Infant Massage Classes
Infant Massage Classes
(Great for toddlers too!)
Next Classes:
March Series
Session #1: March 8
Session #2: March 15
Session #3: March 22
All Classes begin at 11:00 AM
Future Class Dates: (May be subject to change)
April: 5, 12, 19
All Classes are held at:
See our Infant Massage Demonstration on Central PA Live
See what people are saying about our Infant Massage Class: Click Here!
Registration for March Series Now Open!!
Register and pay online
Online registration and Payment instructions:
~You must register and pay separately - don't forget to complete both steps!
~You may register online and not pay online, and vise versa.
For Online Registration Form:
And/Or
Class Payment:
~OR~
Click Here to download the registration form as a PDF.
If you have a problem with the download, please contact us for the form.
About our Infant Massage Classes
Our classes are designed to help parents and caregivers learn massage techniques and exercises to help babies (and parents) with a wide variety of conditions. The class' primary focus will be on babies aged 6 weeks through 1 year, however the techniques can be valuable for children older than a year as well. The class series is divided into three sessions, with each session focusing on massage and exercises for specific areas of the body.
For expectant parents, we usually recommend taking these classes after the baby is born so that you have a baby to work on, and you can focus on the baby and not the stress of the upcoming delivery, however if you would like to attend the class as an addition to your prenatal education, you are more than welcome. Babies are welcome and encouraged to be brought to class so that the parent can practice the techniques right on the baby. If a baby is unavailable or unwilling to cooperate, a simulation (doll) can be used.
What will be taught in the classes?
During the class, we will discuss several topics including but not limited to:
- Massage basics appropriate for infants focused on specific areas of the body
- Exercises to help baby's coordination and muscle development
- Relaxation exercises for parents
-Common infant/child medical conditions and how to help them (colic, colds, etc)
What do I need to bring to class?
Just about everything you need for class will be provided, however you may feel comfortable bringing a few things of your own if you wish. Some items that we will use that you may wish to bring are:
- A pillow or "Boppy" for the baby and a pillow or cushion for yourself to sit on
- A receiving blanket or other warm blanket in case baby gets cold
- Additional diapers just in case
- A notepad or other device for taking notes during class
- A baby (preferably yours)
- For expectant parents / grandparents / others, we will try to have enough dolls available, but if you wish you can bring a doll or a similarly shaped stuffed animal (4 limbs, torso, head).
What does the class cost?
Whole 3-class series: $70
Single Session: $30
The class is structured into 3 Sessions. We highly reccomend all three sessions so that the baby can receive the complete benefits available, but if parents/caregivers choose, there is also the option of attending only one or two sessions. If a parent/caregiver and child completes the whole 3-class series, they also have the "reward" option of returning to any of the classes free of charge for a "refresher" anytime. While the information provided in the classes will be beneficial to all of a baby's parents and caregivers, the class is designed and priced for one parent to be working on one child at a time.
Why should babies have Massage?
Physical Benefits for the baby:
Massage has benefits for everyone, and especially for infants. Touch is one of the first sensations babies are aware of, so it is valuable for helping babies physically, mentally, and in many more ways. There are numerous medical studies and scientific research proving that massage has a great impact on all babies and children. Massage is more than just a way to relax. It can greatly influence the way babies' brains and bodies develop. Studies show that there are relationships between touch and intelligence, so the more skin-to-skin touch a baby receives in its first year of life can impact the way their brain works and develops for the rest of their life.
- Strengthens digestive system
- Improves immune system
- Develops and improves muscle tone
- Helps develop coordination
Mental Benefits for the Baby:
- Increases sense of being loved
- Developps trust
- Increases self esteem
- Enhances relaxation and releases stress
- Creates awareness of self and surroundings
Medical Benefits for Baby:
- Improves respiration
- Helps relieve colic
- Improves sleep patterns
- Reduces discomfort from gas, constipation, congestion, teething, and more.
Benefits to Parents:
- Promotes bonding
- Increases communication and understanding between parent and baby
- Improves relaxation and reduces parent's stress
- Increases parent's confidence by helping them help their babies
Is this class beneficial for toddlers and children older than babies?
Absolutely. Older babies and young children can benefit from massage to help with development of muscle tone and coordination, as well as calming hyperactivity and improving focus. Children who were massaged as babies usually accept massage and understand its benefits as they get older, and they are more easily able to distinguish between "good" and "bad" touch, as well as having the confidence to reject any kind of touch if they don't want it. Children suffering with learning disabilities, illness, or trauma can gain normalization of brain chemical levels, a decrease in depression, improved motor skills, and decreased anxiety.
The techniques taught in the class are very good for children of all ages, and children of all ages are welcome in the class. One wonderful thing about the classes being taught at Spela is that if the older children get antsy or suddenly become unwilling to cooperate, they can go into the play area while the parent can continue to participate in the class and can practice on a simulation doll if necessary.
Karen Stoner, LMT is one of the few Massage Therapists in Centre County that holds the designation of
both Certified Prenatal Massage Therapist and Certified Infant Massage Therapist/Instructor