Infant massage is the practice of massaging babies from a few weeks old to pre-crawling (ideally). The ancient practice of infant massage dates back thousands of years ago to 1500 BC and possibly even earlier, a common daily ritual in Asian and African cultures. Massage should be practiced throughout childhood and beyond.
There are countless benefits of infant massage not only for the infant but also for the parents/caregivers, family, and society. Benefits to the infant include:
>> Interaction (nurturing touch, bonding, verbal/nonverbal communication, quality time, using all of the senses, pre-language communication skills).
>> Stimulation (circulatory system, digestive system, immune system, lymphatic system; language development, muscular development and tone, growth, mind/body awareness).
>> Relief (gas and colic, constipation and eliminations, excess mucus, growing pains, sensitivity to touch).
>> Relaxation (Improved sleep patterns, increased flexibility, being clam, ability to calm self, reduction of stress hormones, higher levels of dopamine).
>> Massage changes the DNA expression of baby and transforms his or her brain. How powerful!
Ideally, 4 weeks to pre crawling is the desired age as massage is easier when infants are not mobile. However, massage and positive touch is critical at all ages of our lives so adjustments can be made for the growing child.
Absolutely! You are performing the massage using gentle gliding yet firm strokes. Baby is not receiving a deep tissue massage.
Each class is about 60 minutes long, give or take, based on number of participants, pace of the diad, baby’s mood, questions, discussion, etc.
The class series is 2-3 consecutive sessions with a virtual course to take home for quick and easy access.
Ideally, 5-7 diads is a great size class given the chaotic nature of babies, their moods, and their schedules.
As much as I would love to massage the baby, only the attending parent/caregiver can provide the massage. Our role is to provide coaching and instruction but not to provide the massage ourselves so as not to interfere with the essential bonding between the parent and child.
Yes, definitely. You can certainly bring along a friend or family member but the guest would be in a supportive role and the massage should be performed by the parents (or grandparents).
All babies are welcome no matter the mood or stage. This is a baby led class and they are our teachers. It’s difficult to schedule class times at the best time for each baby so there is no telling how your baby will be feeling. Taking breaks to feed, cuddle, or hold your baby, so that they have a positive experience, is encouraged.
Yes! A virtual course with lifetime access along with a massage bottle of organic, vegetable oil will be provided so that infant massage at home can begin immediately.