Student Spotlight: Billie Callan — Baby Massage Instructor, Yateley

What made you want to become an instructor?

“I've always worked with children, since I left college (I studied childcare and have a level 3 in childcare and education) until 2 and a half years ago. I took some time off to be a stay-at-home mum and I loved every minute but my son is off to preschool so I wanted to get back into the working world. My friend actually went to a baby massage class with her daughter and I saw how much they both benefited from the class and she raved about the difference it had made. It was like a light bulb moment: I realised how lovely it would be to help new mums and their babies and make a difference to them so I got the ball rolling as soon as I got home!”

Have you always been an instructor?

“I think I've worked every job possible to do with children, from party entertainer to preschools and nurseries. My most recent job was running a child minding business alongside my mum, so baby massage was definitely within my comfort zone.”

Why did you choose To Baby and Beyond for your training?

“I researched online and To Baby and Beyond had the most informative and clear website. I also loved that I could distance learn around my family, and I completed all my course work from my phone during nap times!”

What did you like best about the training?

“I loved how easy the whole course is to follow; the work is given in stages and you have contact with your tutor throughout. Jess (my tutor) was amazing and helped me so much and was always so quick to reply. I really enjoyed the course and would recommend to anyone!”

What's your favourite part of your job?

“I love the feeling of bringing mums together; being a mum can sometimes be challenging so watching the mums chatting together about the ups and downs and laughing and sympathising with each other is really lovely. And, of course, the positive feedback from the mums telling you how much the class has helped. It's so rewarding and always brings a smile to my face.”

How do you keep your skills up to date?

“Julie holds webinars and they are amazing — you can watch them live or you can watch at a time that suits you. They are so informative and helpful. I also read a lot.”

Do you have any favourite websites that you use?

“I don't but, again, Julie has a brilliant Facebook group for baby massage instructors to chat together. We ask each other advice or ideas on what works best for our classes.”

What qualities do you think are important in a baby massage instructor?

“I feel being friendly and welcoming is so important. Classes can be daunting and some mums are really stepping out of their comfort zone. Also relaxed but organised; you want your class to feel well informed and in good hands but you also want them to relax and be in the moment.”

What benefits do you derive from baby massage?

“I smiled the whole way through my case studies; it doesn't feel like work! I felt so happy and relaxed. Baby massage is fun and rewarding.”

Have you learnt anything surprising about baby massage?

“I was pleasantly surprised to discover how many dads are interested in baby massage and rightly so; I think it's great! I fully welcome and encourage dads to all my classes.”

What's your top tip for baby massage?

Have you had any amusing experiences in your work as an instructor?

“A few times the mums have mistaken the massage doll for a real baby! One mum was horrified when her baby tried to crawl over the doll; she thought it was one of the babies! She couldn't stop giggling for the rest of the class!” 😄

Who would you most like to teach on one of your courses?

“I would love to teach The Duchess of Cambridge. Kate seems so maternal and natural with her children, and I would love to see more of that side of her. I think she is so empowering and inspirational to women and mothers but I would love to see her dressed down enjoying a sing along!”