Barcelona Mum

Cathy Loughran - Photographer

Cathy has been a photo-journalist for 20 years and has been published in newspapers and magazines all around the world. She is now bringing her documentary photography skills to photographing children and weddings in a very natural way. Cathy is available to photograph families in a chosen location eg beach, park or garden. She is based in Barcelona.
www.childrenbycathy.com and www.weddingbycathy.com 

Comments:
"I can recommend Cathy Loughran extremely highly as a photographer. She has taken beautiful photos of my boys, and has worked as a photographer at approximately 20 weddings I have organised. She is extremely talented, and lovely. Cannot recommended highly enough." (CD)

Click here to read an interview with Cathy

Recommended by clare doane

Zoe Holden - Homeopath

Zoe Holden is UK trained and has been studying and practising classical homeopathy since 1999. She offers a personal, caring approach to holistic healthcare. Her focus on you as an individual, and on your specific physical and emotional symptoms, results in long lasting benefits. Zoe treats babies, children, pregnant women and adults in her beautiful clinic in Gracia. Centre Cos, Gran de Gracia 77,Pral, 1.  www.zoeholden.com

Comments
"My daughter and I have both had the pleasure of working with Zoe; she has cared for us with knowledge and gentle encouragement.  It was easy to schedule appointments and she was available for follow up questions by email which meant a lot to us.  We happily recommend her to all mumabroad.com families" (CW)

Recommended by Chris Weber

Paula Dietz Rauber - Photographer

Paula Dietz Rauber is based in Sant Cugat and is a photographer specialising in pregnant women, babies, children and families. Paula works on location and only with natural light. Clients can choose where they would like the photographs taken: at home, in a park or on the beach. Spontaneity plays a big role in Paula’s work and she places great emphasis on capturing natural, fresh images that truly reflect her subject’s personality.
(+34) 636495456 www.dietzrauber.com

Comments:
"We were thrilled with the photos of our family taken by Paula.  It rained on the day of our session so I was sure that we would not get any good photos since we had planned to be outdoors. But, because of Paula's ability to improvise and her keen eye for light and backdrops, the photographs came out beautifully.  We were amazed!"

Recommended by Rebecca Laidlaw

Actividad AuPair Internacional

Au pair agency based in Barcelona. Minimum timescale 6 months or 2-3 months in the summer.
Paseo de Gracia Nº 78 Atic 2ª 08008 Telef. 932154895Barcelona www.aupairinternacional.com E.mail. bcn@aupairinternacional.com E.mail. bcnaupair@ya.com
 

Comments: 
" I'm using Au pair International services since my oldest son was born  in 1998. During all this time I haven't had any problem. All the aupairs that have passed in my house, have been nice persons. When there were any little incidents, Au Pair International has solved them" (CH) 

Recommended by Cristina Hernandez

Nina Onsrud - Childhood Allergy Expert

Nina Onsrud offers treatments for childhood allergies. Nina is a member of NAET which offers a non-invasive, drug free, natural solution to eliminate allergies of all types and intensities using a blend of selective energy balancing, testing and treatment procedures from acupuncture/acupressure, allopathy, chiropractics, nutrition, and kinesiology
(+34) 650053370 allergyfreees@hotmail.com

Comments:
"We are now 6 months into William´s treatment and I can honestly say it has been mind blowing. For the first time in William´s life he goes to the toilet properly producing perfect stools. He was intolerant to almost everything so after many treatments his body could now break down and utilise all food groups inc. protein, vitamins A, B, C, sugars, iron, minerals, salts, cereals, yeast etc. Sticking to the programme Nina advised was easy as we are used to avoiding certain foods and used to reading every label. The beauty of this treatment is that you only stick to a strict diet for 25 hours after each treatment which made the whole process relatively easy. Now we are slowly introducing soya and other foods to William with no reaction. My 7 year old daughter has also been seeing Nina for her excema. It is very common that excema sufferers are allergic to vitamin A and protein. We have been very impressed with the progress so far with her also. I have learnt so much from this type of treatment with Nina and our lives are so much easier, healthier and safer. Thank you Nina for all she has done for us and I can´t recommend her highly enough!" (AJ)

