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Support before and after birth to reduce pelvic pain and gently restore your pelvic floor (and body) back to health and fitness.

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International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) who can support you and your baby with your feeding journey and beyond.

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I felt listened to and supported with the feedback to my questions and came away feeling more confident about my breastfeeding journey. I wouldn't hesitate to book again in the future if I needed support.

Great concept - one stop shop for all the advice a new mum needs.

Amelia

I think it works really well and I liked being able to choose a therapist who I knew had specialism in my issue. 

Sarah-Jane

Just a big thank you really! I absolutely loved today's session with Joanna, it's so encouraging to know this service is available for loads of different topics from pregnancy to early motherhood. There's something really reassuring about knowing I can tap into a one on one chat with an expert when I need it.

Justine 

I think the services are extremely valuable and its great to have them all in one place.

Jenny

I love the service, it makes me feel more confident. Women should know the importance of pelvic floor!

Lina

This is a really valuable service. NHS wait times can be far too long, particularly if the queries are time sensitive (feeding support) or just for one-offs. 

Anonymous

Loved my experience!! Really positive from booking, to rescheduling, to accessing the appointment, all super easy. The professional I spoke to (Aisling) was amazing, super knowledgeable, warm and incredibly supportive.

Danielle

Love the concept of bringing together all the health professionals that pregnant and new mums require. The platform is easy to navigate and looks great! My session with the psychologist was really helpful in working through some of the trauma from birth. 

Laura

The support i receieved from Lucy was amazingly informative nd helpful!  It has made me feel more confident in starting my weight loss journey and incorporating exercise into my daily routine whilst looking after my new baby.

Amira

Really valuable platform as there are too many opinions on breastfeeding out there! 

Annabelle

Naytal is a brilliant service - those first few months can feel so exhausting, terrifying and lonely and knowing where to turn for help can be overwhelming, especially during a Pandemic.

Fran

Booking was super easy and loved that I had a choice of consultants. The lady was very calm and didn’t rush the call at all, she answered all of my questions with ease.

Emily Rist

Having everything you need in one place, having easy and affordable access to experts who understand exactly what you are going through, is an absolute game-changer - I wish it had been around when I had my first baby, but I'm very happy it's here for my second.

Francesca

Its a great women's health niche, valuable services for women.

Abeyna

I really liked the way Joanna took time at the beginning to get to know me, and get the whole background of my pregnancy and birth first. She has given me great advice and an exercise programme that I have to say is much more achievable than the general nhs advice (because it is more specific to me). I now feel I have a programme to follow with a 6 week end goal of being able to go running which is really great.

Verity

Great - long time coming this service and much needed for mums everywhere! Easy to access and top level support.

Elle

I think Naytal is a brilliant concept, the look and feel is great and I will definitely be recommending to fellow mothers!

Cassy

I got a lot out of our session! I can’t believe 30-40min covered background, multiple assessments of relevant parts of my body, and a comprehensive treatment plan to follow. Very worth it.

Stefanie

It was hugely helpful - especially in understanding why c section scar massage helps, and in learning small practical tips that can make a difference to my pelvic floor when pushing the buggy and picking up my twins.

Ruth

Wonderful expert. Valuable service. So much disinformation out there.

I think Naytal is a really good idea and the tech platform works really well. 

Catriona

A great resource, sometimes you just need reassurance youre doing it right and tips you might not have thought about

Louise

What a brilliant platform, I feel really into control of my treatment through the online bookings and the overall brand makes me want to explore more about what's on offer. It feels authentic, accessible and bought up to date.

I really think Naytal is such a great idea and I will be sure to recommend the portal to other mums.

Zahra

Great idea - I'm sure lots of women will find this helpful. Really helpful advice. Very professional and friendly, and very knowledgable.

Natalie

Such a fantastic concept and will really be invaluable to women in their pre and post natal journeys. Thank you!

Incredibly convenient and supportive when you have so many unanswered questions. Just having someone who is qualified tell you what is right for your individual needs is invaluable.

Great - a real a need for this scalable and digital solution to perinatal health

Rachel

A fantastic support network for expectant and new mothers. These services are vital for well being during and post pregnancy. Having a suite of support services under one portal is extremely useful and great for new busy mothers!

Rupal

Using Naytal has been a really great experience. These services are so important and I am glad I sought private help after having a negative/poor experience with similar NHS services.

Lucy

I like that it 'does what it says on the tin', and that it has been set up by mummies who have experienced issues themselves. My appointment was great, helping with breastfeeding tips 5 months in advance before baby is due to help get my mind in the right place having really struggled with baby number 1.

I was really impressed by how simple it was to book and have my consultation and I can't emphasise enough how lovely and helpful my consultant was. 

Harriet

It was very easy and convenient to book an appointment the consultant I spoke to was professional and reassuring

Sophie

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You might expect to see some weight gain in your first trimester. But this isn't always the case! Here we share how weight loss isn't always a cause for alarm.

