Baby massage is a gentle and time-honoured form of
therapy for infants. It has many benefits emotional and physical for babies and
carers/parents. It is helpful in settling initial physical difficulties
experienced by infants such as wind and colic, skin problems and resolving
birthing difficulties. At The Haven it is taught with a more 'Craniosacral
approach', that of exploring and responding to your babies unique need for
touch. Together babies and parents can discover for example how they may know
if there is permission to proceed, how to gauge depth and pressure of touch, in
addition to learning basic massage strokes. Most importantly of all baby
massage offers parents and babies a special time together in which
understanding and respect can grow, and the foundations for confidence and
self-esteem psychologically and physically can be established.
Who Will Be Taking The
Group?
Fiona Fidler (Founder and Owner of The Haven) who practised
as a Nurse and Health Visitor before training in massage, aromatherapy soft
tissue and body work forms, as well as Craniosacral therapy.
"I noticed whilst working as a Health Visitor
that those babies who were held and touched slowly and gently with regard for
their feelings and physical boundaries would develop better in all areas. They
reached their milestones more quickly than those babies who were handled in a
perfunctory way, like little sacks of potatoes. From this observation I began
to develop a method of enhancing responsive/interactive touch with mothers, and
began to relate their babies responses back to their initial birth / life
experiences with lovely results."
Baby massage is taught at The Haven
in an informal and relaxed way, with plenty of time allowed for questions. The
teaching groups are limited to 8 babies so that there is time for individual
attention. Classes are open to carers, childminders / nannies and grandparents
with parental consent. Both parents are welcome to attend when ever possible.
What You Will Need To
Bring:
A Baby! (0 - 6 months / crawling).
A soft towel, big enough to wrap up your baby
completely.
Several changes of nappies and clothes (just in case).
Your own portable changing mat if required.
You do not need to bring:
Massage oil
Your clinic records
Course
Details
Classes held monthly - Wednesdays 10.30 to Noon. Each
class lasts one and a half hours and refreshments are included. Places are
limited to 8, so pre-booking is required.
Cost
Course of
six sessions £36.00. (For details of other course durations please speak
to Fiona.)
