Units of study | Baby Massage

Professional, comprehensive baby massage training

IMIS training content has been written and reviewed by industry leaders. Theory and practical components cover a wide range of topics including low birth weight/preterm, special needs, older children and how to run baby massage classes and appointments. All practical and theory work required for full certification is covered as part of your training with thorough support provided while you study and after you have received your qualification.

Practical infant massage techniques

Using a 'permission' cue prior to massage
Recognising and responding to infant cues during massage
Safe positioning for baby massage
Important points to remember prior to massage time
Full-body massage routine
Passive exercises for lymphatic drainage and flexibility (baby yoga)
Using touch to teach relaxation

Formal theory

Methodology of IMIS baby massage techniques
Researched benefits of paediatric massage for infants, older children and parents
Basic daily cycle of an infant
Appropriate timing for massage
Recommended oils for paediatric massage
Stress signals during massage
Massage sequence, pressure and timing for infants with symptoms of lower abdominal pain ('colic')
Contraindications for baby massage

Altering techniques for special circumstances

Massage sequence, pressure and timing for wind and constipation
Massage recommendations and positioning for infants with reflux (silent and vomiting)
Personalising and adapting massage for children with special needs
Touch therapy for pre-term and low birth weight infants

Respecting children as people

The importance of touch in bonding and attachment
Using permission and appropriate responses to cues during massage to teach early body safety and allow children to have practical experiences of being the 'boss of their body'.

Considering the parents

Increasing parental confidence in recognising and responding to their child's cues through massage tuition
The importance of parent relaxation for massage time
Research review on the benefits of baby massage for post-natal depression
Recognising and responding to signs of post-natal psychosis when teaching baby massage

How to utilise your qualification

Facilitating baby massage parent classes, private appointments and introductory sessions
Promoting your baby massage services
Preparing to teach baby massage
Class strategies
Paperwork and record keeping
Accessing ongoing support after your course

Awareness and adaptations

Newborn reflexes to be aware of when teaching baby massage
Developmental milestones to be aware of when teaching baby massage
Adapting massage as children progress through different developmental stages (birth through to adolescence)

Technicalities

The child protection act: Requirements and obligations for Infant Massage Instructors and Paediatric Massage Consultants
Providing good customer service while teaching infant massage
Insurance recommendations
The importance of correct terminology for teaching and promotion
Recommended fee structures

Enjoy helping babies & their parents in this rewarding field

ENROL IN AN IMIS COURSE NOW!

Met my expectations and more. I loved all of it. I was given good information and paperwork to reflect back on. The class facilitator was an awesome trainer who made the course really interesting and easy to understand.

I haven’t studied for years and didn’t think I would enjoy the course soo much. Professional, friendly, approachable . I absolutely loved it and our instructor Heidi was so knowledgeable and just lovely.

If you are thinking of a qualification in Infant Massage then I would not go anywhere else. These guys were great and very professional. Our trainer Paula was patient and thorough in her approach. I really enjoyed it and would highly recommend them.

Easy and informative. Went above what I was expecting.

Certified Instructors earn from $75 - $435 per hour for private appointments and classes. Paediatric Massage Consultants earn up to $350 for a one hour presentation for a professional group.

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