Baby Massage

Baby Massage Overview

6 weeks - Pre Crawling

Join me for a relaxing class full of calming massage and the perfect opportunity for you to bond and connect with your baby.

Sessions will cover a variety of massage techniques each week, building up to the full body massage by the end of the course.

Some of the benefits of baby massage include:

- Helps relaxation and sleep

- Can ease wind, colic and reflux

- Aids brain and muscle development

- Promotes the production the love hormone Oxytocin for both parent and baby

- Helps ease congestion

Within your baby massage course there will also be optional ways to make some lovely lasting memories with your little one:

Week 1 - Session includes personalised keepsake to create in class and take home.

Week 4 -Session includes designated photo area for parent and baby picture keepsakes together.

At the start of each term, parents / caregivers are gifted with a personal welcome pack including a pot of Kokoso organic coconut oil (rrp £5.49), carefully selected sensory gifts for baby and a small 'luxury' treat for you. The end of the term will be celebrated with a special graduation session, including photograph set up for baby and a celebratory 'sparkly spread' for grown ups.

My classes are all completely baby led and I encourage as much feeding, cuddling, rocking and moving as you and baby need. There will always be an abundance of snacks and refreshments available to you too because let’s be honest - parenting is thirsty work!

Benefits for Baby

The practice of baby massage is known to have numerous benefits that can enhance the bond between parent and child while promoting overall health and well-being. Consistent massage sessions can help to soothe, regulate their sleep patterns, and aid in digestion. This nurturing experience can be a valuable addition to any parent's routine, providing a calming and bonding opportunity for both parent and child.

Research has also shown that baby massage can have a positive impact on a baby's physical and emotional development. Studies have found that regular massage can help to reduce stress hormones, increase levels of oxytocin (the "feel-good" hormone), and improve overall mood. Additionally, massage can help to stimulate the nervous system, improve circulation, and promote healthy weight gain. These benefits, combined with the bonding experience between parent and child, make baby massage a highly recommended practice for new parents.

Benefits for Parent

Not only has baby massage been shown to increase the release of oxytocin for baby but at the same is also true for the parent. Oxytocin is a hormone that promotes feelings of love, trust, and bonding. For mothers, this can be especially beneficial as it can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and even aid in postpartum depression. In addition to the emotional benefits, baby massage can also help mothers feel more confident in their ability to care for their child.

In addition to the physical benefits, baby massage can also be a form of communication between the parent and baby. Through touch, parents can learn to understand their baby's cues and needs, and respond accordingly. This can help strengthen the bond between the parent and the baby and promote a sense of security and trust.

What to bring

During your first class you will be given your complimentary Kokoso organic coconut oil and a mat and small, clean towel will be available to use during the session.

Newborn baby’s sense of smell is very sensitive and it is important that strong perfumes are avoided during a massage as this can overstimulate the baby and put them off the massage. Baby will be more comforted by the natural and subtle smells of a familiar environment or a familiar object like their own muslin cloth or blanket so we suggest bringing something like this along to the class and please ensure you also bring your own small towel and/or robe for your baby for use during the session.

Lastly, keeping hydrated is paramount so please bring some water (or appropriate fluids) for you and your baby to drink during the class. Additional refreshments for adults will also be available at all classes for you.

What to wear