BABY MASSAGE CLASSES ARE CURRENTLY ON HOLD UNTIL WE ARE GIVEN THE GO AHEAD TO RE-OPEN!!
Massage from birth has been used for thousands of years in many cultures and is also a part of practised medicine.
Around 30 years ago Baby Massage and Skin to Skin contact (Kangaroo care) were introduced in to Neonatal units. Studies showed huge improvements in premature babies, reducing their time spent in hospitals.
Baby massage is now a gorgeous activity that parents can attend as part of a group or one on one from their own homes
Benefits of Baby Massage
-Communication and Bonding
Babies cannot talk to us but this does not mean they cannot communicate with us. It is becoming more apparent and well known that baby massage improves the communication between parent and baby/child, raising awareness to baby’s needs and enabling them to read their cues.
In turn this improves the bonds between parent and baby, boosts parents self-esteem and for mums this can improve their well-being, particularly if she is suffering from post-natal depression.
–Relaxation, Sleep and Less Crying
Whilst massaging your little one you are both releasing some fabulous feel good hormones called “endorphins” and you are reducing your stress hormones “cortisol”
More endorphins and less cortisol will promote less crying (for both of you) and much better sleep (for both of you), after all, we all sleep better when we are calm and stress free.
-Growth and Development
Baby massage improves skin condition, weight development, circulation, immune system, lymphatic system, colic, wind, constipation, teething, deepens & regulates breathing and helps baby to understand that everything is connected.
What to expect:
The whole idea of these sessions is to create a happy and relaxed atmosphere, a happy and relaxed parent and a happy and relaxed baby. We focus on babies needs so changing and feeding is encouraged in the class and should your little one be asleep there is no need to wake them. We have dolls you can use to practice on or just enjoy a moment to yourself maybe indulge with a cuppa and a biscuit.
A mat and cushion and organic coconut oil will be provided for the class and you can purchase our laminated parent handouts and a bottle of oil so you can keep massaging baby at home. We start the sessions with a cuppa and a chat to get to know each other, we then move on to some relaxation for parents, followed by some massage for your little ones.. We always have nibbles as massage can be hungry work 🙂 and we shall cover a little bit of theory such as information on colic, crying, behavioural states, benefits of massage, story massage etc. We then end the session with a little discussion. This can be a great way to get chatting with other parents, sharing thoughts, experiences and any helpful tricks and tips 😊
What age can I start baby massage with my little one?
From birth to 1 year, however the first month or 2 can be quite overwhelming for both parents and baby. If you feel unsure whether you and your little one are ready to attend please just get in touch with any questions or concerns.
A final word In our experience, to achieve maximum benefit from baby massage, we have found that making it part of your little one’s bed-time routine, particularly after a bath, really aids a good night’s sleep. After all, who wouldn’t want to have a massage before bed?
Our classes
The Bebes Tranquilos baby massage classes are held at the Highfield Park Trust
Highfield Park Visitor Centre, Hill End Ln, St Albans AL4 0RA
The building is fully accessible to everyone especially those using buggies. It offers free parking right out front.
