In this insightful podcast episode, our host Meredith Brough sits down with the talented Helen Thompson, a true expert in the world of baby massage. With over 30 years of experience in childcare, Helen is here to share her wealth of knowledge and passion for this amazing practice. Helen dives right into the impressive benefits of baby massage. Not only does it help with sleep, but it can also provide relief for colic and constipation. Who knew a simple touch could do so much? Helen emphasizes the importance of touch and communication in building a strong bond with your little one. She explains how baby massage releases oxytocin, which she lovingly refers to as the "cuddle hormone".  You'll both benefit from experiencing this warm, fuzzy feeling (and it might even help with sleep!). Helen also shares her experiences in the world of childcare and gives us a sneak peek into her own podcast, First Time Mums Chat. It's a must-listen for all you new moms out there! As the episode unfolds, Meredith and Helen delve into the significance of parental intuition, physical affection, and even talking and singing to your baby. It's all about creating that loving and nurturing environment for your little one to thrive in. So, if you're a new parent or just curious about the wonders of baby massage, this podcast episode is definitely for you. Get ready to learn, be inspired, and maybe even give your little one a soothing massage afterwards. Topics: Baby Massage benefits for common issues like sleep, colic, and constipationImportance of touch and communication in supporting babies and strengthening the parent-child bondThe positive effects of baby massage on both parents and babies such as stress reduction and connectionHow baby massage boosts the immune system and language developmentHelen's podcast, First Time Mums Chat, and its aim to support first-time momsAdvocacy for natural approaches and following intuitionImportance of communication during massageTips on how to massage babies properly Learn more about Helen Thompson, her online courses, and the episodes she mentions here: www.mybabymassage.net/sweetslumber Are you an exhausted parent? Take the Sleep Temperament Quiz! Reveal your child's sleep nature and unlock the keys to better sleep in just 5 minutes. Click here: Babies     Toddlers Mentions with timestamps: Baby massage technique - mentioned at 00:03:30 Benefits of baby massage - mentioned at 00:04:27 Baby massage for colic and constipation - mentioned at 00:04:27 Baby massage after a bath - mentioned at 00:06:16 Baby massage as a sleep routine - mentioned at 00:06:22 Baby massage podcast - mentioned at 00:07:29  Intuitive feeling - mentioned at 00:09:30 Pleasure of connecting with the baby - mentioned at 00:10:04 Baby massage classes with singing - mentioned at 00:10:40 Teething - mentioned at 00:16:42 Touch and communication with babies - mentioned at 00:17:33 Podcast: "First Time Mums Chat" - mentioned at 00:22:22 Immune system - mentioned at 00:36:15 Direction for massage - mentioned at 00:37:12 Keywords: baby massage, baby massage benefits, parents, babies, sleep, colic, constipation, holistic remedies,  complementary therapies, touch, communication, bond, parent-child bond, oxytocin, cuddle hormone, love hormone, stress reduction, relaxation, tension, sensory development, immune system, cranial sacral therapy, first-time moms, first-time mums, time and attention, instincts, gut feelings, singing to babies, physical affection, parental intuition, joy.