Infant Massage (0 to 1yr) Parent Education Course

"Getting to Know Your Baby"

Course content
Based on the I.A.I.M. international parent-infant education program: the most comprehensive infant massage course in Australia!

During this educational and developmental course, run by Natalie (Infant Massage Parent Educator), you will discover:

• 'head to toes' the full infant massage routine
• gentle yoga-inspired movement exercises, important for brain development, coordination and balance
• colic (wind & constipation) massage sequence
• touch relaxation techniques and 'resting hands'
•understand your baby's communication from birth by their non-verbal (body language) cues; based on pediatrician T. Berry Brazelton's six behavioural states
• permission sequence 'Would you like a massage?' and the importance of this
• developmental topics discussed and explored, including 'your baby's cries and what do they mean?'; 'infant cues'; 'behavioural states'; 'what is colic?'
• baby reflexes, such as the babinski reflex and plantar reflex relating to massage
• a traditional Indian lullaby, we will hear and sing to our baby

Strokes and techniques include Indian milking, Swedish milking, touch relaxation and Reflexology.

I encourage you to follow up at home during the week what you learn during each session. This is to enhance and strengthen the connections (neural pathways) in your baby's brain, remembering that babies learn best through multisensory experiences and repetition. Massaging your child is the best way for him or her to receive positive, nurturing touch. You could even incorporate soothing instrumental music such as a lullaby (see Music & Lullabies) played in the background (this may, however, overstimulate your baby... remember every baby is an individual).

There are three ways you can discover the Infant Massage course:
public group courses, private courses and individual course.

Click here for a complete course outline.

Testimonial
A lovely testimonial from a mum of an 8 week old baby:

Why did you decide to join a class? I had always planned to learn infant massage, but I ended up doing it sooner rather than later as my newborn baby was becoming increasingly unsettled (later turned out to be reflux).
Can you describe a bit about the environment. What did Natalie do to help you feel comfortable and encouraged? It’s hard to describe just how much Natalie did to help me. She is very calm and gentle which was exactly what we needed with a newborn baby. She was also very flexible with appointments. In addition to teaching infant massage, Natalie has provided much needed support, giving me fantastic advice on trusting my instincts and learning to read my baby as well as just being there and holding my crying baby so I could have a break. It was ultimately a conversation we had that lead me to seek early treatment for J's suspected reflux rather than hanging on for her six week appointment with her paediatrician. Im really grateful to Natalie and her support during a really difficult time.
What benefits have you felt as a parent? I am much more confident in reading J's signs and preventing her from becoming overstimulated and overtired.
What benefits has your baby experienced? I can really see J starting to respond to the permission sequence and engaging in the massage with me. On a more practical level, it has assisted her with wind troubles - most notably when she was constipated from being on Gaviscon!

Take a peek at the Product Recommendations. Health, wellbeing and developmental books, music and organic massage oil for you and your child.

Our referral offer
For every referred friend that books a Parent-Infant Massage course, you will receive a complimentary organic baby massage oil (120ml bottle) of your choice (valued up to $22!). For organic massage oil selection, please see our Products page.

Public Group

Location: Northern suburbs - Joondalup area
By appointment only.
Class numbers: up to 5 parents and bubs
Cost: $120 per person ($108 Kidzabuzz 10% discount voucher)

"For those parents wanting to participate in a smaller group environment, this is an ideal opportunity to meet other parents and babies and to share experiences together in a nurturing and supportive atmosphere".

Please contact Natalie if you would like to register your name for the Public Group

Private Group

Location: Your choice, agreeable by group members
Time: Allow around 1 hour per session per week over 4 weeks, with the last session lasting approx. 1 1/2 hrs. Please contact Idibidi Kids stating your preferred date & start time once you have registered.
Class numbers:
For 5 or more parents, a DISCOUNT will apply. Deposit required at least one week prior to commencement of course with balance due by end of first session.
Cost: $120 per person ($108 Kidzabuzz voucher).

"Participating in a group environment in a nurturing and supportive atmosphere is always a lot of fun; especially during discussion time on various developmental topics. Parents are always encouraged to share ideas and experiences. Perfect for MOTHERS GROUPS ".

REGISTER here for the Private Group

Ideal for Mothers Group's!

Individual

Location: Your house (or location preferred by you; North, South or East metro. area - Idibidi Kids will come to you!)
Time: Allow up to 1 hr per session per week over 4 weeks. Please contact Idibidi Kids stating your preferred date & start time once you have registered.
Cost: $240 ($216 Kidzabuzz voucher)

"Registering for the Individual course is a more personalised one-to-one environment between yourself and owner/instructor Natalie from Idibidi Kids. Parents should view this course as an investment in their baby's health, wellbeing and development, for now and years to come ".

REGISTER here for the Individual course

Course Outline

Parent-Infant
Education Program

Session 1
• Introduction
• Oils to use for massage: 'what is the difference?' (cold pressed organic vs 'baby oil')
• Permission sequence
• Contraindications (where massage should be avoided)
• Strokes for legs, feet and buttocks
• Parent relaxation (importance of and some simple techniques)
• Behavioural states (awake and asleep cycle) in infants
• Establishing a suitable environment for massage
• Touch relaxation technique

Session 2
• Begin with parent relaxation (deep breathing)
• Discussion topic: Infant body language 'Engagement & Disengagement' (understanding non-verbal 'yes' & 'no' cues)
• Discussion topic: Crying during massage; physical cry & emotional cry
• Massage strokes for abdomen (review legs, feet and buttocks)
• Colic massage sequence (great also for wind and constipation in babies)
• Touch relaxation technique

Session 3
• Begin with parent relaxation (visualisation)
• Massage strokes for chest and arms (review tummy, legs and feet)
• Learn a traditional lullaby to sing to your baby
• Discussion topic: 'What are the benefits of infant massage?'
• Baby reflexes

Session 4
• Begin with parent relaxation ("Good Night Lullabies" music)
• Massage strokes for face and back (review other massage strokes)
• Gentle yoga inspired movement exercises
• Adapting massage for the older baby, tips and techniques for toddlers and beyond
• Incorporating songs, rhymes and music with massage (fun, fun, fun!)
• Stroke review
• Thank you and course evaluation

A parent handbook (detailing strokes and pictures) and a small bottle of massage oil for each participant are included in a 4 session course.

For further reading, Idibidi Kids recommends Vimala McClure's book "Infant Massage: A Handbook for Loving Parents" , available for purchase at one of our Infant Massage Parent Education Courses or workshops.

Please note: prices are subject to change without prior notice. An additional cost for Idibidi Kids to travel over 50km may be charged (this is a small cost to cover petrol). You will be notified at time of booking.