Baby massage course
Course dates
Next course starts:
4 x Mondays Nov 16th - Dec 7th (12:30-13:45) + "dads' class" Sunday 22 November
for newborns to crawling and their primary adult caregivers.
Next courses mid-January and early March 2010. Please email for details.
colicky, premature, adopted babies, those born with special needs, twins, single and teen parents are welcome - please email prior to booking
private instruction and mothers' group arrangements also available
Based on Vimala Schneider McClure's groundbreaking book, "Infant Massage: A Handbook for Loving Parents" (1978), this course follows the international curriculum of the International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM) founded by Vimala, endorsed by child development professionals, medical staff and used by parents around the world.
By learning infant massage, you can
- foster infant-parent attachment or "bonding"
- learn about your baby's needs and desires
- build parents' and baby's self-esteem
- reduce anxiety and enjoy a calming, pleasurable activity
- meet other parents and discuss common issues in a friendly, supportive environment
Some benefits of massage for baby
- reduces physical, mental and emotional stress experienced by babies after a traumatic birth
- facilitates body awareness
- lets your baby feel nurtured and secure
- promotes better sleeping patterns and relaxation
- boosts the immune, digestive, respiratory, nervous and other body systems
- provides sensory stimulation
- helps relieve the discomfort associated with colic, teething and tummy troubles
- stimulates production of oxytocin, a pain relieving and calming hormone
Each course comprises 5 sessions of 75 minutes each, and is built around your babies' needs. For group instruction, the cost is 850 kr and includes a 10ml bottle of organic sunflower oil, a copy of Vimala McClure's book, "Infant Massage: A Handbook for Loving Parents", course handouts, and light refreshments. One class will be held on a weekend, so that the other parent (or both parents) can attend. Dads, grandparents or any other adult caregiver are particularly welcome to attend any of the sessions as long as they are willing to participate fully!
Spaces limited so please reserve early. Unfortunately, due to limited space, toddler siblings cannot attend.
Jessica is a Certified Instructor of Infant Massage and a member of the UK chapter of the International Association of Infant Massage. Jessica is also a US- certified yoga instructor, UK certified massage therapist, holds a Birthlight Baby Yoga™ Certificate and is working towards her Birthlight Baby Yoga™ Diploma.
For more information on baby yoga classes, please see the yoga section of this website.
For upcoming course dates, private/group arrangements, registration and further information, please contact Jessica on info@yogamassageworks.com.
For more information on Vimala McClure and the International Association of Infant Massage, see www.iaim.net.
Baby massage or baby yoga?
Below are some differences to help you decide. For newborns and babies with special needs, it is suggested to begin with baby massage.
| BABY MASSAGE | BABY YOGA |
|---|---|
| from newborns to crawling |
from 3 months to crawling - babies must have good head control to participate |
| use of nurturing touch and some gentle movements to promote parent/child bond | use of nurturing touch, yoga-based stretches, movement and song and movement to promote bonding and child development |
|
oil based massage techniques (baby usually undressed) |
includes some dry massage techniques (through clothing) |
|
focus on relaxation and reducing unnecessary stimuli |
dynamic, social and stimulating, with a relaxation period |
