Increase your bond with your baby through the gentle art of nurturing touch. Through this six-week course you'll learn a variety of massage strokes and the benefits of infant massage, such as relief of gas or colic, stimulating physical and neurological development, better sleep and more. Taught by instructors certified by the International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM®), the Baby Massage for Parents course utilizes a curriculum based on research to support and bridge infant massage’s ancient wisdom with modern scientifically based knowledge.
What is IAIM®?
The International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM®) is the oldest, world-renowned non-profit association that certifies its instructors to instruct parents in the art of infant massage after successfully completing a rigorous training program. IAIM® views parents as the experts and babies as the teachers, while the IAIM® Certified Baby Massage Instructors are the supporters. IAIM®'s five-week-course for parents utilizes a curriculum based on research as a way to support and bridge infant massage’s ancient wisdom with modern scientifically based knowledge. This amalgamation increases and solidifies parent-infant bonding through the gentle art of nurturing touch. IAIM® is considered the industry’s gold standard in infant massage. We have added an additional week to our Baby Massage Course for Parents. This first week is reserved for our Meet and Greet where you will be able to meet your instructor, the other parents and learn how to best prepare yourself, your baby, and your environment for the upcoming classes.
What you’ll learn
You’ll learn a variety of strokes that are the foundation for the IAIM® Baby Massage method. Our IAIM®-instructors will help you understand benefits of infant massage, including:
- IAIM® baby massage strokes
- Understand and recognize their baby’s body language and cues
- Achieve better sleep
- Help with colic or tummy troubles
- Improve neuromuscular baby organization
- Relaxation techniques
- The role of hormones in baby massage
- How to stimulate physical and neurological development
Class Format
We offer three formats for baby massage classes: online group classes, semi-private online or private online. Each class is approximately 60 to 90 minutes long. All formats welcome partners as we know that being a parent is a role best shared.
Online group classes consist of no more than five participants so that we can provide parents and their babies with the personal attention needed. IAIM® Certified Instructors are available after class for further discussion.
Semi-private online or in-person classes are a great way for friends to support friends and spend quality time together.
Private online or in-person classes can be tailored to best suit you and your family's needs. This may be helpful for individual conditions that your baby may be experiencing or if you prefer privacy and learn better in a one-on-one environment.
Baby Massage Course Materials and Outline
Online Learning, Teaching and Tools
Online learning is conducted through Blackboard.
Tools required: desktop or laptop computer with microphone, speakers and camera.
Optional Text
Title: Infant Massage: A Handbook for Loving Parents
Author: Vimala McClure
Publisher: Bantam Books, 4th edition
Course Objectives
This course introduces parents to the art of communication through nurturing touch. Massage strokes that include the entire body of the baby will be taught. Information about the importance of relaxation, respecting baby’s cues, choosing the best time and being aware of conditions will be emphasized.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the six week course parents will be able to;
- Confidently massage their baby using proven strokes as taught by a Certified Infant Massage Instructor.
- Provide an environment for bonding and secure attachment with their baby.
- Enjoy an enriched emotional and psychological bond that will continue between parent and baby.
Course Outline
Meet and Greet: Welcome and Introductions (45min)
- Introduction to Instructor, Parents and Babies
- Parent Expectations
- Review of the Welcome Email
- Mission Statement of the IAIM
- History of the IAIM and Founder Vimala McClure
- Typical Class Structure
- Supplementary Reading: Oils, Relaxation Exercise and Positioning, Asking for Permission
Session One: Listening to Baby (60 min)
- Parent Relaxation Exercise and Positioning
- Asking for Permission
- Massage Strokes for the Legs and Feet
- Practice Massage Strokes
- Best Conditions for Massage
- Baby’s Behavioral States
- Supplementary Reading: Listening to Babies
Session Two: Infant Communication (60 min)
- Parent Relaxation Exercise and Positioning
- Asking for Permission
- Massage Strokes for the Tummy
- Massage Strokes for the Relief of Gas/Colic
- Practice New Massage Strokes
- Review Massage Strokes from Session One
- Infant Cues
- Infant Communication
- Supplementary Reading: Crying
Session Three: Benefits of Baby Massage (60 min)
- Relaxation Exercise and Positioning
- Asking for Permission
- Massage Strokes for the Chest, Arms and Hands
- Practice New Massage Strokes
- Review Massage Strokes from Previous Sessions
- Infant Reflexes During Massage
- Benefits of Infant Massage – Interaction, Stimulation, Relief, Relaxation
Session Four: Adaptations for Your Growing Child (60 min)
- Relaxation Exercise and Positioning
- Asking for Permission
- Massage strokes for the face and back
- Practice new massage strokes
- Review massage strokes from Previous Sessions
- Adapting the Program for the Growing Child
- Supplementary reading: Suggestions For Your Growing Child
Session Five: Putting it all together (60 min)
- Relaxation Exercise and Positioning
- Asking for Permission
- Review and Practice all Massage Strokes from Start to Finish
- Gentle Movements to Support Coordination, Balance and Enhance Motor Development
- Review all Theory Points
- Parents’ Evaluation*
- Supplementary Reading: Gentle Movements
Parents’ Evaluation
I value your feedback! A Parents’ Evaluation will be provided to you to communicate your experience.
Registration
To book any of the class formats please email ce_perinatal@douglascollege.ca with the Subject line: Baby Massage – First Last Names.
Indicate what format, dates and times might work best for your family.
We will then connect with you to make the necessary arrangements.
What parents are saying about the Baby Massage for Parents course
"We really liked the online format and that we could do it in the comfort of our own home – especially with a baby it would’ve been difficult to commit to six weeks of packing her up, driving to location, and driving back.”
- Sarah
"I learned what my baby likes, she enjoyed the massage and it relaxed her. I feel like we bonded and I enjoyed meeting other moms and babies."
- Teri
"Learning the proper strokes was fantastic and they will be put to good use, but I also really enjoyed all the discussion. Denise is amazing and helped us so much! Baby is sleeping better at night and the meaningful conversation helped me to deal with some postpartum I had been struggling with. The classes exceeded all expectations I had. It was just a fantastic experience all around and I would highly recommend it!"
- Jessica
"I learned how calm my baby can be. I also learned why following my baby's cues is so important and this has helped so much with self soothing."
- Nicole
"The class gave me some new tools to connect with baby and alleviate her gas pains!"
- Vivian
"The instructor was wonderful and very patient, understanding, knowledgeable and accommodating. The pace of the course was excellent, and our instructor did a fantastic job of reviewing previous weeks’ material and always checking in with the participants. She knew everyone’s names and was so warm, positive and supportive. She encouraged us and also supported us as parents."
- Gladys
