Pregnancy / Antenatal Massage
Massage during pregnancy is wonderful for both the mother and the baby. For the mother pregnancy massage of course has the same benefits as for other people: relaxation, relief of aches and pains (including pregnancy-related discomfort such as back aches and swollen ankles and hands). In addition it also helps the mum-to-be to tune into her own body that is going through so many changes, and to connect and bond with her baby. Pregnancy massage helps the baby too: relaxation benefits both the mother and the baby, and it helps the baby to connect with the mother.
Pregnancy massage is safe at all stages of pregnancy, however if you are suffering from any complications, or if you have any doubts about whether pregnancy massage is right for you, please seek advice from your midwife first.
Baby / Infant Massage Classes
In many cultures massage is part of daily life, even for newborns. Baby massage is a fun way to spend quality time with your baby: it allows all of you to take a break from the daily routines and relax together.
Baby massage can be very beneficial for your baby. It can help them with physical ailments such as colic and digestive problems, colds & congestion, and teething. It is also very soothing and can help them relax: suddenly being born into this world and discovering so many new things every day can be quite stressful at times.
Massaging your baby relaxes you too: it is a moment to take a break and have some fun with your baby. If you are breastfeeding, massage can prolong/increase lactation and improve the let-down reflex. It can also help your baby to latch on better. You will become more confident in handling your baby and if your baby is having medical problems, it is very empowering to be able to do something to help your baby yourself as well.
Bonding with your baby can take time and happen easily for everyone. Lots of touch and eye-to-eye contact encourage the bonding experience. Baby massage can really help with this process, especially if it has been inhibited by postnatal depression, prematurity or medical problems. It's a great thing for dads to learn too, especially if mum is breast feeding and he finds it hard to bond with his baby.
Research has shown that mums with postnatal depression who join a baby massage class recover much quicker and also have better relationships with their babies, than mums who don't.
Unfortunately due to unexpected unavailability of the room at The Berkeley Centre I will have to suspend the group classes until further notice. In the meantime, it is of course possible to book private lessons during my normal massage hours: max 2 participants, £43 per hour.
Interested? Please contact Jenny for more information, or book your session via 0117 370 1177.
Payments by card (+50p card transaction fee) or cash on the day.
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