In your hands, my heart found a home...
Touch is one of the most powerful tools for communication. Many cultures around the world incorporate massage of their infants as part of their daily care. Research has shown that touch is crucial for social-emotional and physical well-being and supports bonding and attachment. Dr. Tiffany Field, director of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami Medical School, began researching touch and massage in 1982 after her daughter was born prematurely. Her ground breaking discovery that premature infants gained weight faster and were discharged from the hospital sooner than their non-massaged peers, changing the way we think about touch.
The Joyful Art of Communication
There is nothing more wonderful than engaging in a loving "conversation" with your newborn. Following their cues, responding to their invitation, slowing things down when life gets overwhelming, being present to the opportunities to just BE. This is not something you DO, it is a way of being... together, with each other. It is the small pebble that you drop in the pond and watch the ripples expand and touch the future.
The benefits go both ways! Your infant will be more relaxed, sleep better, and will experience reduced symptoms of fussiness and tummy troubles. Massage also increases feelings of acceptance, trust, and enhances sensory awareness. As a calm and confident parent, you will be establishing a trusting relationship that endures through the years.
Research has shown when held, massaged, and nurtured in trusting relationships, children grow up to be more calm, less aggressive and cooperative as adults. Mothers with postpartum depression show improvements when participating in consistent massage sessions with their babies. Fathers find this to be a special way to connect and bond with their infants, just as powerful as breastfeeding is for mothers. Grandparents and other caregivers can also benefit from learning how to ready baby's cues and specific techniques for calming.
The benefits go both ways! Your infant will be more relaxed, sleep better, and will experience reduced symptoms of fussiness and tummy troubles. Massage also increases feelings of acceptance, trust, and enhances sensory awareness. As a calm and confident parent, you will be establishing a trusting relationship that endures through the years.
Research has shown when held, massaged, and nurtured in trusting relationships, children grow up to be more calm, less aggressive and cooperative as adults. Mothers with postpartum depression show improvements when participating in consistent massage sessions with their babies. Fathers find this to be a special way to connect and bond with their infants, just as powerful as breastfeeding is for mothers. Grandparents and other caregivers can also benefit from learning how to ready baby's cues and specific techniques for calming.
Individual Instruction & Group Classes
Individual Instruction and Small Group Classes
Participants in the infant massage class will be mentored in the ancient art of massage strokes, colic/gas and congestion relief routines, and gentle exercises to enhance coordination. Research based information on brain, social-emotional and physical development will be included, as well as techniques on how to adapt massage for the growing child.
Who attends the classes?
When & Where is the class?
What do I need to bring?
How much does this cost?
Participants in the infant massage class will be mentored in the ancient art of massage strokes, colic/gas and congestion relief routines, and gentle exercises to enhance coordination. Research based information on brain, social-emotional and physical development will be included, as well as techniques on how to adapt massage for the growing child.
Who attends the classes?
- Newborns up to crawlers and 2 caregivers per infant
- Expectant parents welcomed and encouraged!
When & Where is the class?
- Classes are offered quarterly at various locations throughout the Snoqualmie Valley
- Individual sessions and groups be may arranged with the instructor
- Priority is given to Non-profit organizations (contact instructor for details)
What do I need to bring?
- A list of supplies will be provided at time of registration
- Massage oil and handouts will be provided
How much does this cost?
- That all depends upon when, where and how many participants
- This is private pay and not covered by insurance
- Class size is capped at 6 infants/12 adults so that everyone gets personalized assistance
