What is an Infant Massage course like?
The room is warm and cozy; it always is even if a great storm is blowing outside. Parents start arriving with their babies and begin settling down,unwrapping outdoor clothes, and placing their baby on the floor. It’s new experience for everyone. I begin by welcoming everyone, explaining the course,and letting everyone know that all feelings are welcome. There are deep sighs around the room as tension releases from busy parents and everyone begins to relax.
This is their time with their baby. A time to learn about love, touch and communication. We begin with relaxation and asking the babies if they would like a massage. The babies look confused, but quickly learn in the coming weeks to say or signal yes or no, and their parents also learn which is which for their baby. It always amazes and delights me to watch these interactions, and to know that life-skills, like learning to communicate yes or no, have long reaching benefits. We start to learn the individual strokes that over the coming weeks will make up a complete routine, giving ways to help with gas,constipation and teething. After chatting over a cup of hot tea the class ends on a positive note. There’s no rush or hurry, everyone is more relaxed as they leave. Seeing each baby learn to communicate their wants and needs to their watching and listening parent, is a fantastic honor.
Infant massage is a wonderful art. In many cultures it is passed down from generation to generation, and with each new baby to give them a gentle, warm, and welcoming introduction to their family and the world. As the baby grows the massage continues, helping communicate love through nurturing touch well into adulthood.
Imagine a world with less violence and aggression, and more compassion and cooperation. In societies where babies are held, carried, massaged and breastfeed this is already happening. Closer to home many of the parents I work with will comment that their babies are calmer after a massage, and often sleep better. The parents feel more relaxed, enjoy the time with their baby and feel more confident at reading their babies cues.
Infant Massage USA and The International Association of Infant Massage Headquartered in Sweden (IAIM Sweden)
The course I teach was developed by Vimala Mc Clure and combines ancient Indian massage with modern Swedish techniques and ideas from yoga and reflexology. Vimala was the first person to introduce a professional program for infant massage. Vimala founded the IAIM (Sweden). It is an international, non-profit making, organisation which is now represented worldwide, in more than 40 countries. Each country has a Chapter, Infant Massage USA is the US Chapter of IAIM (Sweden)
Joanne is a Certified Educator of Infant Massage. She has completed intensive training and practical work specifically designed by the IAIM(Sweden).
Infant Massage is nurturing touch and not a therapy or treatment for babies.
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