Baby Massage - Benefits for Baby and You

By Denise Fenton of Bundle of Joy Baby Massage

Whether you are helping your baby off to sleep or easing a gassy tummy, a gentle massage can work wonders for your little one. The power of massage can be very soothing and even therapeutic. Us grown-ups are not the only ones who crave a soothing massage every now and then. Babies also find it very calming and relaxing. Of the five senses, touch is one of the most developed senses at birth. Research suggests that touch through baby massage has enormous benefits for helping babies grow and thrive. Massage is so beneficial for your little one in so many ways. You will be able to help relieve discomfort from gas, wind, colic, and teething pain. Your gentle massage strokes will help your baby feel sleepier and stimulate all the systems in their tiny bodies to help them grow. It is also such a lovely way to tune into your baby and learn how to read their little cues and signals. When you give your baby a massage, you stimulate the central nervous system. This sets off an amazing chain reaction: It makes the brain produce more serotonin (a feel-good chemical) and less cortisol (a stress hormone). As a result, your baby’s heart rate and breathing slow down, and he or she becomes more relaxed. Massaging your baby will also boost the production of serotonin for you along with other “happy hormones” such as oxytocin and dopamine, this will in turn help you to relax too.

You can learn how to massage your baby over 5 weeks at a baby massage class. I am a Certified Infant Massage Instructor and trained with Baby Massage Ireland. I demonstrate the massage strokes on a doll while you massage your baby. I teach massage strokes for the full body as well as a specific colic/gas routine. We also cover topics like, relaxation techniques for parents, the benefits of baby massage, types of cry and how babies communicate through crying, adapting massage strokes to suit your baby as they grow and baby reflexes. The relaxed class is completely baby led and so if baby needs feeding, changing or is simply happy to look around that is perfectly fine. Classes are suitable for new-borns to pre-crawlers. Baby massage class is not only a lovely bonding opportunity for you and your baby, but it also gives you the chance to get out to meet others. Once babies are snoozing happily after their massage, we always take time to have a cuppa and a treat. I run the classes in a cosy room in Tureencahill Community Centre (P51 T663). There is ample offroad parking, and a ramp should you wish to wheel in a buggy. I am currently taking bookings for 2023. Denise Fenton – Bundle of Joy Baby Massage, 087 7669859. Further information about baby massage is also available on www. babymassageireland.com where there is also a list of instructors by county.