Elisabeth Grover
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About
Reflexology
Birth & Pregnancy Support
- Virtual Doula Support
- Why book a doula?
Testimonials
GDPR Statement

Reflexology

Reflections from the sanctuary

Reflections from the sanctuary

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The long and winding road? Ok, not so long but rat

The long and winding road? Ok, not so long but rather lovely I think. A little magical moment of escape amongst the sea of little blue friends. Have a lovely weekend x

#bluebells #bluebellseason #bluebellwoods #bluebellphotoshoot #bluebellwood #hertfordshire #hertfordshirelife #hertfordshirephotographer #hertslife #igersherts #hertsbedsbucks #trailrunningviews #trailrunninglife #trailrunninguk #woodlandwalks #woodlandwalk #woodlandphotography #woodlandflowers #walkinthewoods #runningismytherapy #runningismylife #runningismyhappyplace

I’ve been exploring the local woods on today’s

I’ve been exploring the local woods on today’s trail run. I love exploring these pretty little quiet spots in our local area. There are still a few to visit over the next few days while the bluebells are out. Happy days.

#bluebells #bluebellwoods #bluebellphotoshoot #bluebellseason #trailrunninglife #trailrunners #trailaddict #womenrunning #womentrailrunning #hertfordshire #hertfordshirelife #hertfordshirephotographer #igersherts #thisprettyengland #hertslife #flamstead #harpenden #harpendenphotographer #runningismytherapy #runningismylife #woodlandwalk #woodlandwalks #woodlandphotography #quietmoments #quietplace #peacefulwoods

A beautiful morning beside Lake Windermere 💗

A beautiful morning beside Lake Windermere 💗

#lakedistrict #lakewindermere #thelakedistrict #igersuk #igerslakedistrict #thisprettyengland #livelifeoutside #gowildlyandslow #awhisperedbeauty #coloursofnature #mytinyatlas #thisismykingdom #roamtheplanet #thesincerestoryteller #thisiswhereistand #alovefornaturesbest #mynaturesstory #adventureanywhere #seasonspoetry #thesimpleeveryday #dayslikethese #theartofslowliving #simpleandstill #smallmomentsofcalm #simpleandstill #slowandsimpledays #ukgreatshots #igersuk #visitcumbria #cumbriatourism

It’s been a long time since I posted on Instagra

It’s been a long time since I posted on Instagram and a long time since I’ve been home to Cumbria. This picture was taken on one of my last visits and boy, do I miss it. I can’t wait to get back and enjoy some special times like this, precious walks along the lake with Coco. Not long now.....

#cumbrialife #visitcumbria
#lakedistrict #igerslakedistrict #lakedistrictnationalpark
#livelifeoutside #awhisperedbeauty #coloursofnature #mytinyatlas #thisismykingdom #roamtheplanet #thesincerestoryteller #adventureeverywhere #seasonspoetry #thesimpleeveryday #dayslikethese #smallmomentsofcalm #theplacetobe #extraordinaryordinaryjoy #creativelifehappylife #postcardsfromtheworld #nothingisordinary #itsthelittlethings #lovethelittlethings #poetryofsimplethings #alovefornaturesbest #mynaturesstory #myprettyengland

Birth Trauma Research Work I’ve been buried in

Birth Trauma Research Work

I’ve been buried in academic research papers this week in preparation for my dissertation- a literature review combining the current research surrounding a topic. Those who have written one will know how much of a time-suck it is!! I find one interesting pertinent paper and that leads to another and to another....and the day has gone by.

I’m working on the title at the moment so I can hone down the issues into a manageable project. I hadn’t realised there was so much written about the value of emotional and physical support offered by doulas to pregnant families. It feels really important tat the moment with the Covid restrictions in hospitals leading to stress and difficulties amongst birthing couples.

The research surrounding birth trauma and the effects long term is chilling and one of the reasons why I’m writing this paper. The work is fascinating but very time consuming.

So I’m looking for any good TV programmes and books to end the day with and help me switch off and relax. Do you have any favourites you can recommend to a girl with a sore head and no attention span?!

