Infant massage seems to be sweeping the world at the moment - it's popularity has exploded within the last few years, much of which is due to Vimala McClure and the IAIM. But, as with most natural healing techniques, it is by no means a new thing. People have been massaging babies for centuries. Once again, it is the Western World that is slow on the uptake. But we are learning, and more and more people are being trained to be able to teach this art to the people who need to know.

Infant massage is a wonderful, loving way to welcome your baby into the world. Sharing the massage experience is calming and benefits both of you, strengthening a bond that will last a lifetime.

Infant massage instruction for families with babies who are typically developing, and follow up with continuing education classes ranging from working with families with infants and children born biologically or environmentally at-risk or with special needs, learning more in-depth facilitation skills to work with a wide range of parent populations and situations, or receiving personal supervision or consultation.

Massage can help ease the muscles into relaxation, and when practiced on a regular basis, teaches the infant what relaxation is and how to go about it. And as a side-benefit, the massager gets to take time out to gently massage their baby and they usually de-stress at the same time!

Infant massage encourages a good relationship between mother and baby. It gives them a place and a time to be together, free from the worries and pressures of everyday life. It gives them space to just be together, not changing nappies or making dinner, shopping or sterilizing bottles. Infant massage instructors teach infant massage - once the mother is confident to massage without thinking about what move comes next or if they are doing the stroke correctly - then comes a time of real communication between mother and baby. Watching and learning from each other, and getting to know who the other person is.

Benefits of Infant Massage

Relaxes Infant
Loving touch lessens tension, fussiness and irritability. Digestion is aided and this can provide relief of gas and colic. Massage is also a wonderful way to lessen stress parent and baby.

Helps normalize muscle tone and improve blood circulation. Babies cry less, as the parent is more responsive to babies’ cues.

Enhances Bonding
Touch conveys nurturing and love, the essential ingredients for emotional and physical growth and well being.

When parents massage their babies, they promote quality time, create better bonding and increase confidence in their own parenting skills. They enhance intimacy, understanding and the ability to nurture.

Aids Growth and Development
Studies have shown increased weight gain, and immune function. Myelination of nerves is also increased. These things in turn are needed for brain and muscle development.

Massage can begin from the day the baby is born, but many parents start later having been taught by health professionals or having been on a course
Massage is an excellent way of connecting with your baby if you are a working mum. A short massage each night before bath time can help your baby feel loved

Infant massage improves communication
The close interaction helps improve the ability to understand your baby's body language. They will respond with more sensitivity and confidence. Baby feels heard and respected, and grows up with a healthy self-image.

Improves Baby's Sleep
As your infant learns to relax and release stress, sounder and longer sleep is often the end result.

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