Meet Elizabeth (Liz), a Costa Mesa native who graduated with a degree in Child Development. She is a full-time nanny for two families and the number one choice for babysitter for countless others (I personally vouch for that). She also happens to be a Certified Infant Massage Instructor. As we all know, life with a baby is a combination of love, joy, excitement, exhaustion and confusion, whether you are a first time parent or a mom of 5. So I asked Liz to give me the low down on baby massage and how it can help in that first year of life. Here is what she said:
To many, baby massage is a foreign concept, but it has actually been around for a long time, and is practiced globally. As research comes out on the many benefits, it has become more popular in western cultures.
I became interested in infant massage after a CIMI (Certified Infant Massage Instructor) came in to talk to my class in college. When I graduated, I decided this was something I wanted to pursue.
The many benefits of Baby Massage include:
- Improved sleep, relaxation for baby AND whoever is giving the massage;
- Bonding between caregiver and baby;
- Improved weight gain, especially in preemie babies;
- Improved blood circulation and muscle tone;
- Regulates bowl movements and relieves gas pain;
- Improves sensory awareness.
The list goes on and on. My favorite is that it is a really special time to have with your baby, with no distractions. As soon as you see how engaged and happy your baby is, it will make you want to incorporate it in your everyday routine.
A Certified Infant Massage Instructor is someone who teaches you the proper techniques to massage your baby. (You massage the baby, not the instructor.) Once you have those skills, it is hoped that you would incorporate them in your daily life at home. And once you realize how special and fun it is, not to mention all the benefits, how could you not?
Thanks Elizabeth!
If you are interested in Baby Massage, or connecting with Elizabeth, you can reach her at 949-294-3372 (call or text), or by email at [email protected].
Visits last between 45-90 minutes with 2-3 sessions recommended.