#bestpicsuk #excellent_nature #mistymorning #mistyday #mistydayedit #mistymoodymilkyfoggy #igersuk #igersherts #raw_uk_ #bbcthreecounties #moodyphotography #moodyphotography #moodmagic #hertfordshire #hertfordshirebusiness #hertfordshirelife #hertfordshiremums #harpenden #harpendenlife #foggymorning #thisprettyengland #moody_tones #foggyday #ethereal_moods #raw_trees #treephotography #mode_emotive #the_mirror_of_our_souls #birthrights #pregnantinapandemic

The beautiful changing light as winter nudges spri

The beautiful changing light as winter nudges springtime.

There’s something so precious about the light of the changing seasons. This weekend felt like change was in the air and it was great to be outside.

Sunday was a happy day for me for too. Completion of a piece of research for my degree which has taken a amount of time to write (hence the limited Insta posts!)
I’ll be sending it off for marking, keeping my fingers crossed. New research starts today and I’ll be reviewing literature on birth support and birth trauma. Picking out some salient points and immersing myself in papers for the next few months.

My doula on-call finished yesterday too so I can catch up on sleep before the next on-call starts later this week. I think some quality napping will be enjoyed this week!

I finished an amazing book ‘Promising Young Women’ by Caroline O’Donoghue. Chilling. Gripping. A must read. And I’m really excited to start ‘Beneath the Waters’ by @juliet.olivia which has been highly recommended to me. It’ll be great to bury myself in another gripping novel to escape the world for a while.

So here’s to a lovely week. How’s yours looking? x

#harpenden #lightinspired
#mystoryoflight
#inspiredbylight
#winterstories
#thequietwinter
#seasonalshift
#doulalife
#doula
#birthdoula
#harpendenmums
#capturethemoment
#littlestoriesofmylife
#everydayadventures
#thewildnesstonic
#thegreatoutdoors
#optoutside
#themagicinnature
#liveauthentic
#simplepleasures
#ofsimplethings
#slowandsimpledays #igershertfordshire #whimsicalwonderfulwild
#makemoments #heitermoments
#thisprettyengland

A little Narnia shot of local woodlands. I really

A little Narnia shot of local woodlands. I really love how the snow grabbed hold of the trees. It was a fleeting moment but nice to capture it. Hope you’re all keeping well (and warm!) x

#snowytrees #snowyscene #snowywalk #snowyforest #snowywoods
#lightinspired
#mystoryoflight
#inspiredbylight
#winterstories
#wintermood
#anaturalmidwinter
#themidwintermovement
#thequietwinter
#heiterwinter
#capturethemoment
#littlestoriesofmylife
#everydayadventures
#thewildnesstonic
#thegreatoutdoors
#optoutside
#themagicinnature
#liveauthentic
#simplepleasures
#ofsimplethings
#slowandsimpledays #whimsicalwonderfulwild
#makemoments #mymoodywinter #mistyfoggymilkymoody

Loving all the snow shots on Instagram today. It’s been such a beautiful day here.

I started off the day with a little Strava art (see my story). Had lots of fun creating ‘Jaws’ and thinking about other movie themes I can route plan over the year!

Then back to work on my literature review for my OU degree. Lots of reading and sorting through research papers to work out which ones I’ll include.

Now I’m sitting by the fire and enjoying all the lovely snowy pictures on my feed. I hope you’ve all had a lovely day too and are now nice and cosy at home x

#lightinspired
#mystoryoflight
#gloomandglow
#inspiredbylight
#winterstories
#wintermood
#anaturalmidwinter
#themidwintermovement
#thequietwinter
#seasonalshift
#igersherts
#harpendenmums
#capturethemoment
#littlestoriesofmylife
#everydayadventures
#thewildnesstonic
#thegreatoutdoors
#optoutside
#themagicinnature
#liveauthentic
#simplepleasures
#ofsimplethings
#slowandsimpledays #whimsicalwonderfulwild
#makemoments #mymoodywinter #mistyfoggymilkymoody
#narnia #narniaedit
#thisprettyengland

We had a small sprinkling of snow on Saturday and

We had a small sprinkling of snow on Saturday and running outside felt great. Who else feels ridiculously excited by snow fall? I was waiting for the snow to like like it did last year but sadly no. A small sprinkling but nothing like the Narnia-like images from last year. Here’s hoping for a bit more coverage like this. I can’t wait.

