Interview With a Mother - The Benefits of Baby Massage and How it Changed This Family's Life
Baby Massage took this mum from being tired, stressed and worried to cool, calm and collected. Plus it really helped to form a bond with her baby.
Learn about their journey through massage in this interview
Knowing your baby is in pain is a stressful and heart-wrenching situation that all parents find themselves in at some point. Having the tools to identify what is wrong and how to help, through baby massage, for example, is so powerful, as Anna discovered when her newborn suffered from the excruciating wind.
I love to teach baby massage; I especially love when I see first-hand how families benefit from practising massage regularly. Now it isn’t all butterflies and fairies in class and there are often times when the babies are particularly unsettled and prone to tears. One family who experienced this first-hand but managed to come out much better on the other side shared their story with me.
Anna and Nhyira’s Baby Massage Journey
Here’s a little background detail. Anna and her baby Nhyira (pronounced En-Shra) started coming to baby massage in January 2018. Anna was desperate to find a solution to Nhyira’s agonising wind. She did one public class and then dropped out of the 5-week course. Nhyira seemed very uncomfortable with her wind and began to cry halfway through the class.
Overwhelmed with emotions as a first-time mother the pressure became too much for Anna in the group environment. I invited them to come back for the following term and advised them to practise little and often at home between the courses. I interviewed them a few months after they completed their second five-week course with me and the transformation was incredible!
I thought it was definitely worth sharing this interview to help others discover the benefits of baby massage.
Ten questions with a sleep-deprived, anxious mother about her baby massage experience
What made you want to try baby massage?
‘When we first brought her home from hospital she was all scrunched up in a little ball all the time and looked red. I couldn’t work out what was wrong. I noticed she would be this way especially when she needed the toilet, so I looked online for solutions. I didn’t want to give her medicine and much preferred the idea of helping naturally. Then I found baby massage and it seemed like a really good way to do that as well as bonding. I hadn’t heard of it before I looked online.’
How old was your baby at the time?
‘She must have been just about five or six weeks at the time I started the first course. Then when we started again she was around ten weeks.’
Did you have any expectations for the course?
‘More just HOPE rather than expectations that it would help her a little bit.’
Did it meet your expectations?
‘Far excelled not only with her gas, which was a nice by-product but also (baby massage) became such a big thing of what we do together now. Massage has given her body awareness. If she has a tummy ache, she will now rub her tummy so I know it is hurting and it is generally less red these days.
It’s been amazing for both connections, the way she looks at me melts my heart. It’s also really built my confidence. You would think it would be instinctual how to help or touch your baby but it didn’t come naturally to me. The love part was but the practical touching wasn’t. I was so scared I would break her. After seeing in class what you do (how you can move your baby) you realise you won’t break them. She is now more confident with me touching her.’
What did you enjoy the most?
‘As soon as I had done it, it removed the panic from me when she was hurting, it gave me something I could do to make her feel better, she became a different child, it was magical really. I went from having a really unhappy baby where nothing I was doing could make it better and suddenly I did!
When unhappy she wouldn’t rest, she kept waking and would only sleep on me or her dad, which meant that we weren’t functioning properly.
It wasn’t instantaneous but after a few hours later. She’s so much better now. Sleeps for longer, all gas out.’
Do you know what would give her an upset stomach?
‘She’s greedy, she would guzzle and make a funny little piggy sound as she drank, wanting to eat so quickly. She didn’t eat well at first so once she learned how to latch, she guzzled.
If I don’t massage each night or not properly, or if dad does it and misses a bit out, she won’t sleep so well. The gas will wake her up. She has around a 30-minute massage every night.
I used to wake at 3am every morning to give her a massage in anticipation of her strain. I don’t need to do it now as her stomach is good enough with one before bed.
When we do massage she will fart A LOT. When I turn her around to do her back it all comes out like clockwork. Before massage, it could have been days before she could pass wind or poo.’
Who would you say the course is for (people who want to make friends, want to learn a skill, those with a poorly baby, sleep troubles)?
