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Baby massage is a form of nurturing touch that has been practiced for centuries in many cultures around the world. It involves gentle strokes and movements of the baby's body, using a variety of techniques and oils, to promote relaxation, bonding, and overall wellbeing. While baby massage has become increasingly popular in recent years, many parents are still unaware of the many benefits it can have for their infant's development, particularly in the first 1000 days of life.

The first 1000 days of an infant's life, from conception to the end of their second year, is a critical period of rapid growth and development, both physically and mentally. During this time, babies are developing their brain, nervous system, immune system, and social-emotional skills, which will have a lasting impact on their health and wellbeing throughout their lives. Research has shown that nurturing touch, including baby massage, can have a positive impact on many of these areas, making it a valuable tool for parents to use during this critical period.

One of the most significant benefits of baby massage is its ability to promote relaxation and reduce stress in both the baby and the parent. Babies who receive regular massage have been shown to have lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol and higher levels of the feel-good hormone oxytocin. This can lead to improved sleep, digestion, and overall mood, as well as a stronger bond between parent and baby. Parents who practice baby massage also report feeling more confident and connected to their baby, which can have a positive impact on their own mental health.

In addition to its calming effects, baby massage can also promote healthy physical development. The gentle movements and strokes can help improve circulation, digestion, and respiratory function, which can lead to improved growth and development. Massage can also help to relieve common issues such as colic, constipation, and teething pain. By promoting relaxation and reducing stress, baby massage can also have a positive impact on the immune system, helping to protect babies from illness and infection.

While there are many benefits to baby massage, some parents may be hesitant to provide massage themselves, instead trying to locate an adult massage therapist to provide treatment. However, there are several reasons why parents should consider learning to massage their baby themselves. First, providing massage to your baby can help to strengthen the bond between parent and child. The intimate act of touch can help to build trust and promote a sense of security, which can have lasting effects on the child's social-emotional development. Additionally, by providing massage yourself, you can learn to read your baby's cues and respond to their needs, which can help to build your confidence as a parent and improve your overall relationship with your child.

Learning to provide baby massage is also easier than many parents may think. Certified Infant Massage Instructors (CIMIs) and Paediatric Massage Consultants (PMCs) can provide training and guidance on safe and effective massage techniques, as well as tips for creating a relaxing environment and responding to your baby's cues. Many classes are available where parents can learn how to massage in a group setting or private one-on-one tuition is avaiable, with some instructors happy to arrange home visits. 

When choosing a baby massage class, it is important to look for a qualified instructor who has experience working with famiilies and is specifically trained in massage recommendations for infants and young children. CIMIs and PMCs have received specialised training in infant massage and are familiar with the unique needs and challenges that come with working with babies. They can also provide guidance on selecting the best baby massage oils and products for your baby's skin type and sensitivities.

During a typical baby massage class, parents will learn a variety of massage techniques, including strokes for the legs, arms, back, and stomach. The instructor will also provide guidance on when and how to massage your baby, as well as tips for creating a relaxing environment and responding to your baby's cues.

Baby massage is a safe and effective way for parents to promote relaxation, bonding, and overall wellbeing in their infants during the critical first 1000 days of life. By providing massage themselves, parents can strengthen the bond with their baby, learn to read their baby's cues and respond to their needs, and build confidence as a parent. With the guidance of a qualified Certified Infant Massage Instructor or Paediatric Massage Consultant, parents can learn a variety of massage techniques and create a relaxing environment to promote optimal physical and emotional development in their baby. Taking your baby along to baby massage classes can have lasting positive impacts on both the parent-child relationship and the infant's lifelong health and wellbeing.


Related information

What does an infant massage therapist do?

How do I become an infant massage therapist?
 

Eligibility and Course Prerequisites

No prior training or qualifications are required for the Certified Infant Massage Instructor(CIMI) qualification.

Wanting the Paediatric Massage Consultant (PMC) qualification and wondering if you meet the prerequisite requirements?

If your qualifications fall under the categories of health, allied health, natural therapies or education, you are guaranteed to meet the prerequisite requirements for the paediatric level qualification.

Some examples of qualifications that meet the prerequisite requirements for the PMC qualification are included below (please note, this is not a full list). 

Examples of health qualifications approved for PMC:

Nurse, midwife, aboriginal health worker, community health worker, retired nurse, child & family practitioner, paediatric nurse, maternal/child health nurse, neonatal nurse, paediatrician, medical doctor.

Examples of allied health qualifications approved for PMC:

Chiropractor, doula, childbirth educator, lactation consultant/educator, science degrees, mental health professional, social worker, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, psychologist. 

Examples of natural therapy qualifications approved for PMC:

Massage therapist, yoga instructor, nutritionist, Chinese medicine, kinesiology, myotherapist, naturopath.

Examples of educator qualifications approved for PMC:

Early childhood educator, early childhood teacher, other educator (e.g. B. ED Studies, diploma in primary teaching)

PMC students receive both qualifications, the Certificate in Infant Massage Instruction and the Paediatric Massage Consultant qualification. To obtain the paediatric qualification you need to meet the prerequisite requirements, complete your baby massage training through the Infant Massage Information Service and successfully complete 4 competency tasks. In addition to working with parents, and teaching them how to massage their babies, PMCs can provide theory presentations to other professionals, educating them on the researched benefits of massage for infants and children and ensuring they are aware of services available to families in this field. 

