Babies can receive nurturing touch and gentle strokes from when they are first new born (see newborn nurture workshop). However, it is advised that you don’t massage a baby with oil until at least 6 weeks. Babies from 6 weeks can attend although it is recommend from 8 weeks, as this is after your post-natal check.

After at least 6 weeks, it is recommended that you use organic sunflower seed oil, or coconut oil. These are 100% natural and organic and will be easily absorbed in your baby’s skin. They also only carry a faint smell, are full of nutrients and are fine if your baby sucks their finger or thumb.

A blanket or towel for baby to lie on and you might want to bring a small cushion to support your lower back. You may want to bring a toy or a teether to soothe baby. Comfortable clothes are recommended, as you will be sitting on the floor. I always ask parents to bring a travel mug so `I can make you a cuppa.

Classes are Baby-led, which means they are in control of the class. It is perfectly normal for your baby to cry because this is their only means of communicating and I encourage you to respond to them. They may just want to change position, be fed, changed or just want a cuddle and this is a normal part of my classes. It is through this that they learn how loved and important they are. We never massage on sleeping babies, so you are encouraged to join in with a spare doll or a cuddly toy until baby is ready. It is very likely you will spend some of the class feeding or changing your baby and that is absolutely OK.

There are videos of each week that you will be sent of that particular routine. Plus at the end of the course you will get a work booklet that has photos and step by step instructions of how to massage your baby.