Pregnancy treatments

MUM'S THE WORD Whether the children are in their cots or going to college, it’s never too late for mothers to tighten their tums and pamper their skin. Annette Hanford reports LOVE THAT TUM The founders of Mama Mio understand the stresses and strains pregnancy puts on the body, but just as importantly, they also understand how mothers can feel about their bodies after bearing children. “Whether your client’s baby is new or already in college, there comes a time in every mama’s life when she looks in the mirror and thinks, ‘the time has come to get my body back’,” says Tanya Mackay. SHRINK TO FIT Fellow-founder Sian Sutherland adds: “There are so many wonderful aspects to being a mother, but some of the physical side-effects are not so gorgeous. With seven kids between us, we know what that feels like. While we know we will never be 18 again, we still want to be gorgeous.” MOISTURISING SHOWER CREAM They agree: “Our theory is simple: work at what you can change for your client and relax about what you can’t. You can change the appearance of her skin – so, take control: it’s time to help your client get her body back.”Mama Mio has created two specific post-pregnancy treatments to zap the less desirable effects of motherhood. Described by the company as “radically active,revolutionary”  treatments, they aim to tone and tighten slack skin, reduce the cellulite spread and spongy feel, remind your bust which direction is north, and help minimise any stretchmarks. “We know clients want to see results, but we also know they want to feel relaxed, pampered and happy, which will come from having time to themselves,” says Tanya. ZAP APPROACH TUMMY TONE-UP -- ZAP CREPEY SKIN! A smoother, tighter tum for mum, 60 mins

Some 74% of women, mainly mothers, are reluctant to wear a bikini. We all know that during pregnancy the tummy extends to impressive proportions and when it shrinks back down, a common concern is the lack of skin tone.

Tummy Tone-Up is a new concept, described as a radical facial peel for the tum. It includes intensive exfoliation with Supersmooth Body Buff and Pro-Strength 30% Fruit Acid Peel, followed by a triple application of Tummy Toner, Shrink to Fit Cream and Goodbye Stretch Marks to kick start the transformation. The Shrink To Fit Alginate Mask, rich in laminara and guarana, is then applied to the torso to firm and contour, while the active ingredients penetrate the skin. SHRINK TO FIT – ZAP CELLULITE! “Honey, I shrank my hips”, 75 mins

Does your client need a shrink? Is she feeling a little lumpy and bumpy? Not loving her love handles? Cellulite and an excess of “curves” are some of the less adorable side effects of motherhood.

The Shrink to Fit treatment restores elasticity (great following weightloss); reduces water retention, reverses spongy skin and diminishes the appearance of cellulite. Help your client regain her contours and baby-soft skin with a full body exfoliation, circulation-boosting massage with Shrink to Fit cream to encourage lymphatic drainage, coupled with the Shrink to Fit Alginate Mask. WHAT'S ON THE MENU FOR YUMMY MUMMIES? A host of other skincare companies have also devised a range of dedicated products and specific salon treatments for pre- and post-natal mums. * Alquimia offers two massages suitable after the first trimester. The relaxing, nurturing and pre-natal Mother-to-be massage is tailored to gently lift energy levels and ease discomfort, while Magistral mother-to-be massage incorporates a reviving foot treatment to soothe swollen ankles and legs. * Aromatherapy Associates also has two offerings. The Real Nurturing Experience pampers and relaxes, helping to harmonise emotions as well as smoothing and nourishing skin. During the Mother-to-be Body Booster Rose Hydrating cocoon, skin is smoothed over with hydrating gel and a rich cream before being wrapped to create a fragrant cocoon of damask rose, English camomile and evening primrose oil. ELEMIS NURTURING MASSAGE Elemis Nurturing massage for mothers-to-be is delivered in a cande-lit, fragranced room, to relax the client while she lies on a cocooning ‘pregnancy bean bag’ to support the growing bump. Warm Japanese Camellia oil, infused with balancing rosewood essential oil, is smoothed over the body to warm, condition and support while easing tensions. For pregnant and nursing mothers, Espa pre-natal treatment aids relaxation and tones the skin. Taking contra-indications into account, it avoids the use of essential oils as advised by the Aromatherapy Organisation Council, employing calendula-infused oil, various muds and creams and advanced massage techniques. Guinot’s pregnancy pampering treatment involves a relaxing, full-body and facial treatment, concentrating on areas of the body that feel the strain during pregnancy. Massage alleviates aches and pains, while a mini-facial smoothes and revitalises complexions. Pevonia’s Time For Mum signature treatment for face and body strengthens skin’s elasticity to prevent stretchmarks, eases puffiness on hands and feet, and helps correct hormonal imbalances. Thalgo’s Thalgomince pregnancy pamper treatment rebalances and harmonises energy, as well as strengthening, firming and toning skin, improving natural elasticity and lessening the appearance of stretchmarks.