Pre/Perinatal Massage

 

Most people enjoy human touch. A touch can convey comfort, love, awareness and many other sensations; in the case of massage (soft tissue manipulation) it can also help alleviate aches and pain.  The resulting emotional and physical balance is especially valuable when you are pregnant since your baby enjoys the benefits also. 

 

Benefits of Prenatal and Perinatal Massage Include:

  • Calms and supports the new mother who is dealing with the physical and emotional challenges of giving birth and bringing a new baby home
  • Relieves muscle cramps, spasms, and myofascial pain, especially in the lower back, neck, hips and legs
  • Increases blood and lymph circulation which can reduce swelling
  • Reduces stress on weight-bearing joints
  • Teaches techniques you and your partner can  employ to ease labor pain
  • Enhances the pliability of skin and underlying tissues
  • Aids muscles in returning to pre-pregnancy condition
  • Helps detoxify and assist in the healing process after giving birth

 

Infant Massage Classes

 

 Infant massage is a lovely way of bonding with your baby while stimulating growth and development. 

 

Through early nurturing touch, we have the ability to influence less aggression and more compassion, trust and resiliency in our children.  These traits, developed early, will last a lifetime.

 

 
Deepens Bonding
Essential one-on-one time that will enhance your intimacy, understanding and ability to nurture.

 
Improves Communication
Increases your confidence and sensitivity to your baby's cues.

 
Contributes to Development
Stimulates growth and healthy development of your baby's body, mind and spirit.

 
Empowers
Enhances your ability to understand your baby's special needs.

 
Helps Baby Sleep Better!
Helping your baby release stress which builds daily from new experiences means more rest for baby and you; everyone feels better!
 

 
My Infant massage course consists of four 60-90 minute classes held once per week for four consecutive weeks.  This schedule gives you time all week to practice new massage strokes on your baby.  Each week, we build on what was learned the week before.  I offer daytime and evening classes in the Chicago area for groups and individuals.  If you'd like to get your own group together and it's easier to meet at your house once a week, I can come to you ~ no hosting skills required ~ all we need is enough floor space to sit in a circle with our babies on the floor in front of us. 

Here are some pictures from a "live" class so you can see get a sense of what the class feels like...

 

this is Braxton learning to love massage - he likes foot massage best and ADORES his mama

 Ryley , enjoying her facial massage.  At 2 weeks old in this picture, she had the honor of being the youngest student in the class

 

 Berkleigh, being the oldest in our class, sets a great example for the younger students by having "good job" kisses ready for her cousin

 We're in the news too...

                                          24 Hours: A Day in Oak Park

                                                          Oak Leaves August 13, 2008

               Katherine Stevenson massages her baby, William with Mary Cay Cavanagh, Licensed MassageTherapist,     Certified Educator of Infant massage and owner of Massage is a Gift at 715 Lake Street in Oak Park. 

                                                                      2008: Photos of the Year
                                                                           Oak Leaves December 31, 2008
The top images of 2008 as seen through the lenses of Pioneer Press photographers.
 
                                 Katherine Stevenson massages her 5-month-old baby, William, at Massage is a Gift
                               715 Lake Street in Oak Park, with Mary Cay Cavanagh. Baby massage is just one of the
                                                        services Cavanagh offers.(Rob Hart/Staff Photographer)  
 

http://chicagohypnobirthing.blogspot.com/2008/11/infant-communication-bonding.html 

  

Please join us for Infant Massage Class ~ next 4 week session begins Saturday, May 2, 11:00a-12:30p 

 If other days of the week/times work better, please call.   Spring/Summer schedules are being finalized now!

                                           more details: 

  • classes held in Oak Park location but I'm flexible if you would prefer I come to you 
  • babies may be any age under one year (pre-crawling is ideal!)
  • expectant parents may attend and bring a doll on which to practice the strokes - this is a great way to prepare for your baby's homecoming 
  • classes are valuable for all caregivers, i.e., moms, dads, nannies, grandparents, older siblings or anyone who enriches your baby's life with his/her presence.  Especially great for new dads as it gives them a physical bond (like mom already has) with their new baby
  • wonderful opportunity to meet others with new babies in their lives and to share experiences
  • each time we meet, we'll review massage strokes from the week before and learn new strokes for a different part of the body.  We will also discuss various aspects of infant massage i.e., history, benefits, infant brain development. 
  •  regular price is $300.00 per family for the 4 week series - for a limited time, bring a friend and save 25% so each person/family pays only $225.00. 
  • if you need to miss a week, I'll work with you to get caught up before the next class

 please email or phone me if you are interested in a class or if you would like information about future classes...I'd love to have you and your baby join us!

For more information about infant massage, see these sites or let's chat ~ 

http://www.infantmassageusa.org/imusa/aboutimusa.shtml 

 http://www.iaim.ws/Benefits.htmli

 

 

Infant Massage Class

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