What is Baby Shiatsu Massage?

Shiatsu is a very gentle technique that teaches simple ways of massaging your baby by lightly stroking his or her body.  It differs from other types of baby massage as it is based on an ancient system of healing, which not only tones and nourishes the skin and muscles but enhances the health of all the organs by using acupressure and other techniques.

It is a gentle and non-invasive way to promote your baby’s healthy growth and development, and encourages bonding and trust between parent and baby.   Shiatsu massage may also help with common newborn ailments.

How will it benefit my baby?

Shiatsu for babies is very safe, effective and gentle.  You will learn simple techniques that may help your baby in a number of ways:

• Relief from common newborn ailments, including colic, teething, digestive problems, baby psoriasis and eczema, constipation and diarrhoea
• Helps with baby’s sleep
• It is a relaxing way to help calm your baby
• It is a wonderful way to bond with your baby through gentle touch and stroking
• Babies and parents enjoy it!

How will it benefit me / my partner?

As a new parent, you will gain confidence in how to massage your baby to promote calm, and ease any discomfort.  This is a skill that will remain valuable throughout their childhood.  Shiatsu massage is of great value even if your child is free of illness – it will help to keep them healthy, calm and connected.

Gabi, who leads this class, is a qualified Shiatsu practitioner with a wealth of knowledge about the principles and practices of Shiatsu.  She is always happy to answer any questions you might have, or go over movements and techniques in more detail.

This is also a great opportunity for new parents not just to bond with their baby but also to meet other parents of new babies, to make friends and share experiences.  All of our sessions include time for parents to have a cup of tea and get to know one another.

What to expect

The shiatsu massage course is run over 5 weeks on Tuesdays from 11am-12.15pm.  The timings shown include the refreshment time with tea and biscuits provided.

The sessions are relaxed and friendly.  Each session begins with some refreshments, introductions and chat, and time for everyone to make themselves and their baby comfortable.  It’s absolutely fine if you need to feed or change your baby at any time during the session.

Massage oil will be provided along with handouts describing the techniques, both of which you can take away.

You will be taught to give your baby Shiatsu yourself, so that the techniques you learn can be continued at home if you wish.  Gabi, will teach you a routine for massaging your baby by demonstrating with a doll, as well as talking you through the movements. Each class will introduce a specific treatment to practise as well as an opportunity to revise other techniques learned in the previous class.

Classes are fun, relaxed and aim to always give you the chance to ask any questions about any specific questions or worries, so please do ask.

More Information and How to Book

Babies can receive Shiatsu from the day they are born and it’s easier to learn to massage your baby before they crawl.  Twins are very welcome along with another adult, or Gabi is also happy to work with one of your babies (swapping regularly).  Groups are small (8/9 adults with babies) so you can get to know other parents and babies on the course.

Led By:  Gabi Irvine

Price:  £35 for the 5 week course includes handouts, tea and biscuits (plus £2 for massage oil which Gabi will provide)

Date:  The next course starts on Tuesday 17th January.  Classes are every Tuesday from 11am-12.15pm

Please email info@pregnancyandparents.org.uk or call 0131 229 3667 to book your place.

What other parents thought of the class:       

“I got a lot out of it and so did baby Finn. I still use some of the massage techniques now!”

“Baby Shiatsu Massage is really good. Anna really enjoys it and it helps her to settle in the evenings.”