A group of young parents in Corby have declared a new course of baby massage sessions to be a hit.
The parents and parents-to-be aged 16-19 take part in the sessions at Eden Park, on Elizabeth Street, a scheme run by LHA Support Services.
The sessions involve support worker Alice Blair, who is qualified to carry out baby massage, training the new mums and dads. Alice uses a doll to show the parents how to massage their child. The sessions are geared to take place at the parents’ convenience and can be seven days a week if they wish.
Baby massage is an ancient tradition that has only recently become popular in Britain. It aids the baby by making them feel relaxed and soothed, making it easier for them to sleep. It is ideal for children aged six weeks to six months.
It can also provide relief from colic and is a wonderful way for the baby to bond with his or her parents. For the parents it is also extremely relaxing and rewarding to know they are making their child so happy.
Scheme manager Zoe Hall said: “It’s wonderful to see how the babies respond. They love it and are so happy, gurgling away. The parents also feel so much happier and relaxed afterwards knowing that their baby is soothed and relaxed.
“All the parents have asked for the sessions to continue because they are so positive for the children.”
Eden Park is made up of 13 flats and two communal areas and was opened in 2005. It provides housing and support to young parents, which includes general and sexual health advice, from condom distribution to pregnancy testing, life skills training such as budgeting, healthy eating and household management.
Fifteen residents currently live at the supported housing project.