Class Size

At Balanced Fitness we strive to provide a unique experience with the best possible service. To allow us to provide our high standards we limit our class sizes to a maximum of 8 people. This allows our baby massage teachers to spend more time on you.

Cost

Classes of 8 People :- £10 per session. (1hour class).

Block of 4: - £35.

1-2-1 Sessions also available.  See PRICES for more information.

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Why baby massage classes will benefit you and your child

• Bonding

The classes provide bonding through one to one time between parent and infant. It’s timeout from the constant demands, to just ‘be’ together and discover one another. Through massage, parents can gain a better understanding of their infant’s cues as they develop their language of touch. It allows the parent and child to relax as they both become more secure in their relationship - empowering the parent to feel more confident in how they listen to and ‘handle’ their child. For some parents it is a gentle way into a healthy relationship when experiencing difficulty in bonding and for others it gives them permission to touch their child in an appropriate manner.

• Communication without Conversation

Massage can be taken into adolescence as you and your child experience growing up together- especially in times of anxiety when words seem too difficult. I highly recommend baby sing and sign as another form of gaining intimacy with your child, benefitting you both in everyday life. (Link to a baby sing and sign).

• Colic, Constipation and Reflux

Relaxation alone can ease colic, however the actual physical benefits of regular massage will aid the digestion process and the movement of wind. Constipation can also be relieved with regular massage.

• Restlessness

After massage babies will often fall asleep, after a quick drink (for babies this is milk) - this is not guaranteed however! Some babies will not adapt to massage as quickly as others but if you work at their pace, a little at a time, they will gradually begin to enjoy their ‘pamper time’. It is also important to find a good time in the day for the both of you. With some, it’s the morning, for others before bed is great, and at other times the child is ready for bed and does not want to be prodded - they just want sleep! It is imperative to find a time in the day when you will both enjoy the experience.

• To Relieve Pain & Discomfort

Massage is ideal for babies who are birth traumatized and fractious. Regular massage can work not only as relaxation, but also as a distraction technique. When I hurt ourselves I instinctively ‘rub’ or ‘kiss’ it better. Research shows that by stimulating the skin, massage can help to prevent some pain impulses being registered in the brain. Pain is also lessened due to a rise in endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. It can also be a great tool when your child is teething.

• Strengthening Primary Systems

One of the main benefits of massage in this early stage of life is the strengthening and regulating properties massage brings to the child’s primary systems e.g. respiratory, circulatory, nervous, lymphatic (immune), musculature and digestive systems. At birth, a child’s immune system and circulatory system is not fully mature and the nerves are not completely developed (myelinated).

Massage will speed up this development - improving mind-body communication and gradually increasing the child’s stimulation threshold. This in turn helps the everyday stresses of life seem a little easier to cope with. The hormone responsible for the production of T-Cell differentiation - strengthening the immune system - is also increased.

All of the above have been shown to be particularly effective when massage is performed regularly and in conjunction with ‘skin to skin’ contact and ‘rocking’.

For more info on the benefits of massage visit: http://www6.miami.edu/touch-research/

• Support

The class provides additional support in what can sometimes be a very daunting time. It allows parents to share experiences and encourage one another. It is a place where common baby care topics are discussed and friendships can be formed.

• Who

All are welcome on the course. The perfect age for the class is from 6 weeks and before crawling. Outside of these guidelines I can discuss other possibilities as the benefits of massage are for all ages.

Mothers tend to be our main attendees but if you are a carer, a grandparent; a dad etc you are completely welcome to join the course yourself or come along when you can. All siblings are welcome to take part as long as it is not to the detriment/distraction of the rest of the class.

• Dads

One of the benefits of massage is the great opportunity to feel more empowered and to bond with your child. Massage can add another ‘string to your bow‘ of a dad who is quite often left feeling helpless and who’s main role is nappy changing. A lot of dads may also fear their own strength with a child and massage teaches them that it is ‘ok’ to touch - they won’t break! Dad’s massage can give some quality time without mum’s supervision (which can sometimes be a little daunting) and learn the early stages of communication with their child whilst giving mum a Ill earned break.

I have tried to run classes for just dads but there was never enough interest to run a class on its own. All dads are welcome to join the classes during the week - as they always have been - but I realise there is generally an issue with regards to working hours but it is such a shame for fathers to miss out. For this reason I will do home visits on a Saturday over a 2 week period (2 visits). The first week I teach an abbreviated routine and the second week I make sure that all movements are being performed safely and answer any questions that may have arisen. (See home visit costs).

• What You Need

All you need to bring along is - yourselves, towels, spare nappies… whatever baby needs! Massage often makes babies thirsty so your baby’s normal milk is highly recommended.