5 Week Baby Massage Program
Final Dates for 2023
Starts Tuesday 12 Sept @ 10:45am — 3 Spots Left
Starts Tuesday 24 Oct @ 10:45am — 3 Spots Left
A crying, unsettled or windy baby is the angst of every new mum. Mountains of nappies, night time feeds that never seem to end, and a witching-hour that can run all day; it’s exhausting. Rarely is motherhood straight forward or easy, and during this time it can be difficult to really get to know your baby, and in turn let them get to know you.
Relationship based Infant Massage offers both mums and bubs the time and space to bond, connect and explore communication through touch. It gives mums the confidence to read baby’s cues and respond before over-tiredness sets in and before wind builds to a point of unnerving distress.
Catherine runs courses for mums (and dads too!) who see the value in bonding and communicating with their baby through infant massage. They understand that there are enormous benefits in enhancing the bonding process, and also that these benefits extend well beyond infancy.
Why Parents Book this Class
There’s good reason to be interested in infant massage. Researchers and health professionals widely agree that healthy touch, stroking and skin-to-skin contact is crucial for a baby’s early brain, social and emotional development. Based on all of this research, a lot of claims as to the “benefits” of infant massage
are often pushed in front of parents. But there are many and varied types of infant massage courses and techniques, and not all the information given to parents about infant massage actually reflects the research.
This program is backed by 25 years of research and is the only nationally accredited (instructor) training program in Australia. As a member of the International Association of Infant Massage, Catherine maintains her professional education and ethical standards that should be expected from an infant massage instructor.
Trust in the Research
The First Touch Program is the most researched infant massage course, and here’s what researchers have to say:
- has been shown in research to reduce crying, help improve settling and soothing, and to gently support your baby’s development and well-being (Underdown, et al., 2006)
- has been shown in research to help protect and promote your baby’s mental health, if you are recovering from Postnatal Depression (Onozawa, et al. 2001).
- has been shown in research to help babiesbond with their dads, in turn improving baby’s social and physical development (Scholz & Samuels, 1992).
- is recognised by health and child development experts as the highest quality program of its kind (Underdown & Barlow, 2011).
- ensures you & your baby are treated with the utmost respect with very small group numbers and using “best practices” in course structure (Bakermans, et al, 2003).
- uses techniques and approaches that have been fully researched and properly trialled.
- is delivered by Instructors who have completed the most comprehensive, and ONLY nationally accredited, instructor training in Australia.
What to expect when you come to class
Group: The course runs over a series of 5 weekly classes. Each class is approximately 1.5 hours with time for questions. There’s also time for cuppa & chat.
One-On-One: This covers the exact same course material found in the group course, the only difference being that it is delivered in the comfort of your own home. The One-On-One course remains a series of 5 x 1 hour weekly classes, giving you the opportunity to choose a class time that best suits you and your baby. Some may wonder why the One-On-One course hours are not condensed down to say 2 or 3 hours, since there is only one mother and baby participating in the classes. The reason is this: To learn a new skill takes time and practise. Based on the research that is supporting this program 5 x 1 hour weekly sessions is the optimum period of time to support learning outcomes, build confidence and form practise habits. You will be surprised how quickly the time passes even with just one participant.
This is a comprehensive baby massage course covering everything you need to know to safely and confidently massage your baby now and as they grow and transition through various developmental stages right up to teens. · Learn to massage a different area of the body each week together with background information as to what we are doing and why.
· Massage your baby during class sessions and receive guidance as you’re learning.
· Get the low down on what oils to use & which to avoid, how to position baby for massaging and also how to work with them as they get bigger.
· Find out when is the best time of day to massage baby
· We look at baby’s verbal and non verbal communication and discover how baby determines massage duration.
· Techniques that may assist with wind & constipation
· How to continue massage with your child well beyond infancy – I will show you lots of ways to adapt massage for a number of ages/stages of development through to teenagers and we will look at the benefits of continuing.
· Help your partner build their relationship with baby through massage as well.
· Get out and connect with other mums while learning a life long skill that benefits you and your baby.
This course is designed for babies 0-12 months old. Granted, it is easier to massage before baby starts crawling, but mobility is definitely NOT a reason to avoid doing the course. Babies and children of all ages benefit greatly from massage and this is why the program has provision for babies in this age range up to 12 months old. Catherine will demonstrate various positioning and whys to engage in massage no matter what age your baby is. This is the beauty of a small group size. You get the support you and your baby to get the most out of connecting through massage and having fun with it at the same time. Throughout the program we do look at ways to adapt massage for babies and children as they grow and journey through the various developmental stages. If you’re still not sure if your baby’s age or stage of development is right for doing the course, please get in touch and we can have a chat.
As the program has a scope for babies 0-12 months. It really comes down to when you feel ready. That’s it.
For safety, we always massage bub on the floor. It’s a good idea to wear comfortable clothes yourself. What to bring: Organic massage oil especially for baby’s sensitive skin is included in each infant massage package. Please advise of any know allergies or irritations (mother or baby). Something you need not worry about is baby crying or disturbing the class. Each baby is sure to express themselves via a cry at some stage during the 5 week course, it’s just what babies do. Babies also require nappy changes, feeding and comforting, so there is no need to feel uncomfortable about taking care of your baby’s needs or your know needs throughout the class. If your baby is napping or just isn’t up for massage during class time, I have extra demonstration dolls which will enable you to practise the new massage strokes within the class. Then you are prepared to apply the massage strokes at home when baby is more receptive to massage Over the years I have found that parents who have attended my classes can best explain why they love it. Here’s a snippet of what they have to say: “Catherine was excellent at delivering the material and relating to us (mums and babies). I learned how to stimulate my baby’s body, particularly the digestive systems and lymphatic system Catherine is very knowledgeable and made us feel very relaxed.” ~New mum, baby 5 weeks “Very happy with this course. I have already raved about it to other mums and expecting mums! It was better and more informative than I imagined it would have been.” ~Mum, with baby 7 weeks old “Really great course. I learned a lot, not just for my baby, but also for my toddler.” ~Mum of 2, baby 4 months + toddler aged 2 And 12 months+ on this is what mums have said: ” I’m still LOVING the skills we learnt in our one-on-one classes when my daughter (now 15months) was just brand new! 2 days of hardcore teething yet she became SO relaxed during a massage she’s fallen fast asleep just like when she did in classes at 4 weeks old! No medicine required! Love it! Just goes to show, the benefits of baby massage carry on long after classes finish! Thanks again, the work you do is pretty special and I’m sure we aren’t the only family that feels this way.” ~Monica Q “Since attending the baby massage course a year ago, my baby boy has become very at ease with allowing me to massage him. If I stop massaging his tired little feet after running around all day- he puts his foot up, as if to say “Keep going mummy”. Learning techniques to relieve his belly pain in the early months was the greatest aspect that I had learnt out of this course. I can’t thank you enough for this experience. ” ~ Kayla B ” I took my baby to massage classes with Catherine at 4 months of age. It was such a special time for me and him. It really is a bonding experience and I look back on it fondly. Catherine was incredibly organised and flexible with all of us, catering for baby naps, feeds, sickness and also giving bubs cuddles for mummy bathroom breaks too! The massage skills have come in handy all along the way of my baby’s first year, from settling to distracting to wind pain. The take home notes are so so useful. It couldn’t have been easier and I would do it all over again with hesitation. Thanks Catherine for such a great service. ~ Anne-Marie R
Parents Value This Program