Recently I moved my baby massage course online. It’s been on my to do list for ages, but I’m not great with technology so avoided it for several years! I persevered though, as I thought it was important – baby massage is a great skill for parents and babies love it.
There’s research about baby massage helping premature babies and over the years I’ve seen many babies really enjoy the course. This is despite parents looking apprehensive for the first session! I would always recommend if you can attend an in-house course, then it’s great to go to a group. An in house group gives you the chance to speak to other parents, share experiences and make friendships, as well as learning skills you can use with your baby.
So, why put a baby massage course on line?
The thing is, sometimes the group doesn’t always work out. Some parents are unable to get onto a fully booked course. You may realise your baby is likely to be asleep at that time of day, and in some areas there may not even be a local baby massage course. Some parents have twins and would prefer to be able to massage their babies when 
there are helping hands. It may be that, as a new parent, you don’t feel confident enough to walk into a group. With the pandemic, it suddenly made it unsafe to be in a group. There can be many reasons why you may want to take an online course, and any reason is absolutely fine.
I meet some parents who have followed baby massage videos on You Tube, but got confused and worried about if they’re doing it right. Some parents know some techniques, but want to learn more. If you’ve already been to a group, you may find you learn additional techniques with an online course. You don’t have to do both.
An online course can be particularly useful if you’re experiencing a mental health issue relating to the birth. This can apply to Mums and Dads, as the shock of a new baby can bring many challenges. While you’re ill, you do still care about your baby but other emotions can be overtaking you. You may be overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or a whole range of other emotions. The idea of going to a group and trying to talk to other parents and pretend everything is great may just seem too much.
If this is you, it’s ok. Take the online course, but importantly, ask for help.
Your midwife or health visitor will be checking in on your mental health. It’s ok to tell them you’re struggling, as they will signpost you to resources. The sooner you get help the sooner you can begin to enjoy time with your baby.
Some parents worry about if they are bonding with their baby, or if they are doing things right. This can be really common if it’s your first baby. The research shows you just need to be good enough. Baby massage, even if you’re going through the motions, is a great way for you to be good enough. While you massage, you’re spending one on one time with your baby, interacting, providing positive touch, and engaging with your baby. This is a great start for your baby.
An online course can also be useful for parents who have already returned back to work and can’t get to a group. Buying an online course means Mum, Dad or any other caregiver can complete the course, so your baby can keep to their routine. I meet Dads who want to be more hands on with their baby and their feedback has been it is a great bonding opportunity which gives them a special time with their baby.
Can I do the online course and then attend a group?
If you decide to complete the online course and then join a group, this is fine. You can follow the courses and then decide which parts you and your baby most enjoy. The idea of baby massage is for you and your baby to have fun together. All courses will be designed to help you develop a toolbox. You can use this toolkit to help relax your baby or for common health issues, such as constipation.
If you’d like to check out my online baby massage course, you can get more information at louise-morgan.teachable.com. If you decide to sign up, you get immediate access to week 1. The course is then sent to your inbox each week, so you can build on the routine in a similar way to an in-person group. By week 4 you’ll be completing a full routine and in week 5 you can download the full routine. You’ll have access for the lifetime of the course so you can get in touch if you have any questions or issues.
Louise is an holistic therapist who owns Therapy Centre, BS14 9HB, a clinic offering a range of holistic and beauty therapies. Louise offers aromatherapy, reflexology, holistic massage, baby massage, reiki and story massage. She is a mum of two boys and when she is not working she enjoys getting outdoors with her family. For further information, visit her website louise-morgan.co.uk