Service Description

The benefits of baby massage are wide ranging and impressive and backed up by significant research. Babies who are deprived of touch do not thrive. In this primal early period is vital to your baby’s development, laying down the roots of their emotional, physical and physiological health. Baby massage is an immediate and effective way to develop a loving attachment with your baby, for mothers and fathers alike. A regular top to toe massage can help maintain healthy muscles and joints, alleviate colic and constipation. Massage increases production of growth hormones from the pituitary gland, improves circulation, helps muscle relaxation and joint flexibility, promotes the flow of waste removing lymphatic fluid improve resistance to infection and stimulates the vagus nerve which helps release food absorption hormones. Massage can also help your baby relax and ease some tensions associated with separation anxiety by reducing their cortisol levels and stimulating the release of endorphins. Baby Massage and Father-Baby Bonds A research study in Australia found that at 12 weeks old, babies who were massaged greeted their fathers with more eye contact, smiling, vocalising, and touch than those in the control group, and the fathers showed more day-to-day involvement with their babies and babies show more orienting responses to their fathers and less avoidance behaviour. 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 For you • Feeling closer to your baby • Gaining a deeper understanding of your baby's behaviour, crying and body language • Providing an enjoyable opportunity 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 There are no set guidelines regarding the minimum age for when to start baby massage, some babies may find formal, structured massage too stimulating in the early weeks, so some parents prefer to wait until their baby is 4-6 years old. I will come to your home with my baby model, and I will guide you through a routine to help you massage your baby, talk through any fears or questions you might have.