Click here to read an interview with Nina

Recommended by Ally Jones

Positive Parenting Plus

Positive Parenting Plus! is a multidisciplinary team of developmental and mental health specialists for children. They offer assessment, therapy, parent consultation, monthly parenting groups on specific topics, and continuing education for professionals. Each of these areas are discussed at their website www.positiveparentingplus.net
Bonanova Institut Mèdic, Pg. Bonanova, 61, Planta 2, Porta 1, Barcelona 08017 (+34) 932 530 848

Comments:
"Our 9 year-old son started going to Dr. Jill Jenkins a year ago. Prior to that our entire family were facing major daily challenges, pressure and stress given his hyper activity. After starting therapy with Dr. Jill we immediately started to see huge positive differences and in the past year our lives have literally been transformed! Everyone our son is in contact with (from siblings to friends, teachers and extended family) have been amazed by the incredible changes he has gone through. Jill has been central to all of this progress; she is an absolutely star! Her ability to get through to children, make them comfortable and to put us at ease is hard to describe, she is just a sea of calmness. Visiting her is one of the highlights of our son's week. We can never thank her enough for what she has done for him, us and our family" (MMC)

Recommended by Marjolijn Mac Conuladh

Dentist - Dr Nicholas Jones

Dr Nicholas Jones is a fully qualified Dentist in Sitges and Barcelona
607332335

Comments:
"Nick is based mainly in Barcelona but comes to Sitges once a week. He is fantastic - very personable and great advice - phoned him yesterday about my one year old boy who had chipped his teeth in a fall and he gave practical advice over the phone - would highly recommend him " (RL)

Recommended by Rebecca Laidlaw

Homeopath - Rosa Mas Prunés

Based in Barcelona & Montseny Rosa Mas Prunés comes highly recommended. Her practice also has a collection of pratictioners specialising in lots of things like accupunture 
Calle Dr santponç 80 bxos, Barcelona 08030 - 93 346 8201
or Germana Assumpta 1, 1r , Arbucies (Monteny)17401 - 972 860779 93www.centrenaturisaintegral.com

Comments: 
"Personally I have not had much luck with the CAP health system. It seems every time your child is sick, they prescribe antibiotics, nevermind if the problem is infact a virus....and in my opinion antibiotics should be a last result for children, as they can really damage their natural immune system. However,  I have recently had both my children visit a homeopath (Rosa Mas Prunés).  She is very reasonably priced, and works miracles. Luc my oldest was hospitilised last year with chronic stomach pains, and traditional medicine/scans etc was drawing blanks. A friend recommended Rosa (as she cured her sons Asthma)  who just looked in his eyes (Iriolodgy) & cured him with homepathic medicine. Amazing - he is a different child, and he loves going to the doctors (no horrible examinations/injections), and is more than happy to take the medicine.  He has even refused chocolate on several occassions, as this helps him too!  My other son Nico, had really horrible & dry itchy skin on his stomach & back. So I took him to see her, and without knowing what was wrong, she looked in his eyes...and described the problem, and his character etc perfectly. She described him homeopathic medicine, which he loves taking - just like his brother, and there has been a huge improvement in his skin over the last week. Seeing the improvement our kids have shown, has made even my husband -  a natural medicine cynic, become a convert" (CD)
 

Recommended by clare doane

Paediatrician Mª Dolores Terradas, MD

Mª Dolores is a pediatrician fluent in English. Born in Barcelona she graduated from medical school and finished her Pediatric Residency here, then did a 2 years fellowship in Houston (USA) and a 1 year fellowship in Sydney (Australia). The office is located just outside the South end of Barcelona, at a short 20 min drive, and just about the same distance from Sant Cugat and from Castelldefels. 
Consultorio Médico Fontpineda, Via Internacional 1, Pallejà 651747664

Comments:
Mª Dolores can empathize with the problems of mums in a foreign country as her son was born in Australia and her daughter, although born in Barcelona, lived abroad until the age of 3. The office is a beautiful place in the middle of nature, there is plenty of free parking space and patients should not expect crowded waiting rooms or long waiting lists, as it is a recently opened office. She also does some home calls.

