"It is through our hands that we speak to the child. That we communicate.
Touch is the child's first language, understanding comes long after feeling"
Frederick Leboyer - Obstetrician & Author

Learn from our qualified and experienced instructors how to massage your baby. Our instructors demonstrate the massage strokes on life-size dolls so that you can follow along with your baby.

As well as being fun and completely hands-on, our classes include discussions on important issues relating to the health and wellbeing of your baby.

Babies learn most about themselves and their world through their sense of touch. It has been well documented that regular massage not only provides the vital skin stimulation babies need for emotional wellbeing but it also enhances their physical and intellectual development.

Infant massage is a wonderful way to establish a unique and very close relationship with your baby. Observing and responding to your baby through eye and skin contact are integral in the bonding process and are the key elements of infant massage.

Infant massage is especially beneficial if you are:

• a new parent
• a busy working mum or dad
• experiencing feelings of delayed bonding, perhaps due to medical intervention at birth, a premature delivery or a caesarean
• a dad feeling left out or looking for a way to connect with your newborn
• juggling other children and struggling to find one-on-one quality time with your baby

Builds and strengthens special bonds
Infant massage provides a special time for you to establish closeness with your baby and can compensate for separation. It creates a relaxing, nurturing time for you to share with your baby, building and strengthening the bond between you.

Improves sleep
Massage soothes the nervous system which helps promote longer periods of sleep for your baby. Most babies will settle more easily after a massage.

Pain relief
Specific massage techniques can offer pain relief for your baby. This is particularly useful to relieve stress associated with colic, reflux, wind and constipation. Discomfort from sinus congestion and teething can also be alleviated with massage.

Enhances communication
Focusing on your baby during massage time allows you to observe and learn your baby’s body language and different cries which helps you to respond more effectively to their needs. It is a time of loving communication between you and your baby. Talking to your baby helps them to learn about their world and develops their body awareness. Massage also reinforces positive communication which develops your baby’s sense of trust, respect and security.

Development
Research has shown that regular massage strengthens a baby’s immune system and improves muscle tone, circulation, co-ordination and flexibility. Massage stimulates the internal organs and speeds up myelination of the nerves. The greatest sensory input to the brain comes from the skin, so it is not surprising that regular massage enhances a baby’s neurological development, self awareness and mental function.

Relaxing and enjoyable
Massage is a fun activity to do with your baby. It helps you and your baby to relax, even in times of stress. It increases your parental confidence and handling skills knowing that through touch you are enhancing the mental and physical wellbeing of your baby.

Infant massage courses comprise of 2 or 3 classes of 60 minutes duration, usually run over consecutive weeks. Group courses are completed in 3 classes whereas with private courses, often only 2 classes are needed. The age of your baby is just one of the many determining factors. As babies set the pace of the course, they soon let us know how they are going.

The first class at TLC is a private session individually structured and paced to meet the needs of both you and your baby. The follow-on classes may be either small group or private, whichever you prefer.

Strokes are taught gradually throughout the course so that you feel confident and so that your baby’s tolerance levels can develop.

Infant massage is suitable for babies from birth, however we find that from 6 weeks onwards, babies are able to enjoy slightly longer periods of stimulation.

Massage oil and comprehensive reference notes are provided in every class.

Mobile courses are also available. Why not enjoy learning infant massage in the privacy of your own home, with a group of friends or with your mother’s group? We can arrange for an instructor to come to you.

The following table outlines the content covered in our infant massage course.

Strokes are easier to grasp when personally demonstrated by our experienced instructors.

Many of the skills and topics that we teach are not easily acquired from books or dvd’s. Pressure, rhythm, timing, baby’s different cries, bonding and reading baby’s body language are just some of the areas that we focus on. We are also able to address any specific concerns that you may have.

The massage review time ensures that upon completion of the course, you will feel confident using your newly acquired skills so that you and your baby will enjoy massage times together for years to come.

The many benefits will soon become apparent and will delight you and your baby!

Mobile visits and bookings for private classes at TLC can be made on weekdays or weekends.

Small group classes at TLC are predominantly run on the weekends to allow busy working mums and dads the flexibility to participate.

For details of class times and dates or to reserve a place in our next course, please contact us,
or call (03) 9500 9903.