“Tammy McLellan has delivered baby massage instructor training in Highland for over a decade.  Initially targeted at midwives and health visitors, Tammy also now trains others in public health and social care teams.  Feedback from practitioners about the 3-day course show that it provides a thorough grounding in the theory and techniques of infant massage and creates confidence in their ability to transmit the skills to parents and carers.   The final training day taking place once trainees have delivered sessions is a valuable method of checking on levels of understanding and offering advice on any problems encountered.

 Evaluations of the long-term impact of the training on practice have always drawn positive responses, with practitioners citing the importance of the course to their work with parents.  As a result, baby massage (in a group or 1:1) is a universal postnatal support available to parents and babies in Highland and forms a key part of our early years and parent support strategies. NHS Highland has developed good practice guidelines that require anyone offering instruction to parents to have satisfactorily completed training by the Scottish School of Child & Baby Massage.

— Julia Nelson, Health Development Officer - Early Years Highland Council Inverness.

“For us, baby massage has been found to be of immediate value for those mothers who are suffering from post-natal depression. In the relaxed environment of the classes they can share their feelings with the other parents and us as class teachers, feelings and parenting issues they have felt too shy or awkward about or, of little value to bother with an appointment for. These classes have created important opportunities for parents to meet and develop support networks with each other which in turn has been vital in helping with their confidance and sense of well-being”

-Health Visiting Team, Fife Council

“Things I have enjoyed most :

• Having time out of a busy work schedule to enjoy a relaxing, calming session.

• Creating the right environment and atmosphere.

• Lovely to see mums relaxing into it and becoming more confident.

• Beautiful moments between babies and mum.

• Passing on a skill that parents can use to enhance their relationship with baby and use throughout the rest of their lives”

 -Family Support Worker, Sure Start Team, Northumberland.

“I have been meaning to make contact for some time as I wanted to tell how  much your training has enhanced my work and how much I love teaching Baby Massage. I offer baby massage courses as often as I can and have found that I am incorporating it into my other roles .

It is so satisfying to see Mothers find their own innate way of making contact with their Babies and witness the building of confidence in the flowing strokes that they do. Thank you for teaching me so that I can help Mothers and Babies in this beautiful and sensitive way."

 - Family Support Worker, Herefordshire

"As a Family Support Worker with Circle Scotland, I run various early years groups. Baby Massage was area that I was keen to develop. Tammy McLellan was recommended to me by a few colleagues in North Edinburgh area.

The course for me was pitched at an excellent level, where I was able to grasp the practical strokes required for baby massage, as well as receiving the quality literature and vital research that underpins this practice.

The 2-day course provided ample opportunity to practice and learn the pressure that is required for the various strokes in the massage, as well as a Tammy providing a wealth of knowledge and experience from research and her own case studies. All the literature and notes that are required to start your own Baby Massage sessions are provided.

I was personally inspired by this training as Tammy is welcoming, friendly and approachable. She is passionate about Baby Massage and the benefits to parent and baby. Tammy’s energy and enthusiasm transpires to everyone making it a unique, holistic learning experience. "

-Circle Scotland, Edinburgh

“Both days were very relaxed and calming.  I really appreciated the friendly attitude and how welcoming you were”

-Social Worker, Fife Council

Tammy's manner is very relaxed and warm. She really gives you an understanding of the restorative benefits of baby massage and inspiration to introduce massage to as many parents /children as possible - Wonderful !"

- Midwife, Edinburgh