Elisabeth Grover
07794351958

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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 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

Learning to Run. I scratched my head around how t

Learning to Run.

I scratched my head around how to get a picture of me on my grid so here it is. Buried deep under a misty moody image of one of my runs is a picture of me holding my London Marathon number during my 2020 challenge #myracemyway

I have been interested in how running has seen an upsurge in popularity during lockdown and I’d like to do what I can to encourage others to join this growing band of runners.

The beauty of running as a way of keeping fit is that you do it your way. You can join a local Couch to 5K group course, perhaps you can listen to the app or maybe start playing around with very gentle intervals on your own. A minute slow jogging (very easy pace) and a minute walking - do this five times and then walk home. Get used to how it feels to run. A lot of us probably haven’t run purposefully since we were at school so it will feel odd. Our running styles are all so different and we may feel self conscious but remember, there are loads of runners out there and we all look very different. I frequently get asked if im injured because of my lolloping duck-like style!

Take it easy and don’t push yourself. Make a plan for the next few weeks and stick to it. There are plenty of plans online to choose from. Find one that suits you and your daily life. It’s got to work for you so you’ll stick to it. Don’t compare yourself as we are all on a different path.

As you gain in confidence, you can make your runs slightly longer or slightly faster. Remember that those of us who trained for a marathon like London started somewhere and you can start too. A marathon is only a series of miles stitched together. Broken up like that it’s manageable.

Give it a go and see how you feel. You might enjoy it! Let me know in the comments. I’m happy to help so drop me a line 👋🏻you can do this x

#mistymorning #mistyfoggymilkymoody #mistymornings #beginnersrunning #runningformentalhealth #runningmotivation #runningcommunity #runningforbeginners #womenrunnerscommunity #learningtorun #womenrunning #londonmarathon2020 #londonmarathon #thisgirlcan #thisgirlcanrun #c25k #c25ktraining #c25k® #c25kchallenge #c25kapp #runninglife #r#c25kbeginner #beginningrunner

The grey morning after a night of broken sleep. Th

The grey morning after a night of broken sleep. This picture just reminded me of those mixed feelings.

During our St Albans Doulas antenatal classes, we explain about the effects of sleep deprivation and how this can affect you.

I often feel a little disingenuous because nothing can prepare you for the numbing effects of broken sleep night and night. It’s utterly draining and there doesn’t seem to be an end date. It can make you feel very low and doubt your capabilities.

1. Recognise it is a phase and it will end. It is normal and you are doing the best you can. This is very important. Cut down your day into chunks. You can do the next six hours, don’t look further than that.
2. Seek the comfort of those around you who are going through the same thing. Make sure these friends are on the same page as you when it comes to parenting, otherwise it could make you feel worse.
3. Recognise that you need the rest time and it’s ok to nap in the day. If you can’t nap then sit or lie down when you can.
4. Drink lots of water and eat as healthily as is possible. Ask people to bring food when they visit.
5. Listen to audiobooks and podcasts when you’re tired. You can keep your mind active but it’s not as challenging as keeping your eyes open to read.

This will pass and the winter will turn to spring. It may take time but it will get better. If I can help in anyway, please get in touch. I’m happy to talk you through these tough early days.

#poetryofsimplethings #dreaminginpictures #aseasonalyear #amomentofwonder #ofquietmoments #slowdownwithstills #calmversation #myseasonalstory #smallmomentsofcalm #seasonspoetry #4thtrimester #4thtrimesterandbeyond #pregnant #doulasupport #postnatalrecovery #postnatalanxiety #antenatalclasses #antenataleducation #babysleepadvice #holisticsleep #pregnantduringcovid19 #pregnantduringapandemic #pregnantduringcorona #postnatalsupport #stalbansbusinesses #stalbansbusiness #parentingtips #harpendenmums #stalbansmums

It’s the weekend! Well, almost.... But first,

It’s the weekend!

Well, almost....

But first, a day of studying research papers and making copious notes lies ahead. Thank goodness for running as it always sets me up for the day ahead. Especially when scenes like this one await me 🙏🏼

#aseasonalyear #livelifeoutside #awhisperedbeauty #coloursofnature #mytinyatlas #thisismykingdom #roamtheplanet #thesincerestoryteller #thisiswhereirun #adventureanywhere #seasonspoetry #thesimpleeveryday #dayslikethese #smallmomentsofcalm #theplacetobe #extraordinaryordinaryjoy #creativelifehappylife #postcardsfromtheworld #nothingisordinary #itsthelittlethings #lovethelittlethings #poetryofsimplethings #alovefornaturesbest #mynaturesstory #studentlife

How lovely to be looking down on life’s events w

How lovely to be looking down on life’s events with a birds eye view.

Do you ever reflect on certain times in your life and think about how you may have done things differently? A birds eye view with the benefit of hindsight. I practiced this technique during my run on Sunday, in between my podcasts and audiobooks and when it started to get painful. I found it quite an interesting exercise.

Sometimes when we’re in the centre of the storm we tend to be so caught up that we can’t see a way forward. Often if we a little while the answer appears and (in my experience) its been the right one. What about you?

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone. Enjoy the quiet reflective moments.

#aseasonalyear #livelifeoutside #awhisperedbeauty #coloursofnature #mytinyatlas #thisismykingdom #roamtheplanet #thesincerestoryteller #thisiswhereirun #adventureanywhere #seasonspoetry #thesimpleeveryday #dayslikethese #smallmomentsofcalm #theplacetobe #extraordinaryordinaryjoy #creativelifehappylife #postcardsfromtheworld #nothingisordinary #itsthelittlethings #lovethelittlethings #poetryofsimplethings #alovefornaturesbest #mynaturesstory #heitermoments

New Beginnings. Today my youngest daughter leaves

New Beginnings.

Today my youngest daughter leaves for university to start the next phase of her life. A new beginning for her and and uncharted territory for me.

I said to my children the other day that it feels like I’ve come to the end of my 26 year career and that’s very poignant for me.

I have moaned over the years about the messiness of running a busy home with four young children but I will miss tripping over random trainers littered around the house. The sound of the garage door crashing as she comes back from one of many cycling adventures. The various doors in the house slamming as she seems unable to close them quietly. The ‘haven of peace and tranquility of The Garden Sanctuary’ is lost on her!! The hurricane that sweeps through our kitchen leaving devastation in its wake every morning, lunch and dinner.

It’ll be odd for a period of time for a while but then I’ll brush myself off and get on with the next phase of my life.

I’ll actually COMPLETE my Open University degree (it’s taken many years to get to this point!) I’ll run long distances until my body gives up. Tony and I will cycle throughout the winter exploring the Herts, Beds, Bucks, Surrey and Essex areas on our journeys. I’ll enjoy the quiet evenings with my candles and blankets and no slamming doors. So we’ll be fine, albeit a little reflective in our mood. Here’s to new beginnings for us all.

#slowandsimpledays #doortomywonderland #daysofsimpleandslow #poetryofsimplethings #awhisperedbeauty #dreaminginpictures #aseasonalyear #thatmagicmood #amomentofwonder #ofwhimsicalmoments #ofquietmoments #slowdownwithstills #myseasonalstory #smallmomentsofcalm #seasonspoetry #capturequiet #livemoremagic #cornersofmyworld #aseasonalshift #quietinthewild #lovelywanderings #heitermoments #thisprettyengland #mistymorning #mistyfoggymilkymoody #leavinghome #endofanera #heiterautumn

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