I wish I could come in and coast through it, and not care but it is difficult when you are suppose to be running things. I guess I am concerned about the baby really and whether this is damaging for it..all the stress.

I can probably help out a friend with her small business for awhile to keep busy, but no real money in it.

I will keep you posted. Thanks for your words.

Hi Mrsbg,

I am due the day after you - 27th!

I had my son without an epidural and I have to be honest, it was tough but I did it. For some mad reason, I am planning to try to do the same again!! but I'm pleased that the consultant led unit is upstairs, so if I need one, at least it's still an option. Hynnobirthing sounds great....would you mind sharing details of where classes are held? I've probably left it a bit late though. With it being my second, I was n't planning to do classes, but as the date draws nearer, I'm feeling it might be valuable to do something.

Your job sounds a complete nightmare! I struggled with the stress/workload at work before my son was born and my job was nothing like that bad or by the sounds of it, that senior! I'd always planned to work to 38 weeks and be a business superwoman, but when I got to 36 weeks I had to stop. It was too much for me and I felt so relieved once I'd admitted it to myself. I had a fabulous last month doing last minute shopping, sorting out our place and meeting friends for coffee/lunch. My son also arrived a week early so I was so pleased I had the time to myself before he arrived.

Who knows what the effect of stress is on a baby? In reality it's probably fine because we are designed to endure so much. But your job does not sound like a bundle of laughs...it sounds like a role that just grinds you down. If you're planning to go back to work afterwards, it would be nicer to not have too many memories of an awful job - you're probably better than me at handling it, but I know it would really knock my confidence. Yes you did n't plan to give up work this early, but I'm sure you did n't plan to have such a unpleasant time either. I'm sure you'd find lots of ways to keep busy and have some time for you. You'll probably have a wonderful time!

I'm saying that I hope stress does n't harm babies, as it's probably time for me to admit that I've had to endure extreme stress and still am and I'm just hopeful it does n't impact on the baby too much. My gorgeous little boy died this June aged 3 after a long battle with cancer. I was pregnant when he died, and had my first scan, only a few weeks afterwards. The Elizabeth Garrett Anderson hospital have been wonderful and that's why I've had both scans there. They are more experienced at understanding childhood cancers and some of the genetic issues around it - we've also seen one of the professors there. It's extremely unlikey the same thing will happen again, but there are no guarantees in life. That's why I was so keen to start yoga, I thought it would help me relax and deal with some of the stress.

My son was really good fun, and full of life and he's such an inspiration to me and dh. We know it's going to be tough, but life is so precious and we are determind to live it and enjoy it. I'm not working, as I gave a work 2 years ago when my son got diagnosed. .

I really hope it works out ok with your job - ....I suppose that the last few years have just made me quite mellow and that life's too short to take too much crap!!

Please let me know about hypnobirthing stuff.

Galmum, I'm so sorry to hear about your little boy. I don't know what to say and know that words are probably of little comfort. My heart goes out to you and your DH and I hope that all is well with your new little one. You will have precious memories always of your little boy, and I hope you can take comfort from the joy you got from him during his tragically short life.

I admire your positivity and strength. I hope I would have your courage in such a position.

Galmum,

I am so very sorry for your loss. There really are no words for what you have been through.

If you are interested in hypnobirthing, you can google it and there are classes around where we live, and I think they are at night or on the weekends. We are taking a whole weekend in Devon on it. It is called Birthcreation. You can go to their website. birhtcreation.co.uk

I hope that you are taking good care of
yourself.

Dear all,

Thanks for your kind words. I'm sorry I did n't meintion it before. You can imagine how hard it is when people keep asking if it's your first - I say no and I just know the next question is coming "how old is your first". I then have to decide whether to tell them or not. I don't want to discuss my boy with every checkout lady at Sainsbury's, and I also know that it's so shocking for people, they just don't know to what to say.

Thanks for the info on hypnobirthing.....I'm trying to contact a local lady, as I don't think I'll be able to persuade dh to spend the whole weekend talking about labour!!

Annoyingly I'm having problems with my pelvic region, not very glamorous I know and it's all a bit of a suprise as I had no probs like this last time. I basically feel as though someone has kicked me in the crotch very hard - it can really be quite painful at times. Last week I had a few days where I was struggling to walk. Boringly everyone (incl. yoga teacher) keeps telling me to rest and put my feet up, which does work but is driving me mad. I'm seeing the midwife next week and I'm desperate for some more active advice.

Dh and I are trying to move house at the moment.....have found somewhere, but the sellers are still looking for a property. We'd love to be in before Christmas to give us time to get sorted before the baby comes, but I have a horrible feeling we'll end up moving with a 6 week old baby!

Keep us posted with your news.....

Hi Galmum,

Yes I would imagine its a very difficult situation. I did feel shocked when you mentioned it and then I felt very sad, It is such an unbelievable tragedy.

