YOUR EVENT

THE Civic Arts Centre and Theatre in Oswaldtwistle is delighted to announce a brand new session for babies.

Lauren Jackson, events manager at the Civic, is to hold baby massage sessions at the venue after spotting a gap in the current programme since returning from maternity leave.

Lauren launched her baby massage group in April after finishing her official qualification in infant massage, which teaches the acclaimed International Association of Infant Massage Curriculum endorsed by the Royal College of Midwives.

Lauren said: “Baby massage is so much more than a session you go to with your baby, it is a place for bonding, support and friendships with other parents at a similar stage in life. You will be made to feel very welcome in this lovely, small group.

“The range of benefits for parents and babies is extensive; it promotes attachment and bonding, improves sleep patterns and eases colic and wind. It also reduces stress, increases the ‘happy hormones’ in both parent and baby and instils confidence in reacting to baby’s cues and baby’s behaviour.

“There is often a sense of pressure to ‘do things right’ but through these groups mums realise that they are all doing things differently and doing the right thing for their baby and their family.”

Parents attending the sessions will be provided with handouts, articles each week and oil to massage. There is also time for group chat with refreshments, which includes theory and facilitated discussions on various topics such as crying, sleeping and stress.

The course is suitable for newborns up to pre-crawling age. The next five-week course starts on Monday, July 9, with sessions from 1pm-2.15pm, at a cost of £30 for the course.

To book please contact Lauren on lauren. stirzaker@hotmail.co.uk or 07856 784185 or search ‘Baby Massage with Lauren’ on Facebook.