‘If you haven’t heard of baby massage before and think it sounds all airy-fairy and silly, with a bunch of hippies lighting candles, in reality, it is not. We’ve had so much fun and it’s been great for our bonding. I’d recommend, even if you’re sceptical it is worth giving it a go as you can get so much out of the classes.’
When was the best time of day for you to massage?
‘We always do it as part of the bedtime routine because of her wind and constipation. It was two a day for a while (7pm and 3am).’
How often would you do it?
‘Every night.’
Do you still massage now?
‘YES!’
What do you rate the course?
‘5 out of 5. If I could start over and do it again, without a doubt I would. I wouldn’t have stopped the first time either. I felt uncomfortable as she was upset and in pain.’
Casey - ‘maybe it was okay to wait because she may have been so bunged up and congested with poop that it would have made you feel more anxious each time you were in class trying to massage, uncertain if she would become upset again. It’s great that you kept up practising at home in her happy and safe space and did it little and often until she felt well enough to have more of a massage.
It is better to do one minute of massage with a baby when they’re happy and want to be massaged than the whole routine with a baby that is too uncomfortable or has other needs that they need to be met at that time. You know your baby best and you made the right decision for you both. I am so pleased you kept at it and what a beautiful result you have had!’
The Benefits of Baby Massage
It was so amazing to see how, in such a short time, Anna could help ease her baby’s wind and constipation without the need for medicine. However, she got so much more out of the course than just helping Nhyia’s tummy. If your little one suffers from tummy upsets and you’d like to try massage, make sure you contact me today to discuss your needs.
Baby Massage & Sleep?
You may have heard that baby massage can help your baby to sleep, but is this true? and if so, how does it work & how can you get started right away!
How Does Baby Massage Affect Both Yours and Your Baby's Sleep?
Baby Massage to help sleep
Whether you’re a new parent or you are on your third child, having a young baby is full-on. They are completely dependent on you and that inevitably leaves you feeling tired all the time. Therefore, it is so important to establish a good sleeping routine from early on so you can get the rest you need to. There will be regressions as baby grows but if you have a set of tools, such as baby massage, you can tap into to help settle baby for sleep, you are setting yourself up for success.
You want them to sleep well but how? Baby Massage may help
How long should a baby’s sleep last? According to Stanford Children’s Health, a newborn should have a total of 16 hour’s sleep a day. Their daytime sleep decreases and nighttime sleep increases as they get older.
Sleep regressions often happen at 4 months, 8 months and 18 months. These figures are simply a guideline, each person is individual and will need different lengths of sleep time. Please do not be alarmed if your baby is not sleeping these lengths.
How can baby massage positively impact a baby’s sleep?
Have you ever gone for a massage and felt so zen that you could drift off? Or have you even slipped off to sleep during a massage? This isn’t uncommon. When you go to a spa or for a massage treatment, the scene is usually set to encourage this relaxation. There are dimmed lights, calming music, nice comforting smells and not too much stimulation from bright and colourful things or distracting noises. But, that’s not all that is making you calmer and sleepier.
The science behind it
Massage means ‘to stroke’. When we stroke skin, we stimulate an important nerve for sleep. The vagus nerve, also known as ‘the wandering nerve’. It is part of the parasympathetic nervous system, working in opposition to the nervous system which is responsible for our fight or flight response. Our reaction to danger involves sending the blood in our body away from our vital organs and to our muscles so we can run away and escape that sabre tooth tiger, or even fight it should we need to. When the nervous system is working hard, there are high levels fo the stress hormone cortisol in our body. This makes it almost impossible to sleep well.
Stroking the body and stimulating the PNS counters this and releases lots of nice happy hormones like oxytocin (known as the love drug and also released when we cuddle, hold and kiss). When this happens, cortisol reduces and the blood in our body can return to focusing on normal functions like digestion and resting. Oxytocin can make you feel very sleepy as well as safe and loved.
How does this affect a baby’s sleep?
When you combine stress reduction, slower and deeper breathing, a relaxed environment and a feeling of safety and security, a baby’s brain can now calm down, with their body moving into a better state of digestion, healing and growing.
