Gentle Touch · Deeper Bond

Expert baby massage for newborns to toddlers. Nurture your little one's wellbeing and deepen your bond through the power of gentle touch.

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West Pier, Dún Laoghaire Harbour

A calm harbour
for you and baby.

Harbour Haven was born from a belief that every baby deserves a gentle, nurturing start and every parent deserves the confidence to provide it. Nestled in Dún Laoghaire, our sessions take place in a warm, peaceful space just moments from the sea.

We use evidence-based infant massage techniques to support your baby's development, ease common discomforts, and strengthen the bond between you. Whether you're a first-time parent or welcoming a second, you are in safe and caring hands.

Á
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Meet Áine
Dempsey.

IAIM Certified Infant Massage Instructor, Dún Laoghaire

Áine holds a degree in Early Childhood Education, is a certified infant massage instructor through the International Association of Infant Massage, and is currently completing a postgraduate in Play Therapy. But her background goes well beyond the classroom.

She has spent years working in early years settings, including crèche management, and currently works supporting families in homeless services. It is work that takes real care and patience, and it shapes how she approaches every family that comes through the door at Harbour Haven.

Áine started Harbour Haven because she saw, first hand, what gentle touch can do for babies and for parents finding their feet. She wanted to create a space where families could slow down, feel supported, and leave with something genuinely useful.

No two babies are the same. No two families are the same. Every session with Áine reflects that.

Tiny touch,
big benefits.

Better Sleep

Massage relaxes the nervous system, helping babies settle into longer, more restful sleep cycles.

Stronger Bonding

Skin-to-skin touch releases oxytocin in both parent and baby, deepening attachment and trust.

Digestive Relief

Gentle abdominal strokes ease colic, gas, and constipation, which are common discomforts for newborns.

Brain Development

Stimulating touch supports neurological development, sensory awareness, and motor skills.

Immune Boost

Regular massage stimulates the lymphatic system, supporting your baby's natural immune defences.

Parent Confidence

Áine teaches you techniques to use at home so the calm continues long after your session ends.

The 6-Week Foundation Course.

One course. Six weeks. A lifetime of calm.

A complete introduction to baby massage, designed to give parents the knowledge, technique, and confidence to make it a lasting part of family life. Each week builds on the last, following your baby's cues and your growing comfort.

€180 for the full 6-week course

What's included

Six weekly sessions of 60 minutes each
All natural oils and materials provided
Weekly take-home notes and techniques
Small group setting, maximum 6 families
Ongoing support from Áine between sessions
A routine you can carry on at home for good

Week by week

Week 1Introduction to touch and consent. Legs and feet.
Week 2Tummy strokes. Colic and digestive relief techniques.
Week 3Chest and upper body. Supporting the respiratory system.
Week 4Arms, hands and face. Building full body awareness.
Week 5Back massage and relaxation sequences.
Week 6Full routine from head to toe. Building your daily practice.

What to expect.

No experience needed. Here is exactly how it works.

1
Arrive and settleYou will be welcomed into a warm, calm space. There is no rush. Time is built in for you and baby to settle.
2
A chat with ÁineÁine will check in on how baby is doing, note any sensitivities, and walk you through what the session involves.
3
The massageUsing natural oils and gentle, evidence-based strokes, Áine works through each area at baby's pace, pausing and adjusting as needed.
4
Take it homeYou will leave with techniques to practise at home and notes from Áine. Most babies sleep beautifully afterwards.

What to bring

Nappies and a changing mat
A muslin or small blanket
A spare outfit for baby
Any usual feeds, breast or bottle
A comfy outfit you don't mind getting oil on
Your questions. There are no silly ones.

Good to know

Sessions follow baby's cues, not the clock
Crying is completely normal and expected
You are always present throughout
Natural, fragrance-free oils are always used

You might be
wondering...

Baby massage is suitable from around 4 to 6 weeks old, once the umbilical cord has healed. There is no upper age limit. Áine will adapt every session to suit your baby's stage of development.
Completely normal, and nothing to worry about. Babies communicate through crying. Áine reads baby's cues throughout and will pause, settle, and resume at baby's pace. Sessions are never rushed.
None at all. The course is designed to teach you everything from the very beginning. You will leave each week feeling more confident and more connected to your baby.
Yes, with appropriate adaptations. Research shows that gentle touch is particularly beneficial for premature babies. Please mention this when booking so Áine can tailor the sessions accordingly.
Absolutely, and it is encouraged. Baby massage is a powerful bonding tool for all caregivers. Partners, grandparents, and other family members are always welcome.
Life with a baby can be unpredictable. If you miss a session, Áine will do her best to carry you through the content the following week and will share notes so you do not miss out.

What parents say.

★★★★★

"Our daughter used to cry through every evening. After just a few sessions bedtime completely transformed. I wish we had found Harbour Haven sooner."

S
Sophie M.
Mum to Isla, 4 months
★★★★★

"The course gave me so much confidence. I now massage Theo every night and it has become my favourite part of the day. Áine is incredibly knowledgeable and warm."

J
James T.
Dad to Theo, 7 months
★★★★★

"Áine was so patient and put us completely at ease. Within a week the evening crying had eased so much. A genuinely brilliant course for any new parent."

R
Rachel and Dan K.
Parents to twins, 3 months

Ready to begin
your journey?

Book a place on the next course or ask Áine anything.

Location Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin
Phone 087 XXX XXXX
Email hello@harbourhaven.ie

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