Massage is such a great thing for anyone.  If you have ever gotten a massage (I won’t assume that everyone has) you know that feeling of being refreshed, the tingling sensation running up and down your entire your body, and a certain feeling of lightness.  It’s such a great feeling and I wish I could have it done more often.

Growing up, since the time I can’t remember (when I was a newborn), my parents massaged me.  I just remember being so excited for that massage because it was calming, soothing, and by the end of it, I usually passed out.

Now flash forward thirty some years, and I am doing the same with my own children.  I started with my older child, when she was an infant, and now all she wants is,”mommy massage me.”  My new little one and I currently take an infant massage together and it does wonders.

There are approximately 5 mom/baby duos in our classroom and we learn about touch, as well as tuning into our baby’s needs.  We always start the massage by asking permission.  Even though babies cannot talk, we are building a foundation through communication.  Our instructor goes around the room and places her hand on each mother’s back, to make sure that the mother is in tune, and to release any tension the mother may have.

As we introduce different massages on the baby, we make sure that the baby is okay by continually communicating with the baby.  Through this communication, you learn the baby’s wants and needs, and by doing so you establish trust.

Infant massage has so many benefits physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.  Studies are finding that massage helps with sleep and colic, as well as building an infant’s immune system, motor skills, and intellectual development.

It not only gives you time to bond with your baby, it gives you time to check in with yourself and how you are feeling.  Being conscious is such a powerful thing.  When I leave the infant massage class with my baby, I feel that our body, mind, and spirit have gotten lighter and stronger!

Want to learn more about infant massage? Can’t go to a class? Here is more info.