Add to this enough food, drink, bowel movement and stimulation (such as baby yoga) and it’s a recipe for baby sleep success.
This is why many parents like to incorporate a massage into their bedtime routine.
Now it isn’t always an instant magic trick and just because you give a baby a massage before they go down for the night doesn’t mean they will sleep right through from the start. They may not even want a massage before bed! Many babies are overtired at bedtime and giving them a massage before bed may provide too much stimulation.
There may also be a combination of other factors affecting your baby’s sleep habits and you need to assess the situation as a whole. I had a client whose baby suffered with terrible wind and constipation. The baby didn’t sleep well because her tummy was working overtime to process her food and pass wind during the early hours of the morning. Keeping track of your baby’s day is a really great way to work out what could be affecting their sleep. Why not download our FREE SLEEP TRACKER?
You should use the tracker for two or more weeks to find patterns in baby’s day so you can pre-empt when they may be tired.
Massage can be added to the bedtime routine
If your baby isn’t in a routine and the mere mention of the word frightens you, or it feels too soon and they’re too young, please do not feel afraid. This was my speciality as a maternity nurse and I would often start putting babies into a routine from one week old.
Nowadays, one parent is often left at home for long spells with a baby. Or we have to get baby onto an ‘awake in the day, asleep in the night’ routine to fit in with our lives, work schedules etc. We thrive from structure and having a routine doesn’t mean you have to be rigid and inflexible.
Find a routine that you like and take it with a pinch of salt. Think of it more as a pattern of events that baby will identify as meaning the end of the day is approaching. This will prepare them for sleep.
‘Don’t wake a sleeping baby’….
I am a firm believer that sleep breeds sleep but I am also not afraid to wake a sleeping baby to help them adjust to a routine. I have seen many times that a child starts to wake in the night and parents, in a desperate attempt to get them to sleep through, will reduce nap time or stop them altogether.
It may work for a day or two but baby will be totally overtired, overstimulated and wired which will only lead to more sleep issues later on. They need enough sleep during the day as well as at night. Keep track of their natural sleep pattern with our FREE SLEEP TRACKER. Once you can see your baby’s overall day written down you may need to perform a few tweaks here and there to ensure they’re getting their full quota of night sleep.
There may be a combination of things that are affecting your baby’s sleep:
No routine
Digestive issues
Bad habits eg knowing they are often picked up or spoken to when they stir
Hunger/thirst
Being disturbed
Overtired
Overstimulated
Uncomfortable/in pain
Rely on comforter/settling
Too hot/cold
If you have already looked into all of these things, a sleep consultant may be the best way to get help specific to your family’s needs.
If you would like to learn our Sweet Sleepy Baby - Baby Massage mini course, click this link.
Importantly, don’t compare your sleep journey to anyone else’s; some babies sleep very well without much help, others need support. That is ok.
Finally, a warning - if you are super-tired, ask for help, take a break. Look after yourself.
7 Baby Massage and Yoga Tips from one mum to another
Meet Bex & her little boy, they LOVE Baby Massage & Yoga and have positively benefitted from learning it since her baby was around 8 weeks old.
Bex shares her top tips, from one mother to another on how to get the best out of your class for both you and your baby.
Guest Blog - Tips from one mother to another how to get the best from your baby massage & yoga class
Being a new mum is entering into a whole new world. Once you’ve figured out how to keep you and your little one alive, you wonder what should you do with your days? How can you best help your baby develop, enjoy themselves and thrive? And how can you do and stay sane (or as sane as possible)?
One of the very best ways of doing this for me has been baby massage. I started with baby massage beginnings, followed by baby massage and yoga combined and then baby stretch and sing classes. The intensely relaxing atmosphere (soothing music, dimmed lights, the glorious smell of orange blossom) was something I looked forward to each week. Massaging my baby was incredibly bonding, bringing a special warmth and closeness each time and on a practical level, I learnt helpful tips and techniques to use outside of class, as well as meeting some lovely mummy friends.
