Infant Massage for Healthcare Professionals
The Infant Massage For Healthcare Professionals training program is designed to provide nurses and other Pediatric Unit staff members with the skills required to provide mindful, caring touch and basic massage to infants in the Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Using demonstrations, experiential exercises, lectures, and group sharing, participants learn a mindful, compassionate, and therapeutic approach to baby massage through instructional guides that help parents safely perform massages on their infants.
Newborn babies are particularly sensitive to overstimulation and often seek comfort from their parents, making the gradual introduction of massage routines essential to nurture a sense of security.
This training emphasizes the benefits of infant massage for the mental and physical health of newborn babies, promoting overall development and well-being.
Training Benefits
Upon completion of this training program, you will receive a certificate of completion from The Heart Touch Project and are eligible for four continuing education hours from the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Regular baby massage offers numerous benefits for both infants and parents, enhancing the parent-child bond and promoting emotional well-being. The training program helps in promoting mental and physical health through infant massage, contributing to the overall growth and development of typically developing infants.
Training Course Content
Mindful Approach to Working with Medically Complex Infants
Infant Massage Protocol
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Techniques for massaging different parts of the baby's body, including the baby's face, feet, forehead, and tummy, are covered. These techniques promote relaxation and bonding.
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Full body massage techniques and their benefits, such as alleviating pain, improving health, and enhancing growth, are discussed.
Massage Techniques Adapted for NICU Infants
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The use of massage oil for smoother movements is emphasized, along with the importance of skin-to-skin contact to promote bonding and physical well-being.
Communication Skills
Observing and Responding to Baby's Cues
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The importance of observing and responding to the baby's cues during massage is highlighted. Understanding these signals ensures a positive experience, enhances bonding, and supports the child's emotional and psychological development.
Training Requirements for Newborn Massage
In order to take this program you will need to provide current employment as a medical caregiver in a hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Training Schedule
The Infant Massage For Healthcare Professionals training programs are scheduled and held within each individual hospital location and is tailored to the organization’s individual needs. To schedule this training program, please contact our Children's Program Coordinator, Shawnee Smith 310-391-2558 or admin@hearttouch.org or complete training request form
Training Cost
The Infant Massages For Healthcare Professionals training program is customized for each hospital/provider site so fees will vary according to participant size and the distance facilitators must travel.