#slowandsimpledays #doortomywonderland #daysofsimpleandslow #poetryofsimplethings #awhisperedbeauty #dreaminginpictures #aseasonalyear #thatmagicmood #amomentofwonder #ofwhimsicalmoments #ofquietmoments #slowdownwithstills #calmversation #simpleandstill #myseasonalstory #smallmomentsofcalm #seasonspoetry #capturequiet #asecondofwhimsey #livemoremagic #cornersofmyworld #whimsicalwonderfulwild #aseasonalshift #quietinthewild #lovelywanderings #heitermoments #heiterwinter #thisprettyengland #thisprettyengland_winter

I’ve had a break from social media, probably the

I’ve had a break from social media, probably the longest break since I started posting regularly a few years ago. There has been no Facebook, minimal Instagram and zero Instagram Stories (which you know I love!). It’s been an interesting experiment in time.

I thought this little video was quite apt for Lockdown Day 1. Filmed in my beloved homeland Cumbria, which I miss terribly on an early morning walk by lake Windermere. I got such pleasure from watching the birds having fun in the water. Spending time in nature is a simple pleasure but one that is easy to achieve.

So this lockdown I’ll be slowing down and appreciating the small things around me. I’ll soak in the many changes in nature when im out on my bike and I’ll listen to the birdsong when I’m running. I’ll see this as an opportunity to live a slower more mindful life. I hope you can take this opportunity too. The days are short but nature is always abundant. We just have to slow down a little to take it in.

#thelakedistrict #thelakedistrictnationalpark #lakewindermere #windermerelake #windermere #thelakes #igerscumbria #igerslakedistrict #myalmanacmoment #quietinthewild #livetheseasons #whileoutwalking #brimfulofcurious #natureismytherapy #moodcollectors #upandautumn #mywintercapture #thislittlemoment #wanderingtales #thatmagicmood #gloomandglow #slowandglow #myeverydaymagic #poetryofsimplethings #explore_britain #mymindfulyear #mymindfulliving #mymindfulmoment

A little run around Jersey Farm parkland taking in

A little run around Jersey Farm parkland taking in the sights and sounds of nature that surround me.

Whether you run, walk or cycle getting outside in all weathers and taking little pictures of your journey can help promote a positive frame of mind.

I particularly like this time of year for the moments after my run. The hot bath with a dash of aromatherapy oils and a generous handful of Epsom salts. The hot chocolate with whipped cream to warm me from the inside. The hot fire to sit beside and a novel to hand keeping me company as I warm up. A perfect mindful experience for me.

#myalmanacmoment #quietinthewild #livetheseasons #whileoutwalking #mywintercapture #covidwinter #brimfulofcurious #heiterwinter #natureismytherapy #moodcollectors #impressionsofwinter #slowandsimplewinter #winterdays #mywinter #thislittlemoment #wanderingtales #thatmagicmood #gloomandglow #slowandglow #myeverydaymagic #poetryofsimplethings #igersherts #photosofengland #thisprettyengland #harpenden #stalbans #sundaymorning #mindfulnesspractice #mindfulmoments #mindfulmovement

Things I’ve learnt from many hours alone on my l

Things I’ve learnt from many hours alone on my long runs.

1. Towards the end of a long run, I find myself in a mindful state where I can’t think of anything else but what I’m doing. This feels like a state of absolute focus or ‘flow’ and is something we doulas discuss in our antenatal sessions with our clients.

2. The run changes from an enjoyable chatty time (if anyone else is with me at that time) or listening to a podcast to a state as described above. It feels very much like the difference between early labour and established labour. I remember this from my births. The difference is really noticeable.

3. I quickly go from the last few steps of the run where I am literally counting steps and feeling like I can’t go on, to forgetting how painful it was, within a matter of minutes. Once I’ve had a hot drink and I’ve warmed up, I feel fine. I’m chatty and smiley once more.

4. And the next day, I’m planning the next challenge. Perhaps this is why I have four children or maybe I just enjoy feeling pain. It makes me feel very much alive and I don’t get that buzz anywhere else. But my feet are very sore today!

#myalmanacmoment #quietinthewild #livetheseasons #whileoutwalking #brimfulofcurious #heiterautumn #natureismytherapy #moodcollectors #impressionsofautumn #slowandsimpleautumn #upandautumn #autumndays #myautumncapture #thislittlemoment #wanderingtales #thatmagicmood #gloomandglow #slowandglow #myeverydaymagic #poetryofsimplethings #igersherts #thisprettyengland #harpenden
#marathonrunner #marathoners #marathonrunning
#herts #hertfordshire #knebworth #knebworthhouse

It’s Sunday Runday
🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️
The peace and tranquility of this picture doesn’t reflect the utter panic when I realised that I only had 1% battery and I was miles away from where I was supposed to be 🥴 I got back by the skin of my teeth whilst pretending to deep breathe and take it easy.