Losing weight in your first trimester? Here's why

#### Short on time? Then the key things to know are:

- Most women gain about 0.5 - 2 kg during the first trimester
- However it is not uncommon for some women to actually lose weight during the first trimester and this can be perfectly normal
- Significant weight loss or weight loss after the first trimester needs to be assessed by your midwife or GP
- Maintaining a sensible, balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and keeping active during pregnancy is the best way to stay healthy during this time of significant physical and psychological changes and challenges

&nbsp;

The first trimester of pregnancy can be both incredibly exciting and overwhelming, so when something unexpected occurs it can cause a lot of anxiety, especially when combined with first-trimester exhaustion! 

It is common to think that once you are pregnant you will immediately start blossoming on your journey towards your final pregnant shape and bump. So, it seems reasonable to expect to see some weight gain from the beginning of your pregnancy journey, but how much weight gain in the first trimester is ‘normal’? 

Well, by the end of the first trimester, most women will notice about 0.5 - 2kg weight gain. However, each pregnancy is a unique journey, and it is not uncommon for some women to actually lose weight during the first trimester of pregnancy and this is not necessarily a cause for alarm. 
 
## Why am I losing weight during pregnancy?
 
There are two main reasons why women may lose weight during the first trimester. Firstly, many women experience morning sickness around weeks 6-12 of pregnancy. Even if you are not actually vomiting, the experience of nausea can result in you consuming fewer calories each day due to feeling so unwell and being unable to face eating or drinking much. 

Losing a small amount of weight due to morning sickness and the associated vomiting or nausea is common and will not cause your baby any harm. Remember, by 12 weeks your baby is only about 5cm in length, so the number of calories and nutritional elements needed are very small at this stage (although vitally important). 

However, if you lose more than 5-10% of your body weight, this is significant and more serious causes, such as [Hyperemesis gravidarum](https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/complications/severe-vomiting/) (excessive nausea and vomiting that often requires hospital treatment), may need further assessment and treatment. If you notice this level of weight loss, it is important to consult your doctor or midwife for assessment. 

To work out what percentage of weight you have lost you can use the following simple calculation: simply divide the amount of weight you have lost (in kg) by your starting weight (in kg) and multiply the answer by 100. Find out more about [morning sickness in pregnancy](https://naytal.uk/blog/morning-sickness-starts-ends).
 
### Why am I losing weight during pregnancy without morning sickness?
 
The second reason that some women may lose weight during the first trimester is due to a healthier diet and lifestyle. Many expectant mothers consciously make healthier choices when it comes to diet and exercise when they discover they are pregnant. Therefore, their overall calorie intake is often lower than the calories they are burning during exercise and growing their baby. 

While it is healthy for mother and baby to make these healthier lifestyle choices, when it comes to exercise and nutrition, it is important to remember that your body is growing a new life and you may need to add some extra healthy snacks into your daily intake as the pregnancy progresses. 
 
## Can you lose weight while pregnant?
 
Although choosing a healthy diet and taking regular exercise is sensible during pregnancy, it is important to remember that it is not advisable to actively diet with the aim of losing weight at this time. Your baby’s growth and development depend upon adequate energy and nutrition from your diet. Actively dieting during pregnancy can result in complications for the pregnancy and your baby such as being born prematurely. 
 
If you notice you are losing weight unintentionally after the first trimester, it is important to discuss this with your midwife or doctor. Weight loss at these stages of pregnancy may indicate problems related to the pregnancy itself or other health conditions. Health conditions that may cause weight loss include diabetes and an overactive thyroid among other problems which need to be investigated further by your GP.
 
## Staying healthy during pregnancy
 
Unfortunately, the concept of ‘eating for two’ is not accurate. During the first and second trimesters you do not need to increase your calorie intake, so keeping to a daily intake of around 2,000 calories is appropriate for a woman with an average weight and build. 

When you reach the third trimester it is recommended that you increase your daily intake by about 200 calories to meet the needs of both your body preparing for delivery and breastfeeding and your baby’s continued growth and development. 
 
It can often be confusing keeping up with advice from different sources about different aspects of being pregnant, but if you follow the simple suggestions below then you will be giving your baby a great start with their growth and development while keeping yourself healthy:
 
- Maintain a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruit, vegetables and lean protein
- Remember to take a folic acid supplement for the first trimester
- Keep yourself well-hydrated every day, avoiding too much caffeine or sugary drinks
- Keep active, regular exercise such as walking or swimming during pregnancy has physical and mental benefits for mum and reduces the risk of complications in pregnancy
 
If you have any concerns about your weight during the course of your pregnancy our midwives can help give you advice on what might be going on and what to do next. [Book a consultation](https://naytal.uk/services/midwife) for one-to-one guidance today.

Losing Weight In Your First Trimester? Here's Why

It can be tough to see someone living with postnatal depression. But there are many ways you can support your loved ones. Here we share what to look out for and how you can help.

