"Little Miracles" Baby Massage Course
This is a fun and relaxing 5 week course for parent and baby during which you will learn the wonderful ancient art of baby massage.
The size of my group classes is limited
to 6 mothers and 6 babies, this restriction is needed to allow a
comfortable and relaxing atmosphere during class for all involved.
In
this 5 week course you will learn all about the benefits of baby
massage, I will teach you a full body massage for your baby and explain
to you how baby massage can help combat little baby issues like colic,
constipation, agitation and more. But most of all, we focus on the "parent and baby dialogue" going on during the massage. You will learn how to "read" your baby, which in turn will help you become an expert in answering your baby's cues.
Note: For babies suffering from colic, I recomment that you take 1 private session prior to your group class (or if you wish, you can continue on with private sessions). During this session
I will listen to your concerns about your baby, help you assess the
situation and teach you a specific "colic relief routine". The colic relief routine is not
included in the group course, because luckily enough most babies don't
suffer from colic. This specific tummy massage routine will help colicy babies feel more relaxed and comfortable, but it is not an instant remedy and needs to be repeated at least 3 times daily (or more).
Private sessions are also very much recommended for babies coming home from the Special Care Unit. These babies have often been exposed to very stressful situations and the parents may feel like they have missed out on some of the initial "bonding process" or maybe feeling nervous in handeling a small baby. In all of these cases, baby massage can be very beneficial for parents and baby.
My baby massage course and private sessions both include a “Mum and Baby Pure Massage Bar” from “TherapyAroma”, hand-out notes on baby massage and a copy of "Infant massage, a handbook for loving parents" written by Vimala McClure (Founder of the International Association of Infant Massage).
We use a “Massage Bar” instead of the massage oil from a bottle. The massage bar used for this class is made up of cocoa butter and shea nut butter, all natural and safe for babies delicate skin. By rubbing the massage bar in your hands, it will slowly start melting a little, allowing you to massage your baby without having to worry about bottles falling over, spilling your oil and staining your towels. Please visit the website www.therapyaroma.com to find out more about Emma's wonderful handmade aromatherapy products for mum and baby.
Course Costs: 150€ for 5 week course
Private Session: 60€ for 1st session, 30€ following sessions.
Group of friends in own house: 130€ per couple for 5 week course (group of min. 3 mothers and babies)
Time and venue of Group Course: Tue, mornings 10.00h to 11.00 in Glenview Hotel, Glen of the Downs, Delgany, Co. Wicklow
Note: during
group classes, older siblings can attend the "Gymbos Chreche" at the Glenview
Hotel allowing you some one-to-one activity time with your latest
arrival!
Costs: 5€ per hour.
To avail of this option places must be pre-booked by calling the Glenview Hotel reception on (01) 2873399 and asking for Lesley.
Please check with your health insurance: VHI, Vivas and Quinn Healthcare could refund up to 100€ towards the cost of Baby Massage when carried out by members of the International Association of Infant Massage (Irish Chapter is Baby Massage Ireland). Refunds depend on the healthcare scheme you have signed up for with your healthcare insurance company.
Contact Liselotte Hill on 0876457489 for more details or to book a place or send e-mail Benefits of massage for the baby
There is an enhanced secretion of digestive hormones and massage makes the digestive system more efficient. Massaging your baby also helps to improve functioning of their gastrointestinal tract and it relieves discomfort from constipation and gas.
A special colic relief routine can ease some colic related discomforts.
Babies who are massaged are more settled and they sleep better at night because touch is very relaxing. They also relate better to parent and caregiver interactions.
Helps increase oxygen and nutrient flow to cells, therefore babies with asthma benefit from massage.
- Improves relaxation and decreases stress
Massage reduces the level of cortisol, the stress hormone, therefore relaxation is increased and stress is decreased.
Enhances the immune system
Improves muscle tone
Increases blood circulation
Comforts baby
Benefits of massage for the parents/caregivers
Massage provides a special time to communicate with each other and to show love, respect and compassion. Parents also become more aware of and learn to understand and respond to their babies cues.
- Promotes Bonding and Attachment
Massage provides an opportunity for closeness, play, touch and it conveys nurturing and love. Massage also provides a time for parent and infant to bond through eye contact, touch, voice, smell and movement.
Parents report feeling more confident in their ability to care for their baby.
Massage and touch often helps babies sleep better and more soundly, therefore parents and caregivers may sleep better too.
- Improves relaxation and decreases stress
When the baby is relaxed, parents feel relaxed and they feel less stressed
- Benefits mum with postpartum depression
Mums with postpartum depression feel more attached to their baby and they feel more confident in their ability to provide for and care for their baby. Research has shown that mums with postpartum depression who massage their babies regularly feet better sooner.
