As a Baby Massage Teacher, sometimes, if I am really lucky, I will have the opportunity to massage a baby. 
Mostly, I teach mums, dads and carers how to massage their baby’s, but when there are twins, my luck is in!
My experience of massaging a baby that is not mine is very interesting. I find myself being drawn in by those searching baby eyes, I find myself smiling and cooing and I completely loose the fact that I am teaching a class. It is great to have a ‘real’ baby. My baby doll is excellently behaved, never wriggles or cries and there is not a moment of worry or concern!
Baby massage is well known for helping, improving, developing and intensifying the bonding process. If I feel that acutely when I massage a baby that is not mine, how powerful must Baby Massage be for mums and dads when they are massaging their own baby?
There is a stillness, a depth and knowing that can take place during baby massage. There is an understanding, a generosity and love that travels through the whole massage. The closeness of Baby Massage helps you to know your baby and understand their wants, likes, dislikes and moods. What better way is there to get in touch with your baby, than Baby massage.
Oil up your hands, read my previous blogs or of course buy a Baby Massage Kit and begin to massage your baby, with love, intensity and fun!
Baby massage is now well known to help mums and dads bond with their baby. It helps with post natal depression, the development of positive family relationships and helps to keep your baby well, by increasing their immunity to illnesses.
Begin to massage you baby at home, as soon as you feel confident, this could be the gentle stroking of a new born through clothes. Follow this with stroking after a bath or at a time of day that suits you and your family. Begin to follow a routine to develop good sleep habits. It is lovely to give your baby a gentle, quiet massage after a bath. Make sure the room is warm and free from draughts.
Baby massage is especially great for dad’s and really helps them to feel integral and useful, especially if mum is breast feeding. Use an organic sunflower oil and begin to massage the oil into your babies skin gentle. find a book, a baby massage kit or a class to help you.
Hum and sing as you massage.
Now mums! As hard as this is, walk away from dad while he is baby massaging , unless he specifically wants you there, or you are learning to massage your baby together.
I know how hard it is not to pass comment, show them how to do it or to take over!
I know!
Walk away!
Once dad knows what to do, he will do it. Not however in your way and definitely not using the right words to the nursery rhymes that he sings. This may be hard to watch and listen to! Make a cup of tea, block your ears and take a well earned rest. This is dad and baby time!
