Baby's First Massage FAQ
What will we learn in this class?
Each class is taught by Emily Chaffee, NC LMBT #11800, Certified Labor Doula, and Certified Educator of Infant Massage (CEIM) through Infant Massage, USA. Our goal is that you will be able to incorporate massage and the positive effects of touch to your babies and continue into your child’s teenage years.
During our class you will learn:
Age range: 4 weeks-crawling
Time Commitment: 3 hours total, 10-11:30
$50 per family
One-hour Private class: $50 per family
What do I need to bring to class?
What should I do to prepare for the class?
Shouldn’t I take my baby to a massage therapist for that?
You could, but it’s so easy to learn and you want your baby to bond with you. It will also save you lots of money by learning this skill yourself. A bonus is that research shows the giver of massage also gets benefits from massaging.
My baby is healthy why do I need to give my baby a massage?
Not only is Baby’s First Massage® great for bonding & soothing but it helps a baby learn how to relax and self-soothe. Babies can begin their journey of being comfortable in their own bodies and feel safe with loving touch. It also helps with normal newborn discomforts such as gas and bloating.
I don’t have time to give my baby a massage?
It’s easy to divide up the massage or only do short parts. You can do a little every time you change a diaper.
Each class is taught by Emily Chaffee, NC LMBT #11800, Certified Labor Doula, and Certified Educator of Infant Massage (CEIM) through Infant Massage, USA. Our goal is that you will be able to incorporate massage and the positive effects of touch to your babies and continue into your child’s teenage years.
During our class you will learn:
- Specially designed, infant massage strokes to complete a full body massage
- Gentle movements to help your baby stretch and develop those little muscles
- A simple gas reduction sequence to help ease upset tummies
- We will also have time for questions and discussions about babies, parenting, and touch in general, allowing parents to connect with others who are in a similar stage of life.
Age range: 4 weeks-crawling
Time Commitment: 3 hours total, 10-11:30
$50 per family
One-hour Private class: $50 per family
What do I need to bring to class?
- Normal diaper bag items (diapers, wipes, bottles, snacks, water, etc.)
- Two receiving blanket: one to cover the baby, and one for the baby to lay on
- Beach towel, boppy, or something else more structure to make a “nest” for baby to feel secure during the class
- Massage oil of your choice (Coconut oil or vegetable oil will be provided)
- If a second adult is attending, a small baby doll can be helpful for the adult to practice the strokes with (optional)
What should I do to prepare for the class?
- If possible, try to feed and allow your baby to nap prior to the class so they are in a quiet, alert state for the duration of the class.
- The class is baby-led so please feel free to comfort, feed, or change your baby as needed. You will be provided handouts with all the massage strokes and I am available for questions after the class.
- Due to limitations with the space, older children are welcome if they can remain supervised at all times.
- This class is open to moms, dads, partners, grandparents, nannies and any other adult that is important in your baby’s life. We do ask if more than two adults are interested in attending to please let us know.
Shouldn’t I take my baby to a massage therapist for that?
You could, but it’s so easy to learn and you want your baby to bond with you. It will also save you lots of money by learning this skill yourself. A bonus is that research shows the giver of massage also gets benefits from massaging.
My baby is healthy why do I need to give my baby a massage?
Not only is Baby’s First Massage® great for bonding & soothing but it helps a baby learn how to relax and self-soothe. Babies can begin their journey of being comfortable in their own bodies and feel safe with loving touch. It also helps with normal newborn discomforts such as gas and bloating.
I don’t have time to give my baby a massage?
It’s easy to divide up the massage or only do short parts. You can do a little every time you change a diaper.