Mothering and post-partum, 4th trimester community, support, baby group in Barnet, North London
Unique to Barnet, this is a space that will welcome you with open arms and be home from home if:
What happens during sessions:
Discounted tickets:
Schedule Appointment20% off ALL my lactation services for Mama Haven attendees!
Always.
Terms and conditions
Sessions will be used in consecutive weeks (preferred) but please get in touch if you already know you can’t make a certain week.
I’m happy to be flexible with 1 week’s booking if you book a 3 week block, and with 2 week’s booking if you book a 6 week block.
(In other words, a 3 week block needs to be used within 4 weeks of your first session attended, a 6 week block needs to be used within 8 weeks of your first session attended. After that you will need to rebook.)
Coming up at Mama Haven
Come along to ‘MELT INTO MOTHERHOOD TOGETHER’.
21st May
2025
Why post birth debriefing matters
Claire Dugan (Hypnobirthing, birth doula, post birth support)
Hi, I’m Claire. A local mother of two and a Hypnobirthing Doula and Birth Trauma Therapist.
Many of us suffer trauma either leading into pregnancy or during labour and birth. It can go on to affect your emotional and mental wellbeing, your future relationships and even bonding with your new baby.
Whether your experience was six months ago or six years ago, changes can be made to your emotional wellbeing.
We will gently look into the feelings you are experiencing and the responses you have. We will cover generalised symptoms and look into ways you can move forward to heal, while lightening the emotions around the event or experience.
We will hold the space for you all to feel comfortable and at ease. I am looking forward to meeting you and will offer each of you a free discovery consultation following the meet up.
28th May – no session
2025
4th June
2025
Sing with Sarah
Sarah Wade (The Singing Club)
My name is Sarah Wade and I run The Singing Club!
I am passionate about getting everyone singing for FUN and believe singing can be a wonderful prescription for well-being!
ALL abilities are welcome and I strive to create an informal environment.
I am excited to help YOU find your voice!
11th June
2025
Mindful Mothering tools
Eszter Bove (lactation consultant, mothers’ circle facilitator, baby massage instructor, mindful mothering guide)
Today we learn about some mindfulness techniques that you can incorporate into your busy daily lives. Some of these are:
- guided relaxation
- positive affirmations
- journaling
- breathing techniques
You will walk away feeling lighter, more grounded and in possession of some practical tools you can apply straight away.
I offer:
- a safe space to share whatever is on your mind (if you wish to do so)
- yummy refreshments
- an opportunity to find your breath and practice moments of mindfulness, under my guidance
- space and time to meet new friends at a similar stage of motherhood
18th June
2025
How do babies play?
Laura Moore-Williams Early Years Specialist & Consultant
With over 12 years of experience as an Early Years Specialist & Consultant, coupled with the joyous chaos of parenting my own three year old, I bring a wealth of knowledge, empathy, and practical insights to support you on this beautiful adventure of parenthood.
I empower parents through my advice and guidance in areas of early childhood development and learning that can be fostered at home.
During my session at Mama Haven, I will share my wisdom and top tips for things you can do together with your baby to foster and encourage their learning and development. I will support you in creating safe and loving environments where our children can thrive, without the need for lots of resources and toys. I’ll be happy to answer any of your questions too.
Big love, Laura x
25th June
2025
Your baby’s sleep…and whether it needs ‘fixing’
Eszter Bove (lactation consultant, mothers’ circle facilitator, baby massage instructor, mindful mothering guide)
Today we talk about the …shhhhhhh… S word!
When was the last time you slept soundly?
How are you surviving motherhood with such little sleep?
Are you up at night Googling sleep pathology?
How can you optimise the sleep your family gets?
What tools can you use and when?
In this session I give you:
- space to share your concerns
- a chance to ask your questions
- some reassurance and research based information on baby sleep
- further resources to turn to (should you need them)
I lean heavily on the work of La Leche League International (Sweet Sleep and Safe Sleep 7), Andrea Herron’s book Suckle Sleep Thrive and Lyndsey Hookway’s Holistic Sleep Coaching.
