The importance of baby massage courses have been emphasised by an instructor, so as to help further the mental and physical development of babies.  

Rachel Hawkes, a founding member of Harmonia Therapies in West Malling, specialises in teaching parents and guardians the importance and benefits of massaging the joints of babies, as well as sports massages and hot lava shell massage.  

“I see parents come in, who might have struggled with bonding, for example” Rachel explains. “Massage and touch can be a very gentle way for both sides to start to bridge that gap, so you have a great emotional response to that as well”. 

At the beginning of the pandemic, Rachel was forced to cancel some of her classes, before she took the leap to have her sessions online. Despite concerns that social isolation has hindered the emotional and physical development of babies, toddlers and young children, baby massage can be done at home, even for toddlers.  

This concern over development was shared by a teacher who became a mother during the pandemic. She has since started hosting her own music classes at the school she works at, in Deal.  

Rachel also emphasised the importance of the right environment. “you look at the external stimulation, because you want to minimise that as well.” Rachel said. “If you pick the right music, and the right ambient light, they will know what is coming next”.  

Harmonia Therapies can be found at https://www.harmoniatherapies.com/