Saturday, 31 January 2009

Sweet Dreams Baby... tips to help assist your baby to sleep




Natalie's tips & gentle techniques to assist your baby in becoming a great sleeper!















Using researched techniques and a gentle, nurturing approach, combined with (currently 9 years) experience as a mother of two will help you to assist your little one to sleep (day AND night)....


1. Learn your baby's tired signs (cue's) - it is very important for you to know and understand your baby's tired signs if you want your baby to fall asleep easier and reduce tears and tantrums! When your baby is showing 'tired signs', you need to give him reassurance and tell your child it's time for sleep - (TIP: be firm and consistent when putting child to bed. Older babies and toddlers will often 'fight' going to bed). Many say this is the 'window of opportunity', because if you keep your baby awake through play or other stimulation, he will quickly become over-tired and it will become harder to settle your baby to sleep (especially with newborns). Some signs to look out for include:
- yawning

- grimacing

- rubbing the eyes

- clenched fists

- jerking movements

- losing interest in toys and their surroundings

- fussing

- grizzly

- clumsy (older baby/child)


- crying (by now your child is overtired!)

For an older baby, missing a sleep during the day e.g due to over-stimulation, does not necessarily mean he will sleep better during the night. Often it is the opposite and they may wake more during the night (see also point 11.) (TIP: even from 1 to 2 yrs of age, young children still need at least one day sleep). The secret is to put your baby to sleep when they FIRST start to show signs of tiredness!



2. Establish a soothing bedtime ritual (including a 'wind down' period in the evening) -
A bedtime ritual or routine at night is a wonderful way to relax your child but more importantly, prepare them for bed. Ideally, a soothing ritual eg using calming/relaxing music, together with the TV off or volume low, lights dimmed is a good indicator for your child that bedtime is approaching. You could also incorporate into your bedtime ritual - reading a book or two (age appropriate, pictures rather than words for young babies), whilst snuggling up together with a blankie; maybe a warm bath (more suitable for babies over 6 months. For young babies or newborns a bath can often be too stimulating; top and tail is best. Bath water can be drying on a newborn's delicate skin and strip the natural oils on their skin), breast milk or a bottle and a massage (refer to point #3 below). Routines are reassuring and predictable for babies - this helps them settle quicker to ensure a good night's sleep!


3. Massage - Massaging your baby (the earlier you start the better) has many benefits, both for you and bubs. (TIP: you can massage your baby from birth). Regularly massaging your baby on a daily basis will help establish a better sleep pattern. Nurturing touch through massage releases the sleep hormone, melatonin. For further reading on why massage is so important for babies and how massage will help your baby with sleep, see Idibidi Kids BLOG post December 2008, "Sleep problems and babies: how massage can assist your baby to sleep". Learning massage with an instructor when they are a newborn gives your baby time to learn and understand what massage is and that massage can be very relaxing for them. This way they can "grow" with the feeling of massage as you incorporate it into your daily routine. The secret to success with massage is offering it to your child on a DAILY basis for them to receive the many benefits associated with massage and positive, nurturing touch. Repetition is an important part of your child's learning and development. Please note, for newborn babies under 5 months, avoid massaging after a bath in the evening. Certain massage strokes in particular can be too stimulating for a baby under 5 months. It is best to incorporate massage time during the day after your baby's sleep, at a time suitable to both you and your baby.









4. Relaxing music and 'white noise' - try playing a relaxation music CD or putting some background noise close by when they are settling to sleep. White noise is often said to help settle your baby to sleep, e.g playing the radio in between stations or a fan on low speed. Keep this going whilst they sleep because if they wake between sleep cycles (ie in the lighter stage of sleep) the constant background noise can be helpful to resettle little ones.

5. Your diet and breastfeeding - cut down your intake of caffeine and alcohol and avoid smoking. Keep in mind that breastfeeding your child is only a small portion of their life. Maintaining a healthy diet whilst feeding your baby is important for their health, growth and brain development. Increase foods in your diet that contain complex carbohydrates, protein, iron, zinc, calcium and essential fatty acids. Make sure you drink plenty of water! (TIP: drink a glass of water each time you feed your baby).