2nd July
2025
Move with your baby…and enjoy it!
Mafe Toledo (community dance and movement practitioner)
Becoming a parent is a highly transformative process, but new mothers rarely have time to explore this shift of identity. In Mafê’s session, participants have a chance to connect to their postnatal bodies whilst nurturing the ability to be emotionally available for their baby. Expect grounding moments to tune in to your own feelings, and moments of connection talking and moving together in a shared community.
Envisioning a world where everyone is free to move and express themselves, Mafê’s practice is rooted in Body-Mind Centering®, emphasizing developmental movement and experiential anatomy. Mafê is a qualified Somatic Movement Educator (SME), Infant Developmental Movement Educator (IDME), a Master of Fine Arts in Choreography (Roehampton University) and has a Diploma in Dance Teaching and Learning (Trinity Laban).
9th July
2025
Matrescence…tell me more!
Eszter Bove
Matrescence is something ALL mothers go through. Whether they know it or not. It is the transformative process of BECOMING a mother. And it never ends.
It changes your life and turns you inside out and upside down.
You are told to just ‘bounce back’. You are told to exercise to get your body ‘back’. You may struggle to hold your relationships together… your old friends (especially the childless ones) don’t necessarily ‘get you’ any more. You are so sleep deprived, you can’t focus on anything for any length of time, let alone consider how you will be able to hold down a job when you return to work. Do you even WANT to return to the same job as you did before?
These are just some of the questions we may explore during our time together. A conversation that DEFINITELY takes longer than just 1.5 hrs, so we keep returning to this one every week, one way or another.
I am delighted to share my heartfelt gratitude for Mama Haven’s postpartum mothers’ support in Barnet. As a new mother navigating the beautiful yet challenging journey of motherhood, these sessions have been an absolute lifeline for me.
Mama Haven has created a warm and nurturing environment where mothers come together to share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Eszter, the facilitator has a genuine passion for supporting mothers during this transformative time, offering a wealth of knowledge and empathy that goes beyond what I could have imagined.
Attending Mama Haven sessions has been a source of immense comfort and reassurance for me. The sense of community among fellow mothers, combined with the invaluable guidance from the knowledgeable facilitator and the guest speakers has provided me with a wealth of practical advice and emotional support. The topics covered are not only relevant but also presented in a way that resonates deeply with the unique journey each mother is on.
To any mothers in Barnet considering postpartum support, I wholeheartedly recommend Mama Haven. It is more than a service; it is a community that understands, supports, and uplifts every mother on her individual journey. Thank you, Mama Haven, for being a beacon of support and understanding during this precious time in my life.
Eszter has created a warm and inviting space for mums to be themselves and to open up and participate as little or as much as you like. I really look forward to the sessions each week.
Thank you for this morning…its been a long time since I spoke to someone who was just present for me, where I felt heard and received compassion without any judgement or agenda and didn’t feel guilty for talking about myself too much!
That alone is so healing
Being a part of this Mother’s circle is a real privilege. Eszter holds space for each of us with such grace and kindness. The format is really refreshing and I feel truly seen and held whilst taking part. Every mother deserves this experience.
I am so thankful that I found Mama Haven. I suffer with anxiety and it takes a lot for me to get to the session however once I’m there I feel at ease and leave feeling happy and energised. Eszter has created a wonderfully welcoming, friendly, safe and supportive space with open discussions, mindfulness activities, playmats for the babies and of course snacks! It’s a chance to connect with other mums and realise you’re not alone in your struggles. Thank you Eszter!
Also, I wanted to personally thank you for mama haven the other day. I was feeling overwhelmed before I came and the moment I entered the space everything stressful melted away. It honestly felt like heaven.! It truly felt like it saved me and since Wednesday I’ve just felt so much better knowing I’m not alone and there’s a little ‘sanctuary’ that I can go to.
“Today was everything I needed, and more.
…thank you for the space holders and you monumental mamas.
