Infant massage is taught as a 1-1 or group class. Caregivers follow demonstrations to implement with their own child. Contact us at  314-329-8042 for more information or to set up an appointment/class.

Infant Massage Information

Massage therapy for an infant is not intended to replace other forms of healthcare.

Potential benefits

Skeletal: 

• Supports good posture and balance

• Reduces muscle tension

• Increases nutrient flow to bones

Muscular:

• Relieves muscle tension and spasm

• Increases flow of blood and nutrients to muscles

• Assist in regulating muscle tone

• Assist in joint mobility

Digestive:

• May relieve constipation

• May relieve gas

• Reduces water retention

Circulatory

• Stimulates blood and lymph circulation

• Helps strengthen the immune system

Respiratory

• Improves breathing patterns

• Helps reduce respiratory problems

• Relieves tension in chest

Nervous

• Relaxes and calms 

• Helps with sleep

• Raises endorphin levels

• Vagus nerve is stimulated which helps with food absorption hormones

Contraindications (do not do)

• High fever

• Acute infection, illness, or disease

• Skin disorder that is contagious or cause inflammation

• Open sores or lesions

• Recent immunization/vaccination (wait 48-72 hours)

• Life threatening medical condition

• Unhealed umbilical cord (tummy massage contraindicated)

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Blood clots or blood condition

• Diarrhea or other sickness

Precautions (be cautious)

• Bradycardia, Tachycardia

• Abdominal distention

• GI or jejunostomy feeding tube

• Hydrocephalus

• Inflammation

• Edema

• Dysplasia

• Hemophilia

• Jaundice

• Recent surgery

• HIV/AIDS

• Tumors

• Cancer

• Seizure Disorders

See the Forms page for Consent form and Physician's Release forms.