Nadene’s Birth Prep

Following on from my home birth story, I thought some might be interested in hearing my preparation for it. My biggest advice is that you DO need to prepare if you wish to have a physiological birth. I knew through hearing countless experiences in clinic that the medical system does not prioritise this, and so readily interferes with birth with interventions that most of the time, are not necessary.  

Now for a warning, what I’m about to share might challenge the normal modern-day narrative associated with childbirth. Like when writing my birth story, I feel the need to state a disclaimer to say that this blog should not be used as medical advice for your own personal situation. The decisions you make should be based on your own circumstances, research and discussions with the medical professionals in your birth team. I will however be giving an honest, personal account of my own experience and decisions, which was shaped by my professional knowledge and belief system as a Chiropractor. 

I have created links on each picture to the recommendations so it’s easier for you to access things. I hope this blog helps create some confidence and control with choices around your body, baby and birth. Happy reading!  

Mindset 

I had a very clear idea of how I was going to be entering pregnancy… with pure grit and determination, which is how I approach most things. I had a few “mantras” that I used to recite to myself before I even fell pregnant, and I believe this really helped throughout. I truly lived and breathed these sayings.  

  1. Pregnancy is not an illness. I am not sick.  
  2. Childbirth is a marathon, and I must train for it.  
  3. I will not live off carbs.  
  4. Childbirth is a rite of passage that requires little to no intervention.  
  5. I trust my body to grow my baby and my baby knows how to be born.  
  6. The human race, like other mammals, have been giving birth for thousands of years. We were literally born to do this.  
  7. I must continue to exercise no matter how sick or tired I feel.  

I’ve been quite open about my fertility journey, and I feel very fortune that it wasn’t as bad as it could have been, but it still wasn’t straight forward. I knew very well that it was likely to be tricky for us (me) as I have three autoimmune conditions, including Polycystic Ovaries. So, I had mentally prepared myself for the psychological torture of it taking a while and potentially experiencing a miscarriage. In total it took us 10 months and 2 miscarriages, before we got lucky with our little one.  

The mental monthly battle of trying to conceive was absolutely awful! One quick way to turn any sane woman bat sh*t crazy.  I know friends with more difficult stories than mine, so I appreciate I am very lucky in the grand scheme of things. My heart goes out to anyone reading this who is in the trenches at the moment. The monthly rollercoaster is torturous and the amount of money I spent on pregnancy tests was ridiculous. Insisting that I needed to do another the day after a negative one… just in case it was now positive. The cost of the things should actually be criminal!!  

 

Knowing the stress that was occurring was probably contributing to the difficulties, I decided to take a leaf out of my own advice book …. And we got a puppy! A positive distraction is a great way of taking your mind off the monthly routine and it really did the job! The month we went through the process of adopting Arla, was the month it happened. We also weren’t even “trying”. No cycle tracking was a welcomed break, but only possible for me by a real-life distraction. My advice is to get the kitten or puppy, go on that holiday, move house or anything else that might be on the cards to get totally engrossed in. 

Food 

Changes in this department started for me during conception. As mentioned above with a collection of autoimmune diseases, two of which do not tolerate gluten well, I knew I had to get stricter with my part time gluten free commitment. In the last few months leading up to my successful pregnancy, I managed to regulate my periods for the first time in my life! I, without a shadow of a doubt, put this down to being gluten free. Having always had irregular cycles ranging from 32 to sometimes 55 days, I was ecstatic to get the last 5 months consistently between 28-32 days. I still didn’t have a clue when I ovulated though. I never could locate it when tracking, nor have symptoms.   

My diet is generally pretty good, as I follow a 80:20 rule. That 20% does seem to all occur at the weekends in the form of rose wine (when not pregnant obviously), crisps and hummus dip. This is thanks to my other half and the excellent modern-day man that he is, who is also known by our friends as my personal live in chef. Everything is home cooked with lots of veg, protein and non-processed carbs.  

I also was very conscious of my sugar intake, due to its aggravating link with PCOS and an unnecessary worry of potentially having Gestational Diabetes after my 20-week scan, as my baby’s abdomen was on the 99th percentile. These two factors were enough to raise an alarm and an oral glucose tolerance test was recommended. Something I will never partake in again after it made me feel so ill, and I feel like it couldn’t have been any good on the baby to have such a reaction. Check out the picture below of my glucose levels during the test.  

Being the control freak that I am to have the information for myself, I invested in a constant blood glucose monitor to check in and see what was going on. A great insight generally, pregnant or not, to see how your body reacts to certain foods, how you eat them and the effects of movement. Becoming a bit paranoid, I did this periodically for the remainder of my pregnancy. This will definitely be the route I take with my next pregnancy if GD is a concern again.  

Another mantra that I lived by… I was not eating for two. I also didn’t follow any of the guidance on soft cheese, rare meat, eggs and fish after doing a bit of research…. Oh yeah, the advice isn’t based on any! What a rebel! 

Research  

I would say researching EVERYTHING about childbirth was imperative in achieving my birth outcome, especially with all the little hiccups that occurred. Any of those could have railroaded me into having some heavy intervention if I had followed the hospital protocols and not been well read about each possible event to make an educated decision in the moment. Not one decision was made based on fear, or at the mercy of someone else’s opinion as if it was the first time I had heard about a particular problem.  