How to help someone with postnatal depression

### Short on time? Then the key things to know are:

- Postnatal depression (PND) is very common - 1 in 10 people experience it
- It can be hard to know what to say or do when someone you care about has PND, but there are many ways you can support them
- Make sure you know the signs of PND - these include sleep disruption, despair, crying, obsessive thinking, anxiety, hopelessness, irritability, withdrawal and lack of interest
- Always offer compassion and listen - offer space for their feelings to be heard
- You should encourage your loved one to speak to their GP, midwife or a [mental health professional](https://naytal.uk/services/mental-health)

&nbsp;
 
Do you suspect your friend or family member has postnatal depression (PND), or perhaps your wife or partner? It can be tough to see someone living with PND; you may feel helpless or worry about what to say or what to do, or you may say nothing at all.

But there are many ways you can support your loved ones. Here we share what to look out for and how you can help.

## Helping someone with postnatal depression (PND)

Around 1 in 10 people have postnatal depression, therefore it is highly likely you will know someone who has or is experiencing it. You may pick up signs of PND during pregnancy or they may appear after birth or several months later.

The good news is there are a variety of ways in which you can help:

### Know the signs and symptoms

PND is like depression at any other time in life and common symptoms include sleep disruption, despair, crying, obsessive thinking, anxiety, panic, hopelessness, irritability, negative ruminations, withdrawal and lack of interest / pleasure in activities previously enjoyed. Some people may feel disconnected from their baby and have thoughts about harming themselves or their baby.

### Encourage them to talk to a healthcare professional
 
Although you can be there to offer support, sometimes professional help is also needed. Support them to connect with professionals such as their NHS GP, midwife or health visitor and discuss their options. It is their job to help and there are different treatments and support options which may include psychological therapy and/ or medication. You can also speak to our [expert psychologists](https://naytal.uk/services/mental-health) who are experienced in helping those with postnatal depression.
 
### Be there and listen (you don’t have to fix it!)
 
Simply be there and spend time with your close one. Offer space for them to express their emotions safely and be heard; no matter what they are feeling. It can be tempting to jump in to offer advice, work it out or find solutions to ‘fix it’ but this may not be helpful.
 
### Offer compassion, care and understanding
 
First off, it is important to know PND is no one's fault; not yours and not theirs. Pregnancy comes with adjustment in all areas of life including social, relational, physical, emotional as well as changes in identity and life roles. It’s no wonder people struggle; this stuff is hard. Know that a lot of what happens in our minds is not our fault, we don’t choose depression.
 
### Support them to eat healthy, keep active and get rest
 
Keeping the basics right is essential (as much as possible with a new baby!). Research shows that healthy diet, sleep and activity can offer a real buffer to symptoms of depression and can even rival the effect of medications.
 
### Increasing achievement and enjoyable activities
 
Over time, people with depression tend to do less and less and opportunities for fulfilment may disappear completely; getting dressed or brushing teeth may even seem too much. 

Encouraging someone to do something small every day that gives them a sense of achievement or enjoyment can be a massive help, even if they have to force themselves to do it. Perhaps plan activities together for the future; these don’t need to be major activities; small (and tiny) activities go a long way such as taking baby out for a walk.
 
### Seek general support
 
If you have a wider support network, is there anything that they can offer or help out with? Whether it’s doing the laundry, taking the dog for a walk or cooking a meal. In spite of our pride or reservations about ‘putting people out’; people often want to help.
 
### Offer encouragement in their role as a parent
 
People with depression often get stuck in highly self-critical thinking giving themselves a hard time that they are a 'bad parent'. It is important to offer feedback as a mother or father that they are doing a good job, even in spite of challenges, and that they matter to you.
 
### Find support/baby groups and keep connected
 
It is common for people who are depressed to socially withdraw and isolate. Supporting people with depression to stay connected is important; this may mean connecting in a way that is different to pre baby times, such as joining baby groups.
 
## Postnatal depression in fathers
 
The role of dads and parenting in general has shifted dramatically in recent decades with dads becoming more at the forefront of caring, home life and parenting. The number of men diagnosed with PND is on the up and if you are a father and can relate to the above, you are not alone. 

Between 1 in 4 and 1 in 10 dads experience PND which is as high as some of the estimates for women. Outdated societal expectations regarding masculinity linger and may act as a barrier for men to talk about PND or access help. It’s more important than ever to include dads in our understanding of PND.  
 
## Postpartum psychosis
 
In a small minority of cases, some women become severely unwell after giving birth with an illness called postpartum psychosis (puerperal). This is different to PND and is very rare (1 in 1000). Symptoms include mania, racing thoughts, difficulty sleeping, restlessness, agitation, depression. They may also include delusions and hallucinations. This can come out of the blue and although serious, can be treated successfully with medication. If you notice any of these symptoms in someone you know, encourage them to contact their GP as soon as possible.
 
Finally, whoever you are supporting with antenatal postpartum depression, it is important to take care of yourself too. Find someone to talk to and take time for yourself, you need a break too.

**Looking for support with postnatal depression? [Book a consultation](https://naytal.uk/services/mental-health) with our expert psychologists who offer online therapy and counselling from the comfort of your home.**

#### References: 

Scotland, M. (2019). Why Post Natal Depression Matters (Vol. 15). Pinter & Martin Ltd.
 
Cree, M. (2015). The compassionate mind approach to postnatal depression: Using compassion focused therapy to enhance mood, confidence and bonding. Hachette UK.

How To Help Someone With Postnatal Depression Today

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