CLASSES  in and around CHICHESTER

Karma Kids baby massage classes are the only pay as you go, drop-in classes in the area. They are 1 hour classes and you can come to as many as you wish. Some parents come every week for 6 months, others come until they have learnt all the strokes, and then continue at home. Ideal for parents returning to work, or those on a budget. You will learn a range of strokes, songs and yoga poses for a 45 minute massage routine. There is plenty of time in the class to feed your baby and join in the massage, and all classes finish with drinks and biscuits in the cafe for the parents, whilst the babies sleep after their lovely deep massage!

• Kathryn has 13 yeasr experience teaching baby massage and is very well qualified
• Kathryn is used by the Goodwood Team of Midwives for baby massage demonstrations at St Richards Hospital
• Pay as you go, Drop in classes
• Weekly classes in and around Chichester. 
• Sessions in your home with you and your baby on a 1:1 basis.
  
• Private sessions for groups of friends, NCT groups, ante/post natal groups.(minimum 6 participants)

WELCOME TO THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF BABY MASSAGE.

Baby massage is a simple but extremely effective activity to do with your baby and will provide a time together which is special, fun, and full of physical and emotional benefits for both of you. By learning the basic skills in baby massage you will be fulfilling an inherent need in both baby and parent, to be touched.

WHY BABY MASSAGE?

Baby massage is suitable from the day your baby is born. Simply stroking and touching your baby will activate the brain to release a range of feel good hormones which help both of you feel relaxed, calm and happy! When people ask me why practice baby massage - there is one simple answer - babies love it.

As well as many physical benefits, the best thing about massaging your baby is how it helps deepen the relationship you both have, helping you get to know your baby intimately and to understand what your baby is trying to say. Baby massage deepens the bonding process and is a direct expression of your love.

THE BENEFITS

• Helps babies sleep

• Improves digestion and can help ease colic

• Babies who are massaged cry less!

• Can relieve stress from a traumatic birth

• Strengthens the immune system

• Boosts the circulatory and respiratory systems

• Releases hormones which make the baby feel happy

• Reduces the stress hormones in parent and baby

• MAKES YOU AND YOUR BABY FEEL GOOD!
 

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

• 2 SMALL TOWELS
• NAPPIES ETC.
• A SMALL TOY
•  I PROVIDE ALL THE OILS BUT BRING YOUR OWN IF YOU PREFER

PLEASE NOTE: DO NOT MASSAGE YOUR BABY FOR 48 HOURS AFTER VACCINATIONS

FAQ'S

When can I bring my baby?

My baby doesn’t like being naked and getting dressed. 

What if my baby needs feeding? 

My baby usually sleeps at this time.

My baby doesn’t like being stroked.  

My baby was premature. 

I have twins.

My baby has special needs.

Can I bring my baby's brother/sister?

When can I bring my baby?

The baby massage course is for baby’s over 6 weeks old. Babies can start at any time up until they are crawling. (they tend not to lie still for a massage once they start to crawl)

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My baby doesn’t like being naked and getting dressed.
Don’t worry – we adapt the massage to the needs of the baby, and gradually introduce more and more of the massage as the baby gets used to it. We are always sensitive to individual needs, and the baby can start with feet, hands and legs without having to get undressed at all.

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What if my baby needs feeding?

This is no problem and there are always babies feeding during the class. Whilst your baby feeds you can continue to watch and learn the strokes from the demonstration and the classes are long enough to catch up at the end, if there is anything you missed.

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My baby usually sleeps at this time.
If this is your baby’s usual sleep time, it tends not to be an issue. Most babies manage to enjoy a lovely massage before falling into a deep sleep. There are also several class times to choose from which might help.

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My baby doesn’t like being stroked.
This isn’t uncommon and these are the babies that really benefit from baby massage. There are many ways to introduce positive touch into your baby’s life and not all babies come to it immediately, but need a gradual progression. Your tutor, Kathryn has taught over a thousand babies and parents and through this experience has developed lots of strategies to help all sorts of babies.

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My baby was premature.
Massage is fantastic for premature babies. It can offer parents an opportunity to be in control and provide an activity themselves for their baby after many weeks of being in medical care. Premature babies respond so well to all the physical benefits and there is much research now which shows that prem. Babies make faster developmental progress when massage is part of their routine.

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I have twins.
There are different ways that parents manage twins at the class. Some choose to bring both babies along and massage a different baby each week. The other baby will enjoy listening to the songs in the class and just being around other babies.
Some bring a relative or friend to massage one of the babies.
If child care allows, some bring just one baby a week and leave the other at home.

Kathryn is unable to massage anyone’s baby in the group.

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My baby has special needs
Kathryn welcomes all babies. She trained as a teacher in special education and has worked for 12 years with children who have severe and profound learning disabilities.
All babies can be massaged, sometimes the massage will need to be adapted but all baby's love to be touched. It is a good idea to talk to Kathryn first about your babies needs so she can work out an appropriate routine for you both.

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Can I bring my baby's brother/sister?
Baby massage is a family affair and everyone is welcome. Siblings can come along with a doll which they get to massage with their own plate of oil, or can help you with the baby. They will also be welcome to play with their toys and books. Sometimes they bring a little packed lunch to help occupy them!

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