Baby Massage at MUMS with a highly qualified therapist.

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Discover the power of baby massage in a 1-1 session

Michelle Kelly is a practising Occupational Therapist who has worked in the field of Paediatrics within the NHS for over 20 years.  Her specialist area is the field of babies and infants, 0-5 years, with complex medical and developmental needs.  Michelle decided to expand her skill set to include infant massage as within her work she noted the positive impact touch pressure had on the children she worked with. It regulated their body systems, provided sensory input, calmed down over activity and improved their ability to focus and participate in daily living activities.

Michelle chose to train with the International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM) as it is a reputable worldwide organisation.  The organisation itself was formed in 1981, although the founder, Vimala McClure, developed the infant massage course in 1976.  To date the same course is being taught in over 70 countries around the world and as such it is well researched and well evidenced.

Due to Michelle’s years of experience as a Paediatric Occupational Therapist the value of the infant massage course is enhanced by her specialist knowledge of atypical motor development, sensory processing, and extensive clinical skills.

Michelle holds the following qualifications & memberships:

• Post Graduate Diploma in Occupational Therapy, Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London
• hcpc - member of the Health and Care Professions Council
• RCOT – member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists
• Certified Infant Massage Instructor; member of the International Association of Infant Massage

What is infant massage?

The practice of baby massage is a centuries old tradition in many cultures around the world, particularly in Asia and Africa. Since the 1990s it has gained popularity in Western countries.  Through specific rhythmical strokes, tactile stimulation and nurturing holds babies’ and parents experience a myriad of benefits.  As a Certified Infant Massage Instructor with the IAIM Michelle teaches strokes using techniques drawn from Indian and Swedish massage and the practice of yoga and reflexology. The course is unique in that it is cue based and therefore baby led.  Cues are how babies non-verbally communicate.  Parents are taught to observe their babies body language and interpret cues to enhance understanding of their wants and needs.  Nurturing touch be it massage, holding, or cuddling strengthens the bond between baby and parent and contributes positively to the child’s health, emotional and social development.

Benefits of Infant Massage

The benefits of baby massage go beyond relaxation and the positive outcomes extend to the parents (birth, foster or adoptive).  

For baby:

• Promotes secure attachment with parent.
• Improves sleep patterns.
• Increases the ability to self-soothe.
• Relaxation; increases production of oxytocin, reducing release of stress hormones cortisol and adrenalin.
• May sooth from the discomfort of colic, reflux, teething, excessive crying, constipation, wind, and congestion.
• Stimulates the skin receptors.
• Aids development of body awareness and motor coordination.
• Stimulates body systems: circulatory, digestive, lymphatic, respiratory, brain growth (massage speeds up myelination), proprioceptive, vestibular, and sensory.
• Relieves growing pains.
• Promotes weight gain.
• Develops pre-language skills, engaging in both non-verbal and verbal communication with parent.

For parents:

• Empowers and equips parents with a valuable lifelong skill.
• Enhances bonding and attachment. 
• May reduce symptoms of post-natal depression.
• Giving a massage releases oxytocin and reduces cortisol (stress hormone) levels.
• Gain a deeper understanding of baby’s body language.
• One-to-one quality time with baby.
• Boosts parenting confidence.
• Improves quality of sleep.
• The strokes can be adapted so massage can continue as child grows up.  This maintains an emotional connection particularly important as they move into teenage years.

 

The Course

Prior to the start of the course, parents will have an initial consultation with Michelle.  This ensures that the content is tailored specifically for individual needs.

The course runs over 5 weeks, and each class lasts approximately 60 minutes.  Each week strokes for different parts of the body are taught leading up to a full body massage.  Parents are also taught a targeted routine for the relief of colic/gas and gross motor enhancing positions for the pre-walker.   Supporting information and theory is also included to deepen parents understanding of the strokes and application.  Weekly handouts are given to remind parents of the strokes taught, and a comprehensive handbook is provided. 

Cost of Baby Massage Sessions at MUMS

£60 per session

Michelle states: “I am genuinely passionate about the value and benefits of infant massage, and it is a joy to teach.  For me it is the epitome of job satisfaction to see mothers (and fathers) feeling confident, competent, and empowered in understanding their babies’ cues and using massage as a means of communication and to relieve discomfort.

We have ample parking and great reviews.

Call 0121 704 2669 or send us a website enquiry and one of our team will get back to you swiftly.