6. Swaddling - Swaddling is, in fact, an age-old practice that first developed around 4000B.C. These days it can be done using muslin cloth or specially designed 'winged' swaddle wraps (takes the 'fun' out of wrapping yourself!). Swaddling gives your baby a sense of security, (as it was once surrounded for 9 months in utero), and promotes a sounder sleep by staying in the REM sleep period for longer. Some say it does help reduce crying. Babies tend to startle whilst asleep which may disturb their sleep and they may even cry out. Known as the 'startle' or 'moro' reflex, babies will usually fling their arms and legs out and make jerky movements. Swaddling your newborn is a practical way to help your baby through the transition stage in his new life. It can be continued until your baby becomes more active, usually around 5 months of age or when they are rolling and crawling. (TIP: experiment with swaddling techniques to suit your baby. Some babies prefer one arm out or their feet exposed). By around 5 months or sometimes earlier, it is important to let your baby move freely whilst asleep as they process what they have 'learnt' or been exposed to during the day.

7. What's the difference between day and night time sleep? A young baby (newborn in the first couple of months) cannot tell the difference between day and night. Babies circadian rhythm (their natural body clock) starts anywhere from 6 to 14 weeks old (usually around 3 months). You can help your baby by keeping the house relatively light during the day, even whilst they are sleeping (unless you have block-out curtains in baby's bedroom, it wont be as dark as it is at night time). At night it is important to keep talking and movement to a minimum, to encourage your baby to settle themselves back to sleep.


8. Mummy's scent - to help your baby settle to sleep, he may be comforted by a piece of your clothing or something that has a familiar scent on it, like your body scent. You could tuck this into the side of the cot or underneath the sheet. Your body scent will also help with the parent-infant bonding process.

9. I'm full! - a contented baby who has a full tummy should sleep longer and wake happier than a baby who 'snacks' most of the time; newborns have a small tummy capacity and therefore require frequent feeding (no more than 4 hourly during the day). Be guided by when your baby seems hungry and not by the clock!


10. Room temperature - babies and toddlers may wake during the night if they are feeling cold or too hot. Ensure they are dressed appropriately and try to maintain an even room temperature. Even in summer the nights can be cool, especially in the early hours of the morning. You may like to try a 'grobag' for your baby : this way, babies who roll out of the covers are kept at a constant temperature (if babies could talk they might say "thanks Mum and Dad, my very first sleeping bag"!!)


11. Stimulation during the day - too much? A newborn can be overstimulated quite easily. Usually 20 minutes is enough play time for a young baby. Forget the gyms and fancy toys; your new baby craves love, nurturing and attention. Simply looking into your baby's eyes and talking to your baby builds trust and helps form a secure attachment between you and your child. A great book I often refer to is called "Baby Play - 100 fun-filled activities to maximise your baby's potential", a Gymboree book by Dr. W. Masi & Dr. R. Leiderman.


12. A little note on crying - you can never spoil a newborn with love! When he cries, offer a cuddle, a kiss, some gentle stroking over his clothes or a massage. Your newborn needs to know you are there for him! As long as all his other needs are met (e.g hunger, nappy change, too hot or too cold) he may just need reassuring. Babies need to feel safe and loved. This is important, too, for their psychological and physiological development. Research shows babies who are nurtured, loved and attended to when distressed, grow into healthier children who are able to cope better with stress later on in life.













13. ... and finally...be flexible - in the early days of your newborn's life, remember to be flexible in terms of finding a settling routine that works. Don't just stick to one method, discover what your baby prefers and stay with it. Feeling empowered and confident as a new parent may take time - lots of support and nurturing and finding what works best for your situation is often the key!

