Infant Massage

What is Infant Massage?

Infant Massage is an age-old tradition. There are artifacts depicting Infant Massage in India dating back to BC times. It is most likely to be a tradition that has been passed down from mother to child since the beginning of time.

Why would I want to practice Infant Massage?

Benefits of Infant Massage for Baby

Infant-Parent attachment or “bonding”

Relaxation

Promotes better sleep

Boosts immune system

Sensory stimulation

Improves blood circulation

Helps digestion

Balances respiration

Help waste elimination

Helps build parents’ and baby’s self-esteem

Parents learn techniques to comfort, calm and soothe their babies, creating confidence in ability to nurture and soothe

Infant Massage is one of the most natural and pleasant methods of providing this important early nurturing and an amazing tool for helping parents become closer to their babies.

Infant Massage provides these benefits in distinct ways:

Stimulation

Stimulates all the systems of the body including the:

Nervous system

Circulatory system

Respiratory System

Elimination System

Immune System

Stimulates the release of oxytocin, known as the cuddle hormone (is released in both parent and child), prolactin (promoting milk production in the mother) and other endorphins.

Reduces muscle stiffness and normalizes muscle tone

Relaxation

Helps relieve tension built up from stimulation in the baby’s environment

Helps babies handle sensory stimulation and respond in a relaxed manner

Promotes better sleep for baby

Helps regulate sleep/wake cycle

Encourages a routine in baby’s life, allowing baby to feel prepared for new/end of day

Relief

Helps tone digestive tract

Helps alleviate gas and promote elimination

Releases hormones for food absorption.

Releases endorphins, natural pain killers, to ease emotional distress

Bonding and Attachment

Infant massage draws on all the elements of bonding and attachment

Eye-to-eye contact, skin-to-skin, body scent, vocalization, taste, responsiveness

Hormones stimulated by infant massage promote bonding and attachment between parent and baby

What environment is Infant Massage done in?

Infant Massage Instruction can be done anywhere. From your living room floor, to a formal class in a studio. While baby is in the bath, to a sunny day in the park with a Mom’s group.

How can I schedule a lesson?

I continue to hold classes in Alameda quarterly. Stay tuned to my website for current information, and remember to sign up for my email list to be notified of the next series.

I am also always delighted to meet with your Mother’s (or Fathers!) group. This can be a fun way to create support for each other, learn new techniques, and even practice on each other’s babies!

Cost:

Mother’s Groups- $10 per person

Studio Lessons – $160 per series (Series are 3 consecutive weeks, and 75 minutes in length)

Please contact me today with your interests or question pertaining to this beautiful gift you can give to your child. And don’t underestimate the power it gives to the parent. All those generations can’t be wrong!