Origins of baby massage
Baby massage, a traditional practice in India for thousands of years, gained popularity in Europe during the late 20th century. The practice was introduced and promoted in Europe largely due to the efforts of people like Vimala McClure, an American who studied the art of infant massage in India during the 1970s. She founded the International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM) in 1981, which helped spread awareness and training in baby massage across Europe and other parts of the world.
The therapeutic benefits of baby massage, such as promoting bonding, relaxation, and improved sleep, resonated with parents and healthcare practitioners in Europe, leading to its widespread adoption.
Midwives ‘massage’ newborns through drying to stimulate a response to take their first breath.
In the west the idea of baby massage as a concept was first introduced in the USA during the mid-1970’s and two decades later, in 1993, The Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami’s School of Medicine, conducted a study of Indian mothers performing traditional massage on their new-born’s which improved the mood and sleeping patterns of the babies.
Benefits of baby massage
- Great way for parents to communicate with their babies through touch
- Promotion of bonding and secure attachment
- Verbal and non-verbal communication
- Demonstrating love
- Stimulating baby’s major internal systems and neurological and physical development i.e. Circulatory, Digestive, Hormonal , Immune, Lymphatic, Nervous, Respiratory and Vestibular systems
- Regular massage and yoga can also stimulate muscle development, tone improving baby’s mind and body
- neck and shoulder massage for mums either before or after session to give mum well deserved attention and ease any tension in that area.
Classes, Prices & Bookings
Class size
Maximum 8, this does not include one support partner which is optional.
Price : £15 per person for 1.5 hour session. £75 for full 5 week course person.
1 hour baby yoga and 30 min group nutrition and weight management advice and guidance (individual consultations can be booked separate during or after the 5 week course)
Included in price
location hire
handouts for each session
half an hour nutrition and weight management group consultation
certificate on completion of course,
free refresher class
Yoga mats are available to provide extra cushioning under towel for baby to lay down for massage, however this is optional and not needed as a towel over a changing mat is just as comfy,
stimulating safe toys
soft sounds of nature
Not included in price
Towels – best to bring your own however some may be available forgotten.
Massage oils (suggestions for oils can be provided for premature baby skin however it is advised to use the recommended oil or cream that works for your baby’s skin best).
water bottles
nappies (limited may be available on request)
Bookings:
please call or email Shanti
Call: 07814965210 (please leave voice message if not able to answer call)
email: info@yujtherapies.co.uk / shanti@yujtherapies.co.uko use