Baby Massage in Hertfordshire: Supporting Your Baby’s Development

over the last week, I’ve had the joy of completing a baby massage training course with Peter Walker, a pioneer in the field of developmental baby massage and movement. Peter has been sharing his knowledge for over 40 years, and his approach is rooted in supporting children’s natural growth and emotional wellbeing through gentle, responsive touch.

Peter is also the author of Your Resilient Child, a beautiful book that explores how early nurture and movement help children thrive. You can also find him sharing tips and wisdom on Instagram at @peterwalkerdevelopmentalbabymassage.

As a doula in Hertfordshire, North London and Buckinghamshire, I’m always looking for ways to nurture families in those precious early months. Baby massage is such a simple, loving practice – but its impact on both babies and parents can be profound.

The Benefits of Baby Massage

Strengthening Bonding and Attachment

Massage helps you connect with your baby through skin-to-skin contact, eye contact, and gentle communication. Peter Walker’s approach emphasises how touch builds trust and security, which are essential foundations for emotional health throughout life.

Supporting Physical Development

Baby massage and gentle movement support muscle tone, flexibility, and coordination. These practices encourage babies to discover their bodies and prepare them for milestones such as rolling, sitting, crawling, and walking.

Easing Common Discomforts

Many families find that baby massage helps with wind, colic, and constipation. Babies often sleep more peacefully after a massage, making it a helpful part of a calming bedtime routine.

Nurturing Emotional Wellbeing

Massage promotes relaxation for both parent and baby, reducing stress hormones and releasing oxytocin (the “love hormone”). This helps babies feel safe, calm, and loved – and gives parents a moment to slow down and connect.

Encouraging Early Communication

Baby massage is also a wonderful way to learn your baby’s cues. Eye contact, smiles, and soothing words alongside touch help your little one to feel understood and strengthen your unique bond.

Why I’m Excited to Share Baby Massage

For me, completing this training with Peter Walker was more than just learning a set of techniques – it was a reminder of the power of presence, stillness, and simple comfort.

As both a mother and grandmother, and with over 25 years of experience supporting children and families, I know how reassuring it is for parents to have tools that build confidence and connection. Baby massage offers exactly that.

I’m so looking forward to weaving these skills into my doula work – offering baby massage guidance in Hertfordshire and surrounding areas for families as they grow together in those precious early months.

Baby Massage as Part of Postnatal Doula Support

If you’re curious about baby massage, I’d love to share it with you as part of my postnatal doula support sessions. Together we can explore simple, nurturing techniques that not only comfort your baby but also help you feel more confident and connected as a parent.

Get in touch if you’d like to find out more about how baby massage can be included in your postnatal support.