Spring is finally on the way! I’m thrilled to share this jam-packed issue with you, bursting with ideas to kick-start the warmer and brighter days ahead. We’re especially proud to feature the incredible Essex Wildlife Trust this issue, who share their top picks for fun and free family days out, events, and more in nature this month and beyond.
As we recently celebrated World Book Day, it's a great reminder of the importance of stepping away from the screens to enjoy the simple pleasure of reading with our children. In celebration, local author Helen Finch has written a short story exclusively for Puddle readers.
Plus, we’ve got plenty of pregnancy and baby goodness to share from some of our wonderful local businesses. Please let businesses know you discovered them in Puddle whenever you can. Thank you!
Sarah Measom Editor
Team & Contributors
Jack Neale - Creative Director
Lauren Cosson - Essex Wildlife Trust
Faye Brawshaw - Copy Editor
Helen Finch - Guest Writer
Lucy Murray - Little Dreams Consulting
Emily Hughes - Finding Flow Parenting
Laura Burchett - Basking Babies
Becki Trigg - BirthingwithBecki
Step into Spring with Essex Wildlife Trust
Words by Lauren Cosson
Essex Wildlife Trust is the county’s leading conservation charity, committed to restoring and protecting wildlife, and inspiring a lifelong love of nature. We manage 10 Nature Discovery Centres and nature reserves across Essex, creating places of wonder and spaces for people to enjoy our wild world. This spring, we’re talking about the wonderful wildlife spectacles that you can enjoy and where the best places are to see them. From exploring our sites at your leisure to attending one of our outdoor events, we’ll help you and your family have a magical time in nature.
Let’s talk about spring
Spring is an exciting time across Essex. The green shoots of golden daffodils start to burst through the ground. Birds start to busy themselves with creating comfy nests. The light stays with us a little longer. Nature is springing into action.
Did you know, Essex Wildlife Trust manages over 100 nature reserves? That means there are at least 100 different destinations for you and your family to get your nature fix. It might seem difficult to know where to begin with a list that long, so we thought we’d give you our best spring sites to visit to help you plan your outdoor adventures.
Our top spring locations
All sites have paths or tracks that are accessible for wheelchairs and prams (or have designated accessible routes), café with food facilities, toilets, WIFI, outdoor play areas and picnic benches. Some of our sites have a permanent character trail to explore. Open 7 days per week, 10am –5pm (February-November).
Langdon Nature Discovery Park
Lower Dunton Road, Basildon SS16 6EJ
One of our favourite sites for spring and summer, this nature reserve comes alive with colourful flowers and fluttering butterflies in the warmer months. It’s a big site, so this might become one of your favourite regular spots. Various trails will lead you to our sensory garden, Plotland homes for a bit of Basildon’s history, and numerous ponds and meadows. Ask our staff when you visit for the best routes to take.
Character trail: Peter Rabbit
Wildlife to spot: Flowers, butterflies, foxes
Abberton Reservoir
Nature Discovery Park
Church Road, Layer-de-la-Haye, Colchester CO2 0EU
A place where up to 40,000 birds come each year – pretty special, right? If your family love spotting ducklings by the water, our Nature Discovery Centre is the perfect base for you. We often have a moorhen family paddling around right by our seating area. You’ll also be able to watch our popular bird feeders. Don’t forget to come and see our giant bee hotel, ready for insects to call this home.
Character trail: Brambly Hedge Wildlife to spot: Barn owl, ducks, garden birds.
Mark Draper
Caroline Durrell
Hanningfield Reservoir
Nature Discovery Park
Hawkswood Road, Downham, Billericay CM11 1WT
Easy woodland trails, peaceful reservoir views and accessible wildlife hides make this a great visit for a family day out. At this time of year, swifts, swallows and martins will start to re-appear, swooping over the water to feed on insects. You can even see the home of our bat webcam in real life – you won’t believe that thousands of baby bats will fit inside of it when you see it. The best bit is you can watch the bats from March onwards on our live webcam! Visit: essexwt.org.uk/wildlife/webcams
Character trail: The Wind in the Willows Wildlife to spot: Ducks, squirrels, swallows, daffodils.
