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Welcome!

Did you know that you can begin to massage your baby within the first few weeks following birth? Starting with skin-to-skin and gradually incorporating gentle techniques with guidance from an instructor, massage can be adapted for your child as they grow and benefit both of you for years to come.

This infant massage course is based on my training through the International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM) and over ten years of experience as a registered massage therapist.

What to Expect

The purpose of this class is to teach you to massage your little one so that you may use it in the comfort of your home and cater to your baby’s specific needs. I will demonstrate the techniques while you practice hands-on with your little one and offer guidance where needed. You will also receive hand-outs with pictures and descriptions to facilitate at-home practice.

Classes take place seated on the floor, please bring a yoga mat or blanket to sit on. Pillows are also optional and recommended for smaller infants.

Coconut oil will be provided but you are free to bring your own if your child has allergies or sensitivities; if this is the case please be sure to avoid lotion. Natural, pure, unscented oils are recommended. Some safe options include safflower, sunflower and fractionated coconut oil – be sure to use what you believe is safest and most appropriate for your baby.

You are encouraged to tend to your baby as needed. Each class will include review of the previous session so there’s no need to worry about missing anything. Questions are welcome and there will be a period at the end of each class for discussion.

Due to babies’ developing immune systems, I must insist that you stay home in the event that you or your infant are feeling unwell to avoid putting others at risk. If you miss a class or two, I am happy to catch you up at the following class, but you are also welcome to attend a make-up class during a different session at no extra charge.

Why Should You Take A Class?

• Infant massage teaches positive nurturing touch and encourages eye contact between parent and baby which promotes bonding and non-verbal communication. Infant massage can also help foster families or adoptive parents to begin forming strong bonds with their little ones.
  
• Infant massage is a wonderful way for working parents to set aside one-on-one time with baby and can be incorporated into your daily or weekly routine. It is also an effective way for fathers to bond with their little ones early on.
  
• Massage before bed can relieve muscle tension and discomfort, helping to relax baby and promote better sleep.
  
• Much like in adults, infant massage stimulates the digestive, circulatory and immune systems. Because of these effects on the body, infant massage can promote healthy digestion and relief of various ailments such as gas, colic and growing pain.
  
• Attending an infant massage class and interacting with other parents is a great way to boost confidence for new parents during a time of adjustment and uncertainty.
  
• Learning in a group setting provides parents an excuse to get out and socialize, giving them the opportunity to make new friends and create a support network.
  
• The emotional and communicative benefits of infant massage extend beyond babies and parents, positively impacting their families and surrounding communities.

What You Will Learn

• The history of infant massage and the IAIM
• How to create a calm atmosphere for massage and bonding
• Hands-on techniques based on Swedish and Indian massage, yoga, reflexology and more
• The benefits of infant massage for babies, parents, families and communities
• How to better read your baby’s cues and understand their behavioural states
• How to adapt massage for special needs
• How to adapt massage as your child grows

Topics of Discussion Will Include…

• Communication, boundaries and consent
• Infant cues, reflexes and behavioural states
• Bonding and attachment
• Infant crying and how we respond
• Mental health, self awareness and effects of our emotional states

Connecting and building relationships is important for new parents which is why each group class will end with free time to share, discuss and ask questions.