| Benefits
of Infant Massage:
Infant massage offers an invaluable
opportunity for parents to bond with their baby. The baby will learn to
recognize the gentle touch, eye contact, verbal exchange, laughter and
engagement of these one-on-one sessions. These experiences establish a
foundation for trust, affection and healthy relationships with the parents
and/or caregiver.
Infant massage nurtures
compassionate touch through:
· Eye to eye communication
· Skin to skin communication
· Sound recognition and vocalization
· Scent recognition
Eye to eye contact
allows the baby to recognize the physical attributes of the person who
is offering him or her this positive experience. The baby has the opportunity
to read and understand the parent’s expressions, hence, promoting
language development. The positive interaction helps the baby develop
self-esteem and confidence by feeling the loved and attended to.
Skin to skin contact
assists in the release of the hormones in the baby, creating an environment
of positive physical awareness. The baby feels comforted, nurtured, and
loved.
Sound recognition and vocalization
increases the presence of an automatic response, offering the baby a sense
of familiarity and security. It
enhances consistency and trust and builds a foundation of trust and mutual
respect.
Scent recognition
enables the baby to use his or her innate ability to recognize the parents
and/or loved one through sense of smell. The baby will learn to associate
scent with the action of infant massage and precious bonding time.
Classes are available
for:
- Private couples and single parents
- Large groups
- Hospital staff/In-services
- Grandparents
- Surrogate parents
- Siblings
- Foster parents
- Step-parents
- Caregivers
- Certificates for Baby Shower gifts
Research Supports Infant
Massage:
Today, we know through research
that infant massage is providing the following physiological benefits
for infants:
- Increased strength and
regulation in respiratory, circulatory, and gastrointestinal functions;
- Improved muscle tone and
motor skills
- Soothing stimulation to
the developing nervous system, sensory nerves, and motor nerves;
- Stimulation to the growing
brain cells; influencing mental development;
- Healing effects on birth
trauma by soothing strained or pulled muscles;
- Enhanced infant sense of
touch;
- Relief from daily stress
that builds up from new encounters;
- Relief from gas pain caused
by colic.
Massage also provides
the following psychological benefits for infants and parents:
- Enhanced nurturing of the
parent-infant relationship to promote bonding;
- Promotion of a healthy
body awareness and self-image;
- Encouragement of parents
to relax and focus on their babies;
- Increased confidence in
parents as caregivers.
Classes include:
- Research, Science and Videos
- Guided strokes and instruction
- Bonding and attachment
- Strokes on YOUR baby
- Handouts and reading material
Infant Massage Instruction
is 4 hours, offered in four one hour sessions
This “age old”
tradition has been in place since the beginning of time, and has traditionally
been passed down from generation to generation, or from mother to baby.
Ancient civilizations believed the promotion of health and well-being
was achieved by rubbing, stroking, and gently kneading of the body. This
practice applied to the babies as well.
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