05 Feb 2026
A Marshalswick wellbeing centre has launched its first antenatal course in response to a lack of holistic support and services from the NHS.
The Calm Birth Project is a cooperative initiative to provide couples with information they might not otherwise receive from NCT classes, and is completely inclusive so the partners feel included as well as the mums-to-be.
Working closely with Nadya Giffen, owner of Nadya Giffen Therapies in The Quadrant, is birth and postpartum doula Maryam.
She said: “I support families through pregnancy, birth and the early weeks after baby arrives. I see first-hand how empowering it is when parents and their partners understand not only the medical aspects of care, but also the holistic tools that support the body, mind and nervous system alongside it.
“The Calm Birth Project was created in response to a real gap many families experience during pregnancy – a lack of accessible knowledge around holistic tools that can sit alongside essential medical care. It brings together trusted practitioners to share this knowledge in a grounded, accessible way.
“At its heart, the course is about creating a village around families; supporting partners, preparing for the postpartum period, and helping parents feel calmer, more informed and less alone during this major life transition.”
Also involved are many of the centre’s clinicians, who are each bringing their own skills and experience to the project.
Acupuncturist Rina Kanani said: “Acupuncture is a natural way to support a pregnant body as it adapts, helping with comfort and relaxation.”
Fellow acupuncturist Bea Masters added: “It’s all about showcasing acupressure as a way of helping mums and partners feel confident and positive throughout their birth experience.”
Daisy Robinson, reflexologist with Flow With Daisy, said: “Being part of The Calm Birth Project as an intuitive healing reflexologist feels incredibly meaningful. I love collaborating with such a gifted group of practitioners, and supporting expectant parents throughout pregnancy is something I’m deeply passionate about. Reflexology offers a gentle way to support mother, baby and partner, and delivering this within a thoughtful, multidisciplinary collective allows families to feel truly supported. It’s a privilege to be part of an offering that places calm, trust and whole-person care at the heart of pregnancy.”
Suzanne Murphy explained her involvement as a holistic therapist: “I provide both antenatal and postnatal support through Reiki, reflexology and mindful meditation, focussing on relaxation, stress reduction and the overall promotion of wellbeing throughout pregnancy, creating a nurturing space for both parents and baby.”
Alison Orde of Alban Angel Therapies said: “I am really excited to be working with Nadya to deliver this beautiful project as a collective team.
“In a world that asks so much of pregnant women, massage and reflexology give something back – comfort, balance, and a sense of being cared for.”
And maternal mental health counsellor Nicky Kantura said: “As someone who supports mums through the emotional side of pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood, it is wonderful to be part of the Calm Birth Project.
“I assist parents in building confidence for what’s ahead, and help to develop practical tools to support wellbeing when becoming parents.”
Nadya added: “The course is almost full and we have just one space left. We are running this five-week course free of charge and will have a follow-up postnatal workshop for everyone to regroup once all the babies are born!”
Find out more at www.nadyagiffentherapies.co.uk