For those that haven’t had the stamina to read my ridiculously long birth story, I don’t blame you. To summarise, I had a long labour, pushed for 14 hours, blood in waters with “increased risk” of haemorrhaging, an ambulance on standby outside my house for 6 hours, meconium, deflexed baby head position, grade 2 tear declining stitches and a retained placenta of 4+ hours. The best bit is, there was no sense of emergency during my birth. I made calm decisions, which I knew were the best for me and my baby. I had no medical pain relief, very little monitoring (declined all VEs) and had only one intervention of a catheter on my request. Even that request was based on research that I had done, as I realised I hadn’t peed in hours and a full bladder can block the pelvis entrance and I sensed that was what was stalling labour.  

In my opinion, the worst thing you could do, is to not have a detailed and well researched birth plan. The medical maternity service will not guide you with real stats but will be based on fear of litigation issues and take the “just in case” approach. You have to advocate for yourself, and you can only do that with knowledge.  

Here are my recommendations of MUST reads, MUST follows and MUST listens… 

Books:

Social media pages:


 

 

 

 

 

Positive Stories  

As soon as you tell someone you are pregnant, the horror birth stories come flooding in! I knew it was important to fill my mind with positive ones. There is a huge section at the beginning of Ina May’s book that is one positive birth story after another. Go and immerse yourself! What I also got a real boost from was that there were so many stories included of “high risk” pregnancies that ended in beautiful physiological births without the recommended intervention. These helped fuel my fire of confidence to trust my body and helped me make sense of some of the “horror” stories, as they all tend to start with intervention which were linked to predictable outcomes.  

 

 

A friend recommended this Facebook group that was filled with birth stories. I loved it and often still read stories that are posted on there. It is full of like-minded women planning to have a home birth and educating themselves on the best way to navigate the system. I found it particularly comforting, as it can be a lonely place in this society when you have out of the ordinary beliefs. It doesn’t matter whether or not you are planning a home birth. This group is a great source of information with lots of birth stories.  

 Here are some of my favourite nuggets of evidenced based information…  

  1. The safest place to give birth is at home. 
  2. The first intervention to the cascade of interventions, is leaving your house. 
  3. All births should be planned at home until there is a medical reason to be at the hospital.  

Language  

The language used around pregnancy and birth is terrible. It’s subconsciously disempowering, but you might have never thought of it in this way. Comments such as, “they won’t allow you to go longer than 42 weeks”, “you are only 3cms dilated”, “your baby is measuring too big”, “failure to progress” and the list goes on. Any comment that started with “they won’t allow you to…” … I’m sorry?! Who won’t “allow” me to do what with my own body?! Mind blowing terminology used in our day-to-day language between friends/family/acquaintances, but also with in the maternity services.  

Please note EVERYTHING is a choice! There were many things I declined during my pregnancy and childbirth, which some people seem shocked to know that it was even an option. I declined having my bump measured, a growth scan at 32 weeks, an extra consultant appointment because I declined the bump measurement, an internal examination during pregnancy when they suspected my waters were leaking, antibiotics for said water leak in case of infection, vaginal examinations during labour, regular foetal monitoring and getting in the ambulance during labour, and finally the placenta injection. A lot, right? 

As well as the powerful and potentially detrimental language used around a pregnant woman, I believe the language you use as a mother to be is just as important. I used very direct language around my birth choices. For example, I never said things such as “I want to try and avoid induction”. I would say “I will not be induced”. Do you see how this changes the control of the situation? As well as this being helpful with setting the precedence with your birth team, it’s also your internal narrative and this can influence your outcome too.  

Treatment 

I wouldn’t be a true Chiropractor if I didn’t practice what I preached. I received weekly, yes weekly, Chiropractic treatment for 5 months in the lead up and another 10 months during my pregnancy. This frequency does not match my recommendation to patients in clinic. Not because I don’t believe it’s beneficial, but due to the financial ick I have assuming patients won’t want to pay for treatment that frequently. I do feel it’s necessary to add that I paid for all of my appointments and was a financial cost that I justified with high value. I wouldn’t want you to assume I had this level of care only because it was free.  

After my first miscarriage, I thought it would be wise to continue having treatment to prepare my body and mechanics for carrying a baby. This was to enable a balanced pelvis and aid optimal birth position. I was adamant I was going to be fit enough to work until the very end. I believe the treatment was a big part of why I was able to continue doing my physical job, completely pain free, until I was 37.5 weeks and didn’t need to adapt anything.  

 I’m very aware that a fault of mine is struggling to switch off and relax, so I also treated myself to a few relaxing massages and facials during my pregnancy. Stress has a huge impact on the foetus. Much more than other factors that society place more emphasis on. Slowing down and tapping into the parasympathetic part (rest and digest) of your nervous system is essential. My favourite present was a pregnancy massage at Daylesford Farm. Go and treat yourself… It was heavenly!

Exercise 

This part of birth prep was absolutely essential in my opinion. Statistically it is known that women’s first labours tend to be the longest and most difficult one. For this reason, being fit enough to endure a “long” labour is critical. Hence my mantra that childbirth is a marathon, and you must train for it. You wouldn’t go and run the London marathon without some hard graft first, right?  

I believe the reason for a longer labour is for a couple of reasons. It is the first time your body has ever given birth, so the path has not been paved. Also, as a first-time mum, there can be some anxiety around the unknown birth process. Whether that’s a fear of pain or capability, but this stress will not aid labour. This is all so different with a second and I believe it’s helpful to not even have much time to really think about it, as you are busy running around after a little one.  

I made an educated guess that my miscarriages were linked to intense exercise, due to my first occurring when I was training for a half marathon and the second was during a HIT work out at the gym. OF COURSE I may be wrong, but with my autoimmune issues and the lack of energy that it comes with, it made logical sense that my body couldn’t cope with the stress I was putting it under and handle an additional process as a consequence. 

