"It is the nature of babies to be in bliss"
Deepak Chopra

FINALIST:
WBA Business Awards 2009
"Most Innovative Business"

IDIBIDI KIDS™ (pronounced Iddy Biddy) offers:

• Parent Education course (the I.A.I.M. parent-infant massage course),
• Toddler "Massage, Movement and Development 4 Toddlers" program
• parent-child massage workshop (ages 4 to 12 yrs, clothed, seated massage)
• 1 hr parent-infant or parent-child massage workshops
• the international Massage in Schools Program
• Sleep Education consultations
• Postnatal Massage for Mum
• NEW in 2010 "Pregnancy Massage Pamper Packages" (Idibidi Kids and Ayana Organics present)

We are based in the northern suburbs of Perth, Western Australia.

Idibidi Kids: dedicated to nurturing your child's health, wellbeing and development.... naturally.

Infant Massage with Idibidi Kids
Our infant massage sessions provide a much welcomed ‘time out’ in which to nurture yourself and your baby through learning specific infant massage strokes and other techniques; massage will help to calm and relax your child and maintain their health and development.

Do you have an unsettled baby? Or does your baby have sleep problems, such
as difficulty falling asleep and waking during the night? Read more on how you can assist your baby's sleep in the Idibidi Kids BLOG.

IDIBIDI KIDS™ parent-infant massage sessions offer a supportive environment in
which to spend one to one time with your child. I am a mother myself to two young children and I understand the demands and challenges of being a parent! I encourage you to take some time out for yourself and learn how to massage your baby today!

Massaging your baby is showing him/her healthy, positive touch. This promotes
love and compassion as well as deepening the bond between yourself and your baby. Research has shown that massaging your child through tender, nurturing positive touch is CRUCIAL for your child's psychological and physiological development.

As an instructor, I am passionate and dedicated to researching touch therapy and teaching baby massage, and as a mother, I have experienced first-hand the many benefits of infant massage with my own children. I am delighted to be able to share these positive experiences with you. You and your baby WILL benefit immensely from these sessions!

All courses and workshops are currently run by Natalie Garmson (founder/creator of Idibidi Kids). I am a certified infant massage instructor (C.I.M.I) and the W.A. State representative for the IAIM, which means that I have received professional training of the highest standard. I am a professional member of the International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM) and previously IMIS (Infant Massage Information Service); I have access to the latest up-to-date information in regards to infant massage techniques (for further information on your instructor, please refer to BIOGRAPHY for Natalie's qualifications, experience and interests). I like to approach teaching the infant massage courses and infant massage workshops from a holistic sense; infant massage is much more than just strokes, it encompasses massage strokes and techniques, gentle yoga-based exercises and touch relaxation, bonding and more.

Learning to massage your child is an intimate experience; you will learn in a nurturing and supportive environment. Infant massage is also about helping to maintain your child's health and well-being, much like having a regular massage for an adult would be. I have a huge interest in why and how touch is so important for babies and also how touch itself influences babies brain development. You will have access to my personal collection of books, articles and other researched information specific to infant massage, touch therapy and babies brain development.

Have you learnt baby massage previously from a child health nurse/midwife or from a book?
Firstly, I think it is wonderful you have experienced massaging your child! BUT, even if you have (or haven't), I guarantee that all the sessions in an Idibidi Kids™ Massage course covers more than just a few massage strokes. I like to approach the sessions from a holistic point of view as well. (Refer to 4 session course outline for more specific details). I will ensure you receive personalised attention; we learn at a pace that suits you and your baby (or 'babies' if we're in a group environment). I also provide private consultations (course or workshop) in the comfort of your home, which most parents appreciate, especially when they have a newborn.

Learning from an IDIBIDI KIDS™ certified massage instructor will ensure that you are applying the correct pressure, rhythm, rate and stroke technique. This is very important for your baby to receive the maximum benefits. I demonstrate the various strokes and baby massage techniques on my demonstration doll, while you do the same strokes on your baby (refer to frequently asked questions). Only you massage your baby!

This is because baby massage is unique to the parent and infant and a very intimate form of touch, where strong bonds are formed. The skills you learn and develop in a 4 session course enable you to continue massaging your child at home, from when they are a newborn through to the teenage years. Learning infant massage is definitely a worthwhile investment for you and your baby!

You will feel confident and empowered, knowing how to correctly perform a baby massage sequence on your child, as well as to be able to understand and interpret your child’s body language (non-verbal cues) in relation to whether he or she would like a massage (read more about the wonderful benefits of infant massage.)

You can also purchase baby and kids products through Idibidi Kids™.