Thameside Nature Discovery Park
Mucking Wharf Road, Stanford-Le-Hope SS170RN
A fantastic day out for watching the ships across the Thames Estuary or looking at the birds from an accessible 360-degree panoramic viewing platform on our roof. From here, you can also look for our resident cows and sheep, grazing our reserve. Explore the network of footpaths or head to our wildlife hide to spot wildlife, just a few minutes’ walk from the café.
Additional facilities: Outdoor play area Wildlife to spot: Starling, skylark, barn owl
Fingringhoe Wick
Nature Discovery Park
South Green Road, Fingringhoe, Colchester C05 7DN
Nestled away from the busy town of Colchester, Fingringhoe Wick is a quiet reserve, perfect for families looking for a day in wildlife off the beaten track. From April, our staff and volunteers can help you hear one of the countries rarest birds, the nightingale, which has the most amazing song that adults and children will both love. If you’re lucky, you might even see one of our resident badgers snuffling along. If not, you can watch the badgers on our webcam online – just as the sun starts to set they’ll come looking for food.
Wildlife to spot: Nightingales, wading birds, butterflies.
Wilder learning with us
Our regular events
Essex Wildlife Trust
Nature tots is a weekly parent and toddler group where young children can explore, play and learn through nature.
Wilder Holiday Club runs in school holidays across the county, our wildlife-filled drop off days are for ages 5-11.
Our home education sessions can help children develop a range of practical and social skills, whilst being immersed in wildlife. Ages vary depending on the location.
Seashore science lab – 8 April, 10am –10.45am and 11.15am – midday, ages 6+
Abberton Reservoir Nature Discovery Centre: Super scientists – 14 April, various times, ages 5+
For the explorers
Hanningfield Reservoir Nature
Discovery Park: Easter crafts and events – 7 April, drop in any time between10.30am –3pm any time, ages 4+
Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Park:
CBBC’s Deadly Scene Investigation Trail - 16 April, drop in any time between 10.30am –3pm.
Wildflower lovers
Warley Place nature reserve:
Spring Bulb Spectacular. Saturdays and Sundays from March until end of April,suitable for all ages.
Langdon Nature Discovery Centre: Easter trail – 5 April, drop in anytime from10am – 5pm, all ages.
Birds of prey live event
Abberton Reservoir Nature Discovery Centre:
Birds of prey - 4 April, 6.30am-9.30pm, suitable for families.
Essex Wildlife Trust essexwt.org.uk
Ingrebourne Nature Discovery Centre:
Owl flight and talk - 12 April, 4.30pm6.30pm, suitable for families (under 3s go free). Thameside Nature Discovery Park: Birds of prey - 17 April, 7pm-9pm, suitable for families.
Pond dipping
Grange Farm, Roding Valley Meadows: 11 April, various times.
Thameside Nature Discovery Park: 7 April, 2-3pm.
Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Park: 11 April, various times from 10am.
Quiet times
Langdon Nature Discovery Park: Autism-friendly early opening - 8 April, 8am-10am.
Making a difference
Take part in Spring Pickers, between 10 March and 19 March. We’re people of all ages to collect 5 pieces of litter every day to clean up the county before spring. Sign up now and plot your pick: essexwt.org.uk/get-involved/ campaign/spring-pickers
Bedfords Park Nature Discovery Centre:
Litter pick around the reserve (plus come and see our resident deer!) – 16 March, 9.30am11.30am, suitable for families.
All events, booking information and further details are available on our website or by scanning the QR code below.
We know it’s not always possible to come along to events or nature reserves. That’s why we’ve created these free resources and put together our top tips to help you connect with nature wherever you are.
Signs of Spring
See if you can spot the signs of spring while you’re out and about – you might find them in your garden, walking to school, in the car or on a walk. If you’re up for the challenge, why not become a butterfly detective, or fill in your bird watching diary?
Top tips from the Trust
Spend as much time outdoors as you can. Your local park or green space is great for noticing changes.
Slow down and let your child lead. Be curious together and “I wonder” out loud.
Don’t let the weather beat you! Avoid teaching children that to enjoy yourself you need a ‘good day’. Different weathers bring different experiences: splash in those puddles and fly that home-made kite.
Don’t worry if you don’t know what things are – work it out together using ID charts,
an app on your phone or check online – our website can point you in the right direction.