I’m certain L. realised his babyhood today 🤍”
Rosella
“For those I didn’t get a chance to see, sadly it’s F’s and I’s last session due to her new found mobility and curiosity 🤯 … (wish me luck!) And what a wonderful last session it was.
Thank you to Eszter for the nourishing, supportive space and for all the chats and supports from an amazing group of mammas!”
Heather
“I can’t thank you enough for these last 10 months of welcomes, hugs and calm support! So grateful to have been part of mama haven 🥰
…
Hope mama haven continues to go from strength to strength! It’s been the best!!”
Sam
Past sessions:
This is what we covered in the sessions since November 2023
Babywearing Masterclass
Jasmin McGonigle, Babywearing Consultant @camdenbabywearing
In this session we will go through some of the benefits of babywearing and have a brief look at the different types of slings and carriers available. We will also talk about the different carrying positions that slings can offer – parent facing, front facing, hip and back carrying.
We will then cover all the information on how to carry your baby safely whilst looking at the T.I.C.K.S guidelines; and also talk about how best to dress yourself and baby when using a sling or carrier.
There will then be time to answer any questions and offer fit checks or the opportunity to try a sling if you don’t already own one and would like too.
We will work together as a group to do this, to see what everyone’s needs are.
If you do already own/ use a sling or carrier do make sure to bring it along with you!
The session should give you the confidence to carrying your little one safely and comfortably.
Singing with Sarah
Sarah Wade (The Singing Club)
My name is Sarah Wade and I run The Singing Club!
I am passionate about getting everyone singing for FUN and believe singing can be a wonderful prescription for well-being!
ALL abilities are welcome and I strive to create an informal environment – coffee and pastries are always provided! I am excited to help YOU find your voice!
Movement with Mafe: Connecting with the Mothering Body
Mafe Toledo (community dance and movement practitioner)
Becoming a parent is a highly transformative process, but new mothers rarely have time to explore this shift of identity. In Mafê’s session, participants have a chance to connect to their postnatal bodies whilst nurturing the ability to be emotionally available for their baby. Expect grounding moments to tune in to your own feelings, and moments of connection talking and moving together in a shared community.
Envisioning a world where everyone is free to move and express themselves, Mafê’s practice is rooted in Body-Mind Centering®, emphasizing developmental movement and experiential anatomy. Mafê is a qualified Somatic Movement Educator (SME), Infant Developmental Movement Educator (IDME), a Master of Fine Arts in Choreography (Roehampton University) and has a Diploma in Dance Teaching and Learning (Trinity Laban).
Returning to paid work, with baby
Eszter Bove (IBCLC and mothers’ circle facilitator)
When are you expected to return to paid work? How does it feel? Is it the right time for you and your family? What can you do to make this transition easier? How will your baby feed and sleep? Have you found the right childcare setting?
So many questions. Come and have an honest discussion, where you can really open up about your feelings and you won’t receive judgement.
Eszter has 11+ years experience in supporting families with transitions like this, amongst many others. Having done it twice with her own children, she has a lot to offer in terms of professional, personal and practical support.
Your postpartum body and how to care for it
Theory and practice
Sunnah Rose (yoga teacher)
Sunnah has been teaching yoga since 2002. Originally trained in the Sivananda Ashram, she is now a BWY teacher and continues to work and train with various teachers and different styles to keep her classes fresh and challenging. In 2006 she qualified as a Pregnancy Yoga Teacher and Child Birth Educator with YogaBirth, set up by Yvonne Moore and Lolly Stirk and a number of other wonderful Active Birth teachers. She was fortunate enough to be mentored by both Yvonne and Lolly as well as draw on the experience of everyone within the organisation.
Sunnah has been running pregnancy yoga and postnatal yoga with babies classes since 2006 – she is so grateful and honoured to even just be a small part in each and everyone of her students journey on this amazing path called motherhood.
