Baby massage classes
Next ClaSs:
Soho Yoga, 2/16 Blandford St, Grange, Brisbane, Australia
1pm Saturday (3 consecutive weeks)
19 October 26 October 2 November
These one hour classes run for three weeks. Occupational therapy inspired, these classes are designed, developed and delivered by Dr Emma Crawford, an occupational therapist with over 10 years experience and certification in infant massage.
The classes provide information about baby massage, a chance to practice baby massage and a chance to connect with other parents/caregivers.
Class sessions are flexible and sensitive to the babies’ needs and routines - in any one hour session, your baby might feed, sleep, play, have a nappy change and receive some baby massage.
Classes cater to the different developmental stages from newborn to 12 months. Babies must be between 2 weeks and 12 months old to attend.
FAQS
What should I bring?
All materials for baby massage are supplied.
Bring along your usual nappy bag, an extra change of clothes for baby, and a warm wrap or baby blanket.
During the classes, baby massage is done sitting on the floor with your baby. If you feel more comfortable sitting on a cushion, please feel free to BYO cushion.
Sample massage oil (apricot kernel) is provided, however, you are also welcome to bring your own oil if you prefer.
Fig & Vine Wellbeing for Little Ones has a nut-free policy so please do not bring any nut oils, including almond oil.
What should I wear?
During our classes, baby massage is done sitting on the floor or on a cushion, so please wear comfortable clothing.
We heat the room so that it is comfortable to wear a t-shirt, if you are dressed warmly, be sure you can take off your layers.
Slip on shoes are a good idea so that you can comfortably sit on the floor with bare feet (not necessary, but certainly quite comfy!)
Dress your baby in something that allows easy dressing/undressing. Baby massage is done with baby undressed. Zippy suits or light summer clothing are ideal, depending on the weather.
What if I need to change my baby’s nappy?
A change mat along with eco-friendly disinfectant wipes to keep our change space hygienic are available at all classes. Please bring your own baby change supplies such as nappies and baby wipes.
What if my baby sleeps or feeds during the class?
Responding to your baby’s needs is part of baby massage. So if feeding, cuddling, settling, or changing is what your baby needs, you are absolutely free to do that!
The classes involve some time for introductory information, some time where the baby massage techniques are demonstrated, some time for trying the techniques with your baby, and some time at the end where the session is wrapped up.
Some babies sleep or feed through some of the class. This can be helpful to allow parents to absorb the information while baby is asleep or feeding. Then when baby wakes up, parents can try out the techniques.
On occasion, a baby will sleep for the entire session. In these instances, parents might try the techniques on an instructor doll for that week so that they don’t miss out. You can then try the massage at home before the next class.
What if my baby cries or is unsettled during class?
We love babies at Fig & Vine - so we have empathy for parents when their babies are unsettled and lots of care for crying babies!
Crying is a normal part of life with a baby - so, of course, your baby will probably become unsettled at some point during the class because they are tired, hungry, have a tummy pain, or perhaps for some unexplained reason. Remember that the other class participants have babies too, so they will understand. There is no need to leave the room with a crying baby - but if you feel that some peace and quiet might help your baby, there is always the option to step outside for a moment.
All babies cry. In fact, normal crying can be for up to 3 hours a day in the first few months. This crying sometimes happens without any known reason. By 3 or 4 months, this usually settles. Then, babies’ crying is often a form of communication.
What if we miss a class?
If you miss a class, you’ll be able to catch up on the information the following week and the instructor will find a moment to work with you and your baby to make sure you’re feeling comfortable with the massage techniques from the missed session. If you miss the final class, you can have some additional information emailed to you. Individual missed classes cannot be refunded. In exceptional circumstances, where several classes are missed, please email us to discuss options.
Can more than one caregiver attend the class together?
The fee is the same, even if two caregivers attend the class. We charge one fee per family (maximum two adults). Often, mothers find the class more manageable when they bring along dad, a grandparent or aunty to the class.
What if I have multiples?
The fee is the same, weather you have one baby, twins or triplets. We charge one fee per family (maximum 2 adults). If you have more than one baby, it might be useful to bring an additional caregiver.
Many families with multiple babies prefer to organise a private class in the comfort of their own home. Please contact us if you would like to arrange a private class.
Can I bring an older child?
The baby massage classes work best when parents/caregivers can fully focus on their baby and when babies can relax and attend without distractions from bigger children - so we ask that older siblings do not attend the class.
If you are unable to arrange care for older siblings, please contact us to discuss options such as a private baby massage class in the comfort of your own home.
Baby massage classes are for babies under 1 year old.
Should I bring a pram to the class?
Pram access and space is limited at our venue. Therefore, we ask that you don’t bring large prams to the classes.
We encourage you to bring bouncers, carriers, wraps, car capsules, small umbrella prams or small folding travel prams if this is helpful for you and your baby.
How do I know I’m going to receive a quality service?
Dr Emma Crawford is an experienced and registered occupational therapist and certified infant massage instructor with Infant Massage Australia. She delivers the infant massage classes personally.