Make your garden wildlife-friendly by following an easy DIY (we’ve got some of these on our website too.)
Amy Lewis
Crafty corner
Nature painting
Get into the spring feeling with these handmade nature paintbrushes. Kids will love seeing how each plant makes a different pattern, and creating some amazing abstract art!
Sticks, cleaned
Thick string or wool
2-3 inch long plant cuttings
Paints and a tray
1. Grab 4-5 cuttings and pinch them together around the top of your stick.
2. Wind your string around the base of the cutting tightly to attach the branches.
3. Dip in paint and brush to create some unique nature inspired textures and shapes!
Smooth rock (pebble shaped)
Acrylic paints or paint pens
Paintbrushes
Sealer (like Mod Podge or clear varnish)
Love on the rocks
Add a little surprise to your next park adventure with this rock-hiding craft inspired by Love on the Rocks UK. Decorate your stone, hide it, and see if someone finds your creation — or keep your eyes peeled for one hidden by someone else! Share your finds or creations with #LoveOnTheRocksUK
1. Paint your rock however you fancy.
2. Once dry, seal with varnish to protect it from the weather.
3. Hide it in your local park and join the fun!
Reading together
Sharing books is vital for a child’s development. It not only helps with formation of words and sounds, but builds a bond between you. Pregnant mothers have been encouraged to read and sing to their unborn child, especially around 27-29 weeks. The rhythm and sounds become familiar so when they are born and begin the developmental journey a good start has been established.
Spending time with your children reading a book or making up stories encourages interaction, exploration and imagination. It builds relationships and helps with difficult conversations as children get older. Make use of the Library to choose books which can be borrowed from birth for free. Whether you share a book, find a story online or make up an adventure together, the benefits to your child will be enormous.
Helen Finch
Published author, Elklan qualifiied in Speech, Language and Communication
The disappearing moon
By Helen Finch
Short story
story
Night-time was Sam’s favourite time of day. He’d snuggle in bed reading the story of Mr Moon, and then gaze into the night sky. Stars sparkled like diamonds and the moon shone brightly.
One night Sam looked out. He couldn’t believe his eyes. The sky was black as coal. No stars. No moon.
“Mum!” He cried, “The moon’s disappeared.”
They looked into the darkness. “Someone has switched off the light”, said Sam sadly. “I’m sure Mr Moon is fine,” said Mum, tucking him in, “Sweet dreams.”
Sam couldn’t wait. He had to find out what was wrong.
Scrambling out of bed, he put on his silver spacesuit. Grabbing his lamp, he climbed into his toy rocket, pressed the big yellow button and started the countdown. “Three, two, one …… lift off!”
The rocket soared through the open window into the night.
Leaving Earth behind, they soared through the sky. Soon, with a bump and a WHOOSH the rocket landed in a dusty crater.
Sam switched on his lamp, climbed down the steps and set off across the bumpy surface. Finding a bright orange door, Sam pressed the bell and waited. The door was opened by a tiny man wearing an enormous blue hat.
“Hello, Mr Moon, I’m Sam,” he said. “I live on Earth and watch you every night but tonight the moon had disappeared. Do you need some help?”
“I have no candles” he said sadly. “I asked the Sun to stay out a little longer but she moaned she would get too hot. What can I do?” Mr Moon put his head in his hands and a couple of large sparkly tears fell to the floor. “I’ll help you,” Sam replied. “Follow me,” said Mr Moon.
They went up a winding staircase to the top of the house which had a clear glass roof. “The candle goes here,” said Mr Moon, pointing to a hole in the wall.
Short
Sam held out his lamp pushing it into the hole. It fitted perfectly.
He pressed the switch and it burst into life. Up above, stars twinkled and shone. The room glowed brightly. “What an extraordinary lamp,” said Mr Moon.
“It’s special,” replied Sam. “Leaving it out in the sunshine charges it up. When it gets dark it lights up and never runs out. You will never need candles again.”
Mr Moon clapped. “Marvellous! Thank you, Sam. Before you go, you must have some... crater cookies and starfruit juice.”
“I won’t tell Mum I’ve had a midnight feast,” laughed Sam, “she thinks I’m in bed asleep.”
Mr Moon walked Sam back to his rocket.
