As a certified Infant Massage Practitioner with Infant Massage Australia, Sofia specialises in teaching infant massage to parents and carers to help promote a respectful and loving relationship, which will enhance child development. There are so many benefits to learning infant massage:
o It's fun and easy to learn
o Provides an enjoyable activity for you and your baby to spend quality time toge
ther
o Establishes a secure relationship through gentle healthy touch, loving communication, and eye gaze
o Helps you and your baby to relax and reduces muscle tension. Stress weakens the immune system, therefore massage strengthens the immune system
o Massage stimulates the circulatory and lymphatic systems, improving well being
o Strengthens the nervous system and facilitates neurological development
o Helps to calm irritable babies
o Helps babies to sleep deeper and longer
o Certain strokes can relieve wind, constipation and colic. o Boosts the baby’s Serotonin levels which is known to reduce the risk of SIDS
o Facilitates co-ordination and flexibility by using gentle stretches and yoga poses
o Teaches your baby about respect for their bodies
o Helps you to understand your babies cues and ways of communication
o Helps to reduce post-natal depression in the parent
Touch increases the release of the love hormone, “oxytocin” improving the mood of both parent and baby. Oxytocin also plays a crucial role in enabling us to forge and strengthen our social relationships, so having a good dose of this in early life is most beneficial. Babies and children who have been massaged regularly are more likely to have a secure relationship with their parents or primary carers. Sofia offers one-on-one and group infant massage instruction in a relaxed environment at your own residence or in the Community Setting. The classes cover topics such as:
• Best massage oils for babies
• Baby states and best time for massage
• Baby cues, facial expressions and cries
• Massage strokes and it’s benefits
The strokes are demonstrated on a life size-doll, and parents are then able to follow the strokes with their baby. The strokes are taught a little at a time, and at individuals own pace so that confidence can be gained and babies tolerance levels can develop. The content is taught over 3-5 sessions, (usually 1 per week) of 60- 90 minutes duration. Group classes are an ideal way of socialising, staying connected and meeting up with other parents. These classes can be held at your home or at Community Centre Locations. Gift vouchers are also available and make unique and special gift ideas for baby showers, new baby arrivals, and Birthday & Christmas presents. If you would like more information or would like to go ahead and book some classes, please feel free to email or call on: 0420 974 141. Sofia and Bubbatouch look forward to hearing from you and meeting your little one. :-)
