Cache Valley Baby Massage

Q

What are the benefits of infant massage for my baby? There are many psychological benefits of infant massage. The strokes move with the body in specific ways in order to promote growth and development. The stimulation tones muscles, helps digestion, breathing, teething, improves sleep, blood circulation and improves myelin sheath coating of the nerves and function. Infant massage improves the bond between a parent and a child, and provides a safe, loving and compassionate atmosphere for a baby to learn and feel loved. There are many more benefits of infant massage that you will discover with your baby. What are the benefits for parents? Infant Massage promotes communication, confidence and trust. Parents bond with their babies at a very intimate and individual level. Parents feel more competent and empowered as they learn their baby's cues and reflexes. In the five sessions parents learn so much about their baby. Parents discuss parenting topics and receive resources to learn even more about their baby, whether it is their first child or last child. How young can I start infant massage? Infant massage is something that can be done from the very beginning of your baby's life. As soon as you and your baby are ready to be around a small group of other babies and parents, then you are ready to come to the course. There are many options for classes that fit your needs. What does each class include? Each class includes five class sessions. We will provide a small bottle of non-scented plant-based oil, class handouts, Vimala McClure's book "Infant Massage: a handbook for loving parents" and your baby's first graduation certificate. The class is set up to include strokes, discussions, cuddle breaks and more. What if my baby is crying or sleeping the whole time? We welcome babies in whatever state or mood they are in. We honor the baby's need to express themselves through tears or play. We know that we are working with babies who like to explore, and may not be ready to be massaged during the time we want to learn it. We encourage you to come no matter what state your baby is in. We have dolls available to learn on when the baby is disengaged. We also take cuddle breaks and take time to just talk and discuss. This class is baby-led, we are very flexible and respect the babies as our teachers. Can I bring my own oil? The IAIM recommends that you use an unscented, natural, cold-pressed edible plant-based oil. These are oils like sunflower, grapeseed, almond, olive, sesame and coconut. You are more than welcome to bring an oil that you are comfortable with. For this class we will provide a plant-based, nut-free blend. We recommend that you do not use essential or scented oils so that infants can bond with the scent of their parents. We also highly caution against "baby oil" as it is petroleum based and should not digested.