Building on the success of the live streamed baby massage sessions delivered during #IWD 2025 the emphasis for this Baby Week activity is on sharing the well evidenced benefits of baby massage for parents and babies.
Improving Me’s NHS Director Catherine McClennan said, ‘We are keen to convey one clear
message, baby massage is a simple, safe and effective tool for supporting a baby’s early
development and improving mum’s wellbeing.’
Bee Happy co-founder, Sonya Elnaschie adds. ‘Baby massage can help promote bonding, improve sleep, and aid digestion. It can also support a baby’s sensory and motor development, as well as enhance relaxation by lowering stress hormones.’
In addition, for parents, baby massage can increase confidence, reduce parental stress and
strengthen the relationship with their child through nurturing touch and non-verbal communication. It also stimulates the release of the “Happy Hormones,” or feel-good neurotransmitters, including dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin. These chemicals promote feelings of wellbeing, pleasure, and happiness, whilst also reducing anxiety and depression.
Baby massage workshop for parents and caregivers
On Monday 17 November at 11.00am there will be a free baby massage class providing an ideal introduction to the practicalities and benefits of baby massage. It is a useful session for new mums, carers or mums-to-be. No baby is required. Just some curiosity and an interest in learning more about the power of baby massage. However, if you have a baby then you get some hands-on practice with an expert tutor online.
Workforce development
On Monday November 17, there will be a second FREE online session aimed at healthcare professionals. This session, 7.30pm – 8.00pm, will consist of a short talk on some of the benefits and tips for the healthcare professionals, students and volunteers working in maternity and early years settings. This is an ideal introduction for anyone who wants to understand more about the very real health and wellbeing benefits of baby massage for both parents and babies and how they can contribute to increasing access to baby massage.
Join the sessions!
Both sessions can be accessed for FREE via this link https://meet.google.com/qrm-jamt-nbw