 

So before I fell pregnant for the 3rd time, I gave up high intensity exercise and just stuck to weight training and dog walking. I stuck with this regime for the remainder of my pregnancy and it paid dividends, as the midwife believed that the only reason I was able to withstand such a long labour was because I was fit throughout my pregnancy. Two to three times a week I attended the weight training classes at F45 up until the day I gave birth. Obviously some things needed to be modified as I got bigger, but it was great to keep fit and was an integral part of my postpartum recovery. More on that in my next blog…

Yoga 

For years I had heard many amazing things about Ann Carol’s local pregnancy yoga classes, so I signed up when I was 16 weeks pregnant and attended every week until birth. I actually believe this helped start my labour as my contracts started after a class when I was 39 weeks pregnant.  

Just to warn you, this class is quite different to conventional yoga. It is aimed around birth prep – practicing different positions, relaxation techniques and working on your mindset around birth. I loved the whole environment that Ann created. She welcomed women into her cozy living room on a Wednesday evening, where we could share pregnancy experiences and check in with each other, filling our thoughts with positive and empowering information. It was lovely to end each session with a guided meditation, a cup of tea and some pineapple whilst having a chat amongst us. 

Midwife Appointments

I feel very fortune to have experienced care from some really lovely midwives during my antenatal journey. I had an allocated midwife called Dani who I saw for the majority of my appointments. I sensed within the booking appointment that she was a like-minded person, and I wasn’t met with any resistance when I expressed my wish to have a homebirth. This was so reassuring as I had mentally prepared myself to be metaphorically armed with boxing gloves on, ready to fight for myself and my choices, which is just so tiring and stressful. Not conducive to the health of my baby. I had a real fear of the midwives and not being able to trust them due to a conflict in belief systems. For me, being given some important advice from someone who shared the same belief system as me, carried more weight than from someone who has an opposite one. I know not everyone gets the consistency of having the same midwife and I think this also can make a huge difference in experiencing a positive outcome.  

 As I have previously mentioned, I declined a few aspects of care. A key one to discuss was the measuring of my bump. This is notoriously known to be inaccurate, especially if performed by different midwives at each appointment, but can easily and innocently cause a cascade of events the leads to unnecessary intervention. I applied logic to this scenario. No one had ever measured my torso before a bump started growing, so how was the growth relevant to me and my starting point? Why did they measure it lying down when the bump reduced in size? I believed my body wouldn’t grow a baby it couldn’t give birth to… unless I had uncontrolled GD or a poor diet, but I didn’t. I didn’t want seeds of fear to be planted around having to give birth to a “big baby”. It’s natural to be nervous around the fact of having to push a baby out. I promise it doesn’t hurt any more or less whether you birth a 6lb or 11lb baby, but you certainly don’t need more mental worry placed on this. I wasn’t going to accept growth scans as they are also inaccurate in predicting baby size, so what was the point of potentially having something highlighted by having the bump measured. I felt confident that my bump was growing, and foetal movements were all normal.  

The aim of explaining this is not to persuade you to do the same, but to highlight that EVERYTHING is a choice. Tests, scans, appointments, routine and additional things, place of birth and even if you have a medical professional present at your birth. Now I did tell my midwife that if there wasn’t anyone available to come to my home-birth that I wouldn’t be going to hospital and I would free birth with my two birth partners. At the time, I did really mean this, BUT in hindsight I was so glad that I had the incredible midwives present at my birth. Very naughty of me to disclose this, but if you tell them your intention to free birth if the home-birth team aren’t available, they will make sure they get someone to you. 😜

Now for the consciences of people reading this, I was interested to find out that the most straight forward hospital births cost the NHS £3,500. This is one where you arrive and leave on the same day with no intervention. My home-birth didn’t cost anywhere near as much. So don’t feel guilty about the cost or resources. You are also not taking midwives away from the hospital, as the departments are separate. Community midwives attend home-births and hospital midwives stay in the hospital. This also means that the experience and belief systems between these two types of midwives can be quite different, and you are likely to receive different care and recommendations based on it. 

Antenatal Course 

I have to admit, I was quite disappointed with the face-to-face antenatal course that we enrolled on. I don’t regret doing it, as part of my reasoning for participating was to meet other mums that were having babies at the same time. It certainly did the job as we met one couple that are completely our cup of tea, I spent the majority of my maternity leave with the mum and I know we are going to be lifelong friends with our boys growing up together. However, one aspect of the course that was very frustrating, was where they were educating couples on what happens during birth, but did not include any physiological process of what birth was actually like. No hints, tips and tricks of how to promote birth naturally. You’d think this would be pretty handy to know right?!  

The whole birthing session of the course was centred around hospital protocols and procedures that subconsciously disempower women by planting seeds to doubt in believing that their bodies are not capable of giving birth without intervention, without being put on a timer or without pain relief. I was the only woman out of eight in my course that has not suffered with some birth related PTSD due to “complications”. I refuse to believe that 87.5% (7 out of 8 women) were incapable of giving birth without medical intervention. If the right information had been made available for these women to feel educated and empowered, I am sure that their birth outcomes would have looked a little different without birth trauma. This is just a small sample size of the population, but where the same story seems to apply with the majority of my patients.  

A great and reasonably priced online course that we did was the antenatal and hypnobirthing programme with Birth Ed. I could not recommend this enough and it’s only £97. Megan gives great information by the bucket load for all the types of birth. She teaches how to promote a physiological birth AND teaches about hospital procedures in the unlikely event that you require some help, but how to navigate the decision making in this instance to choose what’s right for you.  