“Goodbye Mr Moon” he said climbing in and putting on his belt. With a wave he was off, heading back past the shooting stars, down to Earth and his bedroom.
Jumping into bed, he pulled back the curtain and saw the moon was shining brightly. “Goodnight Mr Moon,” he said before falling fast asleep.
The end
Spring forward without sleep struggles
I love Spring! The longer days, flowers popping through, and hopefully some warmer weather. However, it also brings a change to the clocks which many parents worry about – but, don’t fear – with a few simple strategies and a bit of patience, you can help support your baby or child through this time change without everything becoming much harder.
On the 30th March, clocks will move forward an hour, so 5am will become 6am. This is also the clock change that is useful if you have an early riser as it will automatically bring their morning forward.
Before we look at the tips – there is no need to do anything if you are happy to go with the flow! It is likely that their timings will return to normal within a few days, especially if you can make the most of the warmer weather and have plenty of time outside. If you would rather be a bit more prepared, read on.
Lucy Murray
Sleep Consultant
Little Dreams Consulting, Chelmsford & Colchester
Lucy is a certified Baby and Child Sleep Consultant. She supports families with their children’s sleep from 4 months to 10 years (and antenatal packages) across Essex and further afield. As a mum of 3 who all struggled to sleep, Lucy knows how important it is to get help as a parent. If you are struggling with your child’s sleep but aren’t sure where to turn, book a free, no-obligation 15-minute call to find out how she can help or see her website for sleep tips.
The gradual approach
This is useful for babies, or children who are sensitive to change.
On Sunday, adjust your little ones naptime and/or bedtime back by 15 minutes each day. For example if their bedtime is normally 7pm then move bedtime 15 minutes earlier each night until you reach their normal time. So, on Sunday night you would put them down at 7.45pm (‘new springtime’), then 7.30pm etc... by the fourth night you should be back to their ‘normal’ time of 7pm.
Split the difference
For toddlers on one nap and children who no longer need a nap, split the difference between the old and new time.
On Sunday 30th March, put your napping toddler down 30 minutes earlier for their nap and bedtime. For example, if they nap at 12.30pm, put them down for their nap at 1pm. Use this for three days to help them adjust and then pop them down at the normal time. For independent sleepers, they may take a bit longer to settle, but that is ok!
For those no longer napping, just adjust bedtime.
Do nothing!
If you have an early riser at the moment, the change in the clocks can be the thing you were waiting for to get their mornings back on track – and there is no need to do anything! If you have a newborn, again, no need to do anything.
Did you know that natural daylight can wake us up? If you have noticed your children’s mornings getting earlier, it might be worth investing in a blackout blind as the daylight can trick your body into thinking it is daytime. It can also help them go to sleep for naps and bedtime when it is light outside.
Remember that every child is different, so find what works best for your family and be flexible in your approach. With a little bit of planning and consistency, you can help your little one settle into the new schedule smoothly. Good luck and enjoy the lighter evenings ahead of us!
Check out my blog at chelmsfordandcolchester. littledreamsconsulting.com for even more tips on great sleeping environments.
Scan to book a free 15 minute call with Lucy or visit her website.
What’s on
Mother's Day
Mother's Day
List your event in our next issue - email sarah@puddlemagazine.co.uk
Junior Parkrun at Great Notley Country Park • Every Sunday
Braintree • 9:00am • FREE
Suitable for 4 years and up • explore-essex.com
Brentwood NCT Nearly New Sale • 16th March
Brentwood • 10:30am-2:00pm • FREE
Buy, sell, or volunteer (see website for details) • nct.org.uk
Toddler Tuesdays at Little Monsters House of Fun • Every Tuesday
Dunmow • 9:30am-5:30pm • Adults £2, under 1s £2.50, children £6.50-£7.50
Term time fun for mini monsters! • littlemonstershof.co.uk
Miniature Railway at Poplar Nurseries • Everyday (weather permitting)
Colchester • 10:00am-4:00pm • Adults & children £2 first ride, £1 other rides, under 4's free when accompanied, £5 for unlimited rides • poplarnurseries.co.uk
Call to book on 01376 328868 • braintreemuseum.co.uk
That's not my City! Little City Braintree & Bishops Stortford • Dates in March
Braintree, Bishops Stortford • 10:15am-12:15pm • £8 per child • Little City fun alongside Usborne Books to celebrate World Book Day • littlecityuk.com
Old Macdonald's Farm Park Mother's Day Event • 30th March
Colchester • 10:00am-5:00pm • Children £15.30, adults £16.15, under 2's free • omdfarm.co.uk
Mums go free at Nuclear Wild Forest Outdoor Activity Centre • 30th March
Brentwood • 9:00am-4:00pm • Mums FREE, £24 per person wild-forest.co.uk
Details are accurate at the time of publishing. Please verify event information with organisers directly. Puddle Magazine is not responsible for any changes, cancellations, or inaccuracies.
