About Infant Massage

In many cultures, the practice of infant massage is passed down from generation to generation. Infant massage helps to foster bonding and attachment, verbal and non-verbal communication, love, respect, trust and belonging among many other things. Infant massage may help to reduce gas, colic, constipation and may influence relaxation by reducing stress hormones.

Baby Bumps and Beyond classes are for parents with infants 12 months and under

Infant massage classes offer a wonderful opportunity for you to learn how to communicate with your baby through nurturing touch and massage.

Infant massage can help:

Strengthen parent-child communication
Boost self esteem and confidence in parenting
Enhance your understanding of baby’s development
Relax parent and baby
Encourage a deeper sleep for baby
Relieve gas, colic and constipation
Develop muscle tone and co-ordination

For more information on the benefits of infant massage please refer to the International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM) website https://iaim.net/benefits/

What to expect in our class

In this course you will learn

The basics of infant massage philosophy and techniques
Learn and practice massage strokes for legs, feet, stomach, chest, arms, hands, face and back
Gentle movements and touch relaxation
Techniques that help with gas, colic and constipation
The best time to massage your baby and for how long to massage your baby
What massage oil to use
How to adapt the massage strokes for your baby’s individual needs and the growing child
Infant cues, reflexes and behavioural states

What to expect during each session

The instructor will demonstrate infant massage strokes on a doll
Parents will massage their babies during the class (don’t worry if your baby is sleeping, practice on a doll, a teddy bear or just watch)
Support person/fathers are encouraged to join. You can practice on your baby while your support person uses a doll or teddy bear
Each session will focus on infant massage strokes for a different body part, we will also review theory and behavioural responses of babies
All babies are welcome, don’t worry if your baby cries, needs to be fed or needs a diaper change during the class. Babies are our teachers, and so we always attend to their needs during the class.

What you will need for the session

Wear comfortable clothing
Have a small bottle of any type of vegetable oil (high-quality (preferably organic), unscented, cold-pressed vegetable oil)
Have a yoga mat, diaper change pad or blanket
We ask that camera’s be kept on so that instructors can help modify strokes as needed
No video recording is allowed during the session

Class handouts Included in the course

IAIM Infant Massage Strokes
Gentle movements
Massage for the relief of colic/gas
Behavioural states chart
Information about oils
Suggestions for the older child
Listening to babies

The Parent is the Expert

At the center of the IAIM training program are the parents and their babies. The parent is seen as the expert in their baby’s needs, and the babies themselves are considered the best teachers. In infant massage classes, Certified Infant Massage Instructors demonstrate massage strokes on a doll and share information on other forms of touch and communication, such as facial cues, body language, and vocalizations. While parents work with their babies, the CIMI focuses on enhancing the relationship between parent and baby

Our Infant Massage Class is led by an IAIM Certified Instructor of Infant Massage (CIMIs) (currently certifying). IAIM is the largest and most experienced infant massage organization globally, with more than 70 countries. All IAIM infant massage instructors throughout the world receive a comprehensive program of practical and theoretical training. IAIM Certified Instructors of Infant Massage (CIMIs) share the belief that every baby deserves respect, tenderness, warmth, and a listening heart. Infant massage is a communication process that parents and babies share, which promotes these values.

The IAIM Program is evidence-based and the principles are supported by many professional organizations and world authorities. See www.iaim.net for more information.