Infant Massage Certified Educator Training (CEIM)

What is Infant Massage?

Infant Massage is an ancient tradition in many cultures that has recently been recognized for its physical and emotional benefits to babies and their families. Research confirms the importance of nurturing touch and a secure, loving environment in the healthy growth and development of babies and children (Dr. Tiffany Field, Touch Research Institute, Univ. of Miami Medical Center). Parent-infant bonding and attachment is reinforced when compassionate touch is deliberately introduced to foster secure relationships. (Dr. Stephen Bavolek).

Current findings on early brain development reveal the benefits of nurturing touch as an integral part of baby’s early life, and the unfortunate results when this early attention is lacking (Dr. Bruce Perry). Parents report increased confidence in caring for their baby after infant massage instruction. This infant massage program is effective for all parents, foster and adoptive parents, and families with babies born prematurely or with additional needs.

Benefits of Infant Massage:

• Encourages secure attachment.
• Helps parents understand their baby’s unique language and cues.
• Reduces baby’s stress and irritability.
• Enhances weight gain and development in premature infants.
• Establishes a nurturing routine of positive touch for families.

Certified IM Educator Training

Who should attend?
Anyone involved with the health and well-being of families, including nurses, early childhood specialists, infant mental health professionals, massage therapists, childbirth educators, physical and occupational therapists.

The four-day course incorporates lecture, discussion, video presentations, and a practicum experience with three parent-baby classes. Participants receive the books Infant Massage: A Handbook for Loving Parents and the International Infant Massage Instructor Manual. Requirements to become a Certified Educator of Infant Massage (CEIM) include participation in the four-day workshop, completion of practice-teaching with five parents and successful completion of a written exam.

Training Objectives:
Discuss current research on the effects of touch and infant massage Describe the benefits of infant massage for both parents and babies. Demonstrate skill in observing and guiding parents’ responses to their infant’s cues during massage. Assist parents to adapt massage for infants who are newborn, premature, or have special emotional or developmental needs. Adapt massage for the growing child. Demonstrate effective facilitation skills during group and individual instruction.

Olga M. Morris, FNP

Olga M. Morris, FNP, brings to the training over 20 years of practice as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Board Certified Massage Therapist. She has been a Certified Parent Educator for Infant Massage for the past 15 years. She is a Certified International Trainer with Infant Massage USA, the United States Chapter of the International Association of Infant Massage, headquartered in Sweden. Olga brings her passion for teaching and sharing, with her compassion for the opportunity for personal growth available when doing this work.

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