This past year has been a challenging year for new mums. Many have been robbed of their maternity leave – this is not what they imagined. They thought they would be enjoying numerous baby activities, endless coffee afternoons at Costa, meeting lots of like-minded mums and making new life long friends. Instead it’s been a lonely and isolating time.
Babies are only babies for a finite time – they grow, become mobile. For some baby classes, like baby massage and baby yoga, it can be too late – they’re crawling and bang, that opportunity has passed. Many mums were Zoomed out from their own work and didn’t want to take classes online. It’s quite hard work, it’s certainly not as relaxing as being together, but for some, it gave them structure to their day, even their week. The only chance to actually speak with another mum, another person outside of their household. Plus the added benefit learning new something to help their baby, which for some, was desperately needed and they were grateful.
Preparations are underway for reopening – given the studio a freshen up with a coat of paint. There’s been a sense of reluctance to promote or even take bookings in fear of having to cancel or move online again. We’ve now had more reassurance that the government roadmap is on track and we can start from the 12th. Finally our little industry is recognised and mentioned, in print and on screen, that parents and baby groups can resume! Wow. Clarity for those classes for mums ran by mums, generally seen as the lowest of the activity pecking order.
I resume the week of the 19th April, after the school Easter holidays and I’ve been getting a good steady pace of bookings as mums are gaining confidence with booking. The sense of excitement when they contact me, from them and me, that they can get out to an activity and perhaps with less apprehension as Covid cases decline and feel safe to bring their baby. I’ve been vaccinated and will take regular tests to ensure safety of the mums as well as the usual safety protocols. I’ve only ran two in-person courses over the past year – I’m a bit nervous being back out there teaching with a real crowd in front of me. Need to make sure my patter is ready again! I need to be fully prepared and not just switch the laptop on and throw my mat down.
All through this turbulent time, we, as service providers, have to show that we are confident and there to support others, when ourselves have felt very quite low, wondering how and when we’ll ever get back. We now need to be excited, regardless of our fear. We are motivated because we want to get back properly doing what we love and what we do best, plus, we need to earn money again. We’ve been hit quite hard. But deep down, no matter how excited we are, there is a sense trepidation and fear of what is round the corner. Are we really heading out of this? Will there be a third wave? I’ve learnt to take one day, or rather one course, at a time, not to plan too far ahead and be thankful we’re doing OK. If I can get another course completed in-person…great.
Nobody knows what’s going to happen tomorrow, we try not to show, how frightened we are. You’ve got to believe it will be alright in the end, you’ve got to believe it will be alright again….as Duran Duran once said… What Happens Tomorrow (2004)
Baby Massage Course to be announced soon!