Monday, 12 January 2009

Reflux in babies and Massage

The Digestive System, Vagus Nerve & How Massage Can Assist Babies with Reflux

By: Natalie Garmson, CIMI, MISI, Ass.Dip Sc, Cert I Aromatherapy, W.A. state rep. (International Association of Infant Massage)

The digestive system and the vagus nerve: a brief overview
Digestion is controlled by the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), in particular, a branch of the ANS called the parasympathetic nervous system (1). Here you will find the vagus nerve (sometimes referred to as the vagal nerve). The vagus nerve sends signals from the brain to the stomach, pancreas and other digestive organs such as the oesophagus; its main use being to regulate the function of these major organs. The oesophagus is essentially a muscle under the control of the vagus nerve (2). The muscle at the lower end of the oesophagus (closest to the stomach) is the lower sphincter; this valve relaxes and contracts to allow food to pass through to the stomach. It is the lower oesophageal sphincter contracting that prevents the reflux reaction occurring. If this muscle is immature or weak, your child may experience reflux (Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux or GOR for short). Food passes down the oesophagus to the stomach by a series of wave-like contractions, known as peristalsis, forcing the sphincter muscle to contract and relax. The vagus nerve also controls peristalsis (2).

How human touch influences the vagus nerve:
The ANS comprises the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches. When your baby cries and is in pain (a symptom of reflux), the sympathetic branch is stimulated, releasing stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol (4). The sympathetic nervous system overpowers the parasympathetic (calm and relaxed) system (3). This is where the power of touch is in your hands. If you consider how massage can be used to effectively relax a tight muscle, normally you would directly massage that area and the muscle would loosen, however this becomes difficult in the case of reflux. When considering how massaging your baby is able to relieve symptoms of reflux, it helps to understand how the skin and the nervous system are connected. Massage on any area of the body is able to assist a reflux baby by stimulation of the vagus nerve and thus an increase in effectiveness of muscle control and regulation (remembering it is the vagus nerve that controls the lower sphincter in the oesophagus). Why is this so? Because the skin and the nervous system develop from the same cell layer (4). An increase in the amount and frequency of skin stimulation (eg pressure via massage) means that the vagus nerve is able to operate faster and more efficiently. This should result in greater muscle control. Remember, relief from reflux won’t happen overnight. Consistency is the key, especially to relieve the symptoms of reflux in infants. It has been suggested that massaging your baby twice a day for a reflux baby can help relieve symptoms. As one infant massage instructor recalls “I remember one little four month old girl… she had been diagnosed with reflux but her parents had seen no improvement after trying medications and various formulas. After introducing a simple massage routine twice a day, her parents reported complete improvement after only two weeks!” (6).

Did you know?
Touch is the earliest sense to develop in all animal species. (4). Massaging your baby is a wonderful way of communicating to your newborn through positive, nurturing touch. It is amazing to think that by the end of the fourth month of development, the skin is formed. You may also see the skin referred to in text books as ‘integument’ which forms a part of the integumentary system (5).

Recommendations for massaging a reflux baby:
There are a few considerations that need to be taken into account when massaging a baby who suffers from reflux.

(1) Alter the position of your baby for massage. Preferably lay your baby on a forty five (45) degree angle (as opposed to lying on the floor in front of you). You can do this simply by adding some cushions or a pillow, supporting their back and head or using a specially designed reflux sleeping wedge or reflux change mat (eg see http://www.pollywogbaby.com/ sleep wedge or http://www.buboo.com.au/ ). Note: you may want to experiment with the angle at which your baby sleeps. A lower angle (eg 15 degrees) may not be beneficial to assist a baby with reflux. An angle up to 45 degrees is recommended.

(2) If you baby’s abdomen is tender or you think he/she may posit, avoid massaging this area.

(3) When massaging your baby’s back, instead of them lying on their tummy on the floor, consider lying your baby on his/her side whilst remaining in a forty five degree angle, or try the cuddle position. This is where you cuddle your baby, using one hand to support their bottom and legs, whilst the other hand massages their back. It is important ensure your body is supported, for example, by leaning back on a sofa whilst sitting comfortably on the floor.

For practical advice and further information about reflux, silent reflux and Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) and products available for reflux:

http://www.pollywogbaby.com/ Practical Solutions for Infant Reflux and Colic

http://www.reflux.org.au/ Reflux Infants Support Association Inc. Australia

http://www.infantreflux.org/ Infant Reflux Solutions For Your Baby!


