Thank you for agreeing to come along to my IAIM NZ Instructor Infant Massage Training classes.

Benefits of baby massage can be:

·  More relaxed baby, and more relaxed parents/ caregivers

·  Better sleep for all the family

·  Release of relaxing and calming hormones for both parent and baby during the massage

·  Deeper bonding and attachment – learn your baby’s unique cues and body language, which supports you to be a more intuitive parent

·  Relief of discomfort from gas, constipation, teething and growing pains.

·  The list goes on!

This set of 5 classes involves myself working as a student baby massage instructor teaching parents how to massage their babies. After the course you will need to complete a short evaluation.

I need you to confirm that you can attend all 5 classes. If you find that you're unable to attend all five classes please let me know urgently. This will allow me to offer your spot to someone on the waiting list. If you have to miss a class due to illness, we will need to schedule a make-up session so I can meet the requirements for certification.

The course: The International Association of Infant Massage teaches the same program in over 100 countries. The philosophy is around creating a bond with your child. So only parents or caregivers massage their baby, and we encourage you to avoid wearing perfume, aftershave, and scented products. Dolls will be provided to practice on if two people come with one baby, or if your baby falls asleep. After each session Podia will give you access to the techniques taught each week.

When and where: 10-11.30am Thursdays 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 May, at Johnsonville Uniting Church, 18 Dr Taylor Terrace, Johnsonville.

Parking: there is parking behind the building, along the driveway, or on the street.

Arriving: Please arrive a little early to get comfortable before class starts - say, 9.50am. If you are running late, don’t worry. Come anyway. We understand it’s tricky to get out the door with a baby. If you are unable to come for any reason, can you please let me know ASAP so I can get in touch with the next family on the waiting list that there will be space for them.

Your comfort: We will be teaching a full body massage over the 5 classes.  This will involve sitting on the floor. I encourage you to bring a cushion to sit on. If the floor is uncomfortable, I can set up a table and chair for you.

Please bring with you:

o   Your baby!

o   Two large, adult sized, bath towels to creating a massage nest and keeping baby warm during the massage

o   A cushion for you to sit on (optional)

o   A water bottle for you, and a way to feed baby – massage is thirsty work.  You are welcome to stop and feed baby at any time. If you are bottle feeding feel free to make up the bottle when you arrive so it is ready to go

o   A warm blanket, and perhaps baby’s favourite toy if they are on the move. As we will be removing baby’s clothes if your baby is younger than 3 months please bring a warm hat and booties to help keep them warm

o   The usual paraphernalia you need with a baby, e.g. nappies, wipes, a change of clothing, burp cloths, etc.

Unsettled babies and crying is almost expected in class. Because the class is baby-led, you just follow what your baby wants to do and when.  You are welcome to feed them, change them, let them sleep, of pause for a “Hug Break”. If your baby is sleeping, dolls are available to practice the massage strokes on so that your baby can continue to rest and restore as they need.  Babies do 80% of their growing (body and brain) when sleeping so we don’t want to interrupt such an important time. 

Massage Oil: I will provide massage oil for each class, and you can take this home at the end of the course. Please let me know if you have any family history of allergies. If your baby has eczema, please bring your fatty cream to use during the massage. Sometimes even cold-pressed, organic oils can aggravate moderate to severe eczema.  If you already have oil for baby massage that you prefer, feel free to bring it along.

Questions: If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out. I am looking forward to getting together with you and your precious little one and engaging in this interactive activity together. This will be a safe place: you're welcome to come after a bad night's sleep, if your hormones are all over the place, even come in your pyjamas and slippers.

Please practise massage with your baby this week.

Please try these with your baby this week. What time of day do they prefer to be massaged?

Are you able to include baby massage each day?