Course Fees and Variations

Course fees are the same regardless of your method of study (face-to-face or online).

Fees for the Certificate in Infant Massage Instruction range from $1125 - $1650, depending on the enrolment package (inclusions) selected. Interest-free payment plans are available and these are personalised for each student. 

Fees for the Paediatric Massage Consultant qualification range from $1485 - $2010, depending on the enrolment package (inclusions) selected. Interest-free payment plans are available and these are personalised for each student. 

The course fee table outlining the enrolment packages (inclusions) can be accessed here: Fee Structure | Baby Massage

Please note, the table automatically displays the fees for the Certified Infant Massage Instructor qualification. To view the fees and inclusions for the Paediatric Massage Consultant (PMC) qualification, be sure to click on the 'Paediatric Massage Consultant' box. 

Face-to-Face Course Details

Face-to-face training dates and locations can be found on our course dates and locations page: Locations | Baby Massage

The face-to-face training is completed over 3 days and courses are always held on a Friday, Saturday & Sunday.

Career and Qualification Pathways

Infant Massage Information Service 3-day face-to-face courses have a mixture of both Certified Infant Massage Instructor (CIMI) and Paediatric Massage Consultant (PMC) students.

All students cover the same content/units of study.

The differences are:

- Our CIMI students are usually going into the industry as something new i.e. with no prior related background. There are no pre-requisite requirements they need to meet.

- CIMI students complete the 3-day course successfully and are then able to work with parents, teaching infant massage. All assessment work is completed within the 3 days of the course.

- Our PMC students have prior, related training and/or experience in health, allied health, natural therapies or early childhood education and care.

- After the 3 days in class, there is one additional assignment completed. The additional PMC task takes approximately 2 days to complete and does not need to be done in the 2 days directly following the course. PMC students can complete their additional assessment when convenient and follow the instructions provided to upload their submission for marking when they're ready. 

- Our PMC students receive both qualifications – the CIMI qualification and the PMC qualification. The CIMI level qualification is provided immediately after the 3-day face-to-face course and the PMC qualification is issued after the additional PMC assessment has been completed. 

- PMCs can work with parents, teaching infant massage in the same way that CIMIs can. What PMCs are also able to do is provide theory presentations to professional groups on infant massage. The presentations are fairly straightforward and usually follow the same format e.g. – Self-introduction, benefits of infant massage, research reviews, dispelling common myths relating to infant massage and information on services available to parents in this field. 

Various industry bodies request these types of presentations and PMCs are paid a presentation fee for this work directly by the organisation or body who has requested them. PMC presentations offer a unique opportunity to network with other professionals and potentially receive additional referrals for your infant massage work with parents.  
 

What if I'm completing the course via correspondence study?

Each correspondence intake period has a mix of both Certified Infant Massage Instructor (CIMI) and Paediatric Massage Consultant (PMC) students.

All students cover the same content/units of study.

The differences are:

- Our CIMI students are usually going into the industry as something new i.e. with no prior related background. There are no pre-requisite requirements they need to meet.

- CIMI students successfully complete 3 competency tasks at their own pace and are then able to work with parents, teaching infant massage. 

- Our PMC students have prior, related training and/or experience in health, allied health, natural therapies or early childhood education and care.

- There is one additional assignment completed for the PMC qualification.

- Our PMC students receive both qualifications – the CIMI qualification and the PMC qualification.

- PMCs can work with parents, teaching infant massage in the same way that CIMIs can. What PMCs are also able to do is provide theory presentations to professional groups on infant massage. The presentations are fairly straightforward and usually follow the same format e.g. – Self-introduction, benefits of infant massage, research reviews, dispelling common myths relating to infant massage and information on services available to parents in this field. 

Various industry bodies request these types of presentations and PMCs are paid a presentation fee for this work directly by the organisation or body who has requested them. PMC presentations offer a unique opportunity to network with other professionals and potentially receive additional referrals for your infant massage work with parents. 

Online Study

The correspondence program is thorough, easy to work through and offers a convenient way to study. 100% of the course requirements are completed from home, including all practical work meaning no travel or onsite attendance is needed.

Once your enrollment is complete and the course fees are paid, you will receive a welcome email providing you with full access to the course content. Your welcome email includes your pdf training manual with all of the course theory work and assessment instructions as well as links to the practical video files you need to watch. A training pack containing your demonstration doll and any other resources in your enrolment pack is sent via post.

There's no need to wait for your training pack to arrive via post before you begin studying. As soon as you receive your welcome email you can get started with the course theory work, then move on to the practical techniques once your demonstration doll arrives. 

You're welcome to study at your own pace to complete the course. Most students complete everything within the space of a few weeks. If students have a lot of other commitments and limited time, they might finish the course over a few months instead. Whatever study period you need is ok, there are no enforced deadlines you need to meet. 

There are 3 or 4 assessment tasks to complete depending on the qualification level you enrol in. The tasks are easy to complete and personalised assistance is available throughout the course if you need help with questions or clarifications. 

Your theory assessment is an open book, multiple-choice exam which ensures you've worked through the training manual. You're provided with an answer sheet to complete which can be emailed as an attachment or uploaded for marking. Practical tasks are recorded using any device (most students use their phone). The recordings are uploaded for the trainers to view and report on. Practical reports are extremely detailed to ensure you're confident in practical techniques prior to certification. 

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