Testimonials:

What did you like best about the infant massage course or workshop?
• Tips about seeking permission from my baby prior to massage and also
the Weather Massage sequence
• To learn how to help when baby has wind or colic
• It's easy to learn and easy to understand
• Natalie's flexibility with baby's mood on the day
• Nice and relaxing, no rush
• All the massages
• Relaxed environment to learn the techniques
• I liked that Natalie was calm and easy to talk to. She was flexible and
started with the massage rather than the discussion as I had explained that
Shay was due for a feed. Natalie came at a time that was convenient for my
husband and I, which was great. The weather sequence was lovely, and I
really look forward to when Shay is able to understand what it means.
My husband enjoyed the workshop and was happy to have a go with one of
the dolls that Natalie provides!! The workshop was very informative and easy
to follow, made me aware of the many benefits to massage. Urvi, Kalpesh and
baby Shay
• 'I've always enjoyed stroking and touching my baby, but after Natalie's
instruction at the workshop, I now know actual massage strokes to use and
their benefits both at the time of massage and in my baby's future. 
Jane Willis, Editor, Flourish Magazine & baby Colette (7 1/2 mths)

How has the infant or kids massage course/workshop affected both
you and your baby?
• Opened my mind more so to the benefits of massage other than relaxation
• Brings enjoyment daily
• Good way to interact with my baby in a different way
• Has helped my baby with colic
• Good bonding time
• Definitely increased bonding between us (and his sister as well). Very
excited about doing lots of massage in the future! Thomas loved it - thank you!
• Massage has helped with Shay's night time routine, he used to feed for 2-3
hours every evening, now he is in his cot within an hour, that includes
massage time. Shay enjoys it and I find it very relaxing, it is also great to
have that very personal time to bond together. I really enjoyed the workshop
and would not think twice about recommending Natalie to any of my friends.

Other comments
• Natalie is patient, clear and easy to understand. She is very enthusiastic about it.
Lea C & baby Lani, Tapping
• Natalie was clear and very patient with the babies and made sure everything
was easy to learn and practise on my baby.
Melissa W & baby Jayden, Wanneroo.
• Very relaxed atmosphere - great to come to my own house. Very informative
and well prepared - thanks Natalie!
Melissa W & baby Thomas, Bateman.

Further testimonials on why parents & babies are loving baby massage with
Idibidi Kids can be read at the Idibidi Kids BLOG and Idibidi Kids on Facebook!

In the Media...

Things I've written and been featured in:

Hands on in Geraldton
Infant massage benefits parents with post natal depression, perinatal depression and anxiety (PDF).

Infant massage is popular in many cultures and research indicates many benefits for infant and parent,(1) including parent empowerment, increased physical contact and improved attachment. There is also emerging evidence that infant massage workshops are effective in treating postnatal depression and anxiety. Specifically, mothers who attend an infant massage workshop appear to recover more rapidly, even when controlling for the social interaction aspect of the workshops.(2) In January, the Women’s Health Resource Centre in Geraldton obtained a grant from the Department for Communities for a one-off project to support families in nurturing and caring for their children. The grant provided two infant massage workshops on 16 and 17 February. Click here for the full article.

My Child magazine, Autumn ed. 2010
Infancy section: Did you know? Infants display many reflexes (PDF)

L'il Aussie Prems -
"Nurturing Touch in the NICU and Beyond: A Guide for Parents", article by Natalie Garmson
Positive, nurturing touch is important in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) as premature babies often experience negative, painful touch by way of medical treatments. For an infant to interact socially, they must first be able to control their autonomic motor and behavioural state systems. Tactile support such as nurturing touch can help your baby to settle. Factors such as the environment, type and level of procedures along with the infants maturity will affect their ability to cope with stimulation... click here to read the full article

6PR RADIO interview with Howard Sattler, December 2009
Hear Natalie's inspiring journey on how she started Idibidi Kids, from being unemployed to participating in the government funded N.E.I.S. small business program, run by Harlequin Consultants, and ultimately following her dream and passion!
Listen here: 6PR radio interview (15 min) wma file

The Sunday Times newspaper, p 27, 2nd August 2009
"Get in touch with baby" promoting Baby Massage Awareness Week, 1st to 7th August 2009. To view the article, visit the Idibidi Kids BLOG.

Flourish Magazine Winter issue 2009 -
"Massage Magic for Babies and Children" article by Natalie Garmson
"There are many reasons why babies and children should receive a massage and be shown positive, nurturing touch on a daily basis. Research has shown that massaging your child will assist with their health, wellbeing and development, both psychologically and physiologically".To read the full article click here to view PDF.

Joondalup/Wanneroo Times community newspaper 10/02/09
To read the full article, click here to view PDF. This article can also be read online.

My Child magazine - article by Natalie Garmson
Idibidi Kids has featured in My Child magazine, Issue 12 Autumn 2009, "Infancy: news" page 52. Article title: "FIVE REASONS TO MASSAGE YOUR BABY"
Idibidi Kids features in the Shopping Directory under Infancy, see www.mychildmagazine.com.au

Flourish Magazine - Issue 8 Vol 1, 2009
Super Summer ed. "Great Gift Ideas" p 127.
Idibidi Kids Gift certificates

IDIBIDI KIDS™
Philosophy and Vision

Philosophy behind IDIBIDI KIDS™

To NURTURE

• Take care of
• Encourage somebody or something to flourish

To DISCOVER

• Find out about something
• Be the first to find or learn something

To BENEFIT

• Something that has a good effect or promotes well-being

To nurture both the parent and child...
To discover the traditional art of infant massage...
Both the parent and child will benefit...

Vision of IDIBIDI KIDS™

• To raise awareness of infant massage in the community;
• To educate parents, caregivers and health professionals about the
  benefits of healthy, nurturing touch for babies;
• To promote infant massage as a traditional and ancient art, one that
  has been practised by many cultures around the world for centuries;
• To encourage confidence and empowerment for parents and caregivers;
• To nurture babies psychologically and physiologically through positive touch;
• To establish a reputation within the local community of being a leader
  in infant massage instruction through providing quality service as a
  professional instructor and educator.