Maternal Mental Health Day 2025

Supporting new mums with their mental health is at the heart of what I do and maternal wellbeing is something I place a lot of emphasis on during my baby massage courses and subsequent follow-on classes. My courses aren’t just about soothing babies—they’re about creating a calm, supportive space where mums can connect, unwind, and feel seen. So, on World Maternal Mental Health Day, I want to devote this blog post to explaining why I passionately believe that going to baby massage classes are so incredibly beneficial for new mums.

Any new mum will tell you - welcoming a baby is a major life change and maternal mental health covers a range of experiences, from normal emotional ups-and-downs to more serious mental health conditions including:

• Postnatal Depression (PND): Persistent sadness, low energy, loss of interest, and difficulty bonding with the baby.

• Postnatal Anxiety: Constant worry, panic attacks, or obsessive thoughts, often centred around the baby's safety.

• Postnatal PTSD: Trauma after a difficult birth or medical emergency.

• Postpartum Psychosis (rare): Severe mental illness with hallucinations or delusional thinking—requires urgent care.

• Antenatal Depression/Anxiety: Mental health struggles that begin during pregnancy.

But maternal mental health problems are treatable with the right support and research has shown that engaging in activities that promote bonding with your baby can significantly influence your mental health and emotional resilience.

Why Baby Massage Classes Are Beneficial

Obviously I am biased but my 5-week IAIM baby massage course is a brilliant first baby class for new mums to go to! Baby massage isn't just about pampering your baby; it's a beautiful way to communicate love and reassurance. The gentle massage strokes can help reduce your baby's colic, improve sleep patterns, and support their digestive health. For mums, the act of massaging their baby can promote relaxation, increase oxytocin levels (the happy hormone), lower stress levels (cortisol), and foster a deeper bond between mother and child. Additionally, learning new methods to soothe and interact with your baby can enhance both a new mum's confidence and also the baby's social and emotional development.

Attending my baby massage classes provides new mums with a supportive Precious Time community of other likeminded individuals. I work hard in my classes to foster a sense of connection between the mums through sharing stories and engaging in conversations. This helps new mums to not feel alone or isolated in their thoughts, feelings, experiences and worries. Whether it's breast feeding issues, teething, weaning, sleep regression, sleeping positions, we discuss it all and friendships are formed.

Whether it's their first baby or third baby, coming to my baby massage classes is a form of self-care, helping to boost the mum's own mental health and spend precious time with their baby away from the demands of modern life that often consume us when we're in our homes. By taking time for themselves—learning to massage their baby, meeting other mums, and finding joy in the little moments—mums can cultivate a positive mindset. It’s true that when you take care of yourself, you’re better equipped to care for your baby, creating a healthier environment for both of you.

In conclusion, maternal mental health is positively boosted by activities that foster maternal and child bonding. Baby massage classes offer so many benefits that extend beyond physical touch; they encompass emotional support and community building. Whether you’re a new mother or looking to deepen your connection with your baby, consider joining a baby massage class. You just might find that it’s a beneficial step for both your mental health and your little one’s well-being.

Love Natalie x