Hi, I’m Inês
I'm a mum and the founder of Puffin Nesting.
As a Baby Massage Instructor, I support families in creating calm, meaningful moments of connection through the gentle power of nurturing touch.
My own journey into motherhood taught me that every parent deserves to feel heard, supported, and empowered. Through Puffin Nesting, I create a calm and welcoming space where families can slow down, connect through nurturing touch, and grow in confidence together.
Alongside my work as a certified Baby Massage Instructor, my background as a nurse in maternity care and youth healthcare has shaped the way I support families – with evidence-informed knowledge, empathy, and a deep understanding of infant development and family wellbeing. My ongoing training in Nurture Neuroscience continues to expand my knowledge of early relationships and child development.
I believe that some of the most meaningful moments between a parent and their baby are found in the simple moments of everyday connection—and that nurturing those moments can lay the foundation for a confident and connected relationship.
The Heart Behind Puffin Nesting
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When my son was born, he cried… a lot.
Like many new parents, I found myself navigating the intensity of those early days—feeling tired, overwhelmed, and searching for ways to better understand and support my baby.
I discovered that, beyond meeting his physical needs, there was a deeper language between us: connection through presence, observation, and touch.
That experience sparked a passion for understanding infant behaviour, emotional development, and the unique relationship between babies and their parents.
One of the most meaningful discoveries on that journey was baby massage.
What began as a way to comfort my son became something much deeper. Through nurturing touch, I discovered a new way to communicate with him, strengthen our bond, and create moments of calm and connection together.
It showed me the power of simple, intentional moments between a parent and their baby—moments where both can feel seen, understood, and supported.
That experience became the foundation of Puffin Nesting: a welcoming space where families can slow down, connect, and grow in confidence together.
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I don't believe parents need to be perfect.
I believe they need to feel supported.
My approach is grounded in the belief that babies thrive through nurturing, responsive relationships – and that parents are best placed to understand their own baby when they feel informed, reassured, and confident.
Through baby massage, I support parents in slowing down, observing their baby's cues, and creating meaningful moments of connection through touch. My ongoing training in Nurture Neuroscience continues to deepen my understanding of early relationships, infant development, and the importance of supporting both babies and their parents.
My goal is always the same:
To help parents understand their baby with confidence, strengthen their connection, and trust their own instincts.
Because when parents feel confident and supported, they can respond to their baby with greater calm and connection.
After all, nurturing a baby begins with nurturing the parent.
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My professional background as a nurse in maternity care and youth healthcare has given me the opportunity to support families through many stages of early parenthood.
My experience includes working in maternity care, supporting parents and newborns during their first days together, as well as working within a Youth and Family Centre, where I support children from birth to four years of age and their families.
These experiences have shown me that every baby and every family is unique – and that every parent deserves to feel listened to, understood, and supported.
Wanting to deepen my understanding of infant development and the parent–baby relationship, I became a certified Baby Massage Instructor and continue to expand my knowledge through ongoing training in Nurture Neuroscience.
Baby massage offers a gentle, practical way for parents to slow down, tune into their baby, and create meaningful moments of connection through touch. It supports parents in observing and responding to their baby's cues, while enjoying calm and nurturing time together.
My ongoing learning continues to shape my approach, combining thoughtful, evidence-informed guidance with warmth, respect, and compassion.
Everything I offer through Puffin Nesting is rooted in the belief that nurturing relationships matter – and that supporting a parent is an important part of supporting a baby.
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Supporting families is both a privilege and a responsibility. I am committed to continuing my learning and developing my professional skills, so I can offer thoughtful, compassionate, and evidence-informed support.
My background as a nurse in maternity care and youth healthcare, together with my baby massage training and ongoing professional development, shapes the gentle, respectful, and evidence-informed approach at the heart of Puffin Nesting.
Professional Qualifications
👩🏻⚕️Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing: Escola Superior de Saúde da Guarda (ESSG), Portugal — graduated in 2013.
🤲 Certified Baby Massage Instructor: Level A Baby Massage Opleiding, Babymassage Nederland — certified in 2026.
Ongoing Professional Development
🧠 Nurture Neuroscience Practitioner(in training): Currently undertaking professional training in Nurture Neuroscience, led by neuroscientists Dr Greer Kirshenbaum and Dr Rocio Zunini.
My approach is grounded in both professional experience and a commitment to lifelong learning, bringing together healthcare, baby massage, and the latest insights into early relationships and child development. I believe that learning is a lifelong journey. Every family I meet, every course I take, and every new piece of research continues to shape the care and guidance I offer—always with warmth, compassion, and respect.
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Puffins are remarkable parents.
They work together to nurture their chick, returning to the same nest year after year to provide safety, comfort, and protection before encouraging their little one to explore the world.
That image of love, teamwork, and secure attachment perfectly reflects the values behind Puffin Nesting.
But the story doesn't end there.
Like many toddlers, my son absolutely loved watching Puffin Rock. As we watched the adventures of Oona, Baba, and their family together, I found myself drawn to the gentle way the series celebrates curiosity, connection, kindness, and the beauty of growing up surrounded by love.
One day, the idea of Puffin Nesting simply came to me.
From that moment, everything seemed to fall into place. What started as a simple spark quickly became a natural flow of ideas, enthusiasm, and purpose. The more I reflected on it, the more I realised that the puffin perfectly represented everything I wanted my work to stand for: nurturing relationships, secure attachment, gentle guidance, and a safe place where families can grow together.
Today, Puffin Nesting is much more than a name.
It is a reflection of my journey as a mother, my professional background and my commitment to supporting families with compassion, connection, and thoughtful care.
Because every family deserves a safe place to grow.
Have a question? 🤍
Not sure which option is right for you and your baby, or would you simply like to know a little more before booking?
You’re always welcome to reach out. I’m happy to answer your questions and help you find the support that feels right for you and your baby.