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) websitehttps://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 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
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.
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.