When can I begin practicing Baby Massage / Post-Natal Yoga?
You should always check with your GP and yoga teacher about when it is appropriate to start attending a baby massage or postnatal yoga class, however these classes are very gentle and suitable to attend from birth. I follow ‘Birthlight’ practices that work with the body and are safe to practice in the early weeks following the birth of your baby.
Baby Massage classes are suitable from Birth to Crawling. Post-Natal Mum & Baby classes are suitable from Birth, even if you have had a Cesearean Birth.
I would recommend being guided by your intuition and your baby, as to when it’s right to start these classes. Babies can be very sleepy in the first few weeks, and so it could be a good time to attend this class then, however, equally, I do feel that new mum’s should get as much rest as possible, settle into their ‘nest’ and establish breastfeeding (which can take around 6 weeks postpartum) So waiting a few weeks could be preferable, however if you feel you need support sooner than later then please come along.
How do I book and pay for the courses?
Complete the online booking form for group courses and pay online via my ‘Bookwhen’ system, or bank deposit for private classes
NOTE: Some classes, you’ll get lots done, others, not so much….that is the nature of attending classes with your baby. Your baby may need feeding or settling during the class. Be guided by your baby’s needs. Bring along anything that will make your baby comfortable, such as blankets, toys, dummys, bouncer chair etc
The Benefits of Baby Massage:
- Promotes positive touch and communication between you and your baby
- Provides quality relaxation, love and attachment time.
- Strengthens and improves many body systems ( breathing, immunity, circulation and digestion)
- Improves muscle development, tone, function and flexibility
- Supports and enhances body and sensory awareness
- Stimulates the senses that enhance brain development
- Improves the skins condition
- Promotes more restful sleep
- Relief from constipation, colic and teething
- Develops confidence in handling your baby
- Supports lifelong bonding between you and your baby
- Helps you to learn and recognise your baby’s needs
- Builds parental friendships and a support network
- Facilitates the sharing of experiences in a supportive and empowering environment
The Core Benefits of Postnatal Yoga
There are many benefits to attending a postnatal yoga class, in particular this type of yoga
- restores hormonal balance
- eases pressure on the nervous system
- helps build up strength in the spine
- minimises the effects of holding and feeding a baby
- helps ease the effects of other heavy lifting (eg car seats)
- Provides rest and instant relaxation
- Helps reduce anxiety and depression
- Restores the body towards full core strength.
The Physical Benefits of Postnatal Yoga
- promotes general health
- Complete exercise for the whole body
- Movement that promotes stamina and strength
- Realignment of the spine
- Toning the deep abdominal muscles to ‘close the body’ after birth
- Helps knits back together separated abdominal muscles
- Relieves stiffness in the shoulders
- Strengthens pelvic floor muscles
- Strengthens abdominal and back muscles for core strength
- Expands breathing
- Promotes relaxation
- Improves blood flow
- Detoxification and movement of fluids
- Promotes hormonal balance
- Stimulate cell growth and repair
- Maintains flexibility in the spine and joints
The Emotional Benefits of Postnatal Yoga
- Continuity before and after birth
- Reclaiming your body
- Nurturing yourself
- Renewing energy
- Quietening the mind
- Relaxation and deep rest
- Relieves and avoids postnatal depression
- Connects breathing with emotions
- Aids bonding between mother and baby
- Positivity
- Interaction with other mums
- Confidence in handling baby
- Building trust and understanding
- Providing support
- Creating security for the baby
- Healing emotionally after a difficult pregnancy or birth