INTRODUCTION

What does bonding mean?  It is the development of understanding each other and what we need - an attachment that creates mutual feelings of trust, respect and comfort.

Bonding is the process of forming a close personal relationship and begins in pregnancy when the mother feels feels the baby kick or the baby hearing the mother's voice.  Babies new to the world need the reassurance of someone special being there for them.  It enhances relationships throughout a lifetime and it will help your child grow in a healthy and loving way.  This strong attachment can help develop a sense of security and support in an infant and therefore they are more likely to grow to be self assured and self confident.

Each baby bond is unique and can be enhanced by just watching, chatting, touching or singing softly to them on a regular basis.  The sense of touch is the first to be developed in the embryo and studies have now revealed that babies who receive closes physical contact in their early days tend to cry less, have fewer tantrums and sleep more soundly.  Touch is a natural expression of love, communicating warmth and security.

It can take time for a new baby to adjust to its new surroundings having been in a pleasant tranquil state!  It's in a new and exciting time for them.  Massage can help to ease any problems that might be encountered along the way.

Caring touch is good for everyone, but babies especially love to be touched!  Its  such a natural reaction to cuddle and stroke your baby.  With my baby massage classes you will be able to learn safe techniques that will build confidence in touching and handling your baby and consequently you will be able to tune into your baby's body language..  This is very empowering for you as parents.  You will be able to help relieve your baby from potential problems such as colic, wind, constipation and troubled sleep.  Above all you will be encouraging a good relationship between you and your baby.  It gives a time and place to be together, free from daily worries and pressures.

BENEFITS FOR YOUR BABY
  • Enhanced bonding and closeness to you
  • Assists in strengthening their immune system and resistance to disease
  • Aiding their digestion and therefore relief from colic, wind and constipation
  • Promotes calmness and relaxation - therefore deeper breathing
  • Improves the circulation of nutrients around the body
  • It can soothe and relieve pain
  • It will help to develop a sound personality and inner strength
  • Brings about a state of contentment, improved rest and sleep
  • IT FEELS GOOD!

  • BENEFITS FOR YOU
  • Develops confidence in handling your baby
  • Increases the bonding activity promoting pleasure, joy and relaxation
  • Helps develop awareness of your baby's needs and feelings
  • Can help with post natal depression and decrease stress hormones
  • Something that Daddy and other carers can do to support their partner or friend
  • Leaves you with a feeling of empowerment
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT AGE CAN I START  MASSAGING MY BABY?

My classes are suitable from about 6 weeks old (or after their first check up) until they become mobile.  You might like to wait until they are about 2-4 months old when they are awake more during the day.  If you have any doubts do ask your Health Visitor for advice.

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE CLASSES?

Classes are run over a period of 3 weeks building up the routine in each session and recapping techniques each week.  Each session lasts up to 90 minutes.  They will incorporate some warming stretching then moving on to massage legs, arms, tummy, chest, back and face.  At the class we will sit in a semi circle so that everyone can see the strokes.  You will be massaging your baby whilst I demonstrate on a doll.

Other topics covered during the classes are:
  • Contraindications (Reasons why not to massage)
  • Which oils to use
  • How to create a suitable environment for massage at home

A WELCOME PACK will be given to you at the first session. 

 This will include the routine, how to prepare for massage at home and a 50ml bottle of Organic Sunflower Oil with Vitamin E so you can start right away!  By practising the routine between classes, you will then begin to find out what your baby enjoys and be confident about carrying out the massage. 

 

These classes can build friendships and support with other parents with small babies and is a great opportunity to share experiences and tips - plenty of time for questions too.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY BABY CRIES OR NEEDS FEEDING DURING THE CLASS?

Please don't worry, massage is something new to your baby and it may feel strange or different.  Baby might not want to co-operate, if so try another time.  Crying is a method of communication and if your baby is feeling unsettled or needs a break from touching they can be rested or fed in a quiet corner and you can then rejoin the class and practice on a spare teddy or doll.  Alternatively you are welcome to feed your baby and just watch - you'll still be part of the class.  We always re cap at the next session so you won't miss out.  One note regarding feeding is that its suggested that babies are not massaged for at least 45 mins to 1 hour after a feed.

CAN I BRING TWINS (OR MORE) TO THE CLASS?

Yes, I'd be delighted to see you all, there is no extra charge.  You might like to bring another family member, carer or friend to help you.

WHAT DO I NEED FOR THE CLASSES?

It is helpful to have everything you need to hand before the classes, these include:

FOR BABY

  • Changing mat to place baby on, plus a towel
  • Wipes, Tissues or spare muslins
  • Nappies
  • Spare towel or blanket to wrap baby in for a lovely cuddle afterwards
  • A drink of water to offer
  • A change of clothing
FOR YOU

  • Comfortable clothing, bear in mind that you might get oil on them
  • A cushion or mat for you to sit on
  • To note - please remove all jewellery and watches, keep nails short.
CAN CLASSES BE HELD IN MY OWN HOME?

Yes, of course!  Maximum 6 mums/dads and babies (minimum 3) depending on space available

 

Group Classes at home:  Why not get a group of friends together (you may already belong to an ante-natal group or the NCT) - it will be up to the hostess of the class to arrange the time and date with me and then inform her group. 

This can be a very comfortable and relaxing way of enjoying your classes. 

Special courses for Dads/Partners: For Dads and carers who are unable to attend my daytime courses.

NEW - CLASSES ARE TO BE HELD AT

THE MOUNTWOOD SURGERY

NORTHWOOD

MIDDX

PLEASE CALL ME FOR DETAILS 07988 683 234

 

 


PRICES

£54 for a 3 week course (3 x up to 90 minutes) per person

SPECIAL OFFER - The hostess who organises a group class at her home benefits from a 50% reduction in course fees!

£25 for a Dad's/Partners Class up to 60 minutes

BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS

 A non returnable fee £20 is due from each person at the time of booking. The remainder, ie £34 is due 1 week before the classes commence

 

 


GIFT VOUCHERS

If you know of someone who would like to receive a course of baby massage classes either as a new arrival present or a baby shower gift, please contact me for details.

A unique and loving gift that will last a lifetime


Please do not hesitate to contact me about any of the above or if you have any special requirements for you baby - I am here to help in any way I can to enhance this special time in your and your baby's life.