Here are some of the things I learnt from Sensory Land’s baby massage and yoga courses:
Arrive early
For the first couple of sessions, my little man did not play ball, crying and wriggling as I tried to give him a relaxing rub! But as the weeks went on, I got smarter about giving us both the best possible chance to get the most out of this fabulous class. So I started to arrive almost an hour early and settle him in a nearby coffee shop - feeding, changing him and generally attending to his needs so when we actually got to class he was in a zen-like state.
I love fennel tea
Who knew how delicious fennel tea could be? I’d never tried it before but a warm mug was provided in each lesson and I quickly developed a taste. I’ve since ordered stock for home (though I confess it never tastes quite as good when I brew it myself!).
How to do a “flying baby”
One of the favourite positions we learnt was the flying baby AKA Superbaby - putting baby carefully on your bent legs while you lie with your back on the floor. My son squealed in delight as he soared in the air, while my body got a small but much needed, workout at the same time.
It’s worth travelling for a good class
I almost didn’t sign up for the first baby massage course because it was further away from my home than I had planned to travel. However, I was persuaded by another mummy and I’m so pleased I was as it was the highlight of my week. The bus ride wasn’t half as bad as I imagined it might be and I then felt more confident about travelling further afield with bubba.
Baby massage isn’t just for mums
My hubby was able to come along to a session and got stuck in with the massage and yoga. He really loved seeing the enjoyment our boy got from the class and getting a little insight into how I was spending maternity leave.
It’s always a good time for a photoshoot
As well as wonderful baby massage, the classes were frequently set up for wonderful photoshoots. The best two photos I have of me and my boy - the ones (by far) I got the most compliments about - were taken in the class using simple, clever techniques to capture the joyful atmosphere. Frankly I’d have paid the price of the class again just for those amazing snaps. So, if you can find a class where it’s set up for photos and the teacher has a good eye, then all the better!
Online classes are great too
When social distancing meant the amazing face-to-face classes had to stop I was so worried I’d be massively missing out. But they quickly went online, and those classes were brilliant too. I still got the same bonding experience with my boy, and the brilliant instruction of tips, techniques and songs. To make the experience complete I simple spritzed some room spray and made myself a cup of fennel tea!
About the author
This blog was written by the lovely Bex, she began attending classes at Sensory Land when her little boy was around 8 weeks old. She is a fantastic supporter of all Sensory Land events, a wonderful mum and generally great human making all that attend classes with her feel welcome, comfortable & confident. It has been an absolute honour to watch her blossom over the months. We love Bex!
15 Benefits of Baby Yoga
What is Baby Yoga and what are the benefits? Commonly mistaken as ‘mum and baby yoga or fitness’, Baby Yoga classes are SO much more than that. Learn 15 benefits of Baby Yoga.
Baby Yoga
There are many benefits of baby yoga, including helping your child to develop as they grow and become more mobile. Whereas the advice used to be for babies to sleep on their fronts, the latest guidelines aimed at avoiding Sudden Infant Death Syndrome say that they should sleep on their backs with their feet at the bottom of their bed. This is entirely correct on safety grounds but means that babies are spending less time in the prone position, which is essential for muscle building, development and much more.
Baby yoga offers the chance to get your baby used to this position, becoming accustomed to tummy time in short bursts at first, before building up as they grow in confidence. This infographic shows many of the benefits of baby yoga not only for your child but for you too. If you want to know any more about baby yoga and how it works, contact me today to discuss exploring this fun activity.
Benefits of Baby Massage for Babies & their Parents
Learn why Baby Massage is the perfect first activity to do with your baby. It is beneficial to both you and your baby.
The Benefits of Baby Massage for Babies and their Parents
The benefits of baby massage are not just enjoyed by the baby, they also positively affect the parent too. Whether it is related to physical or mental wellbeing, the outcomes of taking part in baby massage classes are noticeable almost immediately thanks to this special bonding activity between mum or dad and child.
Take a look at this infographic detailing the benefit of baby massage for both parties and if you want to find out more contact me today to discuss how baby massage can help you and your child. I can talk you through learning baby massage in a face to face class or through online tools, such as videos.
