"I'm very happy to have found Annaliese's baby massage class as my baby is now sleeping right through the night from 11pm - 7am. I started to see the results after week 2 as the massage became part of the night time routine. Elise is now 11 weeks old and I intend to continue massaging her as it is also a pleasurable experience for me to share with her."

Emma de Jong (25th March 2010)

Benefits

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 and 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 whose 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.

You may want to bring yourself a cushion or mat to sit on, although available at Room4Health, I am unable to supply these at other locations.

Where and When

The course takes place on Thursdays at the locations below and runs for 4 weeks. Get in touch to find out the start date of the next course.

Marchmont Baby Massage Class @ Marchmont St Giles, Thursday at 10.45

Leith Baby Massage Class @ Room4Health, Thursday at 14.30

Please kindly note I am no longer running classes in Stockbridge for the foreseeable future due to circumstances beyond my control.

Home Visits, normally at an agreed time during the week or a Saturday. This can be for Individuals (mums, dads, siblings) or groups.

My ethos behind Mi.Bo.So is it to provide support for those who may feel isolated through this sometimes pleasurable, sometimes vulnerable time. If you are aware of a need in your area and believe that a class would benefit the local community please contact me with your ideas.

*It is essential to book as numbers are limited and likewise there is a minimum number needed to allow the course to run.

Cost

4 week Course: £35

Home Visit (Individual): £30 per visit (minimum 2 x 1 hour visits)

Home Visit (Group): £8 per parent per week (minimum 4 parents)

All of the above costs include:

  • a bottle of high quality oil
  • class notes
  • light refreshments
  • a discount voucher each week

    This is to encourage mothers to take some time out for themselves and make use of the body and beauty treatments available with Mi.Bo.So. Please note that this is not offered from a business point of view but from a heart that sees the physical, emotional and financial pressures of being a new mum and wants to help!

Book Now

Please send a cheque for the course sum of £35, made payable to Mi.Bo.So. to:

Mrs. A. Phillips, 3F2, 16 Argyle Place, Edinburgh, EH9 1JJ

With the cheque please enclose the following details:

  • Your name and your child's name
  • contact telephone number
  • email address
  • course location (i.e Marchmont St. Giles)
  • desired start date (e.g April)

This cheque will not be deposited until the course has started but it is necessary to confirm your place on the course as numbers are limited. In the case of the course being full you will be offered a place on the next course; a course run at a different location or a home visit*.

Home Visit*

Contact Mi.Bo.So. directly on: +44 (0)7725 266 199 (09.00 - 17.30 Mon-Fri)

Please check your email the day before the course is due to start for any last minute communication.

*please note the difference in cost above.



Certified by ITEC; CIDESCO and the Scottish School of Child and Baby Massage.
Insured by BABTAC