Sandie Kirk has been teaching mothers to massage their babies in Caterham for seven years and was amazed to realise this month that 700 local babies have now benefitted from her therapeutic treatment. She teaches small groups from her home in Caterham on the Hill and is enthusiastic about the rewards reaped by her clients.

"Baby Massage is great for relaxing babies and for strengthening their muscles, as well as encouraging their flexibility and coordination. It can help with colic and teething pain and help regulate their sleep patterns. What I really like about teaching is seeing the bond growing between mother and baby. When babies are really little there aren't many activities that they can actually participate in, so it's lovely for mums to be able to interact with their babies in such a hands-on way. "When I first heard people referring to me as the Baby Lady I found it funny, but I'm actually very flattered. I'm a reflexologist specialising in infertility and pregnancy, so often I see mums through conception and pregnancy. When they then bring their babies to me for Baby Massage, it's incredibly rewarding."

Touch is a vital element in the bonding between a parent and their child, particularly in the early months. Massage is one of the most intimate and fulfilling ways of nurturing and gives parents greater confidence in handling their baby.