Benefits of Baby Massage for Babies
Relax
Promotes relaxation and prevents the damaging effects of stress.
Releases the ‘love hormone’, oxytocin.
Promotes bonding with parents through eye contact, touch, smell and body language.
Develops notions of trust and security that help baby form relationships
Relieve
Offers relief from wind, constipation and stress hormones.
Stimulate
Stimulates nerve endings and creates pathways in the brain.
Helps circulation, carrying nutrients to organs and encouraging cell repair and growth.
Encourages proper functioning of lymphatic and digestive systems.
Develop
Teaches body awareness.
Encourages muscles and bones to strengthen.
Benefits of Baby Massage for Parents
Relax and Connect
Provides an opportunity for relaxation.
Baby massage groups provide an opportunity to socialise.
Offers a chance to play with baby and bond with them.
Boost
Releases oxytocin that can help manage postnatal depression.
Boosts confidence with baby.
Learn
Gives helpful tips for dealing with tummy issues, teething pain and congestion.
Creates structure to the day when utilised as part of a routine.
Maternal Mental Health Week
Monday 4th of May - Friday 8th of May 2020 is Maternal Mental Health Week. Learn more about the different types of Maternal Mental Health conditions, how common they are & what we can do to help. Post Natal depression is a very common mental health condition and no family should suffer alone.
Maternal Mental Health Week & Postnatal Depression
Advice for families living with PND
Mental health is as important to take care of as our physical health. Maternal Mental Health week draws attention to all of the ways parents may be feeling during & after pregnancy including anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, psychosis, eating disorders & depression.
You may have heard of Post Natal Depression. This is more than the ‘baby blues’. It as well as the aforementioned conditions are something that no mother or family should suffer through alone. There is a lot of help available.
Below are some suggestions.
If you are living with any of these conditions just know that you are not alone. There is nothing wrong with you. You are not broken or doing anything wrong. You are stronger than you think and you can get through this.
Self Care
When you are busy caring for a newborn baby and recovering from this massive transition in life & your body it is important to make time for yourself each and every day.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Start your day with a large glass of water.
Practise big belly breathing. Focus on your breath for a moment. Deepen the in-breath and slow the out-breath. Breathwork is a brilliant way to calm your nervous system, relax and energise your body.
Movement - move your body daily, that could be through exercise, stretching, walking or dancing. This will help to release feel-good endorphins in your body. Moving your body is a great way to get out of your head and be present.
Get out of your house daily to get fresh air. There is real therapy in nature. If you can, go to a park or woodlands, somewhere near trees.
Spend less time on technology, especially social media or forums with other parents where you may compare yourself to others.
Think of something every day that makes you feel good, it can be a memory, something you are looking forward to or something you are grateful for that has happened in your day.
Practising mantras and positive affirmations [examples below]
Journalling, this can be a really great way to get things off your chest.
Eat the rainbow - try and consume a varied diet without processed foods, caffeine or refined sugars. Look after your gut. Your gut creates 90% of your body’s serotonin, a happy hormone.
Get as much sleep as possible.
Sing out loud & proud. Singing is brilliant for depression & there are many choirs for parents. You don’t need to sound like Charlotte Church to sing publically.
Surround yourself with good music to raise your vibrations.
Do more of what you love, that lights you up and makes you feel like you.
Create vision boards and be realistic about what you can achieve each day.
Try meditation & mindfulness.
If you are woo woo perhaps try keeping some crystals with you.
Things you can do with your baby
Skin to skin time which you can get through hugs and baby massage are brilliant for increasing Oxytocin & Serotonin for both you and baby. It also helps with the bonding process.
Carry your baby in your arms, a sling or carrier - this helps with changes in your hormones by lowering cortisol [the stress hormone] and increases oxytocin [the feel-good love hormone]. Having an understanding your biology can help you, see The Sling Consultancy for more information. Baby carrying also reduces crying in your baby which in turn can reduce anxiety & stress levels.
You are not alone
According to Tommys more than 1 in 10 mothers get Post Natal Depression. This can also affect fathers, adoptive parents & those that have previously miscarried or suffered baby loss.