Click here to read an interview with Mª Dolores Terradas

Recommended by Susana

English Speaking Paediatrician - Maria Dolores Terradas

Highly recommended English-speaking paediatrician with office located 20 minutes off south end of Diagonal 
Via Internacional 1, Fontpineda (Pallejà). 651 747 664

Comments: 
"I have moved around a lot, and she is definitely the best pediatrican I have even had - tremendously helpful, personable and very accessible. She even makes house calls"(AL)

Recommended by Amy Lanham

Au pair world

Online worldwide search agency for au pairs 
49 5603917817 support@aupairworld.net www.aupairworld.net

Comments: 
"I have great experience with the site and the au pairs we had so far. It is very easy to sign in and receive messages from serious girls or boys. You can write your requests in your profile so there often is already a kind of match." (IVB)
 

Recommended by Ingeborg van Bavel

English/German/Spanish speaking Paediatrician

Dr.Thorsten Faust, Pediatrician, Teknon Hospital, speaks English, German & Spanish. Comes recommended by many.
Teknon Hospital, Consultorios Vilana –Desp.129, Vilana 12, 933933129 www.pediatrafaust.com.
 

Recommended by Julie Haselmayer

La Leche League

Spanish/Catalan breastfeeding arm of this established support group in Barcelona. Advice and encouragement given on all aspects of breastfeeding and also a good way to meet other mums in similar situations. See baby & toddler section for English-speaking group on Monday afternoon.
To speak to a qualified advisor go to www.laligadelaleche.es/grupos_de_apoyo/index.htm
 

Recommended by Zoe Koumbouzi

Tender Loving Canguros

International nanny & babysitting agency for a one-off occasion or for a set period of time. All references provided.
Contact Lucie Bloor 647605989,info@tlcanguros.com  www.tlcanguros.com

Comments:
 "TLC found me a fantastic nanny who is exactly what I was looking for.
I went back to work after just 4 weeks so I needed someone with good references & experience with small babies. I also wanted someone  happy, gentle and enthusiastic about playing with my son !
TLC sent me several nannys to interview and I am very pleased with the person I chose. I go to work feeling confident about leaving him with her for 6 hours a day" (LP)
 

Recommended by Lara Pennington

Support group for mothers - Grup Gemma

Catalan support group for pregnant women and mothers. There are also very interesting articles online.
Meetings are held in Central Barcelona every Tuesday between 11 and 1pm.
Centro Cívico Sagrada Familia, Calle Mallorca, 425, 433 3º - Sala 3 BIS consulta@grupgemma.org, www.grupgemma.org
 

Recommended by Carrie Frais

Barcelona Asistencial

Reasonably priced night nurse agency offering to care for your baby at night and give general advice on looking after a newborn.
Calle Sant Gervasi de Cassoles 95 934172728 contacto@barcelonaasistencial.es www.barcelona-asistencial.es

Recommended by Tamara Weil

Yoga & Holistic Therapies Barcelona

Centre for Yoga and holistic therapies including post-natal care, acupuncture, massage and Reiki. There are various contact numbers depending on the kind of treatment you would like.
Calle Aribau 61 www.anahata-bcn.com

Comments:
Vinyasa Yoga
Corita: 60565738, yoga@anahata-bcn.com
Therapeutic Massage and Holistic Therapies
Maya: 691 220326, acupunturaquanyin@yahoo.es
Pilar: 665639993, pirulomba@hotmail.com
Suzy: 605066177, suzy@soma-sana.com

Recommended by Collage Barcelona

Marta Corominas - Doula & Bach flower specialist

Doula and Bach flower therapist specializing in treating mums and children. Using natural and hand-made cosmetic products, the company also makes eco-friendly products.
Contact Marta Corominas 933172175 and 635514947
 

