What is Baby Massage?

Baby Massage is a beautiful way to really connect with your baby through the sense of touch.

The massage sequence which I teach was developed by Vimala McClure who is the founder of the International Association of Infant Massage. Vimala worked in India during the 1970’s and experienced first hand how mothers there massage their babies as part of their daily routine. She enhanced this method of massage to include elements of Swedish massage, reflexology and yoga.

Why do a Baby Massage Class?

It gives you a wonderful opportunity to get to know your baby, and see their reaction to your touch. It also provides you with time away from your busy life to just stop, and marvel at your precious child.

What happens at a Baby Massage Class?

There are usually between 8 – 10 mums and their babies at a baby massage class. When you arrive, the room is set up with baby mats and fresh towels for the baby to lie on, and a cushion for you to sit on. All oils and handouts are provided. During the class I will demonstrate the strokes on a doll while you give your baby a thorough massage, focusing on a different area each week. And afterwards, when your baby is content and calm, you can enjoy a cup of a fresh coffee/tea and a scone in the company of other mums and babies. This is a wonderful opportunity to share support and wisdom, let off steam, have a laugh and meet some new friends.

What are the Benefits of Baby Massage?

For baby:

Aside from the pleasure of baby massage there are numerous health benefits:

• The tummy massage relieves wind, colic and constipation
• The chest massage helps clear the lungs and improve respiration
• The leg and arm massage improves muscle tone and circulation
• The facial strokes are very soothing, especially effective in helping a baby drift off to sleep
• When you massage your baby regularly, you promote deeper, sounder sleep

For you:

• Increased bonding with your baby through pleasurable touch
• Greater confidence in handling your baby, learning to understand your baby’s body language more easily, leads to more confident parenting
• Strengthens your ability to help your child relax in times of stress
• The social dimension of meeting other mothers and babies provides support
• Class is very relaxing and nurturing, and significantly help mums who have post natal depression

Who is Baby Massage Suitable for?

Baby massage is suitable for all babies from birth to crawling. However in order to get the most from the class it is best to wait until the baby is about 6 weeks old. At that stage they have greater periods of contented wakefulness and are more open to being touched in this way.

It is particularly suitable for babies who:

• Have colic, wind problems, constipation (specific massage technique to help relieve these symptoms)
• Have reflux problems (relaxation of muscles)
• Were born premature (stimulation)
• Have special needs (physical and intellectual benefits)
• Were adopted (increased bonding)

Colic, Wind & Constipation

Massage can help babies suffering from colic, bouts of painful wind and constipation. I will show you a very simple but effective method of abdominal massage which relieves and prevents colic. Though the actual technique and sequence is uncomplicated, what is vital is the gentle pressure applied, the pace of the strokes used, the order of the stroke sequence and the number and timing of the repetitions. It works amazingly well for wind, and for constipated babies it can work almost instantly.

Babies with Special Needs

A specific class for babies with special needs is available. Some people find it is very helpful to meet other parents of babies with special needs and feel more comfortable in a group like that. Others prefer to join the ordinary class and that is fine too. The massage sequence, while wonderful for all babies, can be specifically beneficial in helping babies improve muscle tone, gain weight and really bring them on.

Adapted strokes are taught for many situations including babies with Down Syndrome.

The massage you learn on the course is of use not just in the early stages but in the months and years ahead.

Baby Massage Courses

Courses run over 4 consecutive weeks. The class lasts for 2 hours, which includes instruction followed by coffee. This gives parents an opportunity to meet others, going through a similar stage of parenting and has been cited as an invaluable aspect of the course. The cost of the course is €150 which includes organic baby massage oils, course materials, coffee and scones.

• Classes are held in Mount Merrion Community Centre. Class numbers are kept small.
• Quinn Direct Health Manager and Health Manager Gold members can re-claim €100 against their health insurance.
• VHI Family Plan and Company Plan members can re-claim €100.
• Hibernian Aviva members can re-claim €90.

Course Content

Session One:

• Appropriate oils to use on babies
• Relaxation for parent
• Importance of a relaxed parent during massage
• Asking baby’s permission
• Recognising baby’s cues
• Strokes for baby’s legs
• Strokes to relieve colic

Session Two:

• Relaxation for parent
• Strokes for baby’s tummy and chest
• Review of previous strokes

Session Three:

• Facial relaxation for parent
• Strokes for baby’s arms and face
• Review of previous strokes
• Adapting massage to your child as they grow

Session Four:

• Relaxation for parent
• Strokes for baby’s back
• Review of previous strokes
• Gentle baby yoga exercises to promote baby’s flexibility