Easter at Hedingham Castle • 6th - 21st April
Halstead • 11:00am-4:00pm • Adults £11, Children £10, under 4's FREE, family discounts • Enjoy a basketful of egg-citing activities! • hedinghamcastle.co.uk
The Birth & Beyond Brunch at Wickford Memorial Park Cafe • 26th March
Wickford • 11:30am-1:30pm • £5 entry • A relaxed brunch to build your parenthood community from birth to beyond • eventbrite.co.uk
ACL Children’s Craft Sessions at Shenfield Library • Wednesdays in March
Children's Breakfast and Pottery Painting at Meadow Croft • 9th April
Battlesbridge • 9:00am-11:00am • Children £8.83, adults and under 3's free meadow-croft.co.uk
Brentwood Connected Easter Bunny Trail • 7th - 21st April
Brentwood, Shenfield, Ingatestone • FREE • Explore all three high streets during the school holidays and win prizes! • brentwoodconnected.co.uk/easter
All Things Alpaca Easter Experience • 29th March - 30th April
Chelmsford • 10:00am-4:00pm • Children £8, one free adult per paying child • Experience within Lathcoats Farm • allthingsalpacauk.co.uk
Family Forest School at Danbury Country Park • 5th April
Danbury • 11:00am-2:00pm • First child £10, siblings £6, under 18 months FREE explore-essex.com
In the community
Winner of Essex Wildlife Trust wildlife photography competition revealed as 14-year old Leah Bloom
Winner Leah Bloom, says, “All my life I have loved wildlife and nature, spending much of my free time walking in Epping Forest –which is helpfully on our doorstep! I started wildlife photography less than two years ago, and doing so has brought me so much closer to all the wonderful wildlife in Essex! I love being able to showcase the characteristics, behaviours, and unique personalities of all the animals I photograph. With my photography, I hope to inspire others to go out into nature and care about the animals and insects we are lucky to share our planet with, as well as their habitats too!” essexwt.org.uk/news
Shenfield Library celebrates its grand reopening
Shenfield Library reopened on 5th February 2025 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by the Mayor, councillors, and local partners.
Brentwood Connected marked the occasion with a fantastic free family fun day on 22nd February. The library hosts free family events, including ACL craft sessions in March and awardwinning rhyme time - continuing its legacy of learning and community connection. libraries.essex.gov.uk
Essex & Herts Air Ambulance fundraiser returns
Essex & Herts Air Ambulance is bringing back its popular 'Strictly Air Ambulance' fundraising event on 15th March 2025 at The Brentwood Centre. It’s a fantastic way for families to get involved while supporting the essential work of the air ambulance service. It’s a perfect outing for those looking to have fun and contribute to a worthy cause. Visit ehaat.org for tmore info and tickets.
Talk Listen Cuddle (TLC) - Essex's parent campaign new website now live
The TLC Essex campaign is to help parents, carers, and families give their young children the best start in life by developing their communication skills through playful learning at home. This site hosts a range of ideas and top tips to support children’s language development in readiness for school. tlc-essex.info
Leah Bloom
In the community
Giant Easter Bunnies to take over Brentwood, Shenfield & Ingatestone High Streets
Brentwood Connected, the Business Improvement District (BID) for Brentwood, Shenfield, and Ingatestone, is hosting a free Easter Bunny Trail from 7-21 April. Families can explore all three high streets during the school holidays and win prizes. Three free Easter event days with Easter Bunny meetand-greets and crafts will also take place in Brentwood on 10 April, Shenfield on 11 April, and Ingatestone on 17 April.
