I have been working in the holistic world of natural therapies for some years now and I have grown to love how massage can not only relax the body but can also have some health benefits which can help the body heal. Baby massage has a number of benefits such as relief from the problems of teething, colic and reflux which every parent dreads, sleeping problems can also be eased with starting a massage regime for your baby. Research has also been carried out which states that baby massage can help with parents, it can help with the bonding with the baby, touch is very therapeutic so it can elievate anxiety and help reduce stress in the parents. Baby massage can be carried out from birth and there is no age limit, as the baby grows parents tend to modify the massage to suit their childs needs.

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Being a Mother of two, I know the impact of having a newborn baby can make on your life. Life could have been much more easier and less stressful if I had learnt the techniques used in baby massage, when my children where young. I became a instructor in infant massage so that I can help parents feel more comfortable with the new baby and enable them to have a deeper bond with their infant which will grow as they grow older. 

 

This is just a few examples:-

• It can help enhance the bonding process between you and your baby

• Helps you become less stressed or anxious and improved confidence with your new born

• You learn how to interact in a positive way with your baby from learning the massage technqiues which you can use from the birth and through their life

• Research has shown that it post-natal depression eleviated by you carrying out the massage on your baby and helps you communicate with your baby. (for more information check out - http://www.babymassage.net.au/post-natal-depression.html or http://www.babycenter.com.au/x1042918/can-baby-massage-help-to-overcome-pnd)

• It can help stimulate and aid digestion

• Baby can have improved and deeper sleep patterns 

• Massage helps to strengthen the immune system of your baby

• Many babies suffer from colic, constipation and wind and this can be relieved and prevented with regular massages

• It helps to develop the respiritory, circulatory and digestive systems of your baby

• Helps to reduce crying in babys helping them relax, especially if having distress during immunisations

• Helps to reduce your babys anxiety and stress levels/hormones in both the baby and parent 

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What to Bring to Class

 

• 2 Towels

• Muslin cloth

• Nappy changing bag

• If your child is not being breast fed, a drink for after the massage

• A cushion for you to sit on as all baby massages take place on the floor for your babys comfort.

 

If your baby does not want to be massaged on the day of the course, do not worry as dolls will be available for you to practice the techniques on for you to gain confidence in using the strokes.

 

PLEASE NOTE: THERE ARE CERTAIN CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR BABY MASSAGE – PLEASE REFER TO THE LIST BELOW. IF YOU ARE IN ANY DOUBT PLEASE ASK YOUR GP FOR FURTHER ADVICE.

 

Please be aware that there are certain contraindications that mean that it is not appropriate to massage a baby.  If your baby if suffering from any of the following conditions it is not advisable to massage your baby:

• Acute infections

• Fever

• Sickness

• Diarrhoea

• Undiagnosed lumps and bumps

• Contagious illnesses

• Serious skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis)

• Varicose veins

• Recent surgery

• Open sores which may be weeping

• Inflammation

• Less than 72 hours after immunisation

• Jaundice

• Recent haemorrhage

• Meningitis

• Childhood leukaemia

 

Below are conditions that you may wish to ask your GP whether massage is suitable for your baby:

• Congenital heart condition

• Heart murmur

• Congenital dislocation of the hip

• If your baby suffers with a disability

• Epilepsy

• Asthma

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Questions and Answers

 

Q: What if my baby cries during the massage?

A: If your baby cries do not worry, they may not be in the mood for a massage.  You will be given information with the massage routine on to take home so you can sit and observe or sooth the baby and carry on.  They may be tired or hungry.

 

Q: Can I massage my baby if they are asleep?

A: No, it is not advised to massage your baby if they are sleeping.  This is because they can’t communicate with you.  The best stage for your baby to be in is the quiet alert stage.

 

Q: What if my baby is unwell?

A: If your baby is unwell I ask you don’t bring them to the session, as we don’t want to make the other babies poorly.  Even at home massage isn’t advised if they have a fever.

 

Q: My Baby has just had an injection.  Is it OK to massage them?

A: No. Massage is not advised until 72 hours after any immunization.

 

Q: My Baby suffers from eczema can they have massage?

A: If the eczema is very sore and inflamed then it is best not to irritate the skin any more but otherwise yes, as long as the skin isn’t broken massage is fine.  You may prefer to bring your own emollient cream with you if your child has particularly sensitive skin, although the organic sesame seed oil is perfectly safe.

 

Q: Is the oil provided safe?

A: Yes, it is organic sesame seed oil so it is fine if the baby sucks their fingers with the oil on.  It is very gentle on the skin, but if you are in any doubt please feel free to bring your own but please no NUT based oil.

 

Q: Why is it not advised that I use scented oils?

A: It is best to avoid scented oil as we have a natural smell and the baby recognising yours is part of the bonding process and strong smells may interfere with this.Q: Is massage safe for my baby and are there any risks?

 

Q: Is massage safe for my baby and are there any risks?

A: Massage is safe for most babies.  There are certain contraindications to baby massage, which can be found at the bottom of this page.  If you are in any doubt consult our pediatrician or GP for further advice.

 

Q.  How do I book an initial consultation?

A.  If you’re looking to book a please click on this link