Infant Massage
Jessica is a Certified Infant Massage Instructor. She can not only work on your child but help you work with your child. You are the most important person in their life and helping them thrive in this way deepens the connection between parent and baby.
What is Infant Massage?
Simply, infant massage involves stroking the muscles of your baby using specialized massage techniques. Talking to your baby, eye contact, and other facial expressions are important elements of the massage that connect you and your baby. No two massages are alike!
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Mothers all over the world have been practicing the art of infant massage since ancient times. It’s all about connecting the caregiver and baby during such a sensitive time in development. Massage is a powerful way to express love and one of the most precious gifts you can give your baby and yourself.
Who benefits from
infant massage?
Every baby and their caregiver can benefit from infant massage.
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Research has shown numerous benefits for all babies, but especially those babies born early (before 38 weeks). In fact, children’s hospitals around the nation have begun implementing infant massage techniques into their treatment of premature babies in the NICU.
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Infant massage can also be a powerful tool for foster or adoptive parents who are looking to connect with their babies.
What can I expect?
Jessica is a Certified Infant Massage Instructor (CIMI) certified through the International Loving Touch Foundation
As an instructor, Jessica teaches caregivers how to perform massage on their babies and helps them customize a routine that meets the individual needs of your baby. In almost all cases, the parent or caregiver is who will ultimately perform the massage, not your instructor. Jessica will teach you how to set up the proper environment, find the most comfortable position for you, and help you build massage into your daily routine in a way that is meaningful and realistic for your family. Infant massage is typically taught across 4, 50-minute sessions in a group setting. Private classes can be arranged if desired.
Why massage my baby?
The Touch Research Institute is leading research on infant massage in the
United States
Some of the benefits that have been recently identified include:
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Preterm infants show reduced stress behaviors and activity after 5 days of massage therapy
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Mother’s depressed moods and anxiety levels are reduced after they massage their preterm infants
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Relieves colic
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Promotes better eye contact
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Promotes development
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Decreases pain response
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Improves circulation, helps with immune function
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Improves sleep by increasing the release of endorphins
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Stimulates the secretion of growth hormone, which promotes weight gain
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Helps parents feel more confident in caring for their baby
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Helps parents unwind and relax
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Gives parents tools for understanding their baby’s unique rhythms and patterns