Nurture Baby Massage
About the Classes
I run Nurture Baby Massage on Wednesday mornings in Wendover, 12.00-13.00.
The classes are term-time only.
The class is held at Wendover Memorial Hall, Wharf Road, HP22 6HF (with parking).
You can start immediately post-birth, and the class is suitable until baby is mobile (usually 7-10 months).
Are you worried that baby won't settle and will need comforting and feeding during class?
Each class lasts 60 minutes, and it is a safe, judgement-free space. You can feed, change nappies, pace... do anything and everything that suits you and your bundle of joy. I certainly don't expect the babies in class to be still or quiet - babies cry, babies get tired and hungry. We are all mummies (I have 3 children of my own) so please don't worry about anything, and it is fine if they fall asleep for the whole class too. There is no pressure to do anything.
Babies have six different states of consciousness and for baby (and you) to get the most out of baby massage, you want baby to be alert-awake. If you hear people say their baby doesn't like baby massage; if we think about what baby massage is (loving strokes), it is very unlikely a baby wouldn't enjoy the touch and attention, it's more about whether it is the right time to perform the strokes based on baby's other needs. So immediately take the pressure off; you don't have to perform the strokes in class - you just learn them, to practice at home when your baby is alert-awake.
Equally, as baby massage is surprisingly strenuous for baby, even if they are alert-awake at the start of class, 60 minutes of baby massage would be too much for them. So we enjoy learning our strokes, but then crucially make time for mummy-too.
What do we cover in a Nurture Baby Massage course?
Nurture Baby Massage is a six-week block of classes.
It has two main goals: to teach and guide you through a full baby massage course; and to bring the focus back to YOU and YOUR NEEDS.
We work through a complete baby massage course, placing importance on caring for, bonding and communicating with your baby; learning massage techniques to soothe and offer relief.
Benefits of baby massage include:
- smooths transition from womb to the world;
- develops baby’s first language: touch;
- teaches positive loving touch;
- develops a feeling of being loved, respected and secure;
- develops body, mind, awareness and coordination;
- can help to reduce the discomfort of colic, wind and constipation;
- helps to regulate and strengthen baby’s digestive and respiratory systems and stimulates circulatory and nervous systems;
- promotes relaxation;
- can help to reduce fussiness and improve quality of sleep; and improves skin condition.
Benefits for mummy include:
- helps parents to understand baby’s non-verbal communication;
- enhances parent’s confidence and competence in dealing with baby;
- can help with postnatal depression;
- both mummy and baby relax together;
- promotes lactation in breastfeeding mums (through stimulation of hormones);
- promotes nurturing instinct (through stimulation of hormone oxytocin).
So how do we begin to nurture you?
Each week has a theme which leads our postnatal discussions focusing on looking after mummy (mind, body and soul after birth).
We have twelve unique discussion areas so you can complete two blocks without repetition if you so wish.
- We start by going around the room introducing ourselves, offloading the highs and lows of the week (if we want to - there is no pressure to share anything).
- We practice our baby massage strokes for the week; this always take priority in case this is the exclusive reason for signing up to the course.
- We connect through a postnatal poem or relaxation.
- We initiate discussions around our chosen theme: topics include motherhood is meant to change you; how to get on your own side; take the pressure off; perfect doesn't exist; your needs matter; self-care doesn't work; your feelings matter; guilt; boundaries not balance; loneliness and disconnection; fear & anxiety; postpartum ritual.
The classes are made up of different elements, and the time spent on these varies week-to-week depending on how attendees are feeling: how much they want to discuss topics; and how much energy they have to move. Sometimes it needs to be a class focusing on baby and building oxytocin; sometimes more centred on mummy and recuperation after an exhausting night, and building that community or village with other attendees. The classes develop organically based on everyone's needs.
2026 timetable
First half of the year
From the start of January to May 6, classes run every Wednesday 12.00-13.00 during term time.
To clarify there are no classes on Feb 18, Apr 1, Apr 8.
Second half of the year
From May 13 going forward, classes run every Wednesday 10.30-11.30 during term time.
To clarify there are no classes on May 27, Jul 22, Jul 29, Aug 5, Aug 12, Aug 19, Aug 26, Sep 2, Oct 28, Dec 23, Dec 30.
Price and booking options
The classes are booked in rolling 6 week blocks, and you can start any week subject to availability.
Nurture baby massage costs £72 (which includes £16 of products for mum AND baby, plus a cotton bag).
Upon signing up to a block of classes for the first time, you will also receive a goodie bag at your first in-person class, which includes a Take Five Aromatherapy Recover & Rest with Botanicals & Zest rollerball RRP £6.00. This blend supports rest and recovery, at a time when you need it the most; it aims to balance the mind and rejuvenate with Neroli, uplift and energise with Lemon, and relax your muscles and mind with healing Lavender.
You will also receive a Neals Yard baby massage oil, 50ml, RRP £10. This 100% organic baby massage oil gently softens the skin for a soothing, bonding massage. Infused with chamomile, rose and lavender essential oils, it's perfect for baby's delicate skin. It is gentle enough for newborns 3kg/6lb 10oz and over.
To book onto a block, please complete the following booking form; full payment will be taken at the same time.
https://YogaWithAliceD.as.me/nurture
You can adjust your booking to accommodate prior engagements i.e. holidays/appointments when signing up. No amendments can be made after the time of booking.
TIPS ON BOOKING
To complete the form, please select the first date and time you wish to start, then ‘select and make recurring’ to six weeks. If the class is full, or there is no class a certain week, the date will show as unavailable. In this case, please add appointments until you have six dates in total. This system also allows you to remove dates you can’t make because of your own commitments, but remember to add another date to create your own tailored 6-weeks.
I will provide all equipment (mats, blankets, pillows) to use at your discretion. It is your choice if you would like to bring your own mat in addition to place on top. Please bring milk and any favourite comforters or toys to help baby feel happy and relaxed. I would advise that you bring a bottle of water and wear some loose comfortable clothes for your yoga practice, including layers so you can easily adjust depending on whether you are lying still in relaxation or being more physical.
In addition for baby massage, I will provide baby massage mats. You may wish to also bring a towel to place on the baby massage mat so it is more comfortable for baby and either another towel or blanket to place on baby for the areas of their body which are not being massaged to keep them warm, or to keep you beautifully relaxed for the guided relaxations. You are welcome to perform a dry massage to baby and yourself over clothes, or use the oil provided on the skin directly.