During this course I also learnt how to breathe my way through labour to help with the pain, which is known as hypnobirthing. This was an insane technique and one that took me into an internal trance and completely away with the fairies during labour. JJ said I looked like I was on another planet with my eyes rolling into the back of my head and ability to sleep in the 2-minute downtime between contractions. I managed to sustain a long labour with no pharmaceutical pain relief, just by using this technique AND with the help of intermittent use of a TENs machine, a birth pool, a comb and hands bearing down on my back. Sure the contractions are painful, but they were momentary, and I have experienced far greater pain before. Another mantra that I would recite to myself, “Pain does not equal damage. Do not be afraid of the pain.” 

Doula 

Having a Doula was absolutely invaluable! It took my other half some convincing that the cost would be worth it, but he doesn’t regret spending the money now. I appreciate they are an expensive privilege, but I promise you won’t regret it either. Especially as first-time parents and feeling passionate about having a physiological birth, but needing someone to advocate for you and help you navigate the maternity system and decision making

We spoke to a few and found a great connection with Sinead Isaacs. I didn’t realise it was important to speak to several to find the one most compatible with you. I was initially under the wrong impression about the purpose of a Doula too. I thought they were there to act as your cheerleader, to encourage and guide you towards a physiological birth… I was wrong. I think this was because I envisaged a military figure, that shared the same belief system as me, shouting at me “you can do it” during childbirth HA! They are thought to be a professional second birth partner, with experience and who will advocate for you no matter what your birth preference is. They will not persuade or steer you towards their own preference, because of their own belief system and will provide you with lots of evidence-based research to help you make your own decisions.  

My justification for a Doula was that JJ and I had never had a baby before, but I knew I would appreciate the support of someone that had, BUT one that had the same belief system as me that I could trust. It was also peace of mind to know that she would be at my birth, when you aren’t sure what midwife is going to attend. You might have never met that midwife before. Additionally, I was concerned that even though my prediction was that JJ would be a calm and logical birth partner, I didn’t know in the situation of pain and fear whether he would wobble, panic and waiver. I needn’t have feared as he was an absolute solid rock during the whole thing. Our Doula even commented that she had never seen a birth partner stay so cool, calm and collected with every hurdle that arose.  

A doula package often includes several antenatal sessions, as well as the persons presence at the birth and a postnatal visit. The antenatal sessions were incredible for bringing JJ and I onto the same page. I had read so much around birth, so a lot of the information wasn’t new to me, but JJ hadn’t. So it allowed us to share the information together and make some decisions as a couple and talk through what birth might look like.  

I genuinely thought that we would only have a Doula for our first and once we knew what to expect with the following, we wouldn’t pay for another doula. After the birth, it was JJ that said how invaluable having Sinead was and we hope she will join us in the future. The extra pair of hands (literally – bearing down on my back during every contraction for 14+ hours), the mediator communicating between us and the midwives in the kitchen, helping us in our decision making with stats and facts and so much more, was worth every penny.  

Birth Plan  

My birth plan has become a bit of a running joke, due to the great lengths I went to in creating and even laminating it. I didn’t know how messy it was going to get! I thought some of you may find it useful and interesting to see it, so I have included the document at the very bottom of this blog. I used the Positive Birth Company template but added the visual birth icons to it. I was advised that the pictures are much easier for midwives and any other medical professional involved to scan through it quickly. 

I appreciate that I was incredibly lucky with the experience that I had with a Community Midwife that took the time to go through my plans for birth. Lots of things were discussed during that antenatal appointment, such as a breach presentation and my choices around that, timings around foetal monitoring as I didn’t want them as regularly as the hospital policy recommends, to how the baby would be resuscitated if it wasn’t breathing and more. Some big decisions to make and the reason why it’s so important to discuss these and have a plan in place, so you aren’t hearing of these complications for the first time in the moment. That’s when decisions can be made based on fear and not logic, without a chance to ask for more research and data.  

If you’ve made it to the end of another very long blog, I hope you have found it insightful, and empowering. This was my main intention with sharing the information. I hope you have gained one or two things that will help you in achieving your dream birth.

If you haven’t yet read my previous blog about my home birth, you can find it here. My next blog will be sharing my postnatal recovery. I’ll see you there! 

