Candle lit baby massage classes
Baby Massage with Sophie
Next weekday group course: 9:00 – 10.30am – Monday 28th May
Next weekend group course: 4:00 – 5:30pm – Sunday 27 May
Max class size: 5
Group sessions: £70 per person for 5–week course
Private sessions: £80 per person for 5–week course
What is Baby Massage?
In many cultures the practice of massaging babies is an ancient art passed down from generation to generation. For hundreds of years mothers all over the world have known that the soft stroke of their hand soothes, calms and communicates their love for their babies.
Now scientific research confirms that infant massage can do all that and more, bringing many physical and psychological benefits to both parent and baby.
The International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM) programme has been around for thirty years and is now taught in fifty different countries and growing rapidly. It is the first and foremost global organisation focused on infant massage.
The programme follows a series of strokes and gentle movements drawing inspiration from Swedish massage, Indian massage, reflexology and baby yoga, culminating in a beautiful, gentle routine focused on nurturing touch and communication.
What are the Benefits?
Benefits for the baby can include muscle development, increased body awareness and co-ordination and the stimulation of vital systems of the body, such as the circulatory system and nervous system.
Research has proven that infant massage can improve sleep patterns and offer the baby relief from issues such as colic, muscular tension, teething discomfort, digestive problems and stress.
Parents also benefit greatly with a chance to gain a valuable understanding of their baby, have their confidence boosted and be provided with an opportunity to meet other parents.
The interaction infant massage provides can play a wonderful part in the bonding process between parent and baby, both physically and emotionally.
All teaching is done using a demonstration doll so the parent is the only one in physical contact with their baby throughout every session. This creates an opportunity to enhance the bond between them using some of the most vital elements in bond strengthening; eye contact, vocalisation, skin-to-skin contact and communication.
Who can come?
Mothers, fathers or primary carers with babies from newborn to 1 year are all welcome.
There is no pressure on the babies during the sessions. If they need to feed, cry, sleep or simply do not want a massage, their choice is respected and there will be spare demonstration dolls for you to work on if necessary.
All movements will be covered in handouts for you to take home so there is no stress for you either.
The course is adaptable, flexible and open to all.
What will the Course Cover?
The course will run once a week for five weeks, each session lasting 90 minutes.
During this time you will learn a full-body massage routine, including legs, tummy, chest, arms and face.
You will also cover a specific routine designed to relieve discomfort caused by colic or wind and learn how to adapt massage to your growing child.
You will learn some of the theory behind the movements as well as having a chance to discuss and review everything informally each session.
At the end of the 5 weeks there will be a free social event for anyone that would like to attend. More information on this will be provided when you book for your chosen course.
What Size is the Class?
The maximum number of babies on each course is five. We aim to make the classes as intimate as possible to make sure everyone gets everything they can out of the experience.
If you would rather come on the course alone you can book on a one-to-one basis for your weekly sessions.
What Should I Bring?
If possible bring along a towel or blanket that smells of home for your baby. Cushions and mats will be provided as will hot and cold refreshments. You will be given some organic unscented sunflower oil at the beginning of the course to use and keep.
Work is done from the floor so please dress comfortably.
Your Instructor
Sophie Annett is a Certified Infant Massage Instructor (CIMI) with the International Association of Infant Massage. (IAIM)
To gain her qualification she has undergone internationally-recognised and extensive training, driven by apassion for enhancing parent-infant relationships wherever possible,
She was awarded a Diploma in Complementary Therapies and Anatomy and Physiology in 2006 and is a practising Holistic Therapist specializing in holistic, deep tissue and pregnancy massage, reflexology, Reiki and aromatherapy, all providing her with a wealth of knowledge and experience that she brings into her classes.
Sophie has a sensitive, calm and informative approach to her classes, with each person receiving the utmost attention and care. She is passionate about each parent and child getting the best out of the infant massageprogramme and leaving with a powerful and positive experience.