Anyway, it’s been a good day 😀apart from getting completely lost, I’ve ticked off some goals.
Essay completed ☑️
Annual running and cycling goals completed (1000 miles and 1500 miles respectively) ☑️
Now sitting reading my novel and getting ready for Strictly ☑️
How’s your Sunday been?

#myalmanacmoment #quietinthewild #livetheseasons #brimfulofcurious #heiterautumn #natureismytherapy #moodcollectors #impressionsofautumn #slowandsimpleautumn #upandautumn #autumndays #myautumncapture #thislittlemoment #wanderingtales #thatmagicmood #gloomandglow #slowandglow #myeverydaymagic #poetryofsimplethings #igersherts #explore_britain #photosofengland #thisprettyengland #sundayrunday #sundaymorningview #hertfordshire #ukrunchat #knebworth #knebworthpark

After making a monumental error with my geography

After making a monumental error with my geography (oops🤦🏼‍♀️) here’s a picture actually taken in Hertfordshire. Hope my Bedfordshire friends forgive me🥴

#myalmanacmoment #quietinthewild #livetheseasons #whileoutwalking #brimfulofcurious #heiterautumn #natureismytherapy #moodcollectors #impressionsofautumn #slowandsimpleautumn #upandautumn #autumndays #myautumncapture #thislittlemoment #wanderingtales #thatmagicmood #gloomandglow #slowandglow #myeverydaymagic #poetryofsimplethings #igersherts #photosofengland #mistyfoggymilkymoody #mistyday #harpenden #hertfordshiremums #harpendenbusiness #harpendenmums

Good to hear the news today that we can start Walk

Good to hear the news today that we can start Walking Bumps, our group for pregnant parents again!

From December, we will be taking walks in the Harpenden, St. Albans and Berkhamsted areas and im very excited to be leading one of these groups.

If your pregnant and living in the local area, drop me a Dm and I’ll send you the details. We look forward to meeting you for our lovely walk and talk sessions.

#quietinthewild #livetheseasons #whileoutwalking #heiterautumn #natureismytherapy #moodcollectors #impressionsofautumn #slowandsimpleautumn #upandautumn #autumndays #myautumncapture #thislittlemoment #wanderingtales #thatmagicmood #gloomandglow #slowandglow #myeverydaymagic #poetryofsimplethings #harpenden #harpendenmums #stalbans #stalbansmums #hertfordshiremums #pregnancyfitness #doulalife #stalbansparents #harpendenlife #harpendenparentsnetwork

I have fallen in love with trail running again.

I have fallen in love with trail running again.

Taking in the beauty of the misty skies and running through muddy fields gives me a silly amount of pleasure.

I felt really liberated today as I explored routes I hadn’t tried before. Perhaps getting a little bit lost and utterly filthy but isn’t that half the fun?

I use my mini adventures while trail running as an analogy for life. You may get muddy and grubby en route but there’s magic at the end. In the case of my trail running it’s when I peel off my muddy clothes to throw them in the wash while I languish in a hot bath with a hot chocolate. There’s nothing quite like it.

What’s your simple pleasure?

#myalmanacmoment #quietinthewild #livetheseasons #brimfulofcurious #heiterautumn #natureismytherapy #moodcollectors #impressionsofautumn #slowandsimpleautumn #upandautumn #autumndays #myautumncapture #thislittlemoment #wanderingtales #thatmagicmood #gloomandglow #slowandglow #myeverydaymagic #poetryofsimplethings #igersherts #explore_britain #photosofengland #thisprettyengland #harpenden #thisiswhereirun #runningistherapy #ukrunchat #trailrunningviews #harpendenlife #harpendenparentsnetwork

Who else is loving the morning light at the moment

Who else is loving the morning light at the moment?
💕🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏽🙋🏾‍♂️💕

The moody, mysterious light glowing through the trees creating intriguing shapes like this one. I’m finding the hazy greyness so inspiring and energising and I can’t wait to get out and capture it first thing. It makes me feel creative and happy and ready to face a day of ploughing through research papers! Do you love the grey or are you more of a summer light person?

