Fussy Baby Support Services

What is Infant Massage?
Infant massage is a wonderful way for a parent and infant to bond. Early touch is essential for facilitating for a baby’s development and allows them to feel loved and secure. Massage is a loving intimate communication through which you will develop a better understanding of your baby’s cues and learn to listen to them. Together you and your baby will build on this foundation for years to come.

Although the concept of infant massage is relatively new in Western Culture, other cultures have been practicing this art for centuries. A system of massage strokes has been developed by Diana Moore ( International Loving Touch Foundation) and Vimala McClure ( International Association of Infant Massage), which use a combination of strokes that incorporate Reflexology and both Indian and Swedish Massage. The massage is given in a set sequence that includes legs, stomach, chest, arms, back, and head.

Emotionally nourishes the baby
Develops strong bond between parent or caregiver and baby
Improves communication between parent and baby.
Stimulates growth and development of brain structures.
Bolsters the immune system.
Helps with weight gain.
Helps to strengthen and regulate the baby’s primary systems (i.e. respiratory, circulatory, nervous, musculature and gastrointestinal)
Reduces gas and colic and allows the baby to sleep better.
Helps the baby to relax.
Reduces infant fussiness.

Benefits to Parents

Promotes bonding and attachment between parent and baby.
Enhances communication, with better understanding of their infant’s cues
Increases confidence in handling and parenting skills
Helps parents relax and listen to their baby (blood pressure of the parent giving the massage is actually reduced)

The workshops and individual home-based classes are especially designed to give the parent or primary caregiver confidence to use the strokes at home. The instructor will demonstrate the strokes on a doll while you practice on your baby. The class fee includes 2oz bottle of oil and reading packet). The classes will focus on:

The practice of infant massage (strokes, sequence, use of oil, etc)
History and theory of infant massage
Teaching baby to relax
How to vary massage strokes for the growing child.
Dealing with special needs such as gassiness, constipation, prematurely and excessive crying

Infant Massage workshops and home based massage lessons are taught by Claire Pemrick OTR/L CIMI a pediatric occupational therapist and a certified and registered Infant Massage Instructor. Claire was trained by Diana Moore, the founder of the International Loving Touch Foundation. (ILTF). Claire is also the mother to 2 children both of which have loved their daily massage right from the start.