what is infant massage therapy?

The ancient art of infant massage has been practiced for centuries by cultures around the world. The Loving Touch Infant Massage sequence uses a combination of techniques from traditional Swedish Massage, Ayurvedic Massage, Reflexology, and Conditioned Relaxation Response. There seems to be an endless list of physical and physiological benefits to massage, but our greatest focus is the connection and relationship you are creating between you and your baby.

Massage gives parents and caregivers a simple way to feel more confident in their ability to care for their little one. It helps promote not only an emotional connection, but also an awareness of your baby’s unique cues and ways of communication.

Practicing infant massage at an early age has been proven to promote optimal development for your baby, who will benefit for years to come. Historically, massage was used as the primary way to treat pain. The benefits remain true today! Massage can aid in pain relief from countless conditions from teething and congestion to colic and digestion. It can help strengthen the immune system, increase muscle development and weight gain, and regulate sleep and the nervous system.

However, the benefits aren’t just for your baby! Massage slows the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering your stress hormones and increasing your calm. Something we can all use more of! All sessions are created to incorporate your prenatal and postnatal needs, including meditation, mindful movement focused on labor prep or recovery, pelvic floor care, breathwork, reflexology, and embodiment. Infant massage is a uniquely special opportunity for fathers, parents using a surrogate, and those adopting or fostering who wish to intentionally create positive secure attachment. 

The list of benefits goes on. If you have any questions, concerns, or are curious if infant massage could support your family’s needs, please reach out! 

❤ Check with your doctor before starting any massage routine 

10% of all proceeds will be donated to

Personalized

holistic

intuitive

'“Though there are many physiological benefits, our goal is the relationship and connection you are creating with your baby. This is something you do with your baby, not to your baby.”

VImala mcclure

nurture your nature

Would you like to learn the art of baby massage one-on-one in the comfort of your home or perhaps in your community among friends? The material covered will be spread out over four weeks, with one session per week. This will give you and your baby time to practice, experiment, and show up with questions for the next session.

Session options :

Private Infant Massage Therapy

  • Includes series of four 1-hour sessions for one family or caregiver.

  • Sessions can be completed prenatally or after baby has arrived!

  • Want to prepare for baby, while also experiencing massage with your baby’s unique schedule and personality? Sessions can be divided between the time before baby arrives and after you are home and settled.

  • Can be done in-person or virtually.


Semi-Private Infant Massage

  • Includes series of four 1.5-2 hour sessions for your community of caregivers, parents and parents to be. Great for small circles, up to 5 babies.

  • Offered in-person only.

FAQS

  • Nope! I will bring along a baby doll and show you each stroke step by step as you practice on either a doll or your baby. I am here to explain each stroke and its benefits for you to incorporate in the ways that you are most comfortable.

  • Yes! Learn to connect through baby massage before baby arrives, so you can implement this tool from day one. Sessions before baby will include infant massage strokes, while incorporating medicinal movement and meditation to prepare your body, mind and heart for baby’s arrival. A great way for parents using a surrogate, adopting or fostering to create positive healthy attachment from the start.

  • No! In fact, infant massage is a particularly special practice for fathers to connect to their new baby. Fathers often do not feel connected to baby until they are able to make eye contact and meet their baby in person. Infant massage has many health benefits, but our greatest goal is connection. Through eye contact, the sound of your voice, facial cues, and reactions, you will learn to grow your confidence in interacting and handling your new baby.

  • Wonderful! Our time together is flexible and will adapt to your baby’s needs and schedule. When your baby is happy and alert, you can practice the massage with them. If baby needs a meal, nap or cuddle during our time, we have baby dolls! We will talk thru the steps and the benefits, and you will have the week before our next session to practice, and come back with questions.

  • No! Babies will benefit most in the first 6-7 months. As babies grow, get more wiggly, start crawling and walking, a quiet and relaxing massage becomes more challenging. Games, toys, songs, and stories can be incorporated to implement massage into your family’s life at any age.

  • Having a calm environment for infant massage is important. With a newborn, I recommend setting aside one-on-one time for you and your baby, if possible. But what a great thing to share with your children, to touch and communicate in a gentle and loving way. Older siblings may like to learn some of the massage strokes on a baby doll, or practice on themselves. Involving other little family members can be especially fun if you are completing the sessions prenatally.

  • One of the many benefits of baby massage, is its ability to develop your baby’s early stress management. As this skill is being developed, a full-body massage may seem over stimulating to a baby that is not used to it. We will work our way up to a full-body massage over the four weeks, starting from the feet and legs, to the tummy, chest, arms, hands, face, head, and back body.

  • This is up to you! I recommend an organic, cold-pressed oil suitable to each season. Coconut oil is cooling for the summer, and mustard oil is great for the winter. A patch-test will be recommended before the first session to ensure your baby does not have any negative reactions.

Content on this website, or printed material is adapted from the materials copyrighted by the International Loving Touch® Foundation, Inc, and is used here with permission.

Kind words,

  • From Betsy

    I had the pleasure of attending Rachael's infant massage lessons and I must say, it was a truly wonderful experience. Rachael is an incredibly warm and inviting instructor who creates a comfortable and calming atmosphere for both babies and parents alike.

    Her knowledge of infant massage is exceptional, and she takes the time to explain the benefits of each technique and how it can aid in the development and well-being of our little ones. Rachael's instructions were clear and easy to follow, and she provided us with ample opportunities to practice and ask questions.

    What I appreciated most about Rachael's lessons was the personalized attention she gave to each family. She took the time to get to know us and our babies, and tailored her lessons to our individual needs and concerns. I felt truly seen and heard in her presence, which made the entire experience all the more special.

    Overall, I highly recommend Rachael's infant massage lessons to any parent who is looking for a meaningful and bonding experience with their child. Her warm and welcoming presence, combined with her extensive knowledge of infant massage, make for an unforgettable experience that will undoubtedly leave you and your baby feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

  • From Laurel

    Infant massage with Rachael felt peaceful and natural for my son and I. I left feeling confident in my ability to incorporate infant massage into my son's routine and with a new tool in my toolbox for supporting our connection. Rachael helped me feel comfortable and encouraged me to trust my instincts as a mother. I needed that scheduled time with my son and I'm so glad I pursued it!

  • From Betsy

    I highly recommend doing infant massage. It’s seriously so fun and helps you bond with your baby like you didn’t think you could. I looked up infant massage stuff online before, on YouTube and tried it, but this is a different experience. Plus, Rachael is so personable and flexible… she gets that you’re new mom and responds to not only your baby, but to you, and makes it work. And all you learn, you can apply for several years to come and with more kids. You get pictures and explanations to refer back to, as well. Love it! Love her! Highly recommend!!!

  • FROM EMILY

    Rachael did a one-on-one session with me and my 3 year old son. He did so well and absolutely enjoyed it. He almost fell asleep at the end of the session. We utilize a lot of what we learned from Rachael during our bedtime routine and when my son isn’t feeling well.

  • from jenna

    I loved working with Rachael! The sessions were very relaxed. She moved at my daughter and my pace, and answered all my questions. I highly recommend her if you are looking for an infant massage therapist!