November 2018

Parents were trained by professional instructors in appropriate massage techniques. Following the intervention, a range of significant results were noted. Compared to control groups, the massaged infants cried less, slept better and had lower levels of cortisol (a stress hormone).

Parents who have been through IVF are at a greater risk of postnatal depression and anxiety and as such, trying baby massage can become even more important. While it's never too late to start, the earlier parents learn about massage the better. Learning and practising techniques on a doll prior to the baby's arrival enables parents to begin massage within the first few days after birth. This may help to prevent or reduce depression and anxiety.

Baby Massage Training can be completed through the Infant Massage Information Service via a 3-day intensive course (held in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Gold Coast and Brisbane) or training is available for students internationally via correspondence.

The type of oil used for baby massage is extremely important. New research shows olive oil and sunflower oil damage the natural skin barrier, exacerbating and possibly instigating eczema. Cold pressed sesame oil (NOT the cooking sesame oil found in the supermarket) actually strengthens the skin barrier.

Baby massage therapists are referred to as Certified Infant Massage Instructors (CIMI) or Paediatric Massage Consultants (PMC). Because of best practice guidelines and the desire to achieve the best outcomes for their clients, certified instructors and consultants teach parents how to massage as opposed to providing therapy directly to infants and children themselves.