Would you like to improve the bond between your and your baby?

Would you like to know how to improve your baby's sleep patterns, relax and de-stress them and you?

Would you like to aid in your baby's development?

Would you like to build your baby's confidence, coordination, self-esteem, sense of love and trust?

Would you like to reduce your baby's discomfort from teething, congestion, wind, colic and emotional stress?

Would you like to socialise with other parents and share in what you're experiencing?

You and your baby will benefit from all of this and more whilst participating in Baby Massage classes.

"Human beings cannot survive without touch; it is a basic behavioural need. Without touch, the human infant will surely die. With healthy touch, the human infant not only survives but thrives" (Dr Ashley Montagu)

BABY MASSAGE

Baby massage promotes the connection between parent and child through touch and it's our belief that every child has the right to feel loved, safe and secure. With our courses you'll learn how to massage your baby safely and when it's appropriate to do so. Not only this but you'll also learn how to better read your baby's 'cues' i.e. how to communicate with and understand your baby through body language. We would never massage a baby who is clearly demonstrating that they do not want to be massaged. The massage sequence is a nurturing process for both parent and child and baby always comes first.

"It is through our hands that we speak to the child. That we communicate. Touch is the child's first language, understanding comes long after feeling" (Frederick Leboyer, MD & Author)

What if my baby needs feeding/changing etc?

As our first and foremost priority is the needs of the child, we run our sessions on the basis that you do whatever your baby needs, whenever your baby needs it. If they need feeding, changing or are just unsettled then you attend to them in whatever way is necessary regardless of what's going on in the class. All parents will be in the same boat and we cannot expect babies to conform to our timetable so please do not worry...there is no pressure or judgement in our classes.

How does it work?

The course is run over a 5 week period whereby we teach a different area of the body each week, building up to the full body massage by week 5. We always start with the legs as this is the area baby is most used to having touched and manipulated through nappy changes etc. so will settle them into the massage nicely. Each week will consist of approximately 10-15 mins of getting into class and introduction to what we are doing that week, followed by around 20-25 minutes of baby massage (any more than this would be too stimulating for baby) and then around 15 minutes or so at the end to discuss, raise any questions or just chat to other parents over a cup of tea & coffee. You will be given a handout each week of the moves that we've covered so that you can take it home and practice if you wish.

What's provided?

We provide mats and cushions to sit on, and the oils for the massage which you will be given in a small bottle to take away and use at home, remembering to bring it back with you each week for use in class. Babies will be undressed for the massage (the room will be heated to around 25 degrees so that it's warm and comfortable for baby); taking nappies off is optional and something we will discuss in the first session.

What do I need to bring?

You will need to bring your baby changing mat and a towel/blanket (something that you don't mind getting massage oil on) for baby to lie on and with baby's familiar smell.

What if my baby is asleep?

We would never massage sleeping baby so if you do find that you baby goes to sleep before class begins then don't worry, I have spare massage demonstration dolls that you will be able to practice on so you won't miss out!

THE KEY BENEFITS OF BABY MASSAGE

Promotes bonding and attachment

Improves body awareness in the infant

Improves relaxation and release of accumulated stress in both parent and infant

Stimulates circulation

Strengthens digestive, circulatory and gastrointestinal systems

Reduces discomfort from teething, congestion, gas, colic and emotional stress

Improves muscle tone and coordination

Increases elimination, circulation and respiration

Improves sleep patterns and quality of sleep

Increases hormonal function

Increases self-esteem, sense of love, acceptance, respect and trust

Enhances communication/parental ability to read infant cues and vice versa

Promotes parenting skills

Increases confidence in parenting

Provides quality time to share

Reduces stress levels and improves sense of well-being in the parent

Please note:- our groups are very small, with a maximum of 8 so  (due to space restrictions) only one guardian per child  is permitted to attend