So, what happens in a Baby Massage class and what is Baby Massage? We look specifically at what goes on the Yogita London classes and also how the power of touch can be very beneficial for Premature babies..
Baby Massage
Baby massage expressed through gentle movements, often accompanied by melodic rhymes and constant eye contact is a powerful source of multisensory stimulation for your baby.
There are many wonderful benefits to be experienced during a Baby Massage class from the physiological aspects of: improving and helping to build the digestive, respiratory and circulatory systems, aiding neurodevelopment and promoting a deeper sleep; to the emotional aspects of touch promoting a bond between you and baby, and the reduction of stress in your baby due to their new environment.
Your unique relationship with Baby
The Yogita London Baby Massage class is a 6 week course suitable from birth to crawling. Every week we progressively build upon each element of a full head to toe baby massage. The class enables you to focus on your unique relationship with your baby and allows you to strengthen that bond. You will notice from week to week your baby’s progress as they begin to build, strengthen and control their muscles.
The flow of Baby Massage
During the class we look at how we can support you to continue baby massage practice at home; this is because the benefits of baby massage are numerous and establishing a daily massage routine will aid you in managing common ailments such as soothing a colicky baby or relieving discomfort caused by wind or constipation or establishing and maintaining a sleep pattern.
You will learn when it’s a good time to massage baby and also when you shouldn’t massage baby. We will go through precautions with regards to the products you can use to safely massage baby. As with our other courses, we will provide you with handouts, information and articles which not only compliment the massage routine but also cover a variety of parenting topics.
Each week we will also informally cover a number of parenting topics which may be of interest to the group such as: Understanding why babies cry; the transition to motherhood; teething; what are key milestones, bottle feeding and breast feeding support for mothers, weaning.
Baby Massage for premature babies
Baby massage can be especially beneficial if you have a premature baby who has not been able to experience their parents touch due to separation in an incubator or whose first experience of touch was unwelcoming due to medical procedures.
Baby massage will help your baby feel more relaxed and calm through the release of the hormone oxytocin which reduces cortisol (stress) levels in the body.
Helping the baby to relax and feel calm may help to stabilise their breathing and heart rate; help them to feed more readily and in turn gain weight. The gentle lifting and stroking of your baby’s limbs can help to strengthen them. It may also encourage a deeper or easier sleep. Baby Massage may also lessen your baby’s possibility of developing osteopenia.
As long as your baby’s medical condition allows, baby massage will enable you to get involved with your baby’s care. If your baby is in hospital please check with your nurse that your baby is medically stable to begin baby massage. If your baby is too poorly for baby massage you may be able to start with contact holding. Contact holding is less stimulating than massage and is where you gently place your still hand on your baby.
Not only are there benefits for your baby, there are benefits for you. Being unable to hold your baby if they are, or have been, in a NICU or special care baby unit can be distressing, massaging your baby will reduce your stress levels and give you an alternative way to feel close to your baby. For mothers, baby massage can help increase your breast milk production through increased levels of oxytocin in your body.
If you need further professional support for yourself, your premature baby and family; Yogita London recommends you visit Bliss.org.uk the special care baby charity which provides vital support and care to premature and sick babies across the UK. The Family Support Helpline number is: 0500 618 140
Baby massage continues on..
Baby Massage doesn’t have to stop when baby starts to crawl; there will always be a place for some form of adapted Baby Massage in your childs life. It could be used later in life to soothe a tummy pain or a growing pain. You will know what is right for you and your child.
Following on from Baby massage I would highly recommend Mum and Baby yoga or Dad and Baby yoga which will greatly enhance your well being and compliment the formulation of your child’s routine..
Mums you will be able to enhance your wellbeing and postnatal recovery through the post natal yoga section of the class and dads you will be able to rid yourself of all those aches and pains you are discovering from carrying baby and prepare yourself for the years of carrying to come!
For further information about our upcoming Baby Massage Classes in Islington & Camden please visit http://www.yogitalondon.co.uk/Timetable.htm
Jen de Vera.
jmdevera@yogitalondon.co.uk
Yogita London – Pre & Post Natal Yoga for You and Your Little One offering Pregnancy Yoga, Post Natal Mama and Baby Yoga, Baby Massage, Dads and Baby Yoga, Birth Preparation in Islington, Camden & the City.
Follow us on our website http://www.yogitalondon.co.uk , our blog https://yogitalondon.wordpress.com, Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Yogita-London/300118426684304 and twitter @YogitaLondon
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