East/West Infant Massage Classes

Infant massage is a beautiful bonding activity that mothers have been sharing with their babies all over the world for centuries. It has a long history and tradition in many cultures, although it is only recently becoming more popular in the Western world. Babies love to be touched, and there is a growing body of evidence demonstrating just how important it is not only for their physical, emotional, and mental development, but also for the attachment process between parent and infant as well. Learning how to provide loving touch to your baby in the form of massage can bring many benefits to both of you.

What makes this course so special?
As a certified “Infant Massage Instructor” and a TCM practitioner with advanced training in pediatrics, I have developed a unique “East/West Infant Massage” class to bring you the best of both worlds. This class combines Western infant massage techniques with Chinese pediatric Tuina, a specialist therapeutic modality for the prevention and treatment of various health conditions. I provide instruction of a wonderful wellness routine that is designed to promote optimal health, growth, and development that is suitable for all babies. However, if your child has any specific health concerns, the routine will be individualised to their specific needs. There is no other class like this!

I am dedicated to empowering you, the parent, with the skills and confidence to share this time-honoured tradition with your gorgeous child.​​

"Parents who have mastered basic Chinese infant massage skills are a good substitute for a cabinet full of medicine"
- Dr Fan Ya-Li

​Benefits of infant massage – for children:

• Improved attachment and bonding
• Strengthened immune system
• Improved blood and lymphatic circulation
• Reduced anxiety, reduced stress hormone levels
• Improved sleep via relaxation and regulating melatonin levels
• Improved mood, increased dopamine levels
• Enhanced cognitive and motor development
• Relief of discomfort – e.g. pain; colic; sinus congestion; chest congestion.
• Muscle relaxation

Benefits of infant massage – for parents and carers:

• Improved attachment and bonding
• Improved self-esteem and confidence
• Improved mood (less anxious or depressive symptoms)
• Decreased stress hormone levels

When is a good time to learn?
It is never too late to learn how to massage! Massage is an amazing skill that provides precious bonding time and far-reaching health benefits to your child whether they are a newborn, a toddler, or at school. However, this class is designed for parents of babies under 1 year old. Pregnant women and their partners can take classes in advance so that they can be ready for begin this wonderful loving touch right from the start. Adapting the massage techniques as your child grows older is discussed in the course.

What does the course include?

• Four hours of private tuition in your home (either 4 x 1hr sessions, or 2 x 2hr sessions)
• A spiral bound instruction manual
• A laminated step-by-step stroke card for easy reference
• A bottle of Weleda Calendula Oil

At each session we will talk through various aspects of infant massage and how they apply to your baby. I will guide you through each stroke carefully until you are confident in using the simple techniques, and answer any questions that you have. At the end of the course you will have a complete routine to perform on your baby and a wonderful new skill that will benefit both of you in so many ways.

Investment:
$350, payable at time of booking.
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A note about dads
As a broad generalisation, mothers are more likely engage in learning and practicing skills like infant massage. However, I would really encourage dads to give it a try as well! Learning infant massage can offer specific benefits to fathers, including enhanced father-infant bonding, help with the transition to parenthood, reduced paternal stress levels and improved parenting experience. Take a look at this wonderful research study here for some inspiration.  

contact me for more information