Your postpartum body
It can be a confusing time after giving birth. Your body has gone through a massive change, it needs time to heal and rest but also you have all these new aches and pains to deal with. Do you know what you can safely do in the first few weeks and months? Does it differ if you have had a vaginal birth or c-section? What are your goals over this period to keep you fit and healthy while providing 24 hour care for another being. In this session i first and foremost want to give you permission to be okay with taking rest and not adding another task to your ever growing list…. but i also want to share insight into common problems that come with nurturing and feeding you baby and lack of sleep and share some simple movements that you can add in to your everyday that help reduce the strains and stresses on your body that come from caring for your little one.
Sunnah has been teaching yoga since 2002. Originally trained in the Sivananda Ashram, she is now a BWY teacher and continues to work and train with various teachers and different styles to keep her classes fresh and challenging. In 2006 she qualified as a Pregnancy Yoga Teacher and Child Birth Educator with YogaBirth, set up by Yvonne Moore and Lolly Stirk and a number of other wonderful Active Birth teachers. She was fortunate enough to be mentored by both Yvonne and Lolly as well as draw on the experience of everyone within the organisation.
Sunnah has been running pregnancy yoga and postnatal yoga with babies classes since 2006 – she is so grateful and honoured to even just be a small part in each and everyone of her students journey on this amazing path called motherhood.
Your postpartum body
It can be a confusing time after giving birth. Your body has gone through a massive change, it needs time to heal and rest but also you have all these new aches and pains to deal with. Do you know what you can safely do in the first few weeks and months? Does it differ if you have had a vaginal birth or c-section? What are your goals over this period to keep you fit and healthy while providing 24 hour care for another being. In this session i first and foremost want to give you permission to be okay with taking rest and not adding another task to your ever growing list…. but i also want to share insight into common problems that come with nurturing and feeding you baby and lack of sleep and share some simple movements that you can add in to your everyday that help reduce the strains and stresses on your body that come from caring for your little one.
Understanding Your baby’s sleep
With Kathryn Stagg Holistic Sleep Coach and IBCLC
Come and ask Kathryn all about your baby’s sleep, what is normal, what is expect during different stages of their development, and developmentally appropriate and gentle tips on how to maximise your child’s sleep.
The MYTH of the PERFECT MOTHER
Discussion with Eszter Bove (IBCLC, mothers’ circle facilitator)
What do you think of when you hear the words: perfect mother?
Would you consider yourself as one? Why? Why not?
How our society expects the IMPOSSIBLE from today’s mothers How can we combat this myth in our own immediate environment?
Expect a juicy conversation around all things mothering and of course…
Spoiler: we WON’T give you recipes to be the ‘perfect mother’, but there’ll be book recommendations, top tips and takeaways!
Let’s PLAY!
Laura Moore-Williams Early Years Specialist & Consultant
With over 12 years of experience as an Early Vears Specialist & Consultant, coupled with the joyous chaos of parenting my own two year old, I bring a wealth of knowledge, empathy, and practical insights to support you on this beautiful adventure of parenthood.
I empower parents throwgh my advice and guidance in areas of early childhood development and learning that can be fostered at home.
During my session at Mama Haven, I will share my wisdom and top tips for things you can do together with your baby to foster and encourage their learing and development. I will support you in creating safe and loving environments where our children can thrive, without the need for lots of resources and toys. I’ll be happy to answer any of your questions too.
Big love, Laura x
Baby health and first aid
Martin Lacey, Mini First Aid – North London
Hi, my name is Martin, and I am a father of two with twenty years’ experience as a workplace and sports first aid provider. Following being made redundant in September 2018 and desperate for a change of work routine, my wife introduced me to Mini First Aid. Having always enjoyed my first aid roles over the years, and wanting a new challenge, I took the plunge and joined the team. Fortunately, there was an area available in London, and so Mini First Aid North London was born. I have been up and running now since January 2019, and during this time have been lucky to have met and helped thousands of new parents, grandparents, carers, and children, not to mention getting to meet the newest members of their family! I love being able to help people feel more confident about dealing with life’s little lumps and bumps.
