Baby Massage
Babies have been massaged for centuries, in places all over the world. Even in the poorest communities, mothers can give their babies the reassurance of attention, closeness and love, through massage.
In the 1970s Vimala McLure worked in an orphanage in India where babies and infants were regularly massaged by carers. She noticed how loving the children were to each other, naturally caring despite their limited environment. She noted mothers outside the orphanage massaging their babies. She developed a programme of teaching baby massage to parents which is now taught all over the world through the International Association of Infant Massage.
Now staff in many hospital neonatal units teach massage to parents. Studies have shown premature and poorly babies benefit from massage, stabilising their delicate systems and reducing their stress. For normal healthy babies and their parents, massage enables a special unique relationship to be developed where parents learn to know and understand their baby's responses and needs. Babies learn their parents' touch, are reassured by their expressions and the love that is communicated during massage times. Baby Massage is normally taught over 4 or 5 sessions, allowing the baby to become used to massage gradually. Both mothers and fathers are very welcome.
Benefits of Baby Massage
- Skin massage enhances the development of the nervous system through stimulation of the senses. Touch, vision, smell, respiration, circulation and digestion all benefit. There is also a special massage for colic
- Parent-baby communication is enhanced. The baby learns its parents voice, smell, facial expressions. The parent is more able to recognise baby cues of what is a good/bad time to massage and understand other non-verbal signals.
- Parent/baby bonding starts before birth. Once the baby is born this is strengthened and massage is a wonderful way to maintain and enhance this natural process.
- It is a special time, set aside from the day's activities, for the parent to slow down, relax and enjoy some unique moments. Babies learn to anticipate massage times and relax in readiness
- Parents who are out at work all day can give baby massage in the evenings. That is their time with their baby.
- Massage reduces stress - for both parent and baby.
- There is evidence to say that children who were/are massaged have the basis for becoming balanced and confident adults. They are more self-aware and have behind them the security and love gained through massage. They are more caring and sensitive and tend to have healthier relationships with others.
Baby Massage Classes
I can offer a 4 or 5 week course to groups of 5-8 Mums and babies. You provide the setting and I will teach you and your friends.
I am qualified (International Association of Infant Massage).
Baby Massage is a wonderful way to enjoy a special closeness with your baby and has many benefits. Dads are welcome too!
Rates negotiable.
(Individual/Twos for less than 4 weeks can also be discussed)
For more information on the International Association of Infant Massage, please follow this link 