"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

Would you like to....?

• Improve the strong bond of love and trust with your baby?

• Improve your baby’s sleep/awake patterns?

• Relieve your baby’s tummy pains?

• Assist with your baby’s growth and development?

• Improve your baby’s sensory awareness?

• Understand more about what your baby is trying to tell you?

• Meet with other parents in a relaxed and social atmosphere?

Bonding Through Loving Touch

Research shows that our earliest experiences with touch can influence every aspect of our lives.  Nurturing touch can determine the way we think, act, feel and relate to others.  Baby massage classes are relaxing and fun, and a wonderful way to share experiences with other parents while enjoying quality time with your baby!  Eye and skin contact, smell, smiles and vocal sounds play a vital part in parent-baby bonding and are essential elements of Infant Massage.  Through observing and responding to your baby's smiles, frowns, coos and kicks with nurturing touch, love and connection, you are reinforcing feelings of trust and respect, and building your baby's self-esteem. 

If you are a working parent, massage can compensate for the separation by providing a special relaxing and fun time for you and your baby to connect.  For fathers, the close interaction of massage offers you a special opportunity to develop a deeper bond and build parental confidence.  In situations where delayed bonding may occur - premature birth, caesarean birth, medical complications, adoption, post-natal depression - infant massage provides a healing environment where you and your baby can re-discover and nurture your close relationship.  If your baby has special needs, massage allows you to connect with your baby and their unique signals with a deeper understanding.

Baby Massage Classes

The massage strokes are demonstrated on an infant massage doll while you perform the strokes on your baby.  Strokes are taught a little at a time, and reviewed in each class to ensure you are confident with every aspect.  Each class also includes discussion on a range of parenting topics, books and resources to browse, and time following the class to socialise and enjoy refreshments in a relaxed atmosphere.

Classes are most suitable for babies from one month of age to crawling.  Mothers, fathers, grandparents and caregivers are most welcome.  See Benefits of Baby Massage for further information about how baby massage is beneficial to baby, parents, family and society.

Baby Massage Class Program includes:

• IAIM Massage Routine (massage strokes)
• Why Babies Cry
• Nurturing the Parent-Baby Bond
• Sleep, Settling and Soothing
• What is your baby saying to you? - Baby’s body language & behavioural states
• Relaxation – Parent and baby
• Respect and Trust
• Relieving Colic and Gas
• Gentle Movements (baby stretches)
• Appropriate oils for massage
• Pressure, Rate and Rhythm of massage
• Positioning - Parent and baby
• Adapting Massage for Your Older Baby/Child
• Parent Discussions - on a range of topics, facilitated by instructor
• Parent Network - opportunity to share the parenting journey with other like-minded parents

Small Group Classes

Classes are held over 5 weeks, in a small group of up to 6-8 babies to ensure personalised attention. Each class is 90 minutes in duration.

The first hour is focussed on performing the massage strokes, learning about infant communication and behaviour, and exploring aspects of parenting.  Depending on the needs and interests of the group, disccussion topics may include conscious parenting, infant crying, settling and soothing, sleep, relaxation, your toddler and the new baby, looking after yourself, the importance of fathers, nurturing your connection with your partner, and honouring the changes that occur when we become parents.  All discussions are inclusive and supportive, with the emphasis on responsive and respectful parenting and empowering parents to have confidence in their abilities.  The flow of the class is relaxed, fun and social, and is flexible to the needs of the group on the day.

The second half of the class provides opportunity to relax, have a cuppa or cool drink, share food and chat with other parents while the babies sleep, feed or play.

Venue:  Classes are held in a selected venue or in your home.

Cost:  $185

Included in cost: folder with massage notes and handouts, bottle of organic cold-pressed massage oil, light refreshments, certificate on completion.  Please contact Rachel for session times/days and location.

Private Classes

Private one-to-one instruction held over 3-5 weeks in the comfort and convenience of your own home.  Cost for up to two parents/caregivers is $250. 

Also Available:

• Gift certificates - an ideal present for new or expectant parents
• Classes for Special needs groups

Should you wish to book or discuss the classes, please contact Rachel.

Some feedback about the classes:

"I'm a visual, hands on person so attending a class was hugely beneficial.  I would not have gotten the same from reading a book.  Great chance to meet people."

"The environment was very relaxing - a place where mum and bub could be themselves."

"I loved how the babies responded to the massage and the sharing of information between the other mothers and the instructor."

"My baby loved it, and I feel it has enhanced my bonding with him."

"Rachel was wonderful.  She gave me so much more than the skills and techniques for infant massage.  Rachel made me feel relaxed and had very informative topics each week.  I enjoyed and looked forward to coming each week."

"I felt like an Earth Mother!"