Launching September 2026 · Kigali

Give your baby the
best possible start.

Held to Thrive is bringing gentle, guided baby classes to young families in Kigali. This is open to anyone caring for a baby — whether it's your first or your fifth, whether you're Rwandan or an expat, whether you're a parent, a grandparent, a cousin, or a nanny. We're not open for booking just yet — register your interest and be the first to know when classes go live.

Register Your Interest What is baby massage?
Nath Gbikpi, founder of Held to Thrive
Held to Thrive

Held now, thriving later.

Held to Thrive was born from the belief that every child deserves the best possible start in life, and every carer deserves the confidence to nurture that journey. Held to Thrive exists to support families by creating calm, welcoming baby classes where parents and carers can slow down, spend meaningful focused time with their baby, and build confidence through shared experiences. Our classes are designed to offer practical skills, opportunities for connection, and a supportive community where families can learn from one another as they navigate early parenthood together. The classes also aim to support babies' early development.

Held to Thrive is starting with baby massage in Kigali — small, hands-on classes that give parents and carers a confident, calming way to bond with their babies from the very first weeks. Baby massage has a long tradition across Sub-Saharan Africa, one that's quietly faded in younger generations — Held to Thrive is a chance to bring it back.

Nath massaging a baby outdoors
Baby Massage — launching September 2026
More classes for babies & toddlers down the line — stay tuned
Nath Gbikpi
Your instructor

Hi, I'm Nath.

I'm a mum of three under five. I have Burundian, Togolese and French heritage, yet I've never lived in any of these countries — I was born and raised in Italy, before moving to the UK for university, and ended up staying for 18 years.

My family and I are now relocating to Kigali, because I believe it takes a village to raise children, and that village is here. The move is also a chance for me to contribute to the homeland.

I'm an immigration lawyer by training, and I love that work, so it will continue. However, Held to Thrive comes from somewhere else: during my own maternity leaves, baby classes were so important for my wellbeing — a reason to get out, meet other parents, and have some kind of routine. Baby massage was my favourite, because it gave me skills I kept using with my babies long after the class ended. So I decided to train as a baby massage instructor, and I'm now qualified to teach parents and carers baby massage with their infants.

Bringing baby massage to Kigali feels especially meaningful — baby massage has a long tradition across Sub-Saharan Africa, one that's quietly faded in younger generations.

I want Held to Thrive to be a space where parents and carers — grandparents, aunties, uncles, siblings, cousins, nannies, and more — can learn new skills, meet others at the same stage, and give their babies the best possible start.

  • Instructor Certificate in Baby Massage, IPHM (International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine) accredited
Our first class

Baby Massage

Touch is a baby's first language. Baby massage is a gentle and enjoyable way of connecting with your baby through nurturing touch. During our classes, you'll learn a series of massage strokes that you can keep using at home to help boost your baby's immune system, support your baby's early development and emotional security, strengthen your bond, and become more confident in responding to your baby's cues.

A 5-week guided course, plus 1:1 private sessions for families who'd like a more personal pace. Full details on venue, dates and pricing will be shared once we launch in September 2026.

1

Bonding, deepened

Structured touch gives you a confident, repeatable way to connect with your baby every single day. Massage also increases oxytocin, the "bonding hormone" linked to trust and love.

2

Calmer bodies, calmer minds

Massage can support digestion, sleep, and settling — and helps babies (and parents) regulate together.

3

Support for physical development

Massage stimulates the circulatory and lymphatic systems, encouraging healthy growth, joint mobility, and improved muscle tone.

4

Emotional security

Touch helps babies feel safe, supported, and emotionally secure.

5

Stronger immune function

Massage can help boost immunity, particularly in premature or low-birth-weight babies.

Group course

5-Week Course

One class a week, five weeks total, in a small group setting so you'll get personal attention while meeting other parents in Kigali.

  • Held once weekly for 5 weeks
  • Small group (limited spots per course)
  • Take-home routine to practise between classes
Private session

1:1 Private Session

A session just for you and your baby — ideal if group timings don't work, or you'd like a more personal pace.

  • Scheduled at a time that suits you
  • Fully tailored to your baby's age & needs
  • Great as a refresher after the group course
Baby massage — back stroke
Baby massage — tummy stroke
Baby massage — feet
Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Baby massage can be done at any age at home. However, in classes, we welcome babies from 6 weeks old to around 6 months.

We suggest baby massage for babies around 6 months old and under, when they're not too mobile yet. We're hoping to bring classes for older babies and toddlers in the future, so stay tuned — register your interest and we'll let you know as soon as there's something for your little one.

Each class lasts around 45 minutes, in a relaxed and welcoming environment. We'll learn a different part of the massage routine each week, giving you plenty of time to practise with your baby. There is never any rush — we follow the babies' lead, so you're always welcome to feed, cuddle, change nappies, or respond to your baby in any way you need.

You will! In class, I demonstrate each massage stroke on a doll, and you then massage your own baby yourself, at your own pace, with guidance along the way.

Absolutely nothing! Babies cry, and that's completely expected. There is never any pressure for your baby to complete the massage, and we always encourage parents to respond to their baby's needs first.

That's perfectly fine too. You can just sit and relax, watching the class. You'll have material you can look at after the class to practise on your baby.

Life with a baby is unpredictable! Don't worry if you're running late or miss a class. There are materials you can review to catch up on what you missed so that you can continue enjoying the course.

You'll receive more details when you're booked into a class, but you won't need much other than: a towel or blanket for your baby to lie on; anything your baby might need during the session, such as nappies, wipes, milk, or their favourite toy; and oil (which can also be provided for an additional fee).

Baby massage can help with common baby ailments such as colic and teething. However, I am not a medical professional. If your baby has a medical condition or specific health needs, please let me know before the course begins so we can discuss whether any adaptations are needed. There are also occasions when massage should be postponed, such as if your baby has a fever or is unwell.

Yes. We warmly welcome all carers, including fathers, grandparents, other family members, or nannies.

Use the form further down this page — leave your details and your baby's age, and we'll reach out directly once venue, dates and pricing are confirmed.

I'd love to hear from you. If your question isn't answered here, please get in touch via email or Instagram, and I'll be happy to help.

From real parents

What parents are saying

During my training, I taught real classes to a small group of parents in London. Here's what one of them shared.

"

I really enjoyed Nath's baby massage course. Nath is knowledgeable about babies and their bodies, what they like and dislike, and there are some fun songs to sing to your baby during the classes.

My baby was stimulated during the class then dropped straight to sleep afterwards, so I could go out for a nice lunch. It's a great way to spend some protected quality time with your little one. Nath creates a calm and relaxing atmosphere and each session starts with a bit of meditation for the mothers too.

I strongly recommend this course as a must-do while on maternity leave — you and your little one will love it!

EmilyTraining cohort, London

Where every baby is held to thrive.

Register your interest

Be first to know when we launch.

Classes launch in September 2026. Leave your details and your baby's date of birth or due date, and I'll reach out directly as soon as venue, dates and pricing are confirmed — no obligation to book.

Instagram@heldtothrive