The power of loving touch
Touch is one of the first senses to develop in utero and one of the last to leave when we die. Nurturing touch between a parent and child has multiple benefits for child and parent.
This month I'll be writing about topics around the theme of love and how we, and our children, experience love through our senses. Stay tuned for some fascinating information, and practical applications of loving yourself and your children!
Rachel Judd is a woman with many fantastic skills and deep passions. She is hugely empathic and caring. One of these passions is baby massage. I interviewed her recently to find out more.
Rachel, (most) babies are so cuddly already, and almost all parents are pretty good at cuddling their babies, what is the need for baby massage beyond cuddling and holding your baby?
There is a difference between holding your baby and intentional nurturing touch.
Touch is one of the first senses to develop in utero and one of the last to leave when we die. In our small group, 5-week Baby Massage course we introduce the principle-based massage strokes, the theory behind it as well as facilitated discussions for parents. We teach that the baby is the teacher, and as parents, you are the expert - you know your baby/child best. We explain cues, how to understand what your baby is communicating to you and how to follow their lead in your responses. After 5 sessions, you will leave feeling empowered with skills and knowledge, feel supported by the instructor and other parents in the group, and have a life-long skill to carry through as your children get older and even into their teens (where connection and communication looks very different). All sessions are facilitated in a “baby-led” way in that they are flexible, adaptable and led by baby’s cues.
What are some of the benefits of baby massage?
There are so many benefits for the baby and the parent!
Benefits for the baby
- interaction: nurturing touch and communication
- stimulation: sensory integration, all major body systems
- relief: pain, discomfort, congestion, physical/emotional tension
- relaxation: lowers stress hormone (cortisol), increases calming hormones (seratonin, endorphins and dopamine)
Benefits for parents
- bonding & attachment: through 4 of the 5 senses; touch, eye contact, smell, sounds (parents voice)
- attunement: understanding and responding to baby’s cues
- self-esteem: belief in parenting
- teaching your children respectful touch
How did you come to be interested in baby massage and how did you get qualified?
I have always loved babies and children. I was the babysitter in the town where I grew up but had never figured out what kind of career would give me the opportunity to combine my love for babies and my passion for helping people. I went to Ireland to volunteer with a church there for a year. While I was there, I got the opportunity to participate in a baby massage training course. I had never heard of baby massage before, but it sounded like a great opportunity, so I said yes. And it was one of the most incredible courses!
I spent 4 days learning the ins and outs, methods, reasons, and practicalities of running a baby massage course. I became registered with the International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM) in the UK and was able to run three courses there while living in Northern Ireland. Since I have been back in South Africa, I have now registered with the South African chapter of IAIM.
In the courses I have run so far, I have found such a passion for empowering parents with the tools to help them and their babies thrive.
Do any of the principles/benefits of baby massage follow through for older children?
Yes! The benefits of nurturing touch don’t stop just because your baby is now a toddler or child or teen. In the course, we teach adaptations of the massage for the growing child. Parents of children of any age can benefit from this course.
Why would you recommend parents sign up for your baby massage course? And how would they go about doing that?
Every time you give nurturing touch, or hold and respond to your baby, you are building their brain to be more resilient and well-adjusted, teaching them that they are safe in a scary world. I would love to see the next generation up with the skills to cope in the scary world, and it starts with babies!
Your child starts forming memory between 2 and 7 years, but the most rapid brain development happens from birth to 2 years, and during this time, they form neural pathways that affect how they see, understand and relate to the world.
This is a course that will leave you, as a parent, feel empowered with the knowledge and skills to help you and your child thrive. I am passionate about facilitating a safe, comfortable and welcoming space where you can come as you are, to learn, understand and feel supported in your parenthood journey.
The next course is starting on Thursday 27 February.
PS!!! Maybe you have noticed my social media has gone up a notch, Rachel is the genius behind this, she has been working hard to get me working! A woman of many talents and passions, indeed!!