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  • Justyna Jalocha
    Justyna Jalocha
    10:06 21 Apr 23
    Fantastic service at Tivoli! They make you feel like they genuinely care and want to help you get to the root of the... problem. Ellie is very professional and attentive, she has changed my life! Kate on reception is lovely and very helpful. Couldn’t recommend Tivoli enough!read more
    Mandy Shardlow
    Mandy Shardlow
    09:00 22 Mar 23
    Ellie has helped massively with my back issues using multiple techniques to fix it. I now have exercises to help with... strengthening my back going forward. With Ellie being very easy to talk to, knowledgeable and feeling refreshed when I leave it makes it an appointment l enjoy. Will recommend Ellie to family and friends. Booking is easy and Tivoli Chiropractic’s is a very professional and polite team.read more
    Jamie
    Jamie
    13:05 05 Feb 23
    The facility is brilliant, clean efficient and friendly. They have a range of expertise to help get you moving... correctly again.I have personally used the chiropractic facilities, but I am sure the rest of the staff are just as good.Katie on the front desk is your first contact and she portrays the excellence of the facilities with her attention to detail and friendly demeanour.read more
    Stef K
    Stef K
    09:08 29 Dec 22
    Nadene is a fantastic Chiropractor, I would and do recommend her to all my friends and family. Warm and welcoming team... at the clinic. I can honestly say after being part of the Tivoli Family even before the clinic opened I would not trust anyone else to look after my family.read more
    Kirsty Coleman
    Kirsty Coleman
    09:47 28 Dec 22
    I cannot recommend Tivoli chiropractic clinic enough.I first went to see Nadene 6 years ago after the birth of my... daughter and my sciatica was so bad that I could barely move. Within a couple of appointments she had me moving and pain significantly reduced.But from that point on Nadene has been a part of my whole families well being and we come to the clinic on a regular basis. We couldn’t be without her!Nadene is a fantastic chiropractor and the whole clinic team are friendly and professional.read more
    Jane Raymond
    Jane Raymond
    11:31 17 Nov 22
    I am so glad I found McCoy at the Tivoli Chiropractic Clinic. Having just arrived from Australia I was worried about... finding a practitioner who used the sacro-occipital technique I was familiar with, but I need not have feared! My back and neck are so improved. McCoy is always positive and as well as great treatments, she gives very helpful advice on day to day small changes that make a real difference. Thank you Tivoli Chiropractic Clinic!read more
    Peter Ethelston
    Peter Ethelston
    08:26 14 Oct 22
    Tivoli Chiropractic Clinic was recommended to me as I was struggling with hip pain that was getting to the point where... I was struggling to run or sit for extended periods and it was waking me up at night. I went for an assessment, had 5 treatments and another assessment and am now moving into a maintenance phase with exercises. The chiropractor who is treating me has been professional, friendly and helpful throughout. The treatments have helped far more that I had expected and I am almost pain free and without medication. I was also given helpful advice that alleviated other symptoms that I was dealing with. Reception is friendly and helpful and I have always managed to get appointments at times that suit me. The environment is clean and accessible and I have felt well looked after.read more
    Hels Myatt
    Hels Myatt
    16:05 08 Oct 22
    McCoy has so much knowledge & has worked miracles on my ongoing pain. After only a few short weeks the difference is... incredible. I would highly recommend this clinic to anyone. The whole team are friendly & I always feel welcomed!read more
    Emma
    Emma
    17:11 04 Oct 22
    Nadene and the brilliant team at Tivoli Chiropractic have helped me with an ongoing issue that affects my long-distance... running. I’ve tried every kind of treatment in the past without any solution, but thanks to Nadene, I feel like I have got to the bottom of what it is and how to manage it, and am now able to train for a new marathon with less fear of pain. Thank you, Tivoli Chiropractic!read more
    Kirk Steel
    Kirk Steel
    17:23 29 Sep 22
    I have had a number of treatments at Tivoli Chiropractic utilising both chiropractic and sports massage services. In... all cases, regardless of who has treated me, I have always had an amazing service. It is not always comfortable but I know that my muscles and skeleton will be all the better for it! I have recommended the practice to a number of friends and colleagues and we all agree - it is outstanding in all areas.read more
    Nicky Hilton
    Nicky Hilton
    12:47 28 Sep 22
    Nadene and colleagues offer a wonderful, professional service tailored to your needs. I’d not been to a chiropractor... before, and wasn’t sure what to expect, but Nadene took the time to explain the treatment, answer my questions, and involve me fully in all decisions. I would highly recommend the clinic.read more
    Jess
    Jess
    18:13 05 Sep 22
    I've had a wonderful experience with Nadene. I was so nervous to go to a chiropractor but my shoulder and back pain was... so bad I had to face it. She was very attentive and thorough in her initial assessment and in just half a dozen sessions I was barely in any pain at all! I can't recommend her enough to anyone thinking about trying it.read more
    Rebekah Kubista
    Rebekah Kubista
    19:02 03 Sep 22
    I've been seeing Nadene since 2016 and have followed her from place to place until she opened Tivoli Chiropractic. She... and JJ have built a phenomenal business with an incredible team of people. Their knowledge of the body and modern practices combined with their wide range of therapies make them the number one place to visit for your needs. I have referred several individuals to the clinic and will continue to do so.read more
    Julie Mokume
    Julie Mokume
    17:55 25 Aug 22
    For over 15 years I have been treated by many different chiropractors so I can say with absolute certainty that Nadene... is by far the most competent, thorough and effective chiropractor I have ever found. This, as well as her extensive knowledge (not just in the chiropractor sector - I actually asked her if she was a doctor in my last session!!), care and passion only scratch the surface as to why I would recommend her to anyone needing treatment. There’s no quick in-and-out the door approach like many in the profession - there is never the feeling of being rushed out the door as Nadene always takes her time to ensure I get the most out of each treatment session. Seeing Nadene is like seeing my sister; she listens, she consults, she advises and moreover - she’s not afraid to pull me up on matters such as not having started Pilate lessons yet or had a ‘mommy MOT’ - yet always does so with such diplomacy and genuine care for my needs. Nadene is very easy to talk to and I usually leave with my ribs hurting from laughing so much. I honestly can’t speak highly enough of her. If you need treatment - please, give her a go because she’s awesome ☺️read more
