Meet Ellynne Skove

Ellynne Skove will be teaching a massage workshop for parents and baby (6 weeks to precrawling).  We’ve asked her to share her thoughts on the benefits of massage for baby.  For more information on the workshop click here.

1) How did you become interested in baby massage?

I became interested in baby massage in 1986 with the birth of my daughter and practiced it with her often. I then translated many energy bodywork practices to baby massage through my work with babies in my developmental movement and yoga classes.

2) What are a few of the benefits (for baby or parent) of baby massage?

Baby massage helps to center and ground both the parent and baby. It helps to create heart beat coherency which is very calming as well as develop nervous system regulation for the baby. Baby massage can address gas, constipation, colic, congestion, sleep issues, and deepen both bonding and attachment processes. Baby massage uses the intelligence and power of TOUCH which accesses the body’s biggest organ, the skin. The skin is like the nervous system turned inside out and stimulates brain development and growth! It soothes, calms, and delights both the giver and the receiver! Baby massage is also a wonderful way to incorporate more Tummy Time into a baby’s daily life. It is a wonderful after bath and before sleep practice to encourage daily rituals for feeling loved and secure.