We spoke to Baby Massage Therapist, Kerry Hodges from Basking Babies to ask her everything you need to know about baby massage and its wonderful benefits.
Baby massage can be used for everything from colic to constipation to relieving wind. Keep scrolling to discover how to perform a baby massage and the perfect time to do one to ensure both mama (or dada) and baby are relaxed and calm.
Bond with baby just that little bit more…
1. Can You Tell Us A Bit About Your Career Journey And How You Became A Baby Massage Therapist?
I have always worked in the Social Care sector, mainly focused on supporting families. Last year, I became a first-time mum and I knew straight away that I wanted a change of career that allowed me to have a good work/life balance.
During lockdown, I felt the need to meet other mums so I signed up to a Basking Babies baby massage course. I enjoyed it so much that I decided to become a Basking Babies Franchisee (qualified in pregnancy relaxation, baby massage, baby reflexology & baby yoga).
It was a perfect fit for me as I was looking for a role where I could still work with children, could be flexible and spend time with my son and run my own business. I continue to enjoy baby massage with my son as it has provided me with a fantastic tool to help soothe and relax my baby whilst bonding with him. I will cherish these moments forever, and now I have the pleasure of teaching parents and hopefully bringing them the same joy.
2. What Is A Baby Massage?
The term ‘massage’ is thought to have originated from the Greek word ‘Messein‘, meaning ‘to kneed’ or the Arabic word ‘mesh’ which means ‘to press softly’.
Primarily, massage involves the use of touch and manipulation techniques to move muscles and body tissue to relieve stress, tension, pain and a whole host of other ailments. The art of baby massage has been around for centuries across the globe and continues to grow in popularity across the UK.
“I was surprised with how much the magic of ‘touch’ helped me bond with my baby, which was a longer process for me following my traumatic birth experience.”
3. What Are The Benefits?
Baby massage not only has benefits for baby, but for parents too. For baby, it can prevent and alleviate colic, help to soothe, settle and sleep, relieve gas and constipation, stimulate brain development, physical development and enhance bonding. For parents, it can help with preventing or alleviating Post Natal Depression (PND). Also, baby massage benefits parents by providing peer support, helping parents to grow in confidence, relax and to get to know their baby.
But more than that, the classes give you and your baby a much-needed moment to stop and recharge each week; a chance to spend some quality time together and make new friends. I truly believe that attending our classes will provide a moment of calm as you ride the rollercoaster of motherhood.
4. Will Baby Massage Help Me Bond With My Baby?
Yes, most definitely. We know bonding is a process which takes place over time and baby massage plays an important part in enhancing, beginning and continuing the bonding process. Studies have shown that touching a baby’s skin, or close skin–to–skin contact, helps to reassure the infant and lowers the level of stress hormones in the infant’s body. For the mother, massaging her baby helps to release oxytocin and prolactin (the love and feel-good hormones), helping her to relax, contracting the uterus, and boosting milk supply.
5. Are There Any Safety Precautions When Performing A Baby Massage?
If baby has any uncomfortable patches, grazes or bruises, we advise parents to avoid that area. Equally if they have a temperature or fever from their immunizations or from a virus, it’s best to wait until they are feeling better before enjoying baby massage together.
We also never apply any pressure directly to sensitive areas of the body such as the skull, neck, or spine. Whilst baby massage can greatly assist with many normal baby discomforts, if baby has any additional medical conditions, we recommend that the parentseeksadvice from their GP prior to attending.
Baby Massage Course South Africa
You can take a free baby massage course with our friends at Extracts Collection. This will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to safely perform a baby massage and bond with your little one. Access the course here.
Massage For Mama
Mama, you deserve some tender loving care, too! So, why not indulge in a soothing tummy massage. These can be done during (except first trimester) or post-pregnancy and are a great way to relax, unwind and treat yourself to some much-needed pampering at the end of a long day.
Use Mama Mio’s iconic Tummy Rub Butter or Tummy Rub Oil, enriched with nourishing plant-based actives that are both clinically proven* to help increase elasticity and moisture, helping to prevent against stretch marks.
*Independent clinical trial
*adapted from original article on mioskincare.com by Heleayner Davies