    Simona Sudziute
    Simona Sudziute
    14:45 09 Aug 22
    Received shockwave treatment for my hip which worked so well. Thank you.
    Nina C
    Nina C
    12:48 21 Jun 22
    The place is clean and comfy, making me feel less stressed. My therapist JJ is professional and friendly.
    Mathilda Brown
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    13:58 28 Apr 22
    Great staff. Helpful and informative. Brilliant local business.
    Elaine Bailey
    Elaine Bailey
    13:21 23 Apr 22
    After several months of feeling I would have to face up to a chronic painful back I discovered the clinic and Nadene at... the Suffolks fair. She assured me that she would be able to help with this problem and I booked an assessment at the clinic, followed by several treatments. I can honestly say the pain has gone and my back feels robust and reliable again such that I can happily lift my grandchildren without fear. She has been very encouraging, suggesting various things I can do to keep myself agile.read more
    Charlotte
    Charlotte
    07:00 21 Apr 22
    At 19 weeks pregnant, pelvic girdle pain struck leaving me hardly able to move or walk without pain. By chance I was... recommended to see pregnancy chiropractor, Nadene Lidington. From my first appointment with Nadene her treatment was magic, fully assessing what were the contributing factors to my PGP and her tailored treatment provided instant relief from the pain. I left the clinic able to walk normally again, very happy. The frequency of my visits are tailored to how my body is responding to the treatment as I progress through pregnancy, but the PGP is so well managed now I am no longer limited by it despite my job requiring extensive hours of driving. I cannot recommend the Tivoli Clinic and Nadene enough, especially for pregnancy related ailments, her warm and super friendly professionalism is equally matched by her extensive knowledge and methods of treatment. At my last appointment Nadene treated my pregnancy acid reflux, something I had no idea could be treated. I had never heard of a pregnancy chiropractor before but I feel very fortunate that I was recommended to see Nadene, she has transformed my experience of pregnancy for me to be able to finally enjoy it. For those suffering with PGP or any pregnancy ailments, you do not need to suffer, make an appointment to see the lovely Nadene.read more
    david david
    david david
    15:26 08 Feb 22
    A very friendly team and thoroughly professional. Kelly has helped me tremendously in a short period of time. Highly... recommended.read more
    Lyn Davison
    Lyn Davison
    14:42 08 Feb 22
    Very friendly, very professional, would definitely recommend Tivoli Chiropractor Clinic.
    Emily Simons
    Emily Simons
    17:06 03 Feb 22
    I had a Mummy MOT appointment with Louise and couldn’t recommend her more. She listened carefully to my questions and... concerns and provided a thorough check up which left me feeling very reassured. I would urge anyone who is post partum to book in and get themselves a Mummy MOT with Louise!read more
    Katie Cornwell
    Katie Cornwell
    16:35 20 Jan 22
    Angela was amazing! She was quick to diagnose my problem and give excellent expert treatment. Such a lovely person too... - and all in a beautiful environment. I would highly recommend.read more
    Gabriella Esposito
    Gabriella Esposito
    19:39 09 Jan 22
    Cannot recommend enough!! Helped me out so much.
    Kim Fuellenbach
    Kim Fuellenbach
    18:14 27 Dec 21
    I can only speak extremely positively about the team at Tivoli. I have seen Gabby for a number of sessions and my neck... pain and hip flexor issues have noticeably increased. Gabby communicates so clearly and gave me great exercises to do at home. I particularly appreciate her long-term outlook to ensure I’ll be able to manage myself in the long run. Excellent!read more
    Anselm Guise
    Anselm Guise
    08:09 21 Dec 21
    Always feel better after being beaten up !!! Seriously, really great work is always done when I see Nadine and Gabby.... Strongly recommended.read more
    Ian Harvey
    Ian Harvey
    18:41 18 Nov 21
    Nadene was fantastic in diagnosing my back problem and then resolving the issues, I am now pain free after a few... sessions. She really takes time to listen and understand the issues before working on a programme of rehabilitation and personal exercise. A very caring practise which has your well-being at the heart of their business. I have already recommended Nadene to a few friends who are suffering various joint issues as they can see what a positive impact she has had on my back. Many thanks Nadene, hopefully I won’t need to return!read more
    RMC Cogan
    RMC Cogan
    13:18 10 Nov 21
    Had a bad back for nearly 20 years now due to courier work. Kelly has done an exceptional job on helping me with my... back pain, Thank you kellyread more
    John Pymer
    John Pymer
    09:08 01 Nov 21
    I had a fantastic treatment with Gabby at this clinic. The session was purchased for me as a gift and Gabby was... brilliant in taking the time to understand what I might expect and need, and very professional throughout the treatment that she delivered. I'd highly recommend Gabby and the clinic to anyone looking for such services.read more
    Sally Parsley
    Sally Parsley
    11:07 29 Sep 21
    I have been treated by Nadene for many years. She has a fantastic manner and has tailored my treatment around my... medical needs and has guided me through getting my hypermobility diagnosis. My children have also be treated by Nadene, she works with their needs and explains everything to them. I would highly recommend Nadene.read more
    Scott Salter
    Scott Salter
    13:11 14 Sep 21
    My first experience receiving chiropractic treatment and would thoroughly recommend. Kelly is really friendly and my... back is feeling a million times better! Can't recommend enough!read more
    james buckley
    james buckley
    20:29 13 Sep 21
    I have been receiving treatment from Kelly Nicol on a very painful shoulder. I have seen a huge improvement and now I... only need to see Kelly once a month. She is patient and clearly very knowledgeable , I would definitely recommend herread more