Recommended by Carrie Frais

German & English dentist for children

Highly recommended centrally located dentist practice. Monday to Friday 10am-8pm
Dental Clinic Center, Paseo de Gracia 8-10, 2º 2ª, 934121695 www.DentalClinicCenter.com   
 

Recommended by Tine Schulz

Children´s dentist

English-speaking children´s (and adult´s) dentist in Diagonal Mar
Dental Clinic Vilallonga, Calle Calvet, 15 pral. 1ª - 932096121 www.clinicavilallonga.com/clinicadental/eng/home.htm

Recommended by BCN Tots

Home hairdressers

If you cannot find the time or haven´t got the inclination to get the children to the hairdressers, Lisa Ind will make life a lot easier for you by visiting your home. Professionally trained at Trevor Sorbie in London, her rates are reasonable and she´ll also cut Mum and Dad´s hair whilst she´s at it.

692027888  lisaind@hotmail.com (Lisa P Ind)

Recommended by Carrie Frais

Barcelona Libraries

Most local libraries have excellent children´s sections. Books are well thumbed so don´t always to find the book totally intact! Free to join (and you don´t need a photo). You can borrow books, magazines, CDs and DVDs including the popular series 'Baby Einstein'.
For your nearest library go to www.bcn.cat/biblioteques

Comments:
You can also usually get up to half an hour free internet access and libraries are a great source of information for local children´s events

Recommended by BCN Tots

Pharmacies

Need something urgently for your baby?
To find out where your nearest pharmacy is and the opening hours www.farmaciesdeguardia.com

Recommended by BCN Tots

Baby Massage - AEMI

AEMI is the association for baby massage in Spain and offers various courses throughout the year.  
Calle Santa Ursula, 8, 934204667 aemi@telefonica.net, www.masajeinfantilaemi.org 

Recommended by Lou Melotte

24 Hour Pharmacy

Farmacia Torres is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
Calle Aribau 62, 934539220 www.farmaciaabierta24h.com

Comments: 
"A complete lifesaver!!!!!! You can even park for free on Calle Arago 208" (CD)

Recommended by Jarmina

Getting around Barcelona by Bus

Getting around the city by bus if far more preferable than the metro, given the paucity of lifts at the stations. Most buses have a special area to park your buggy and passengers are normally very helpful giving you a hand getting on and off.
 www.tmb.net/en_US/home.jsp (in English)

Recommended by BCN Tots

Party Time - Bouncy Castles for Hire

Barcelona Bounce, owned by Amanda Duval, offer a variety of bouncy castles for hire for birthdays and special occasions
606308711 enquiries@barcelonabounce.com www.barcelonabounce.com

Comments:
Great fun at birthday parties. A selection of bouncy castles, including large slides and castles. Negates the need for Mum and Dad to run around entertaining 15 little ones! Children will entertain themselves for hours on these novelty bouncy castles and tire themselves out in the process. Barcelona Bounce deliver, set up and remove the bouncy castles all in one day. They do charge delivery if over 25km from them (Vilasar de Dalt, Maresme)

Recommended by Rebecca Laidlaw

Child Benefit

If you are resident in Catalonia, new mums are now entitled to 2500 euros from the Catalan government. It can be a bit of hassle to apply and the phone lines are very busy. You can also apply online if you have done so before.
900300500 secretariafamilies.benestar@gencat.net

Recommended by Carrie Frais

Health Insurance - AME

Excellent value Barcelona-based health insurance company for all the family. You need to have been a member for 6 months before you can get cover for pregnancy and birth. All scans and appointments are covered as is the birth, including Caesarians.
Calle Valencia 106-8 Baixos, 932265966 ame@ameasistencia.com  . 

Recommended by Lara Pennington

Online forum for mums in Spain - Baby Centre

This popular website not only has a wealth of information for any new mum, it now has an online forum in English dedicated to mums living in Spain http://boards.babycentre.co.uk/n/pfx/forum.aspx?webtag=bcUKParSpain&_requestid=1056765

Recommended by BCN Tots