Let’s face it, when you’re a mum, its sometimes difficult to find the time to wash your own hair, let alone get any kind of treatment at a salon. The logistics of childcare are often enough of a barrier for many of us not to bother even making an appointment. Maybe it’s the guilt you feel asking someone to watch the baby so you can do something for yourself, maybe it’s the extra travel time to drop them off with grandparents, or having to rush back to pick them up or maybe there just isn’t anyone around to help out.
So when I heard about The Mama Sanctuary opening in Stockport, I was beyond excited! A Pregnancy and Motherhood Hub aimed at giving mums some much needed ‘me time’ without the guilt of leaving little ones with family or a baby sitter.
If you haven’t heard of The Mama Sanctuary yet – where have you been?! Founded by a mum, with mums in mind, The Mama Sanctuary is an absolute haven for mums in Stockport and beyond. Not only do they offer a range of treatments and hair and beauty services, they also offer a free crèche space for the first child with every treatment booked (twins and triplets count as 1, £4 for additional children. From birth to 11 years). There are also a range of other services on offer – from meet ups to baby classes and independent midwife support.
I decided to beat the January Blues and book myself a bit of me time! You can book your treatment online – handy if there’s’ a noisy toddler around or you want to book in the middle of the night whilst you’re up feeding the baby. Remember to book your free creche space at the same time.
On arrival, someone took me and Charlie to the creche so we could meet the staff and drop him in. There’s space to leave prams/pushchairs just outside the creche if you need to. The crèche is equipped with toys, bouncers, games and activities and the qualified staff were really welcoming. I needn’t have worried about whether he would be OK being left – he was too excited to go and explore! And off I popped to get my nails done. In peace. With a hot brew. You literally cannot not put a price on that!
The salon itself is beautiful, and you really do feel like you’re getting a bit of luxury time out. Heck, even the loos are lovely! With bouncers and high chairs dotted about the place, you know you’re in a real child friendly place. If you’d prefer to keep baby with you whilst you have you’re treatment, that’s absolutely fine too. The range of treatments and services is extensive and includes massages, facials, hair manicures/pedicures, eye treatments and waxing. The only trouble is choosing what to go for!
Maria did my nails with expert precision and was lovely throughout. I went for ‘The Gel Bottle’ Mini Manicure – there are loads of colours and glitter colours to choose from. I went for ‘Royal Navy’ in case you’re wondering!
When I went to collect Charlie form the creche, he was having the best time and didn’t want to leave. The lovely crèche staff had also made me a gorgeous keepsake butterfly picture and poem with his little footprints. A super cute touch and something to treasure.
The Mama Sanctuary is a wonderful addition to our town. Giving mums the opportunity to get pampered whilst the kids are taken care of, attend a class or support group and access a range of antenatal and postnatal services is a winner in my book. Getting out of the house, having some ‘me time’ and even some social time really promotes maternal wellbeing. Obviously there is a cost for treatments, but there are often special offers available on the website and Mama Sanctuary Gift Vouchers are also available (anyone have a birthday coming up? Valentines? Mother’s Day?) The meet ups and events are also very reasonably priced and often offer a discount on treatments too.
I will definitely be going back very soon!
The Mama Sanctuary, 1 Princes Street Stockport. SK1 1SL
0161 300 6835