Ten giant Easter bunnies, decorated and named by local schools and groups, will be hidden in business windows across the area. Participating businesses include 7 Crown Street, Guided Learning, Schmidt Kitchens, The Pink Parachute, Five Physio, and more.
excited to see what the schools and groups create for us. We encourage people to come out and explore their local area during the school holidays for free, courtesy of our Brentwood Connected member businesses.”
Trail sheets can be collected from venues or downloaded online. Families who find and name all 10 bunnies will enter a prize draw to win Jellycat toys, Easter eggs, and art supplies.
Sarah Walmsley, Brentwood Connected BID Manager, said: “We’ve delivered lots of successful free trails for children in the area and we know they’re popular amongst families who want to get out during the school holidays and ‘support local’. We’re really grateful to the businesses who are giving the bunnies a home in April, and we’re
Schools involved include Brentwood Preparatory, Holly Trees, Hutton All Saints, Ingatestone & Fryerning Juniors, Larchwood, Shenfield
St. Mary’s, St. Helen’s Juniors, Warley, Willowbrook, and a group of local Ukrainian children. Mrs Branton, Headteacher of Willowbrook School, said: “We’re really grateful for the opportunity to showcase our talented pupils’ creative skills as part of the Brentwood Connected Easter Bunny Trail. Our children are looking forward to making and naming their giant bunny and then spotting this and others on the trail itself during the Easter holidays.”
Brentwood Connected is funded by local businesses to improve the experience of residents, visitors, and businesses in Brentwood, Shenfield, and Ingatestone. For more information, visit brentwoodconnected.co.uk/easter
The wonders of baby massage
Laura Burchett
Basking Babies
Basildon and Wickford
Laura owns Basking Babies Basildon and Wickford, specialising in baby massage and yoga. Passionate about supporting parents and building community, she creates a warm, welcoming space for families to bond and learn. Her classes promote well-being through nurturing touch. When not teaching, she enjoys time with her husband and two-year-old son whilst sharing the joy of baby massage far and wide.
baskingbabies.co.uk
Follow Laura on social media
@baskingbabiesbasildon
From the moment a baby is born, touch plays a vital role in their development. It soothes, comforts, and helps to form deep emotional bonds. One of the most beautiful ways to harness the power of touch is through baby massage – a practice passed down across cultures for thousands of years.
A tradition as old as time
The history of baby massage dates back to 2700 BC in China, where early medical texts referenced the use of touch to promote health. In ancient Egypt, archaeologists discovered massage oils and creams made from camel and sheep fat buried in tombs, highlighting its importance in daily life.
Massage techniques spread worldwide, with Indian traditions incorporating warm oils to nourish the skin. In the 1700s, Swedish doctor Per Henrik Ling developed what we now know as Swedish massage, laying the foundations for modern baby massage.
Baby massage
Why baby massage is more than just a treat
Baby massage isn’t just a lovely way to bond with your baby – it’s packed with scientifically backed benefits that support both physical and emotional well-being. When you massage your baby, their body releases oxytocin, the “feel-good” hormone responsible for creating feelings of warmth and love. Oxytocin also lowers stress levels in parents, reducing anxiety and promoting calm. On a physical level, baby massage
• Improve digestion – Massage can relieve gas, colic, and constipation.
• Enhance sleep – The relaxation from massage can help babies sleep longer.
• Boost the immune system – Research shows regular massage positively impacts immunity.
• Promote weight gain in premature babies – Studies suggest massage stimulates growth hormones.
Baby massage can be done anytime and as often as your baby enjoys it! However, it’s recommended to wait 72 hours after immunisations before massaging to avoid discomfort.
To create a calming massage environment, consider:
• Temperature – Ensure the room is warm, as babies cool down quickly when undressed.
• Lighting – Soft lighting can help your baby relax.
• Noise – A peaceful setting is ideal, but gentle music can also be soothing.
• Space – Choose a safe, comfortable surface like a soft mat or bed.
How to get started
If you’re new to baby massage, start with the legs. Babies are used to having their legs touched (during nappy changes), so this is a gentle way to introduce massage.
Baby massage is a wonderful way to bond with your little one while supporting their health and development. Whether as part of a bedtime routine or a bonding activity for dads, grandparents, or siblings, this ancient tradition remains as powerful as ever. So, grab some baby-safe oil, set the scene, and enjoy the magic of touch!
Top tips for a safe and enjoyable massage
• Use firm but gentle pressure – your touch should be firmer than a tickle but not uncomfortable.
• Follow your baby’s cues – every baby is different, so trust your instincts.
• Avoid sensitive areas – never apply direct pressure on the spine, throat, skull, or umbilical area.
Photography courtesy of Basking Babies Basildon and Wickford
Pregnancy & Birth
Hypnobirthing
Your no-frills guide to a calmer birth
If you’re imagining incense sticks, whale music, and someone swinging a pocket watch in front of your face, scrap that thought. Hypnobirthing isn’t a load of woo woo or ‘hypnosis’ in the traditional sense. It’s a practical, evidence-based approach to birth that helps you stay calm, feel in control, and actually enjoy the experience (yes, really! I’m living proof of this - I loved giving birth).
So,
what is it exactly?
Hypnobirthing is a full antenatal education, using breathwork, relaxation techniques, and mindset tools to work with your body rather than against it. It’s based on the idea that fear and tension make birth more painful, so if you can reduce those, you’re on track for a smoother, more comfortable experience.
Think about it: when you’re scared, your body tenses up. Your heart races, your breathing becomes shallow, and everything feels more intense. Now apply that to birth - tight muscles and fear-fuelled adrenaline aren’t exactly helpful when you’re trying to birth your baby!
Hypnobirthing teaches you to stay in control of your breath, manage discomfort, and trust your instincts. And no, it’s not just for people planning a home birth in a candle-lit living room, it’s useful for ALL births. So, why should you consider hypnobirthing?
Becki Trigg
Hypnobirthing Educator
Birthing with Becki
Becki Trigg is a certified hypnobirthing educator, mum, and birth enthusiast. She is passionate about empowering expectant parents with the knowledge, confidence and support to navigate their birth experience. She combines her professional training with personal experience to create a supportive environment where parents can feel empowered and informed.
Follow Becki on social media @birthingwithbecki
Visit her website: www.birthingwithbecki.co.uk
Less fear, more confidence – When you understand what’s happening within your body and how to work with it, birth feels far less scary.
Better pain management – Using breathing techniques, guided relaxations, and visualisation, can help reduce pain and tension during contractions.
Fewer interventions – Being calm and feeling in control means you’re more likely to have a birth that progresses at a natural pace, reducing the need for medical interventions like epidurals which can slow and stall labour.
Partner power – Birth isn’t just about the pregnant person, it’s a team effort. When a birth partner feels prepared and empowered, they become an active part of the birth experience. Hypnobirthing gives them the tools to step up, support, and advocate when needed.
Positive birth experience
– Even if things don’t go to plan, hypnobirthing gives you the tools to navigate your birth with calm and confidence, no matter what twists and turns arise. It’s not about achieving a particular type of birth, it’s about supporting you to have the experience you feel most comfortable with.
Is it all just positive thinking?
Not at all! While mindset magic is a huge part of hypnobirthing, it’s not about pretending birth is going to be easy or pain-free. Instead, it’s about changing your relationship with pain. Rather than seeing contractions as something to be feared, you learn to breathe through them, and turn your pain into power. Think of it as pain with a purpose.
And let’s be honest, hypnobirthing cannot guarantee you a particular type of birth experience, no one can. But it does give you the tools to handle whatever comes your way with confidence and calm.
Who is hypnobirthing for?
EVERYONE. Whether you’re a first-time parent or preparing for your fourth baby, hypnobirthing is for you. Whether you’re planning a home birth, hospital birth, water birth, epidural, induction, or caesarean, I can provide you with an abundance of useful tools to help you feel more prepared and empowered.
Birth isn’t something you have to endure, it’s something you can own, embrace, and even enjoy. Hypnobirthing is about giving you the confidence to step into birth without fear, without tension, and with the tools to make it a positive, powerful experience.
Conscious parenting
Nurturing resilience and independence in school-age children
Resilience and independence are two important qualities associated with life success and parents are the best placed people in the whole world to help develop these. Conscious Parenting Coach Emily Hughes takes us through 4 ways to support children to become more resilient.
