Baby Massage
I run baby massage classes in Grappenhall. The cost is £30 for 5 sessions.
We work through a simple routine together, I demonstrate the massage and reflexology techniques in turn on a special doll and you follow along with your baby.
Classes are very relaxed and informal and we spend time having a cup of tea, getting to know each other (maximum class size is 8 but I have been know to squeeze an extra one in) and discussing our experiences and any concerns you may have. Each week we learn a little more and have a chance to practice what we have learnt previously. Session usually last around an hour to an hour and a half and take place on a Tuesday or Thursday morning in Grappenhall.
I love teaching baby massage and getting to know all the lovely mums and babies (dads and grandparents also welcome) and take babies from 2 weeks up to, well up to whenever you wish to stop. My longest attending baby so far startes at 14 weeks and finished at 9 months – he just loved coming for his massage each week!
The sessions are relaxed and if your baby cries you would just cuddle and watch for a while, then try again. What usually happens is each week they lie for their massage for longer – but if you have to feed you can feed and relax while watching the techniques – each week you will pick up something new to practice at home.
Attendees also have the opportunity to purchase my DVD at a reduced price of £10, at the moment you can download both my videos (‘Massage for Happy Babies’ and ‘No Cry Baby – Tips for Calming, Colic and Wind’) at my crazy summer sale for less than £5! See www.newstorktimes.co.uk/shop which will be useful to practice at home.
To book download form and pay here.
I am also available for hire! Many antenatel groups, NCT groups, toddler and baby groups or just friends with babies of similar ages have booked me to come for a few sessions to teach baby massage. The cost for this is £40 per session, split between you all.
I can also be hired to teach at Sure Starts, private day nurseries, soft play centres and playgroups please do get in touch here.
Infant massage is beneficial for you and your baby in so many ways. Studies have shown how important touch is to your growing baby and its importance for you in helping build confidence and an understanding of the new special person in your life.
The main benefits can be summarised as;
- Relief for your baby – Baby massage can help to relieve a wide range of common aliments including trapped wind, constipation, colic, teething pain and sinus congestion. The use of oils on your baby’s skin can also help to improve the overall condition of his skin which can be particularly useful if your baby suffers from dry skin, eczema or cradle cap.
- Creating bonds between you and your baby – Bonding with your baby is a complex matter occurring over time through understanding and communication. Bonding is very important between a parent and baby to ensure the survival of the baby and the emotional state of the parent. Massage encourages bonding by creating the perfect environment for touch, eye contact, scent, and vocalisation.
- Relaxation for you both – Baby massage is fun. The exchange of smiles and eye contact during massage are important in building a relationship of love and trust between you. When you massage the skin, the body produces the hormones prolactin and oxytocin. These hormones help to lower the levels of stress hormones in your body and help combat the symptoms of stress. You will both experience the benefits of these hormones when you practise massage.
- Helping your Baby’s Development – Massage can help to encourage your baby’s development by providing him with the vital skin stimulation he craves, boosting the circulation to his muscles making him stronger and more physically able. His brain is stimulated with new sensations and experiences. By evoking all of your baby’s senses using massage, you will teach him about social behaviour, language, movement and you can help him to reach his developmental goals.