References:
1. Nutritional Biochemistry, 2nd ed, Tom Brody, Academic Press, 1999, U.S.A.

2. Smith, Margaret.E, Morton, Dion.G, The Digestive System: Basic Science and Clinical Conditions Elsevier Health Sciences, 2001.

3. Sunderland,M. The Science of Parenting. DK Ltd, 2006, London, Great Britain

4. Field, T. Touch M.I.T, 2001, Massachusetts, U.S.A

5. Marieb,E. Human Anatomy & Physiology, 5th ed. Benjamin Cummings, 2001, U.S.A.

6. McLoughlin,H. I.M.I.S Infant Massage Training Manual, “Can Massage Help Reflux?” article, Australia, 2007 (an excert from the R.I.S.A NSW newsletter 2007)

Sunday, 14 December 2008

Sleep Problems and Babies: How Massage Can Assist Your Baby to Sleep



Do you find your child has difficulty falling asleep, or do they experience sleep problems such as regular waking during the night?

You are not alone! However coined the term “sleep like a baby” must be one of the lucky ones whose baby slept through the night from an early age (or maybe they didn’t have children!). Up to 29 percent(1) of infants experience sleep disturbance and waking during the night by the third month. Sleep problems such as difficulty in falling asleep and night waking may affect up to 35 percent of infants and toddlers(1). How much stimulation an infant receives during the day plays a major part in how efficient they are able to organise their sleep state. Overstimulation can be disruptive to an infant’s sleep. There are many techniques you can use to help settle your little one, but most important is establishing a soothing bedtime routine(2); one that your baby will become familiar with and one that involves working around the same bedtime and routine each night. This indicates to your baby that bedtime is approaching. Babies learn through repetition as repetition builds strong pathways (connections) in your baby’s brain (called synapses). Your baby will feel safe and secure with a familiar routine, especially a soothing and calming one.

Oxytocin and Melatonin in relation to sleep:
Calming your child’s brain releases the hormone oxytocin and the sleep hormone melatonin(2). Oxytocin is a hormone that has many wonderful benefits for your child. It is only released through touch; massaging your baby is the most effective way for your baby to receive the many positive physical effects associated with oxytocin such as improved sleep, balancing blood pressure and relaxation. It is important to learn how to massage your baby correctly (from a certified infant massage instructor such as Natalie Garmson, see http://www.kidsmassage.com.au/ ). Applying the wrong pressure or incorrect technique could increase your baby’s crying or discomfort, only making it worse. Massaging your baby is a skill that is easy to learn. It is fun for both you and your baby and can quite easily fit into your daily routine. Even better, the benefits of massage are felt immediately!
Melatonin is sometimes called the sleep hormone. It is stimulated by a calm environment, low levels of light, soft music or a soft voice. Together, oxytocin and melatonin create the right balance to help regulate your child’s brain to prepare them for sleep. When it is your baby’s bedtime, your role as a parent is to create a relaxing environment, provide lots of reassurance through cuddles, reading a book and through calming touch such as massage. This is an example of a lovely soothing routine to help your child sleep longer and will assist their circadian rhythms (or ‘body clock’) (3). This is why children love routine!
(Please note: whilst massage is a wonderful activity you can do with your baby after a bath, it must be noted that massage after a bath is not recommended for infants under the age of 5 months, as massage is too stimulating for your newborn's nervous system. An alternative is to incorporate massage after your newborn’s daytime nap, often referred to as the ‘quiet alert’ stage).

Massage vs Rocking (Study):
A study was conducted to compare rocking verses massage as a technique to assist babies in falling asleep(1). It was observed that those infants who were massaged were awake whilst being massaged and fell asleep afterwards, whilst the group of infants who were rocked fell asleep whilst being rocked but woke when the rocking ceased. It was also noted that those infants who received massage (as compared to rocking) cried less, had lower stress hormones (through salivary cortisol levels) and showed greater improvement emotionally and socially. Reducing your baby’s stress hormone levels also contributes to an improved immune system. Another point to note is in relation to your baby's sleep association, meaning what they associate or relate going to sleep with. An example is rocking your baby to sleep, as observed in the study, interupts your child's ability to learn how to self soothe themself to sleep.

