Baby Massage
Infant massage has been shown to have many benefits for both the infant and the mother. It is a way of creating a time for special, quality interaction. The resulting release of the ‘love hormone’ oxytocin aids bonding and attachment between the two.
By lowering the stress hormone cortisol, infant massage promotes improved growth, particularly for the premature infant and low birth weight babies. It promotes relaxation and helps improve sleep patters for many – but unfortunately I cannot guarantee this will happen! It can also help relieve the discomfort of colic.
Mums also benefit from reduced cortisol levels and increased oxytocin release both of which can help reduced the risk of postnatal depression. Learning to recognise and interpret the cues given by the baby is an important component of successful infant massage and can help to bolster a mum’s belief in her ability to parent effectively.
Of course these benefits apply equally to the father, grandparent and carer of any infant – massage is not a mother only activity!
I completed my infant massage teacher training with Touch Learn in 2008. My practice in insured by IPTI (Independent Professional Therapists International) and I am also a member of the Guild of Infant and Child Massage.
Courses are generally over 4 weeks at a cost of £45.00.
A free place is offered if you wish to host the course in your own home together with at least 4 friends.
I will provide the massage oils and a booklet for you to take home as a reminder of all the massage strokes covered in the sessions. Individual and small groups can also be arranged either in your home or mine.
Prior to the session you will be asked to complete short health questionnaire, this is a requirement of my insurance policy and strongly recommended so that we can avoid massaging a baby who is or has recently been unwell.