Infant Massage Class
Happy Babies • Connected Parents
What is Infant Massage?
Infant Massage is an ancient tradition that promotes nurturing touch and communication so parents and babies are loved, valued, and respected. It helps you connect and attune to your unique baby and gives you tools to respond and advocate for your child.
What are the benefits of Infant massage?
The benefits of Infant Massage are endless, and I’ll emphasize them throughout the series. Here are a few of many:
A routine that can help reconnect the parent/baby dyad after a long day, or changes like traveling or company
A special time for 1:1 attention if older siblings are super active.
Soothes gas and growing pains
Increases confidence in parents to be able to read nonverbal cues
Increases oxytocin between parent and baby and can help with postpartum depression in either parent
Helps baby develop a sense of their body in time and space
Most of all, it's fun, special, and something to do!
Who can take this class?
This class is for parents (or acting parents/guardians if bio parents are not in the picture). Both parents are welcome to be present for no additional fee (if you choose to do this, I ask you both to commit to all classes instead of alternating or one person showing up a couple of times).
This class is not for nannies, well-intentioned family members, or friends. The point of this class is to support and benefit the parent/baby dyad. If you are a parent and want someone else to massage your baby, I encourage you to take this course and show what moves your baby likes.
This class if for babies who are 0-12 months old.
What does the Infant Massage Education series look like?
This four-session series will meet weekly at the scheduled time. Each class will likely run 30-45 minutes. Every session will focus on learning a massage routine for a new area of the body and reviewing techniques taught in previous classes. By the end of the five weeks, you will have a complete massage routine for you and your baby to enjoy and evolve as they grow.
What will I need?
Stable internet connection and a place to set up where I can see your baby.
A food-grade oil that is unscented. I love jojoba oil.
An extra baby doll in case your baby is sleeping or fussy that day.
A supportive place to sit for an extended period of time. I give the class an hour to run, but I expect it to be 30-45 minutes. Make sure you’re comfy!
A blanket to keep your baby warm. A towel in case your oil spills or baby spits up.
Diapers and wipes on hand so you don’t have to leave the cozy space you’ve created and disrupt the flow.
What if my baby is fussy or too active?
Babies are babies, and this is a baby-led class. Each baby will likely have an “off” day during one of our sessions. That’s too be expected.
If your baby is constantly colicky or fussy and you’re concerned you’ll miss everything, I would consider having another loving caregiver sit with your baby so you can practice with a baby doll. This way you will gain confidence in the strokes, and you can apply them while your baby is having a better hour.
If your baby is very active and constantly on the move, having them in a safe space while you practice on a baby doll will work.
Why is this class virtual when we live so close?
Because I want to set you up for success of being on time and avoiding diaper blowouts as you’re leaving the house, or car seat meltdowns that take awhile to recover from. No matter what was going on in your house minutes before the class, you can promptly arrive. If your baby is fussy, you can shut off your camera and mute while you tend your baby or just watch. I will send a recording of what we just went over.
*I will not send well recorded videos demonstrating techniques other than the class that you are attending.
What if I have another child present?
Give them an extra baby doll and let them practice, too. Infant Massage can create a wonderful bond between siblings. Or of course, they’re welcome to watch a show or play with someone else while you take this class.
I think my baby and I need more help and 1:1 attention, can we schedule you privately?
Of course. Honestly, scheduling classes is like throwing spaghetti at the wall. If you (and your partner?) want to attend, I’m happy to set up a private lesson with the same format of 4 classes, plus an option follow-up.
Who are you, why do you teach infant massage, and does my baby really need this?
I’m a massage therapist, movement teacher, and educator on the female body continuum. I have three sons, and the older they get the more I realize how everything we put into them from the beginning helps them flourish. I’m also weirdly obsessed with being a human, and we need touch to survive (literally. Babies and humans who aren’t touched don’t do so well. It gets weird). Infant Massage is essential to neurodevelopment, which leads to neurodevelopment movement patterns, which leads to brain and body maturity. This is a risk free way to build a better bond and help your new human grow (which is like, your one job as a parent).
Not only does your baby benefit, but studies have shown that a regular infant massage routine can reduce postpartum depression in both mothers and fathers.