Frequently Asked Questions - Baby Massage
What is IAIM?
IAIM is the largest and longest standing worldwide association solely dedicated to baby massage. Originally founded in the early 1980s by an American woman named Vimala McClure, IAIM became an internationally established organization in 1992, and now has Certified Infant Massage Instructors all over the world. Our baby massage program is well respected, well researched and has been endorsed to be a high quality parent education program.
The IAIM mission statement is to promote nurturing touch and communication through training, education and research; so parents, caregivers and children are loved, valued and respected throughout the world community.
Who are the classes for?
The classes are for mums and babies from birth to age 1, or developmental age 1 for premature babies. Mothers find the class most enjoyable before their baby is mobile, so it is generally recommended to take the class in the first 6 months of baby’s life. Very young babies are less likely to get a lot of massage in the class, but they can receive tremendous benefits from the massage (which can be done at home when the time is right for them). Older babies will often enjoy being massaged in class and at home, and over the course of the 5-week series, all babies will grow and develop and change their response to the massage sessions.
What are the instructor’s qualifications?
Amy, is a certified lactation educator and counselor and a former midwife and childbirth educator, certified infant massage instructor and licensed BabyCalm/ToddlerCalm teacher. She has been running Baby Massage classes since 2011 and has helped 100's of mothers and babies enjoy the benefits of baby massage.
Why does a course last 5 weeks? Can you teach it in fewer sessions?
We like to introduce babies to massage at their own pace. We watch their cues and introduce new strokes gradually, week-to-week. During our infant massage classes you will be introduced to new information each week and build on previously taught techniques. Classes are designed to build relationship between parent and baby to instill trust and create positive associations. Long term training sessions also encourage engagement between parents, fostering opportunities for ongoing support and friendships long after the classes are over.
Who will be touching my baby?
Amy will use a doll to demonstrate the strokes for you and then you will be the one who massages your baby, no one else will be touching your baby.
What if my baby doesn't enjoy it?
We ask permission from the babies before we massage them and follow their cues, to help develop communication and feelings of trust and respect between you and your baby. You will never massage your baby in a way that she or he does not enjoy.
How will I remember it all?
Massage strokes are reviewed each week and handouts are given for your reference. You are encouraged to practice at home, but there is no pressure to do it any more often then you and your baby find enjoyable.
What if my baby cries, or is feeding or asleep?
We welcome babies to be babies, so please do not be concerned if class times coincide with feeding or sleeping times. Very few babies are massaged during every class session, and very occasionally a baby doesn’t ever get massaged in class (usually a very young one). Mum still learns the strokes and is able to massage baby at home when the time is right for them.
We fully expect babies to fuss and cry and we welcome you to do anything you need to do to meet your baby’s needs during the session.