    Max scarrott
    Max scarrott
    18:51 13 Sep 21
    10/10. Have never had a bad experience here, and everyone I have recommended has been either fixed or improved. Very... friendly and understanding would highly recommend.read more
    Katie Dobson
    Katie Dobson
    06:12 26 Aug 21
    I’ve had ongoing issues with my back and neck, so came to see Nadene after recommendations from friends. After just 4... sessions I’ve noticed 100% improvement and wish I’d come sooner! The clinic is gorgeous and Nadene is so friendly and knowledgeable. I will be recommending Tivoli Chiropractic Clinic to all my friends and familyread more
    Andy Ball
    Andy Ball
    20:32 25 Aug 21
    After suffing with an undiagnosed hip problem for a number of years and following a series of (uncuccessful/unhelpful!)... programs with other Chirporactors, I began seeing Nadene at Tivoli Chiropractic in 2019.From the get-go I was really taken in by Nadene's sytle of care. She's provided an unparalleled level of care, attention and knowledge around my hip issue that has now allowed me to understand and manage it inline with my ongoing sports goals and lifestyle.Highly recommend!!read more
    Maggie Grady
    Maggie Grady
    07:02 23 Jul 21
    Nadene is a wonderful chiropractor! I came with a nasty back injury and she really helped me through, with excellent,... tailored treatment, but also with plans for rehabilitation. I thoroughly recommend this practice.read more
    Jess Parsons
    Jess Parsons
    07:26 28 May 21
    A fantastic clinic. Nadene explains everything in simple terms so you can understand yourself what is going on with... your body. Totally professional but with a twist of down to earth friendliness.read more
    Ali Brinsford
    Ali Brinsford
    17:09 20 Apr 21
    I genuinely could not be more happy to recommend Nadene and Tivoli Chiropractic Clinic!I went with a chronic back pain... and knee issues and have had the best treatment.I feel stronger and more confident in my body than I have done in years! Incredibly knowledgeable and made to feel at ease straight away.Thank you so much!read more
    Gina Morris
    Gina Morris
    15:59 09 Apr 21
    I have been receiving treatment for a frozen shoulder since February of this year 2021! and I have to say the... treatments are truly amazing. I have been seeing Kelly Nicol who has helped me massively in helping me work towards getting the movement back in my shoulder. I have had a mixture of acupuncture, manipulation and exercises to help with my road to recovery.Over a period of three months I have nearly achieved a full recovery which is fantastic as in such a short space of time this has been achieved. I fully recommend this Clinic and rate it as a five star, the staff at the Climic are so welcoming and friendly, you get a first class service.read more
    Mark Bond
    Mark Bond
    20:45 17 Mar 21
    After just 3 sessions of physio and a tailored exercise regime while awaiting hip surgery I am now relatively pain free... and walking normally for the first time in 12 months. A massive thank you to Angela and the Tivoli team! I only wish I had gone to you sooner!read more
    Simon Green
    Simon Green
    23:05 25 Jan 21
    Another 5 stars! A huge thank you to Tivoli Chiropractic Clinic and especially Nadene who’s vast experience, patience,... genuine understanding and magic hands have transformed me back into exercise and normal life, something I never expected to happen so fast after being lifted by three paramedics at two in the morning with excruciating back pain! I can’t recommend the level of treatment or service provided highly enough. Thank youread more
    Eirlys G
    Eirlys G
    12:43 13 Jan 21
    My first experience of visiting a chiropractor was with Kelly Nicol. She is very friendly and I felt at ease instantly.... The treatment (and homework!) is ongoing but I feel so much better after each visit. Thanks Kelly.read more
    Steven Orr
    Steven Orr
    22:45 12 Jan 21
    Wonderful set up they have at the clinic, with all the gadgets and very skilled and professional staff there. I had... lower back pains and after just a couple of sessions, I could feel the difference. They use acupuncture, massage, manipulation and pure skill to help correct spine and associated muscle problems. Any back pains I get in the future - Tivoli Chiropractic Clinic are my first choice. Highly recommended.read more
    Chris Fawcett
    Chris Fawcett
    17:35 12 Jan 21
    I had a painful shoulder which was affecting my arm movement and increasingly affecting my sleep. I have been... consulting Nadine for three months and am delighted with both the initial diagnosis and the treatment offered. I understand this is not a ‘quick fix’ but will need regular treatment and exercise to improve my mobility in order to regain full movement. Nadine’s expertise has helped reduce the pain, improve my sleep and maintain my positivity as my shoulder improves. I have no hesitation in recommending the clinic - very professional!read more
    Olivia Unwin
    Olivia Unwin
    13:12 16 Dec 20
    After having my first daughter I had a uterine prolapse. The GP told me nothing much could be done and I’d probably wet... myself every time I went for a run for at least one year, maybe forever. Good luck, bye bye. No further help.When I heard Louise talk at a well-being event saying the exact opposite of this and that women need not suffer endlessly after having a child I booked straight in.To my amazement she helped me get my pelvic floor in pretty good shape again. She has also supported me and given me advice in my current pregnancy, she really cares about her patients. I shall certainly be rebooking after I’ve had my second child!!!read more
    Will Hayes
    Will Hayes
    21:47 10 Nov 20
    Nadine is so much more than just a chiropractor. She’s Knowledgable, fun, caring, assertive when I’m not looking after... myself, genuine and she evidently wants the best for her patients. The set up oozes professionalism and I leave every time feeling so much lighter and freer from all my aches, pains and stresses. If only I actually did the stretches. A must visitread more
    Clairey
    Clairey
    11:18 10 Nov 20
    I always leave here feeling much better. I really like the way Nadene doesn't just treat the problem but tries to find... the cause and then gives me homework to do to address the issue. Good range of treatment including acupuncture and massage, plus we always have a good natter and a laugh, just what's needed at the moment!read more
    Sean Rodger
    Sean Rodger
    21:34 08 Nov 20
