My name is Amtul
Suhail. I am a certified infant massage instructor through
International Association of Infant Massage, a registered non-
profit organization. In December 2006 I had the opportunity to
complete the intensive training and practicum work specifically
designed by the International Association of Infant Massage in
Ventura. I am a parent /caregiver educator and I also teach early
childhood education classes at California College of Communications.
I will be offering “Mommy and Me Classes” at this location. Please
stay tuned for more information.
Infant massage is
an ancient tradition. The art of infant massage has been practiced
throughout India as a sacred art, a renewal of life that is handed
down from mother to a daughter. Personally I feel fortunate because
I was the recipient of massages as an infant as well as a young
child. Each time I received a massage my mother and grandmother
shared the benefits of massage with me. When I became a mother I
remembered the benefits and gave massages to my own children.
Fredrick Leboyer in his book Loving Hands states “Massaging a baby
is an art, as deep as it is old, and yet so simple, but difficult.”
Many Infant
Massage techniques taught today are based on the teaching of Vimala
Mc Clure and Amelia Auckett, who separately designed the concept to
bring infant massage to parents in the Western World in the late
1970’s and early 1980’s. When I came to United States and started to
work with infants and toddlers I realized that using the simple
strokes of massage helped the young infants to calm down and they
felt relaxed in my arms. Those moments were not only therapeutic for
infants they were also therapeutic for me. However, being the newest
staff member of the team I never had the courage to share any of my
personal experiences with anyone else at work.
Massaging a baby
is a wonderful experience. It is done through simple techniques that
convey a powerful message to the child. Infant massage strokes are
not only conveying the physical comfort, it conveys our love, our
understanding, and our attention. There is no “right” or “wrong” way
to massage a baby. Both parents can learn to massage their baby.
Infant massage is about being together and being in touch with each
other physically as well as emotionally.
Infant massage
can be learned by anyone interested in having a loving relationship
with his or her babies. You will be learning and using the same
strokes that many generations of parents all around the world have
used, yet you will massage your baby in a way as no one else can.
According to the
current research the benefits of Infant massage are enormous. Some
of them are mentioned in this article.
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Contributes to
Development: Stimulates growth and healthy development of your
baby’s mind, body and spirit.
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Relaxes and
Soothes: Nurturing touch is a naturally rewarding way to relieve
stress for you and your baby.
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Deepens
Bonding: Essential one on one time will strengthen your
communication, understanding, and ability to nurture one another.
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Improves
Communication: Increase parent’s confidence and sensitivity to
their baby’s cues.
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Empower
Relationships: Enhances your ability to understand your baby’s
special needs.
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Helps Baby
Sleep Better: helps your baby to release stress that develops
with every day new experiences.
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Improves
Digestion: Young infants can seem so tiny and fragile but infant
massage seems to improve digestion.
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Increases
Muscle Tone: For premature babies, infant massage helps to gain
47% of weight gain.