Mindful Mothering Tools
Eszter Bove (mindful breastfeeding practitioner and mothers’ circle facilitator)
Post-Partum Recovery
Why Pelvic Floor Exercises are not Enough; an Osteopathic Perspective
Virgine Host (Chartered Physiotherapist, Registered Osteopath, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner)
Throughout my practice I will look at you as a whole and aim to treat the cause(s) of the problem instead of just the symptom. My aim is to work with you collaboratively rather than on you – ideally it needs to be a working partnership!
I work with a body and mind based approach using according to the patient’s needs a range of tools which may include physical therapy, integrative osteopathy ( sacro-cranial, visceral, neural, fascia and functional) and somatic experiencing with a special interest in pregnancy related issues, paediatrics, physical and medical trauma, spinal & sport injuries, pain, stress and PTSD.
I qualified in 1985 as a physiotherapist in Strasbourg in France ) and in 2003 as an Osteopath (BSc) Hons. in London. I completed a Masters degree in Paediatric Osteopathy in 2009 and qualified as a Somatic Experiencing practitioner in 2020..
I am registered with the Health & Care Professions Council ( HCPC), the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). and the Somatic Experiencing Association (SEAUK). I am a member of Pelvis Partnership.
The Surprising Truth Behind Babies and Crying
Join us for an exploration into why babies cry and how we can support them in those tough moments.
Lara Zane (Hand in Hand Parenting Instructor)
We’ll take a look at the impact crying has on parents and discuss how the Hand in Hand Parenting tools can help you and your child.
Learn more about how this connection-based approach can help you to navigate these years with more ease, joy and confidence.
All about FEEDING YOUR BABY
Breast feeding, chest feeding,, bottle feeding exclusively pumping, mixed feeding, solids
Eszter Bove (infant feeding specialist, IBCLC)
Come with ALL your infant feeding questions: breast feeding, chest feeding, bottle feeding, exclusively pumping, mixed feeding?
All welcome!
Introducing the potty early
Why and How?
Aki MacFarlane (Barnet Nappy Library & EC Hub)
Hi, I’m Aki, and I am a local mum of 2. I have practised Elimination Communication (EC or baby pottying) with my eldest from 4 months old and my youngest from birth.
Helping your young baby to use a potty is unusual in the UK, and often regarded as something that you or your baby need to extraordinary to achieve.
In fact, it is possible to include a level of EC to suit all different families and situations. It is also not as messy as many imagine- almost every EC family uses nappies alongside the potty.
I want to empower all parents and caregivers to give it a go- it is very special to see what your baby is capable of.
I’ll give an overview of what EC is all about (spoiler: communication!) and its many benefits, how to harness your baby’s natural instincts and build familiarity and trust around toileting, and tips for getting started at different ages.
Motherhood: expectations and reality
Discussion with Eszter Bove (IBCLC, mothers’ circle facilitator)
What did you imagine motherhood would be like BEFORE baby was born?
What is motherhood like RIGHT NOW?
How have your expectations change over time?
Dream vs reality
What sort of support do you have in place to get through motherhood as IS?
What would you like to share in this space that you may not feel able to share anywhere else?
Your baby’s temperament and how it matches yours!
Discussion with Eszter Bove (infant feeding specialist, mother and baby group facilitator with over a decade’s experience)
Singing and art in motherhood with Hiranya
Hiranya (Thula Mama signing circle facilitator, mama blessing host, matrescence doula)
I holds space for women throughout their matrascence journey – from pregnancy to postpartum – by hosting gatherings, providing education and acting as a guide. A songstress and adventurer, I believe motherhood is an opportunity to connect more deeply with one’s intuition, values and path. I host Thula Mama circles for pregnant women with bumps, and newborn mothers with babes in arms. Together, we learn lullabies and nursery songs from around the world – connecting us with a long line of mama’s who have sung these songs before.
Singing is a transformative way to connect with yourself, your baby and others. It also develops your ability to regulate stress and emotions – the most powerful tool for any parent.
I am a member of the Natural Voice Network and my album, “Frangipani and daisy chains,” was released in 2023. I have trained as a postnatal doula, to hold space for pregnancy loss and in modalities such as Ayurveda and yoga for women’s cycles.