    I feel completely different since I’ve been going to the clinic. I was in agony before where I couldn’t want from the... bedroom to the room next door without limping with back and leg sciatica pain however I have been going to the clinic just a little over a month and I cannot rave enough about the improvement. T staff are super friendly too. Deffo 5 stars.read more
    Rachy Roxy
    Rachy Roxy
    23:34 04 Nov 20
    After an awful experience years ago with a chiropractor I said I would never go to a clinic again ....!! Then by magic... I met Nadine, “ The Body Whisper “ I can’t express how wonderful, professional, dedicated, understanding, kind and brilliant she is. One visit and you will be hooked !! I would never go to anyone else and during this pandemic I have never felt so safe and secure. My back is feeling so much better and trust her completely. The receptionists are welcoming, the clinic is Spotless and they are following all of the guidelines. Nadine goes the extra mile with her clients make an appointment and experience it for yourself you will not be disappointed!!read more
    Melissa Lucas
    Melissa Lucas
    20:31 30 Oct 20
    Honestly one of the best experiences I have ever had with a Chiropractor! I suffer from very bad back pain and I cannot... fault one thing about this clinic. Nadene is absolutely fantastic at her job and genuinely cares about her patients. She goes above and beyond and I wouldn't go anywhere else!read more
    Helen Tuckey
    Helen Tuckey
    08:51 28 Oct 20
    In these strange times it feels good to come somewhere so welcoming. The receptionists are always friendly and... efficient, and the window display is magnificent!Nadene was recommended to me and has been treating my shoulder for a few weeks. She genuinely cares about it getting better. I completely trust what she tells me and even feel motivated to do my exercises!read more
    Diana Sousa
    Diana Sousa
    17:27 27 Oct 20
    I just love Nadene... she is funny and more than that she is an amazing professional... i cant remember last time i had... no pain on my back till i came to see her... She's honestly there to help everyone not for the money.. i would defenelly recommend it !read more
    Rachel Mcdonald
    Rachel Mcdonald
    21:46 25 Oct 20
    I am truely grateful for Kelly and the Tivoli Chiropractic clinic. Kelly is attentive, takes a true interest in her... patients and goes the extra mile. I look forward to my sessions and enjoy making it a part of my life maintenance.read more
    Georgina McDonald
    Georgina McDonald
    08:05 19 Oct 20
    Nadene at Tivoli Chiropractic is amazing!! she has help me with so many of my different injuries and constant aches and... pains. Not only is Nadene lovely so is her Team, you are always welcomed with and friendly smile and nice little chat, which is already one step to making you feel better :) I really couldn't recommend her enough.read more
    Ruth Owen-Overton
    Ruth Owen-Overton
    12:36 16 Oct 20
    Nadene and her team of professionals are outstanding in their care and support. They have literally kept me moving. I... trust them completely and highly recommend this practice.read more
    Duncan Matthews
    Duncan Matthews
    13:35 13 Oct 20
    Everytime i have issues with my old back pain which consistantly comes back i take a trip ti see Nadine and like... Coldplay says, she fixes me. Amazing service and knowledge. You can only get better afrer a visit.read more
    Julia Mortlock
    Julia Mortlock
    08:09 22 Sep 20
    Plantar fasciitis is so debilitating......my latest 'episode' was particularly painful and long lasting (several... months). I had tried all the usual remedies (stretching, comfy supportive shoes, foot socks etc) but to no avail. Following shockwave treatment I am now completely pain free! For those who suffer from this painful foot problem I cannot recommend shockwave treatment at the Tivoli Chiropractor enough. I visited the practice during Covid and felt completely safe in Nadine's hands.read more
    Ceridwen James
    Ceridwen James
    11:22 05 Sep 20
    Fantastic first experience at Tivoli Chiropractic Clinic with Kelly.Kelly is very professional and very knowledgeable,... and with this comes a lovely personality that encourages and lifts you too.I would highly recommend the Clinic and the wonderful work they do.read more
    Nicki Ryder
    Nicki Ryder
    17:55 26 Aug 20
    I booked my dad in with the physio, Ange and he is so pleased that he went, before returning to Bahrain. He's been... really suffering and he was just pleased to hear that it's nothing too sinister. He left Ange armed with a plan to help alleviate the pain and fix the issue. He said she was really knowledgeable and really put him at ease. Thank you, Ange!read more
    Emma OC
    Emma OC
    08:31 19 Aug 20
    Wonderful place and service. Holly and Kelly are extremely friendly and professional. I had pain in my arm and shoulder... for years and in a few weeks Kelly has sorted it as well as advising me on care and exercise at home. Booking was efficient and simple. I have recommended Tivoli Chiropractors already to several friends and will continue to use them in the future.read more
    Alex Van Dyke
    Alex Van Dyke
    15:40 30 Jul 20
    After sustaining an injury through cricket I was unable to bowl without discomfort for 18 months before I starting... seeing Pippa at Tivoli Chiropractic. Her examination identified a number of problems that had led to my injury and were stopping me from recovering. The subsequent exercise plan has helped me on the road to recovery and I recently played my first game of cricket without any discomfort!Would highly recommend Tivoli Chiropractic. They are thorough, professional and friendly.read more
    Savannah Matthews
    Savannah Matthews
    09:12 09 Jul 20
    I have been treated by Kelly for two ankle injuries. She was always professional and caring throughout treatments,... ensuring I was comfortable and educated on what injury I had, and what step by step treatment I was to expect. Procedures were always fully explained and the results were unbeatable. After only one month of treatment combined with rehabilitation, I was back on the court playing netball. Rehabilitation with Kelly not only helped my ankles to recover but also helped me to prepare to prevent further injury. I now am educated on prevention and strengthening exercises for my condition and am a very happy patient.read more
    Daniel Hopkins
    Daniel Hopkins
    12:40 12 Jun 20
    After complaining of having a tight neck and sore back, Kelly's chiropractic care helped me with my pain management and... has overall improved my sleep and health. Not only has Kelly's chiropractor skills been very helpful, her friendly attitude and kind nature put me at ease when visiting her for treatment. I highly recommend!read more
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