When we had our son the Centre had been going for just under a year.  I was already connected with fellow acupuncturists and through my work I knew osteopaths, massage therapists and homeopaths that I trusted. 

Thinking about health, looking after myself and others was a part of my life already.... and it was surprise to me how stressful it could be to look after this new little being, make the right choices for him and for me.  It took me a while to realise it's not about always trying to find the “right choices”, it's about making the choices that felt right to me.   That might just sound like semantics, but for me it was a bit of an epiphany.   

Seven and a bit years into being a mum and it is easier.  I've learnt a lot about myself and my family.  A decent night's sleep and a bit of alone time is a good solution for most things.  Sometimes I feel like I've 'got it' and then there are the times when it feels overwhelming....and that's when I look around for a little guidance. 

My current 'go tos' are very different to when we had a baby.  Back then it was more about the practicalities for keeping him alive.  My copy of the La Leche book The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding is very well worn as a result of many late night readings whilst breastfeeding.  The Space programe run by Playcentre was a life changer.  I met two of my closest friends in this parenting journey there, as well as learning a lot about how my baby was going to grow and change.  These days I turn to  Nurturing Little Souls blog written by local mum Julie Louisson and Growth Mindset information and resources by Big Life Journal.  

If you'd interested to find out a bit about how we work with new families here at the Centre, check out our Support for new families page.

And if you are a mum or dad reading this, know that you are doing a great job!

love, Claire xx
Mum, acupuncturist and business owner

This month we are running a fun treasure hunt around our new website.  Have a browse through and see if you can find 3 out of the 6 golden hearts that I’ve hidden.  Click the gold heart to find out its name and as a bonus I’ve popped a special little quote to brighten your day and lighten your heart – for full details go to Treasure Hunt page.
 
I like a good laugh like most, but by nature I am quite a serious soul.  So taking things with a lighter note has been a conscious decision.  Over the last few years it’s become increasingly important to me that when I do something, like build a new website for the business, that it feels good.    
 
A lot of people were involved with making this website - all 14 wonderful practitioners in our team, a truly lovely photographer who really helped us all shine, an amazing duo PR team who had me in stitches frequently whilst giving sage, solid advice and helped edit the copy... plus my husband and me.   
 
It wasn’t always easy – I frequently got frustrated with how long things took because I could already see it in my head....why wasn’t it here already?! – and somewhere during the process I did learn how to take a breath, step back and have fun with work.  
 
This is not a new idea I know.  I read a few online articles whilst I was thinking about this blog and this was one that spoke to me https://chopra.com/articles/6-reasons-why-laughter-is-the-best-medicine. My favourite quote is

“Your ability to laugh can be cultivated with practice so start by prioritizing fun.”
 
I hope you have fun looking around!  And if you find yourself smiling in the process, take that smile and share it.
 
 Love Claire x

Business owner

One of the things newcomers to Ngaio Natural Health Centre comment on is what a beautiful building we have, how cosy and homely it is - and with good reason because for much of its life this building has been a family home.
​
Built in 1937 the villa was a home to 3 families up until the 1980s.  In 1987 Richard (our retired local pharmacist) and his business partners at Bioswiss Ltd bought the property from Mr & Mrs Crowthers, who lived here until they were ready to move to a retirement residence. 

Changes were made to the building to turn it into a commercial space.  However, it has retained much of it character, for example: the wooden doors, banisters and an outside toilet. 

Between 1987 and 2010, 63 Ottawa Road was home to Kip McGrath, Porse, a couple of local architectural companies, and it was even a kitchen showroom for a short time.