How can craniosacral therapy heal you and your child
with Maria Esposito, craniosacral therapist
Maria Esposito (BSc Hons Nutritionist Nutritional therapist. NLP. Craniosacral therapist NAET)
Other problems that have been helped with my treatment of CS are:
Sling ‘surgery’
Hiranya (trainee sling consultant, mother of a toddler, experienced babywearer)
Why post birth debriefing matters
Claire Dugan (Hypnobirthing, birth doula, post birth support)
Hi, I’m Claire. A local mother of two and a Hypnobirthing Doula and Birth Trauma Therapist.
Many of us suffer trauma either leading into pregnancy or during labour and birth. It can go on to affect your emotional and mental wellbeing, your future relationships and even bonding with your new baby.
Whether your experience was six months ago or six years ago, changes can be made to your emotional wellbeing.
We will gently look into the feelings you are experiencing and the responses you have. We will cover generalised symptoms and look into ways you can move forward to heal, while lightening the emotions around the event or experience.
We will hold the space for you all to feel comfortable and at ease. I am looking forward to meeting you and will offer each of you a free discovery consultation following the meet up
C section recovery
Amy Fergus-Fuller (C section recovery expert, mum of 2, yoga teacher)
Join our free masterclass on C-section recovery, where I’ll guide you through common postoperative challenges and reveal empowering insights.
Discover the reversible nature of these issues and gain practical knowledge for a smoother recovery journey. Your well-being matters, and this session is designed to equip you with essential information for a confident and healthy post-c-section experience.
Holistic sleep support 0-12 months
Megan Kent (holistic sleep coach)
Megan will give you a bit of an overview on baby sleep development, what to expect, and will answer your questions during the session!
Hi! I am Megan, a Holistic Infant Sleep Consultant, fully qualified and trained under Lyndsey Hookway Sleep Coaching programme.
I am a huge believer in fully responsive, flexible methods and fully advocating postnatal mental health – helping normalise, support & optimise infant sleep and helping you to cancel out all the unhelpful opinions & noise about what you feel like you “should” be doing!
Postpartum recovery
Naomi (women’s health and pelvic floor physiotherapist) from Kinetic Physio
Hello, I’m Naomi, a women’s health and pelvic floor physiotherapist. Whether you’ve had a C-section or a vaginal delivery, this session is for you!
Topics Covered:
Bladder care
Return to exercises
Back pain and other musculoskeletal issues
Scar management
Sex
Understanding the pelvic floor
All questions are welcome! Come and learn how to support your postpartum recovery.
Baby massage special
Eszter Bove (baby massage instructor)
In this session you will get an insight into the magic that baby massage can offer to mother and baby. You will be guided through theory and practice.
Newbies and experienced massagers welcome for new learning or a refresher!
Mats and massage oil provided.
Your Postpartum Mental health
Kristina Matej (Motherhood lifeline Therapist)
In this session, we will explore the emotional and psychological challenges that can arise after childbirth, including anxiety, depression, and the pressures of motherhood as well as the joy, love and elevation.
My goal is to create a supportive environment where you can share your experiences, learn coping strategies, and connect with others facing similar challenges.
I will hopefully normalise many of the ups and downs you can experience as a new parent as well as provide resources and tools to help you take care of your mental well-being during this transformative period and to empower you to ask for help when and where needed, as well as to speak up for yourself and your little ones.
This session should leave you with a better understanding of your experience and feeling equipped to tackle the challenges that motherhood is likely to throw at you.
Post Partum Nutrition
Cathryn Spicer-Sherridan (Dietitian, Lactation Consultant)
Please come with all your questions regarding maternal diet and its effect on you as a new mother. It’s an exciting time with a new little one in the family so look at some strategies for prioritising your wellbeing from a nutrition perspective. Sometimes all the advice can take away the joy and confidence of motherhood. There are so many restrictions and suggested additions to your diet. Let’s unpick the evidence together and give you your peace of mind back as to what is in alignment with your joy and health.
Love @thebffdietitian
