MaterClinic was founded in 2019 in Charneca de Caparica by Cláudia Agostinho, a Specialist Nurse in Maternal and Obstetric Health.
Her clinical experience, her experience as a mother and her commitment to clear health information shaped a space where families have time to ask questions, understand the available options and participate actively in decisions about their care.
A project built around informed decisions
Maternal health involves clinical information, personal expectations, previous experiences and the reality of each family.
Our work promotes clarity, autonomy and informed decision-making, with close support adapted to the needs of each family.
Current scientific evidence, professional judgement and the person’s values and preferences are considered together. Benefits, limitations and uncertainties are explained in accessible language, allowing each family to make decisions with a clearer understanding of what is known and what remains uncertain.
From scientific evidence to everyday decisions
Scientific knowledge changes as new research becomes available. Responsible clinical practice therefore requires continuous learning, critical appraisal and the willingness to review previous assumptions.
Cláudia’s continuing education reflects this commitment. Her focus is on developing the ability to read and interpret scientific literature critically, recognise the limitations of the available evidence and translate complex information into practical conversations with families.
This approach guides the clinical care and educational content developed at MaterClinic. Recommendations are presented with context, and outcomes are discussed realistically.
A multidisciplinary team
MaterClinic brings together professionals from complementary areas, including maternal and obstetric nursing, physiotherapy, Clinical Pilates and parent–baby education.
Each professional works within their own qualifications and area of practice. When collaboration or referral is appropriate, this is discussed with the person or family.
You can learn more about the professionals, their qualifications and their areas of work on the About MaterClinic page.
Care adapted to each family’s context
The support offered by MaterClinic may begin during pregnancy, continue after birth or respond to a specific need at another stage of life.
An Antenatal Breastfeeding Consultation may help a family understand how breastfeeding begins, discuss previous experiences and prepare for the first days after birth.
Postpartum Home Support allows questions about maternal recovery, feeding and newborn care to be addressed within the family’s own environment.
Physiotherapy, Clinical Pilates, childbirth preparation and breastfeeding support follow the same principle: assessment and information should be proportionate to the person’s needs. Plans are reviewed as circumstances change, and families remain involved in the decisions made along the way.
Time, presence and practical support
The first weeks with a baby can involve uncertainty, tiredness and a large amount of conflicting information.
Support should make the next step clearer and more manageable. It may involve understanding what is happening, learning a practical strategy, recognising when observation is sufficient or identifying when further assessment is appropriate.
A baby is a newborn for only 28 days. This period deserves time, presence and emotional availability. Care should fit into family life and protect the opportunities for parents and baby to get to know one another.
Frequently asked questions
Where is MaterClinic located?
MaterClinic is located in Charneca de Caparica. It provides maternal and family health services, physiotherapy, Clinical Pilates and other health and wellbeing services.
Does MaterClinic provide postpartum home support?
Yes. Postpartum Home Support is available for families who prefer to receive care in their own environment during the first days or weeks after birth.
The content of the visit is adapted to the family’s questions and may include maternal recovery, breastfeeding or other feeding options, newborn care and adjustment to the postpartum period.
How are care decisions made?
Care begins with listening to the person’s concerns, history and goals. Available evidence, clinical assessment and individual preferences are then considered together.
The proposed options, their possible benefits, limitations and uncertainties are explained before a plan is agreed.
Where can I find information about each professional?
The About MaterClinic page presents the current team, professional qualifications and areas of practice. Keeping this information on a dedicated page ensures that it remains clear and up to date.
How can I request an appointment?
You can complete the appointment request form. The MaterClinic team will review the information and contact you to confirm availability and the next steps.
