baby massage

[user1479663865]

Hi there to the new and not quite so new parents, firstly, hope its going well, you are all doing a great job! My name is Sarah and I am a Mum of four aged 16, 14, 11 and 8. I just want to get a response from you about an idea I have. My background is in Neonatal nursing, (14 years with those little premature babies that never cease to amaze me!), but I am looking for a change. I plan to undertake a baby massage course as I want to continue to work closely with babies and families and promote their wellbeing and to share the benefits massage can give, eg potential alleviation of colic and constipation, improved circulation, aiding more prolonged periods of restful sleep, an enhanced bonding experience to name a few, and to offer this service to babies from almost newborn to just before they are crawling within one or several of the fab family friendly hotels/health clubs that are local to me. This could be an extension of a spa package for Mums/Dads/Grandparents etc who are on holiday or live nearby using the service. The massage would be baby led picking up on cues e.g. if baby is tired, cross, hungry etc. In this situation there would be option to practice techniques on a simulation doll so the carer still takes away a learning experience from the session and can then duplicate later in the day or at home. I wonder if this is something anyone would consider booking if away on holiday or as a treat at their local hotel/spa and if anyone has ideas or specific requirements relating to this proposal. Thanks in advance for your help :)

Baby massage sessions round here cost £1 payg (can be waived) and are run by HVs. You can be referred, self refer, bring other main carers. There are private classes as well, but they have to be very competitively priced (and are often just part of post-natal follow up of those who have paid for antenatal classes).

Is there actually a gap in the market where you are located?

I doubt very much that, despite the almost mythical status of spa days as cure all, bookings as add-ONS to those would generate enough business.

Thanks for your prompt reply, the sessions would not be the NHS type 5 week course as wanting to target holiday makers, but more a treat and having looked around a large number of 5 star family type hotels the number of quite well off familys holidaying with very young babies made me wonder if there is a demand, hence the market research :) In our local area, (coastal with a concentration of established spa hotels), the sessions are run in run down building in a fairly noisy environment, not particularly the calm bonding type experience I'm aiming for! Not for everyone I know, just asking :)

What training are you going / been on? In my local area there are plenty of free baby massage sessions I'm afraid so I wouldn't ever pay for one.