Your Silver Cross

After you’ve totted up the hours spent entertaining, feeding and cleaning up after your little one, ‘me-time’ can sometimes seem rather hard to come by. Fortunately, there are now more opportunities than ever to relax and unwind, as Silver Cross has been finding out.

The trend began a number of years ago when health spas up and down the country began offering pregnancy treatments. Today, it’s difficult to find a spa that doesn’t cater for mums and mums-to-be – and not before time.

Only last year, research from the makers of Bold washing powder highlighted a generation of “motor-mums," many of whom only have 10 minutes a day to themselves. A staggering 97 per cent said they feel under immense pressure to keep their children occupied, with 95 per cent admitting they put the needs of their children, home, partner and pets before their own.

Dr Linda Papadopolous, a psychologist at London Metropolitan University, observed at the time that finding an opportunity to relax is vital for all mothers. "It's so important to carve out that all-important me-time to maintain a cool balance that will help tackle the pressures of motherhood with a clearer head,” she said.

Karen Hastings, who runs private members club Cupcake in London, tends to agree. She tells Silver Cross that it was partly her concern about the stresses and strains of motherhood that first convinced her there was demand for such a venture. "Some come to unwind and pamper themselves,” she says. “Others take classes – from yoga to health and well-being or creative writing. We recently ran a ‘speed bumps’ event for pregnant women. It’s like speed dating, but you get to meet women at a similar stage of pregnancy to you – so you can find someone to share the experience with.” As with similar organisations up and down the country, Karen’s club allows mums to put themselves first, if only for a short time. After all, even motor-mums need to recharge their batteries from time to time.

Tempted to enjoy a bit of R&R? Then enter our competition to win a stay at one of three exclusive UK boutique hotels, all part of the world famous Rocco Forte Collection. Enjoy a range of pre or post natal pampering treatments and exceptional service at either The Balmoral in Edinburgh, The Lowry Hotel in Manchester or Brown’s Hotel in London. click on the banner below to enter:




Below is a list of the best UK spas offering pregnancy treatments: