Student spotlight: Kimberley



Some of our Student Spotlights were first published quite some years ago now. In this one, we return to meet Kimberley Boyd, who's previously studied baby massage and baby yoga with To Baby and Beyond, and has gone on to become a tutor for us!
Kimberley continues to use her To Baby and Beyond training in a variety of ways alongside other skills she's gained in recent years. Read on for an insight into Kimberley's fascinating worklife.
Nice to meet you Kimberley...


Name: Kimberley Boyd

Lives: Lincolnshire

What do you teach? Baby massage and baby yoga

How long have you been an instructor?  I have been doing baby massage for over 10 years! (Where did that go?!) And baby yoga for about 10 years. I have also been an instructor trainer for To Baby and Beyond for the about 8 years and have trained hundreds of instructors around the country.

What made you want to become an instructor? I did baby massage with my youngest daughter and it helped her so much with colic/reflux. After doing a couple of classes in my area funding was cut meaning there were no classes available, so this made me want to train so I could bring the classes back for other parents to access.

Have you always been an instructor? My background prior to this was in early years settings but since starting my own business doing baby massage and yoga I have grown and developed lots in a different direction. I am now a birth and postnatal doula, hypnobirthing instructor and a womens' emotional health coach - I have such a passion for supporting women at each stage of their journey into and throughout motherhood.
 
What's your favourite part of your job? I love the variety, each session is different, and I love meeting new parents weekly, seeing their confidence grow with their babies over the weeks and watching the babies develop too, and when a parent tells me of the positive effects it has had on them it’s just amazing to share this skill and be a part of that.

How do you keep your skills up to date? 
I feel I am forever learning and growing and continuous CPD is hugely important for my job and I enjoy doing it. I have a large collection of books! The Pinter & Martin “why it matters” series are my some of my favourites and are highly informative. I feel working with families we can meet a wide variety of complex needs and issues they are seeking support for and while we are not meant to know everything, knowing where they can find the right support or correct information is vital. 

The To Baby and Beyond instructors forum is also great for sharing ideas and bouncing off other instructors! 

What qualities do you think are important in a yoga/massage instructor? 
I think you need to love what you do, believe in what you do and be confident in what you do. My parents always say I have a calm and sensitive nature but also a good sense of humour which puts them at ease coming to my classes. I also think you need to be organised and professional; you are your best advert so don't ever let that slip. The ability to think on your feet too and be prepared for the unexpected! 

What benefits do you derive from yoga/⁠⁠massage?
 I get job satisfaction from seeing and hearing people have enjoyed my classes, and knowing I have given them the skills to use at home with their babies for months/years to come. I also benefit during the yoga class from a little workout myself! Toning my muscles etc as I demonstrate the poses, and I find the breathe work and relaxation is good for my own wellbeing too.


Have you learnt anything surprising about baby massage/yoga? 
I think just the way that each baby responds differently to the strokes in massage/poses in yoga - what one baby will love another may dislike. 

What's your top tip for ⁠⁠massage/⁠⁠yoga? Be open minded, give everything a go (more than just once if possible), relax and have fun. 

Have you had an amusing experiences in your work as an instructor? Many! I’ve had mums go home with wet trousers from being weed on, I had a baby poo down his mum’s white top as she picked him up for a cuddle, someone has split their trousers during yoga and I once fell over as I lost my balance during the tree pose! Funny when you look back but not at the time!! They are just a few: there’s been loads!

Who would you most like to teach on one of your courses? Holly Willoughby - I love her and I feel I have so much in common with her (our love for the moon & crystals for one!). I just think she would be a pleasure to teach. Also Kate Lawler, she’s one of my favourite Instagram accounts I follow and she’s just hilarious - she would brighten up a class! 

Thanks Kimberley. Want to see more about Kimberley's work? You can find her online in the places below:

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