Emily Hughes
Conscious Parent Coach, Finding Flow Parenting
Emily Hughes is a Conscious Parent Coach and Founder of Finding Flow Parenting. She works 1:1 and with couples to help Mums and Dads who are feeling stuck in frustration, worry or conflict to feel more sturdy, secure and confident in their parenting. More ease. More Joy.
Book a free 20 minute chat with Emily from her website: findingflowparenting.coach and follow her on social media @findingflowparenting
Don't touch the banana
I use this analogy with my coaching clients using the example of a banana with a 5-year-old.
Option 1: Peel the banana – If you peel the banana for the child, you might be acting out of kindness, but the child learns they are less capable than adults.
Option 2: Leave the child alone to struggle – If you leave them to struggle, they might rise to the challenge or feel alone in their struggle.
Option 3: Coach the child but don’t touch the banana – The parent makes it clear they are there to support but won't touch the banana. The child must figure it out. The child learns they are supported and capable. Win-win.
This model applies to many parenting scenarios. The parent is the coach on the sidelines, but the child takes to the pitch.
Problem solving
Inviting your child into problem solving helps grow their brain and adaptability. It gives children the core beliefs “I am capable” and “I can do hard things.” You can weave problem solving into daily interactions by doing less for them but being there to assist.
Take a 6-year-old asking for their cup to be refilled. The fastest way is to do it for them. But what if we invite them to try? If they can't reach the tap, rather than jumping in, ask with curiosity, “I wonder what you could do?” and see what happens.
Imagine a scenario where you have encouraged problem solving throughout a child's life. The child, now a teenager, gets
themselves into a higher stakes problem but, armed with the solid belief that they can trust themselves and the skills to think critically they will be much more likely to make a wise choice.
Empathy
Empathy helps to build resilience by supporting children through life's challenges. Empathy communicates to a child. “I see you are finding this hard but you are not alone”. Let’s take the example of a child who is nervous about going to a new club.
We could be harsh and force them to go with bribes and threats but in doing so we would likely create a lot of alarm in their nervous system. Empathy helps us hold the boundary in a much more supportive and empowering way “We are going to try this new club but I see your nervous. Tell me more about that/ let's make a plan for how you can feel safe going to this new club”.
Executive functioning
Neurodiverse children may struggle with executive functioning – the ability to start tasks and follow through. We can encourage independence by breaking tasks into smaller chunks and asking questions rather than issuing prompts.
For example, instead of nagging a child to pack their bag, ask, “Does your bag have everything you need?” This encourages the child to think, which improves executive functioning.
Tried and loved
Plantable children's books
The Willsow plantable books are charming little reads that kids can plant, and the pages grow into their own veggies! It's a fun, hands-on way for children to explore gardening and growing their own food. With vibrant illustrations and delightful stories, it’s perfect for little green thumbs and a great excuse to enjoy the outdoors.
Willsow, £9.99 each
Peel-off Water Based Kids Nail Polish set
Reusable Pass the Parcel Bags
These adorable reusable pass the parcel bags are a fantastic twist on the classic party game. Made from durable, reusable material, they’re a great eco-friendly alternative to traditional wrapping paper. We love the adorable design and ribbon ties which are really easy for little fingers to use.
Not only are they easy to use but they can be used again and again! They're perfect not just for party games but also a practical option for storing toys, books, or other small items after the fun is over.
weThings love
If your little one loves a splash of colour, Miss Nella's trio of nail polishes are a must-have! We love that they use a gentle, non-toxic, water-based formula, so it's a much safer alternative to other brands.
The odour-free polish peels off easily - no harsh removers neededmaking it a fun and fussfree way for little ones to feel all grown up.
Miss Nella, £16.99
HoneyBellaBoo on Etsy, £40
Sugarcane Toddler Cups
If you're looking for a plastic-free option for your toddler’s cup, the Dulce Worlds Sugarcane Toddler Cup is a game-changer! Made from sugarcane, yes, you heard that right! These gorgeous, generously sized cups are designed with little hands in mind, offering an easy grip for toddlers as they begin to explore drinking on their own. They’re also dishwasher safe, making clean-up easy.
Dulce Worlds, £18.99
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