Nurture yourself and your baby during pregnancy and beyond with holistic therapies.

Complementary treatments can help the physical and emotional health of new mums and their babies.

Brighton-based holistic therapist Lucy Corkhill, who offers a range of treatments, including aromatherapy massage and reflexology, organises pamper parties for new mums in their homes.

She says: "While the medical approach tends to focus on an ailment or problem in isolation, an holistic approach treats the woman as a whole - taking into account physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

Energy is spent on prevention, rather than cure, by guiding the body into healing.

"Contrary to popular perception, pregnancy and birth are wellness states and the amazing female body is blessed with a myriad of different physical and psychological mechanisms to enable both to proceed normally.

"Women who regularly have treatments during their pregnancies often find their babies are born calmer and more receptive to touch. What better way to start your journey together?"

Here are five therapies which could help you and your baby.

Aromatherapy

The use of essential oils in a massage, bath or oil burner has been proven to have positive benefits for pregnant, birthing or new mums, says Lucy.

Aromatherapy can help with nausea, heartburn, fluid retention and aches and pains. Fears and concerns about birth and motherhood can often be eased with essential oils and many women have found burning oils and using them in a bath or massage after birth helps them if they are suffering from baby blues or post-natal depression. Lucy says you can lessen the likelihood of stretch marks with regular massages during your pregnancy.

Reflexology

Massaging and stimulating areas of the feet to aid the body's healing process has been found to be of particular help during childbirth, as well as pregnancy and after birth, says Lucy. A study at the Gentofte Hospital in Copenhagen for the Reflexology Association found 58 of 60 women giving birth experienced "outstanding pain relief using reflexology treatment" and 11 out of 14 women were able to avoid surgery under general anaethesia.

Acupuncture

The Chinese medicine can help many symptoms of pregnancy, says the British Acupuncture Council, including morning sickness, emotional problems and fluid problems such as pre-eclampsia. During labour, acupuncture can be used to help manage pain. At specific weeks during pregnancy, acupuncture needles can be used at points on the mum, known as happy baby points, to nourish the foetus.

Homeopathy

This gentle form of medicine doesn't cause side-effects, making it suitable for pregnant women. Homeopathic remedies can help with morning sickness, constipation during pregnancy and moments of panic when you go into labour. The remedy, Pulsatilla, is even used for turning a breech baby. Remedies are also available to help you recover after giving birth. It is always best to consult a registered homeopath for advice, particularly for more serious problems.

Hypnotherapy

Self-Hypnosis can be used to help you overcome your fears about pregnancy and reduce pain. The Natal Hypnotherapy programme is a course of four CDs to help expectant mums through pregnancy. The programme includes CDs on Pregnancy Relaxation, Birth Preparation, Relaxing Birth Music and Fast Post-Natal Recovery, which takes the mum-to-be through pregnancy and up until six weeks after giving birth. You can also buy individual CDs to add to the programme, covering areas such as morning sickness and preparing for a caesarean.

The CDs are available from Great Expectations, Lewes Road, Brighton, call 01273 622993, Over The Rainbow, Rectory Road, Worthing, call 01903 692991, visit www.nationalhypnotherapy.co.uk or call 01428 712615. The programme of four CDs costs £50, plus £16 for each individual CD.

To find out more about Lucy Corkhill's pamper parties for new mums call 07708 662934.