We have developed an exclusive 4 week baby massage programme certified by the International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM). We specialise in courses for groups of friends and one:one courses enabling us to arrange times, dates and a location to suit you.
* Spend special time with your baby increasing interaction and bonding
* Share a calming experience relieving tension and promoting better sleep
* Learn specific massage for common complaints (e.g. indigestion, colic)

The course is suitable from birth until crawling

Pitter Patter was founded by Phillippa Rose who trained with ITEC, the Carlton Institute and the International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM). Vimala McClure founded IAIM in 1976 which now has instructors teaching the IAIM programme in over 40 countries. The focus and programme of IAIM is unique, and incorporates the strokes of Swedish Massage, Indian Massage, yoga and reflexology.

About baby massage
Baby massage is an old eastern tradition of massaging babies from birth. Some cultures say it stimulates their survival mechanisms and help them resist disease. It is now widely accepted that giving your baby a regular (daily) massage aids good health and increases bonding.

Benefits of baby massage
Many parents have hectic lifestyles, juggling a host of responsibilities and activities, and many new mothers have the added stress of having to return to work due to financial commitments. Quality time with children can often be affected because of this and infant massage, an age old tradition, is simple, free, can be administered almost anywhere and has a host of emotional and physical benefits for both parents and baby.

Benefits include:
* Relaxation: Promotes better sleep, relieves tension, proven to increase levels of oxytocin ('the love hormone')
* Relief: Helps digestion, relief for teething pains, can help with gas and colic
* Stimulation: Helps strengthen babies systems including respiratory, circulatory, muscular and intestinal. Studies have shown increased weight gain, and immune function
* Interaction: Aids bonding and communication through nurturing touch and increased understanding of baby's non-verbal cues and responses.

course details

Classes meet once a week for 4 weeks. The course is designed for parents, grandparents and other caregivers with their babies. It is suitable from birth - crawling.

* Participants massage their babies whilst being guided through a step-by-step massage routine
* The massage routine is a carefully balanced combination of Indian-style massage, Swedish massage and reflexology
* Each session you will be taught how to massage a different part of your baby's body and review previous strokes, leading up to the full massage routine
* Yoga style exercises are introduced at the end of the course to encourage baby's development ready for crawling, help strengthen their backs and aid co-ordination
* Specific massage for common complaints (e.g colic, indigestion) is included
* Informal discussions on areas of interest are held at the end of each group session
* Each participant receives individual attention
* The course is suitable for babies from birth until they learn to crawl

Babies are welcome to giggle/cry/pee/sleep/feed during the sessions. Oils, cushions and towels are provided at each session, you just need to remember a portable changing mat, nappies and of course your baby

All participants will receive a goody bag containing course materials, massage oil and a certificate on completion.

See the www.pitterpattermassage.com for more information on prices and availability.