Absolutely. In fact, at In Touch, your baby is very welcome to join you for your postnatal massage.
If you’re a new mum, the thought of booking a massage can sometimes feel a little complicated. Who will look after the baby? What if they wake up? What if they need feeding? What if they cry? But please don’t let any of that put you off booking your much needed massage.
Let’s explore how your appointment might look if you choose to bring your baby with you.
Yes, there will probably be some baby snuggles…
I have a bassinet at The Retreat where your baby can lie safely while you’re being treated, as well as a little sensory light to keep them entertained. You’re also very welcome to bring your own pram or baby chair if that’s what your baby prefers.
But, realistically, most babies will want to come up for a cuddle at some point! And that’s absolutely fine.
We can adapt your treatment so that you can sit up and cradle your baby, you could have them snuggled on your chest, or even lie on your side with your baby tucked in for some lovely cuddles and feeds.
The younger your baby, the more likely you are to get some lovely snuggle time (although, as any parent knows, babies definitely don’t always stick to the plan!)
Let’s keep it real
I’m seeing lots of beautiful social media posts at the moment of mums having massages and facials with their babies peacefully snuggled on their chest, both of them looking completely blissed out. While those moments really are lovely, real life with a baby can look a little different.
Your baby might fall asleep… and then wake five minutes later.
They might decide they’re hungry.
They might need a cuddle.
They might need changing or entertaining.
They might simply decide that lying in the bassinet is absolutely not happening today!
But none of this is a problem.
We can pause for a feed, pick your baby up, settle them, have a cuddle and check in with them whenever you want. There is no expectation that your baby needs to be quiet or asleep for you to enjoy your massage.
My aim is to make your massage a lovely experience for both you and your baby, without adding another layer of pressure to your day.
Safety aspects
One thing I’m particularly conscious of is making sure you still feel connected to your baby while you’re being treated. I don’t use an eye mask during postnatal treatments when your baby is with you, so you can see them and check-in on them whenever you want.
And please know that I’ll also be keeping an eye on your baby throughout your treatment, making sure they are safe and happy, especially when you are nice and relaxed. As a health visitor as well as a massage therapist, baby safety is something I’m particularly vigilant about.
For this reason, babies need to be non-mobile to attend a massage appointment with you. Once babies are rolling or starting to move around, it’s no longer possible to provide the safe, settled environment for both you and your baby.
So whilst young babies are absolutely welcome at The Retreat, once they’re on the move, it’s time for them to stay at home with another pair of hands (and eyes) while you enjoy your massage.
You don’t have to do it alone
Some mums bring their partner along to their appointment too. They can be another pair of hands if baby needs settling, or they might take baby out for a little walk while you have some uninterrupted massage time.
There’s no right or wrong way to do it.
So if you’ve been thinking, “I’d love a massage, but I can’t leave the baby…”
You don’t have to. Bring them with you 🙂