Reach out to friends & family for help or services like the Samaritans.
There may be local support groups for you to join.
Talk about how you are feeling and be sure to take time out for yourself.
Our message to you
Don’t be ashamed. This isn’t anyone’s fault.
Do what you can, don’t put too much pressure on yourself [especially during lockdown]. Try not to compare yourself to others or worry about expectations.
You don’t need to have everything under control to be a ‘good’ mum.
Don’t be so hard on yourself, everyone is winging it, some are just good at appearing like they have their sh!t together.
No baby comes with an instruction manual so do not feel as though you are a failure.
Tomorrow is a new day.
This too shall pass.
Positive affirmations & mantras to try
I am enough
I love myself & my baby
I am an amazing mum, even as I work hard to be a better one
Not loving every moment of being a parent does not mean you don’t love being a mother.
I am all that my little angel needs
No one can be a better mother for my children than I can
Trust your instincts you are the best mum your baby can have.
The advice and suggestions in this blog are from a collective of mothers, health care professionals and Baby Massage & Yoga specialists in the Blossom & Berry network.
Have you lived through any of these mental health conditions?
What helped you through it? Share your top tips with us and help another family <3
The fourth trimester - Nurturing and Supporting yourself through the first few months of Motherhood.
The fourth trimester, what is it and how can you support yourself through this time.
Now, we have all heard of the first, second and third trimesters during pregnancy, each trimester represents a different stage or phase of pregnancy. Throughout these (approximately) nine months, your body and mind go through a huge change as your baby grows and develops. The fourth trimester is an extension of the three trimesters and is a term used for the first few months of a baby’s life, and perhaps more importantly, the first few months of your motherhood journey with your baby. just as your baby is growing, developing, learning, changing and adapting to his/ her new life outside the womb, you too are growing, developing, learning, changing and adapting to new life as a mum. Your body and mind are once again going through a huge change and during this critical time it’s important to listen to your body and give yourself the rest it needs and truly deserves.
As mothers, we naturally want to ‘do’. We have a continuous list as long as our arms, we have daily chores, and we have a house to run and a family to look after. But during this fourth trimester, it is vital for our own mental health and wellbeing (and the health and well-being of our family) that we take care of ourselves and just ‘be’. Here are my six top tips to supporting yourself during the fourth trimester:
Rest
Whether you’ve had a natural birth or c section, a traumatic birth or an elated birth, your body is most likely exhausted, sore and uncomfortable. Letting your body rest and recharge is helping you to heal those scars and wounds, physically and mentally.
Pelvic floor
During pregnancy, your internal body endures a lot of weight. The muscles of your pelvic floor need exercising to ensure good health following childbirth. Booking an appointment with a women’s health physio is advised, but during the early days, at home exercises are a great way to looking after your needs.
Nutrition
Healthy nutrition helps to fuel us with energy and releases those feel good hormones. Nutrition is a simple way to support you during those sleepless nights and demanding days. Of course, it’s also important not to deprive yourself of your body’s cravings, so treating yourself every now and then with your favourite snack will also give you a little ‘pick me up’.
Water
Staying hydrated is important to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Water is good for our skin, our gut and our overall health. If you are a breastfeeding mother, you will find your body craves water. Having a glass of water close by to you during those feeds will help to keep you hydrated and looked after.
Ask for support
Please don’t be too shy or embarrassed to ask for support. Support could be from a family member, a friend or even a neighbour. And it could be as simple as asking someone to hold your baby whilst you take a shower, by asking for external support, you are supporting yourself.
Baby massage
The baby massage classes I offer can be started within the fourth trimester time frame from as early as 4 weeks old. Massage helps you and your baby to connect and bond in a nurturing and supportive environment with like-minded mums and it gives you the tools to support you and your baby through the early stages of his or her development. You can learn with me online or in person.
It is so important to support yourself during those early days of motherhood. Don’t forget to physically look after yourself, stay hydrated and well nourished, ask for help when you need it and start baby massage when you can with your baby. By supporting yourself, you are supporting your baby and your whole family.