Helen Buteux, occupational therapist, has launched a new business to support new mothers and is inviting them to online classes, aimed at helping women better understand the emotional and developmental realities of early motherhood.
Your Harrogate has been catching up with Helen Buteux, founder of The EmpowerMum Method, will host a session on Friday 20th February from 12:00 – 13:00, with a replay available for those unable to attend live.
The online event is designed for mums of early years children and will explore why many women find these years more challenging than they expected.
Hear our full chat with Helen below.
Helen is also offering support calls, free guides and even a 12 week program to support new or expecting mothers, all available via her website.
More about her experience and the EmpowerMum method is also available via her Instagram page.
Helen, a highly specialist occupational therapist with 13 years’ experience working within the NHS, says much of her work centres on supporting mothers who feel overwhelmed, confused by conflicting advice, or quietly doubting themselves despite doing their best.
Through her EmpowerMum Method framework, Helen focuses on what she describes as “informed, supported calm parenting,” rather than striving for perfection.
The approach combines professional expertise in early child development with an understanding of the emotional and identity shifts that accompany becoming a mother.

A central theme of her work is matrescence — the term used to describe the significant emotional, physical and psychological transition into motherhood. While widely discussed in academic literature, Helen says many women are unaware of the concept before having children.
The masterclass will also explore the importance of the first 1000 days of a child’s life — a period research identifies as critical for brain development and long-term emotional and physical wellbeing.
During these early years, a child’s brain develops at its fastest rate, laying foundations for resilience, learning and mental health.
Drawing on her clinical background, Helen supports mums in understanding both their child’s development and their own adjustment to motherhood.
She says her aim is to reduce mental load, ease self-doubt and help mothers feel clearer and more confident in the early years.
Helen’s professional experience includes more than a decade working in children’s services within the NHS, where she observed the longer-term challenges some children face when early developmental needs are not fully understood or supported.
The upcoming session will provide an introduction to the EmpowerMum Method and offer practical insights for mothers navigating the pre-school years.
The masterclass takes place online on Friday 20th February from 12pm to 1pm, with replay access available. Further details and booking information can be found on Helen Buteux’s website.
Helen also offers free guides, opportunities to arrange phone calls with her and more information about the basis for her framework and the advice she provides.
Helen spoke to Your Harrogate's George Dickson about her experiences, motivations and how she plans to support new mums. Listen in full below!

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