#myalmanacmoment #quietinthewild #livetheseasons #whileoutwalking #brimfulofcurious #heiterautumn #natureismytherapy #moodcollectors #mistymorning #mistymornings #mistyfoggymilkymoody #impressionsofautumn #slowandsimpleautumn #upandautumn #autumndays #myautumncapture #thislittlemoment #wanderingtales #thatmagicmood #thislittlemoment #gloomandglow #slowandglow #poetryofsimplethings #igersherts #explore_britain #photosofengland #thisprettyengland #global_igers

I love this image of two trees huddling together r

I love this image of two trees huddling together reflecting the warm feeling of companionship and togetherness.

Although our lives will go back on-line for a short period of time, and that may be challenging for some, we at St. Albans Doulas are here for you. We may not be able to walk alongside you at this time but we are able to support on the telephone and FaceTime. Often having someone to text your thoughts and feelings to can really make a difference. We all communicate in different ways and the written word can be very powerful.

So if your pregnant or in the early days after giving birth, and looking for some new friends to hang out with over lockdown, come and join us at Your Virtual Village, our free Facebook group. We’d love to see you there.

If you’d like a call instead, please DM me and we can have a chat about how you’re feeling. We can adapt to any kind of communication style so get in touch. Sometimes reaching out can be the hardest thing but you won’t regret it.

#harpenden #harpendenmums #harpendenlife #harpendenparents #harpendenparentsnetwork #harpendenfamilies #harpendenphotographer #harpendenchildren #stalbans #stalbansmums #stalbanslife #stalbansparents #stalbansphotographer #hertfordshiremums #hertfordshire #hertfordshirelife #hertfordshirephotographer #igershertfordshire #igersherts #hertsmums #pregnantlife #pregnantduringcovid19 #pregnantduringapandemic #pregnantduringcorona #pregnancysupport #pregnancymentalhealth #postnatalmentalhealth #doulasupport

The 31st October - it seems appropriate to post on

The 31st October - it seems appropriate to post one of my grey misty shots today 🕸🌒🌫👻🙀

Recently, I’ve been thinking about the routes I have planned for the Harpenden branch of ‘Walking Bumps’. Specifically reflecting on how much I enjoy watching the seasons change whilst walking these paths.

Although I love the summer (I’m definitely a summer person!) it’s the winter shots in my feed like this one that really draw me. Scrolling through Instagram I’m immediately drawn to pictures like this.

Those grey days, when it’s hard to get out the door, can be my favourites for taking shots. I’d love to share these wintery days with my new pregnant friends as we head into winter together.

If this sounds like you, and you’d like to step out into the grey, get in touch and we can enjoy the wintery days together on our strolls.

#harpenden #harpendenmums #harpendenlife #harpendenbusiness #harpendenparents #harpendenparentsnetwork #harpendenfamilies #stalbansmums #stalbanslife #stalbansparents #pregnantduringapandemic #pregnantduringcovid19 #pregnantduringcorona #hertfordshiremums #hertfordshire #hertfordshirelife #hertfordshirewalks #hertfordshirephotographer #mistymorning #mistyfoggymilkymoody #halloween2020 #samhain #harpendenphotographer #antenataleducation #antenatalclass #antenatalexercise #antenatalfitness #antenatalcourse

Autumn is a great time to enjoy the countryside an

Autumn is a great time to enjoy the countryside and doulas Julia, Lucy and I would love you to join us in embracing the autumnal weather.

Walking Bumps is a new group where you can meet other mums on a short walk whilst talking about all things pregnancy, birth and beyond.

We will be running weekly walks in Harpenden, St. Albans and Berkhamsted up to Christmas and we’d love you to join us.

We are passionate about walking and we’ve heard how you miss meeting like-minded people face to face. The companionship of the weekly antenatal group is hard to recreate online. So why not combine walking and learning in small, friendly local walking groups.

The link for our events is in my bio. Walks start next week.

#harpenden #harpendenmums #harpendenlife #harpendenparents #harpendenparentsnetwork #stalbansmums #stalbansparents #berkhamstedmums #berkhamsted #pregnantduringcovid19 #pregnantduringcorona #pregnantduringapandemic #doulasupport #doulalife #birthdoula #harpendenfamilies #antenatalclass #antenataleducation #birtheducation #mumsguidetoharpenden #hertfordshiremums #hertfordshireblogger

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