Since attending my infant massage course, I have been working towards becoming certified by completing two sessions with four families. This has been beneficial in continuing my learning and ability to teach infant massage to parents. I have learned a lot through this hands on experience!
Parents have been very eager to learn and incorporate this technique into their routines. A key point to make sure parents understand is that the massage is not meant to be forced or become an activity they have to complete even when their child is not receptive to it. This should be a positive interaction between them and if a babe is showing cues that they are not tolerating the massage or need a break, those requests are important to acknowledge.
Parents have provided positive feedback following the sessions. The massage strokes can be a lot of information to introduce to parents. The instructor of the course stated that infant massage is best learned when it is divided into four separate sessions to allow parents to practice various massage strokes on sections of the body and return with questions the next week. This breaks down the material taught and allows the instructor to go through the strokes more slowly.
Parents have stated that they enjoy doing the massage as part of their bedtime routine or right when their child wakes up from a nap. Parents have also stated how it has surprised them how well the babies have tolerated the massage and seem to enjoy the strokes. I had one parent state the handouts were very helpful for a reference and reminder on how to perform the strokes correctly and cover each part of the body.Since working in the NICU, I have seen various massage strokes used in a modified way for the needs of the infants. If a baby is gassy or seems to be restless and uncomfortable, I have had the opportunity to perform some strokes focused on the stomach and bicycling of the legs to assist in relieving some of their discomfort. I have seen great success with incorporating massage into some of my treatment sessions when appropriate. The positive touch provided by massage is a great supplement in treatment sessions with premature infants when therapists commonly are providing positive touch techniques to promote healthy neurodevelopment.
Infant massage can be beneficial for babies of all ages and is a great bonding experience for them and their parents. I have really enjoyed developing my skills in this techniques and becoming a certified instructor.
