infant massage
instruction for parents
Infant massage is an opportunity for you, the caregiver (mother, father, grandparent, nanny, etc.), to offer your baby a soothing experience to help with their developing bodies. It fosters deep bonding between you and your baby and has positive effects for the caregiver including reduced stress, increased confidence, ability to read cues, and a greater connection to your baby. Specific techniques taught in the Loving Touch method can help support the baby in relaxation, stimulation, relief with digestion/elimination/gas, bonding and attachment, communication, growth and growing pains, circulation, and much more.
Infant massage lessons are taught by a Certified Infant Massage Instructor (CIMI), demonstrating the strokes on a doll while you give the massage to your infant (if present) or on a doll for practice. Lessons can be given while pregnant to encourage bonding prenatally and to be prepared to begin gentle massage right after birth. It is never too late to begin massaging your child! Partners, other caregivers in your baby’s life, and older siblings are welcome to attend these lessons.
Organic unscented natural fruit oil (coconut, avocado, etc.) is used to perform the massage on the baby’s legs & feet, tummy, chest, arms & hands, face, and back. A small bottle of massage oil as well as an instructional booklet will be provided. Techniques include rubbing, rolling, kneading, tapping, and pressing at a moderate pressure.
why infant massage?
Touch is vital to human growth and development. Research shows that babies who are touched and massaged frequently gain weight faster, sleep better, have reduced colic, and meet milestones sooner.
Relief
Through infant massage babies can experience relief from symptoms of gas, constipation, reflux, teething, growing pains, and well-child shots.
Stimulation
Infant massage can stimulate development for babies growing bodies to help support tummy time, eye contact and visual tracking. The more energizing strokes can be used to stretch out a wake window, encourage vocalizations, and increase attention and interaction during the massage.
Relaxation
Infants often are ready for a good nap right after their daytime massage, or this activity can be skillfully placed after a bath and before bedtime! The relaxation of their muscles helps to encourage quality sleep which is so vital to their developing brains.
Bonding & Attachment
The special time spent during infant massage can help create a secure attachment and establish a trusting relationship between baby and caregiver. Parents feel more connected to their baby and more confident in reading their baby’s cues - when they want more or less of something, when they are overstimulated, when they are happy and content, when they need you to pay attention to something, etc.
rates
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For up to 4 families.
4 sessions are recommended to fully learn and implement the strokes and techniques, as babies are usually not able to tolerate the entire sequence on the first session. 1-2 lessons can be done while pregnant then 2-4 once the baby arrives!
Private and small group (up to 4 families) are held within my massage room at Golden Door in Brentwood, MO. If you have a larger group or need in-home lessons please reach out to me directly for scheduling.
