With the spread of coronavirus and the introduction of social distancing measures by the government, Blooming Babies has decided to put its baby massage class online for the very first time. 
Having a baby can be lonely enough without the measures in place at the moment, but I hope these classes will enable us to connect virtually and stay in touch at this uncertain time. There’s also a chance to ask me questions at the end of the class - as a midwife, I will provide support and happy to answer questions about your newborn baby. 
 
Not only is baby massage a great way to fill your time, it will also help you and your baby relax, as it releases hormones known as the "love hormone" , which is a fantastic stress reliever and helps to reduce postnatal depression, much needed at this time. It will help both you and your baby to relax and sleep. Baby massage provides a real neurological boost to your baby, helping to promote brain development, whilst strengthening the parent/baby bond. Baby Massage is also a great way to relieve common baby ailments like wind, colic, and constipation and many more. 
 
Our baby massage classes can be done in the comfort of your own home via the free Zoom app which is available on mobile, laptop and tablet. 
 
How to join the virtual baby massage classes 
 
1. Download the Zoom app 
2. Create an account 
3. Click “join meeting” on the home page of Zoom 
4. Enter the meeting ID which will be sent via email on the day of the class 
5. This will direct you to an online waiting room where you’ll be able to view the live stream at the time provided 
 
What to expect from the classes 
 
Make sure you’re ready at the start time of the class as we’ll kick off promptly. I’ll start by welcoming you and then you will all introduce yourselves. Then during the massage everyone will be muted so you can just hear me giving the instructions for the massage. You can of course unmute yourself to ask questions or alternatively, use the chat button. 
 
At the end of the session I’ll do a quick recap of the strokes we covered then I’ll read a poem before giving you a chance to chat to each other again. If you need to leave the group at any point you can use the ‘wave’ or ‘chat’ button, then you can re-join at any point. 
 
What you need 
 
Our virtual baby massage classes are open to parents of babies aged between four weeks and seven months (crawling). For each class you need a towel for baby to lie on, a cushion for you to sit on and oil (not recommended before four to six weeks). I’d recommend using organic cold pressed sunflower or grapeseed oil – or alternatively, you can massage without oil. 
 
Please keep baby’s nappy on during the virtual class and have changing equipment close to hand. Ensure the room you’re doing the massage in is warm and quiet – but I know this isn’t always possible! 
If there are siblings at home making noise, don’t worry as the rest of the group won’t hear any of this. I will be playing soothing background music, but if you would also like to, please do. I will email you song sheets before the class and then the massage strokes following the class. 
 
I look forward to seeing you online very soon! 
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