Infant Massage

Participants in this class will learn about the benefits of massage for infants and very young children. Emphasis of the lecture portion will be on understanding infant physical, cognitive and social development. The hands-on portion will involved demonstration and practice of range of motion and social engagement exercises and full body massage. Aromatherapy and acupressure will be included. Incorporating massage into routine care activities and teaching massage to parents and care providers will be featured. Participants should bring a doll or stuffed animal with movable extremities. A video will be shown during the lunch break, so bringing a bag lunch is recommended.

 This course begins with fetal development and the importance of touch during pregnancy, labor, birth and the immediate postpartum period. Aspects of physiologic, medical and surgical births will be discussed in depth. Newborn appearance and procedures and trauma and their impact on attachment and adjustment will be explored, as will normal newborn reflexes and normal behavior. Some consideration will be given to infants with special needs, such as preterm infants and those exposed to narcotics during labor. Full body massage routines for infants of different ages will be learned and practiced. In addition, acupressure and aromatherapy for special circumstances will be explored. Films will be shown and handouts given. Teaching parents and caregivers how to massage their babies will be emphasized.

Dates: TBA

Time: TBA

Cost: $295

Place:

Swedish Institute

151 W 26th Street

New York

To register: 212-924-5900