What is Baby Massage?

Baby massage is a longstanding parenting practice used everyday in many cultures, with numerous benefits for both parent and baby. Many find that daily baby massage can help with:

    • strengthening the bond with your baby, helping your baby to feel secure
    • increasing your confidence in handling your newborn
    • relaxation for both parent and baby
    • relief from wind, colic and constipation
    • development of your baby’s body awareness and coordination
    • reduced crying and emotional distress
    • skin benefits from regular use of oil

The baby massage group I run is more than just learning the massage strokes and routine. We will cover touch, movement, relaxation, interaction and communication with your baby. It is an informal atmosphere where we talk together about different parenting topics each week, and share experiences in a structured, supportive group setting.

Baby Massage Group – what to expect

Baby massage is a wonderful skill to learn. It is suitable for babies from birth, and usually the best time to start is when you both feel ready, commonly around 6 weeks. This will be different for everyone, there is no right time to start. Baby Massage is often the first group that parents join with a new baby, and the massage learnt can be taken on throughout childhood.

The course is based on both Indian and Swedish massage techniques, incorporating principles of both yoga and reflexology into the routine.  Baby massage is taught slowly, step by step, and the routine is added to each week. It is a new experience for babies and may take a little time for them to enjoy the full routine all at once. By the end of the course you will be able to complete a full massage, as well as learning an additional short routine for colic, wind and constipation.  The course includes gentle movements and touch relaxation, which are suggestions to use if your baby is anxious or having difficulty settling.  I also cover the best time for massage and oils suitable to use.  I provide one complimentary bottle of oil, for use in the class and extra bottles are available to buy at the classes.

Massage is led by your baby, and only started if your baby is willing to receive a massage within the group.  If your baby is sleeping when you arrive there is a spare doll to learn the strokes on, while your baby sleeps.  You are encouraged to feed and comfort your baby if crying within the class, and the group will carry on. You can observe the techniques on others and not miss out.

Benefits for your baby:

  • Helping your baby to feel securely attached
  • Helping your baby to feel more loved, valued and respected
  • Reduced crying and emotional distress
  • Increased levels of relaxation and longer sleep
  • Development of body awareness and coordination
  • Relief from wind, colic, constipation and teething discomfort

Benefits for the parents:

  • Feeling closer to your baby
  • Gaining a deeper understanding of your baby’s behaviour, crying and body language
  • Providing an enjoyable opportunity for you to spend one-to-one time with your baby
  • Feeling the relaxing effects of giving your baby a massage
  • Increased confidence in your ability to care for and nurture your baby
  • Learning a life-long parenting skill

About Katherine

I am an experienced, qualified baby massage instructor, having trained with the International Association Infant Massage (IAIM) in London.  I have held classes across London and am currently based in West London.  I love this work and particularly enjoy watching the relationship between parent and baby growing over the duration of the course, as well as watching the babies enjoy the massage more and more. Nurturing touch and a dedicated calm time between parent and baby can be very beneficial, and many parents express the value of the space created in a calm atmosphere, which I enjoy creating. I also love being able pass on ancient eastern traditions within todays western culture.  I have previously worked as Baby Massage Instructor at Neal’s Yard in Notting Hill and the Special Yoga Centre.

I worked within the NHS for many years as an A&E Nurse, Health Visitor and Nurse Practitioner and have more recently retrained as a Psychotherapist and currently work with a wide range of therapy clients, in particular mothers who have experienced a traumatic birth.

I am the mother of two children and attended massage classes myself with both children, and benefitted greatly not only from learning the massage strokes but from the supportive group environment, and having a cup of tea made for me after the class which was a real treat!

Courses & Booking

The course is based on five weekly sessions, each session between 60 and 75 minutes long. I offer one complimentary bottle of oil, and information sheets on the strokes learnt each week. I bring tea and cookies too.

The sessions are structured, but have an informal feel. There is time for discussion and sharing of experiences.

When: Wednesday 11am

Where: The Dojo, 2a Doyle Gardens, NW10 3DA

Cost: Five session course costs £95

There are a limited number of spaces available per course so book now.  Social distancing will apply during classes and I will be following government Coronavirus guidelines for all my classes.  This means class numbers will be smaller so please book early to ensure a place.  On booking I will send details of the guidelines and what this means for you.

Next course start dates are:

January 26th 2022 – 23rd February 2022  FULL

March 2nd 2022 – March 30th 2022     B O O K I N G  O P E N

To book a place on the next course at The Dojo please contact me, details below.

I also teach private lessons at your home, individually or as a small group. Please enquire for details.

Contact details:
kc@katherineclarke.net
Phone 07831 716240

Contact

Katherine Clarke
email me : kc@katherineclarke.net