Learn to Massage Your Baby
...a special way to bond with your baby

What is Infant Massage?

Infant massage is a parent tradition within many ancient cultures that has been rediscovered and adapted to the western world.
 
Research conducted through the Touch Research Institutes at the University of Miami School of Medicine confirms the importance of a secure environment and nurturing touch in the healthy growth, development and maturation of children (Tifffany Field, Ph.D.)  Numerous other studies have also shown the many developmental benefits of positive contact as part of baby’s early life.
 
Infant massage is clearly one of the most natural and pleasant methods of providing this early nurturing contact.

Benefits of Massage for Babies

• Relaxes child and helps to decrease stress for you and your baby
• Relieves discomfort from constipation, gas, and colic
• Helps normalize muscle tone and improve blood circulation
• Helps baby sleep better (and, therefore, parents sleep better!)
• Stimulates brain development and improved sensory awareness
• Babies cry less, as the parent is more responsive to baby’s cues
• Promotes bonding and attachment

Benefits of Infant Massage for Parents and Caregivers

• Caregivers report feeling more comfortable and confident in their ability to care for baby.
• Parents learn to understand and respond to baby’s cues.
• Parents learn techniques to soothe and comfort their babies.
• Provides an additional avenue for close and nurturing contact.
• Provides special baby-focused time for mothers, fathers, and caregivers.

A number of important elements help form the bond between parent and child.   These include sharing eye-to-eye contact and skin-to-skin contact, facial expressions, soothing sounds, cuddling, and smell. 
 
Infant massage incorporates these critical elements of bonding and provides a special time that fosters mutual love, compassion, and respect. 
 
Learn to massage your baby and enjoy the many benefits.
 
Pediatric Therapy, Inc. is excited to offer parent classes for Infant Massage.
 
Instructor:
All courses are provided by a Certified Educator of Infant Massage (CEIM) who received training through Infant Massage USA. 
 
Enrollment:
Babies less than 12 months old (Birth to 6 months is optimum) and 1 or 2 parents/caregivers.
 
*Note: other children or siblings may not attend class with the baby and parent. Parents need to be able to devote their complete attention to learning the massage techniques with the infant.
 
Classes:
60-90 minute classes 1 time per week for 5 weeks.
See Calendar of Events for upcoming classes.  
Registration fee reserves your spot.  Space is limited.  Call for registration information.
 
Cost:  $125 (registration fee) for 5 week class, payable in full, in advance.