Birds do it! Goats do it! Mice do it! Even hedgehogs do it, or have it done by fleas! If a lamb tries to stand before its mother has had a chance to lick it, she will keep it down with her foot until she is satisfied that her maternal handling has been sufficiently performed to ensure the survival of her newborn. It has been found that newborn lambs with no licking at all failed to stand and subsequently died. In an evolutionary jump we can surmise that we have gone from licking, to tooth-combing, to finger-grooming, to hand-stroking or caressing in chimps, gorillas and human babies. Tactile communication is as important for the mother as it is for the baby.

It stimulates the release of oxytocin (helping to establish maternal behaviours and for the infant, promoting lasting ‘securely attached’ characteristics), prolactin (promoting milk production) and many other opioids which reduce pain, create feelings of elation and foster the bonding experience. The First Touch Program run by IAIM (International Association of Infant Massage) has this bonding experience and the healthy development of infants into adulthood as its paramount objectives.

The program is a tool to help parents understand and enjoy their baby more, to reduce postnatal depression, to enhance parents’ confidence and to reduce parents’ isolation. As an instructor, I have had intensive training that is internationally recognized by trainers who answer to highly professional standards and code of ethics. As well as previously mentioned benefits in interaction and stimulation, the program will foster relaxation improving infant sleep patterns and bring relief to colic, constipation, muscle tension etc.

All babies are welcome including those born prematurely, with physical or intellectual disabilities, adopted or fostered. And all mothers and fathers are welcome including single parents, mothers suffering PND, same sex couples and mothers who are very young. The course was devised by Vimala McLure, an American yoga instructor who traveled to India in the 70’s and observed through her work in the orphanages there that infant massage was part of every day life allowing these orphans  to thrive sometimes under the most difficult circumstances. The program that Vimala constructed includes Indian as well as Swedish massage techniques,

Yoga stretches and reflexology

The course not only consists of teaching a massage routine but fosters the concept of respect for the infant through asking permission to massage and including the baby through touch, eye contact, words and song, understanding infant cues and behavioural states, introducing concepts of Resting Hands, Touch Relaxation and Containment Holds. There are Gentle Movements based on yoga stretches, a routine for the relief of colic, discussions on topics such as co-sleeping and crying accompanied by handouts on the latest research. The program is trans-cultural, flexible and adaptable, non-invasive and simple. It is generally a 5 week course with meetings once a week for 1.5 hours.

It can be taught to small groups or one-on-one. Parents are encouraged to set up a daily massage routine from the beginning of the course and usually by the second week the reports come back that their baby responds with wide open eyes in readiness to the ‘rubbing of the hands’ - a preparatory gesture by the mother! And very importantly, only parents massage their babies in the session. Massage is a skill in the art of connection and communication - and its never too early or too late to start.

If you're interested in baby massage or baby movement courses, please call me on 0413 444 914 or email me discuss your needs and to see which course is suitable for you and your baby.

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