This free class, taught by Kim Talachy, is designed to introduce caregivers to the practice of infant massage, offering both practical techniques and an understanding of its profound benefits for babies and parents alike. Through guided instruction, participants will learn how intentional, gentle touch can foster healthy bonding, support infant development, and enhance overall well-being.
Open to all community members.
What You’ll Learn:
- Enhancing Parent-Infant Bonding: Infant massage promotes secure attachment by facilitating positive interactions, eye contact, and skin-to-skin contact, all of which are foundational for emotional and social development. Research from the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami has shown that regular infant massage increases levels of oxytocin (the bonding hormone) in both babies and caregivers, strengthening their connection.
- Supporting Infant Growth and Development: Studies indicate that infant massage can aid in weight gain, improve sleep patterns, and enhance digestion, particularly in preterm infants (Field, 2019). By stimulating the nervous system, massage encourages motor skill development and body awareness.
- Reducing Stress and Promoting Relaxation: Research suggests that infant massage lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) while increasing serotonin and dopamine, helping babies self-regulate their emotions and reducing symptoms of colic and fussiness (Underdown et al., 2013).
- Encouraging Caregiver Confidence: Learning infant massage techniques empowers caregivers by giving them a tool to soothe and communicate with their baby. Studies have shown that parents who engage in infant massage report lower levels of postpartum anxiety and increased confidence in responding to their baby’s cues.
This session will be interactive, allowing caregivers to practice techniques in a supportive setting. Whether you are a new parent, a soon-to-be parent, or a caregiver looking to strengthen your bond with an infant in your care, this class provides a nurturing space to learn and grow.
RSVP: laura@tewawomenunited.org
