Infant Massage and Toddler Yoga

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Options available-

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1-2-1 option.

£48 to learn a full body routine 1-2-1- Learn the full body routine, with one on one attention for one day. Learn techniques to help with colic and constipation, teething, colds, sleep problems and bonding. Also learn techniques to help improve the tummy time experience. Stop any time if baby needs to feed/change/cry etc.

£20 Each for Couple Session (2 babies/Toddlers). Location Holistic Hub.

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Group Workshops

5 week Course for £50. Maximum 10 people.

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Touching, holding, hugging and kissing your child is one of the main ways to bond with your baby. As they are unable to speak yet, it communicates love, care and respect.

Therapeutic massage has been used in Eastern cultures as far back as 3000 BC and infant massage has been practiced by mothers in Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa, and Latin America for centuries. It is now something that can be carried out by anyone wishing to bond with their infant, including fathers and siblings. 

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Vimala Schneider McClure founded the Association of infant massage when she visited India in 1973. She worked in an orphanage whilst she was there, and witnessed regular massage which ranged from infants to the elderly. When she fell ill the women of the village massaged her back to health. When leaving the country she noticed a young woman sitting by the side of the road in a shantytown, lovingly massaging her infant. This reminded her of the massage she had and decided that she would bring the techniques of infant massage back to America. 

 

There are some obvious and not so obvious benefits to baby massage.

Here are some benefits to both you and your baby. 

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• Makes your baby feel loved and secure

• Helps you to bond and connect with your baby

• Can alleviate trapped win, soothe colic and alleviate constipation

• Can help with teething problems

• Can soothe baby's sinus'

• Develops baby's first language: touch

• Develops mind, body awareness

• Improves coordination for baby

• Promotes relaxation-important before bed time

• Can be used at home to get baby into a night time routine

• Improves their quality of sleep

• Can help reduce fussy periods

• Can help alleviate and prevent post-natal depression

• Encourages positive interaction with their baby

• Stimulates the hormone oxytocin

• Promotes lactation in breastfeeding mums

• Helps you to understand your baby's cues and improves communication

• Enhances confidence in dealing and handling your baby

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Benefits of Toddler Yoga for children (aged 18 Months- 5 Years):

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• Can alleviate trapped wind and constipation   

• Supports bonding and attachment

• May reduce tantrums

• Promotes positive toddler handling

• Works with toddlers' natural movement 

• Teaches positive loving touch and gentle movements

• Develops body, mind, awareness and coordination 

• Helps to regulate and strengthen the digestive and respiratory systems and stimulate the circulatory and nervous systems 

• Promotes relaxation

• Improves quality of sleep

• Strengthens and tones muscles

• Builds a lifelong pattern for exercise

• Offers opportunity for socialisation in groups 

• Aids and supports development 

• Encourages mindfulness  

• Helps language development through songs and stories

• Boosts immunity

• Teaches routine and structure 

• Encourages listening skills

• Encourages body awareness and co-ordination

• Increases confidence and self-esteem

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When not to massage or do yoga

• Don't wake your baby/toddler for a massage or yoga session

• Never force movements against their will, if they aren't enjoying it try simple, stroking movements or stop the massage and try again when they are more relaxed

• Do not massage your baby if they are hungry or have just been fed, use light simple movements if they have just eaten and avoid harsh movements on tummy or back area

• Wait 24 hours after immunisations

• Don't massage your baby if they are unwell or expect them to do yoga

• Do not massage bruised or damaged skin area

• Let the session be 'baby-led' - stop if they cry, avoid eye contact, clenching their fists, closed body language, ask baby if they are ready for their massage and observe their body language to see if they're enjoying it and are happy to be touched. 

 

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Oil to use in a massage:

Use edible oil such as coconut, sunflower or grape seed. This is because babies put their hands in their mouths often. I will supply you with an oil during classes. 

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Massage:

• This is suitable for babies and their parents (or carers) from birth but I recommend from 4-6 weeks old up until the baby is crawling at around 9 months.

• I recommend that your baby has had his/her 6-8 week medical check-up before beginning however massage is suitable from birth.

• Use eczema cream if needed or a plain nut-free edible oil. 

• If you or your baby have any mobility issues please seek medical advice first

• Use massage as a special bonding activity for mums/dads/carers/siblings or grandparents to do.

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What you need before massaging:

You may need feeding and changing equipment. Babies get hungry during a massage! Muslins are also useful as babies can usually spit up whilst working on their stomach. Something soft to lay on such as a blanket or changing mat or yoga mat. Make sure the area is nice and warm too.

 

Massage is baby-led, so at any point if your baby needs a cuddle, feed or nappy change feel free to do so. If you are doing a session with me, we are breastfeeding and bottle friendly so please feed whenever baby needs. Sessions are usually 30/45 mins. Massage usually makes babies extra thirsty and tired, so do not worry if this happens, you can practice the massage in your own time. I will always be available to go over any moves in your own time if you need via zoom ! If baby cries, please don't worry, we are all parents and no parent minds at all.

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