Regularly massaging your baby....
Promotes bonding
Frequent touch and massage help maintain a secure attachment and strong bond between baby and their caregivers. Research also points to a lower incidence of postpartum depression with consistent massage. 1
Improves sleep
Integrating massage as part of your baby's day, and/or bedtime routine can help them sleep more soundly.
Improves growth
During massage, pressure receptors under baby's skin are stimulated, and this helps with baby's weight and height. 3
Lowers stress hormones in baby and parents
Massage can lower cortisol levels and increases the love hormone, oxytocin. These benefits are present in both the baby receiving the massage, and the caretaker giving it! 4
What to expect when you book a massage class...
Your 4th trimester is a precious and sensitive time. Having an in-home class allows me to tailor your classes to meet your family's most pertinent needs. Topics included:
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optimal timing of massage
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infant states
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engagement and disengagement cues
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optimal massage oils and what to avoid
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physical massage strokes that help your baby's whole body relax
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specific massage strokes for your situation including colic, gassiness, and feeding difficulties
Who
Parents, caregivers, siblings, and grandparents are all great candidates to learn infant massage. I encourage all members of the family to participate during our time together.
What
Series of 3 1-hour classes. We will cover techniques to massage your baby's entire body, from their toes to their nose.
Each class is $40
When
Pregnancy or in the first three months postpartum (the fourth trimester) is the ideal time to learn. The skills can be taught for older babies as well, with some modifications for wiggle worms!
How
You will be the one massaging your baby, right from the start. Side by side with me, you will follow along on your baby, as l massage my lifesize 'baby' (doll) . I will give you gentle feedback to optimize your techniques.
