Baby Massage

Massaging your baby is a wonderful way for you to connect, communicate and share time together.  It is also a unique opportunity for you to learn more about your child and to gain greater confidence in your parenting

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The first way a baby learns to communicate is through touch…

Infant massage is so effective in helping develop motor skills and coordination, as well as cognitive, social and language skills. Supporting your baby to reach important milestones in a soothing and nurturing way.  It can help improve their quality of sleep (also a benefit for parents!), and can be extremely useful in relieving the pain and discomfort associated with colic, gas and constipation.

Baby Massage

There is much evidence to support the far reaching effects that massage can have on infants/children’s health and wellbeing.

I have been sharing this lovely modality with families since 2006.  It has been a joy to help parents develop this practise at home as they get to know their babies; and to promote the bond between parents and their children through safe, respectful touch.

I am available to run baby massage classes in Melbourne over a series of private sessions or in a group format. Some of the potential benefits you can expect to gain from these sessions are listed below…

  • Learn about the best time to offer your baby massage 
  • Discover new techniques for calming and settling your baby.
  • Help strengthen your baby’s immune system, and increase their resistance to illness.
  • Deepen your awareness of your baby’s body language and behavioural states.
  • Reduce levels of stress hormones in both your baby and yourself.
  • Help decrease risk of developing Postnatal Depression.
  • Enrich your bond with one another.

Over the duration of the classes you will learn all the appropriate strokes to give your baby a whole body massage; a colic routine to aid in digestion and settling; and some gentle exercises for your baby to help integrate mind/body connections and coordination.  You will feel more confident  interpreting your baby’s cues, and feel able make the most of your time together.

Baby Massage Gift Vouchers available.

Benefits For Your Baby

  • Promotes relaxation and reduces stress hormones in both baby and parent
  • Improves quality of sleep and regulates sleep patterns
  • Supports growth and development
  • Enhances secure attachment and bonding
  • Develops your baby’s first sense of interaction through nurturing, healthy, respectful touch
  • Improves coordination, balance, flexibility and cognitive development
  • Helps boosts your baby’s immune system and increase their resistance to illness
  • Reduces discomfort from colic, constipation, gas, reflux, and cramps
  • Stimulates left/right brain development and communication
  • Increases sensory awareness
  • Improves the lymphatic, respiratory, vestibular and nervous systems
  • Relives sinus and chest congestion

    Frequently Asked Questions

    BABY MASSAGE

    How old should my baby be to receive a massage?

    Massage for children is wonderful at any age and continues to support development and wellbeing as they grow.  Introducing massage early on gives parents the opportuity to create some cues and rituals around it and incorporate it as a regular part of their baby’s routine if they wish to.

    It is never too early to start with simple touch and see what your baby likes, I  like to begin the infant massage sessions when babies are around 6 weeks old, as their systems are slightly more developed by then and may be more receptive to the extra stimulation massage provides.  There is often more of a rhythm to the day that has established by this time which makes your baby’s most appropriate ‘quiet alert’ window easier to recognise and make the most of.

    What is the best time of day to organise a massage session?

    It is best to wait around 20 minutes after your baby has fed before doing massage, but there isn’t one specific time of day that always works best.  The ideal time can be different for each baby, and is something that will be arranged with you at the time to accommodate your families particular needs and circumstsances.  During the session we will discuss ways to introduce massage into your baby’s routine at home if desired.

     

    What if my baby is unsettled, asleep or requires a feed during the session?

    No problem at all… babies always direct the flow of the massage session/class!  We know that when workign with infants timing can be unpredictable and things can change quickly, so although we make every effort to arrange the session at a time when your baby is usually in a happy, calm state, we always honour her/his cues about whether they are feeling receptive or not.  It is common to have a break to feed or resettle babies and that is totally fine.  I always have baby dolls with me for you to practise the strokes and techniques we are learning on in such an event.

    I’ve tried massage at home but my baby didn’t like it - why would this be any different?

    Every baby is different and there could be many things that cause your baby to dislike massage. The direction of strokes, your baby’s position, the timing of the session, and even the temperature of the room can all have an effect on your baby. Receiving some guidance for how to share massage with your baby can help you feel more confident about creating an effective, relaxing and enjoyable time for the both of you.

    Who actually massages my baby during the session?

    My focus in sharing baby massage is all about supporting parents to develop new skills and build cofidence around themselves being the expert of their babies.  As such, I do not massage your baby myself but guide you to do so instead.  I will sit with you and demonstrate the different strokes and techniques on a doll, so that you can follow along and see what your baby enjoys.

    How old is too old to start baby massage?

    Massage is beneficial at any age, so its never too late to start.  As babies get older and become indepently mobile, it can get trickier to offer as they are often very busy moving their bodies and exploring their surrounds.  🙂    In the final class, I share  tips for adapting massage as babies grow, and creative ways to engage older children.

    Where does the massage session take place?

    In the comfort and convenience of your own home.

    Which oils are best for massaging my baby?

    Any good quality organic, cold pressed oils that are fruit, nut, or vegetable based.  ie. Organic Coconut oil or Sweet Almond oil.

    Baby Massage Testimonials

    “Thank-you so much for sharing your incredible knowledge and skills with our family! My partner and I have loved learning together ~ a very special way to connect, bond and play with our beautiful daughter. It has been amazing watching her response over the weeks and how much she has grown to love the physical contact. I was initially unsure about what to expect, but it has been incredible for all of us.”
    Catherine Dyer

    “We will forever be grateful for those caring phone calls and helpful visits. Stephanie’s baby massage techniques have been invaluable for bub when she has had a pain or experienced reflux. Colic massage is now our best friend and Stephanie was a well of wisdom in this area.”
    Shannon O'Neill-Martinez

    “Learning Baby Massage was wonderful! The class was really fun and informative and the follow-up from session to session was excellent. It helped me to understand the needs of my baby in terms of emotions, and also helped me to recognize and understand her cues. Stephanie was knowledgeable, patient and empathetic.”
    Louise Barczak

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    "It is through our hands that we speak to the child… that we communicate… Touch is the child’s first language. Understanding comes long after feeling."

    Frederick Leboyer

    Baby Massage Booking Enquiries

    Thanks for your enquiry.   I will respond as soon as I am able.