As for yoga, I went to the class in Primrose Hill this weekend, and I absolutely loved it. I live in Enfield but work in Canary Wharf, this is proving to be the best place to go at the moment.

Hi
Just saw this thread and thought I would let you know that there is a wonderful yoga teacher in your area called Lola (Tel: 020 8884 1368 ). She is an active birth teacher and also a doula, so has tons of experience. Her classes are near Palmers Green/Ponders End (other side of the A10). They comprise of the actual yoga, plus tea and biscuits afterward, with advice and discussion.
I went to her last year before the birth of my first baby and am convinced that the techniques I learnt there are what contributed to me having a natural water birth at the Ridgeway.
Hope I am not too late in letting you all know and good luck

Dear Bethmonkey,

Thanks for Lola's details. I have been given her details before by a number of people, but it must have been an old phone number, so it never worked. I have been able to leave a message, so hopefully I'll make contact with her. I'll carry on my classes in Crouch End, as I've got used to them now, but I'm enjoying the yoga so much that I might take up another class!

I'm glad to hear that the Ridgeway worked so well for you - it's reassuring to hear positive stories. I'm keen to have a more relaxed and natural experience this time - I'd love to be able to use water in labour. I just did n't get the chance last time. Thanks for the info on Lola.

Have decided to be a cheapskate and get the hypnobirthing book and CD instead! I'm starting to practise some yoga at home as well. I'm hoping that the two things together, plus being a second time mum will get me that more relaxed and natural labour I wanted last time. Already the book has helped think more positively about this labour - I imagine the classes will be brilliant. Had a tough week - missing little boy terribly and hoping extra yoga will help me mentally as well.

Hope is all is well with you CurrantBun - I keep on the look out for a running pregnant lady - but I can't get Paula Ratcliffe out of my mind! House purchase is still driving me mad - sellers still not found anywhere, but luckily Mum is taking me to a spa for the day next week - she's a star!

Hi Galmum,

Ran past near where you live on Sunday afternoon - trying to vary my routes a bit! All's fine with me - had my 20-week scan on Tuesday and the baby is looking good and developing normally: nothing untoward found on the scan. Also saw my midwife this morning and she's still adamant that there should be no problem with me having the baby at the Ridgeway Birth Centre as medically everything is absolutely fine. Have another appointment at Chase Farm on Monday following up their issue with my BMI so hopefully I'll finally get the go-ahead for the birth centre then.

I was thinking of getting hold of the hypnobirthing CDs and book - am not forking out for classes either! Am not really into that kind of thing but someone I know (who also isn't into that kind of thing) found it really good, so I'm trying to keep an open mind.

It must be really tough for you at time, Galmum. I hope you're coping OK, and I hope your sellers find somewhere to move to very soon. I know from past experience how stressful moving house can be and it's probably the last thing I'd want to do while pregnant!

Dear Enfield/Winchmore Hill Mumsnetters,

Just to let you all know that there is an NCT nearly new sale next week - Sat 4th Nov St.Stephen's Church Hall, Park Avenue, Bush Hill Park 2pm-3.30pm. Go on the NCT website if you want to know more. I won't be going as I'm away on holiday, but I've picked up some good bits and pieces at NCT sales before. Happy bargain hunting!

PS My bump is HUGE...dh is not helping - he calls the bump "the twins"!! Trying to not think about the giant baby I might be growing!!

Thanks galmum...I will definitely hit the sale next weekend.
Glad to hear that I am not the only one feeling huge...I was concealing it well for so long and now I have ballooned! Feeling large for sure. Have a great holiday!!

Glad to hear someone else has a large bump!

CurrantBun...sorry I forgot to reply! I hope you got the go ahead for the birth centre and that you can stop visiting Chase Farm so much!

P.S There looks like there is progress on the house front...watch this space!

Thanks Galmum for the NCT sale info - will definitely try to get along to that.

Glad to hear there's progress on the house front too - fingers crossed for you!

I have been signed off as far as consultant appointments at Chase Farm go. They were happy at my last appointment that everything seemed to be OK and gave me the go-ahead for midwife-led care and a birth centre birth, so I was pleased about that. They did say that if there were concerns about the baby's size at about 34 weeks they would recommend my midwife refer me for a growth scan, but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. For now it all seems to be looking promising.

You maybe not watching this thread anymore, but hope you both are well and looking forward to the new arrivals. Not long now.

I'm still going to Chase Farm, but not the midwife led unit. My baby is a bit of a whopper, so I need to give birth in the consultant led unit.

If you do get the chance - let us know how it all goes.

Hi Galmum,

Everything seems to be on track with baby. I think we are due around the same time. I am due the 26th.

Hope all is well with you.

Only concern I have is that I think baby is in a posterior position which means the baby has to turn around and labour might be longer...ever heard of this?

Take Care.