Sleep problems and babies who cry themselves to sleep:
Your baby cannot simply relax after over-exhaustion or stimulating play. They require your help to relax and adjust their brain chemistry to release oxytocin. Leaving your baby to cry themselves to sleep (note: referring to a 'distressed' cry) means that their stress levels (influenced by the stress hormone cortisol) remain increased in their system(2). High cortisol in your baby’s system when they fall asleep means there is a greater chance they will wake during the night(3). There are many factors that may contribute to your child’s sleep problems, during the first year it is usually related to developmental issues such as teething. At around 3 to 6 months of age, your baby will start to organise its sleep/wake cycle and it may not be until they are 8 months of age that they start to sleep through the night(1). Remember that every child is an individual and influenced partly by nature (their genetic ‘make-up’) and partly by nurture (their surrounding environment and how you nurture and care for them). What you ultimately wish for is a healthy child who sleeps well. It is in the deep sleep (or restorative sleep) state that your child releases growth hormones. Deep sleep also contributes to a strong immune system. Massaging your child on a daily basis and establishing a soothing bedtime routine will assist their health, wellbeing and development. Don’t wait until next week to learn the art of infant massage…. start today!
Article by Natalie Garmson, certified infant massage instructor & mother of 2 boys, Idibidi Kids Massage, Perth, Western Australia.

References:

(1) Field, T. The Amazing Infant, Blackwell Publishing, 2007, Oxford, U.K. p251, 261-3
(2) Sunderland,M. The Science of Parenting, DK Publishing Ltd, London, U.K, 2006, p 66-9, 78-9.
(3) Underdown, A. Barlow,J. Chung,V. Stewart-Brown,S. Massage Intervention for Promoting Mental and Physical Health in Infants Ages Under Six Months, The Cochrane Collaboration, John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2008. Issue 4.

Further recommended reading:

Touch Research Institute, Miami, USA.
http://www6.miami.edu/touch-research/TRIResearch/infantmassage.htm

Monday, 8 December 2008

5 reasons why your baby should be massaged

Why should babies be massaged by their parents or close caregiver? Here are 5 wonderful reasons why...

1. Promotes relaxation (and not just for bubs!) - massaging your baby releases the 'feel-good' hormones oxytocin and endorphins and also reduces stress hormones. Research has discovered that it is not just the person receiving massage who feels these benefits; the person giving the massage is also said to benefit

2. Strengthens the bond between parent and newborn - bonding and forming close attachments to your newborn may take time and does not always happen in the days following birth. For example, if you have had a difficult or long and stressful labour or given birth to a premature baby, this may effect the bonding process. Learning to massage your baby by a qualifed infant massage instructor, (in Perth, Western Australia, Natalie Garmson is a certified infant massage instructor and mother of 2 boys) is essential if you want to learn how to confidently apply the right amount of pressure, rate and rhythm of each massage stroke to your baby. Massaging your baby is a special one to one time; a time when you will further understand your baby's body language (or non-verbal cues) through your gentle, nurturing touch.

3. Assists with relieving colic and wind - many parents (I am one of them) have experienced a 'colicky' baby or a baby who has bad wind. They may cry for extended periods, sometimes hours on end or pull their legs up towards their abdomen, crying in pain. Through attending a parent-infant massage course (for example, the 4 session parent-infant massage course Idibidi Kids offers), you will learn the colic massage sequence (or colic massage technique). Massage is particularly useful on the abdomen but must be performed correctly (note: massage strokes must always be done in a clockwise direction).

4. Improves babies sleep - regular massage on a daily basis will assist with regulating your baby's sleep patterns and increase their deep sleep, particularly during the night. This is due to massage releasing the sleep hormone serotonin and regulate melatonin (massage being a form of positive, nurturing touch). Massage is a wonderful addition to your daily routine and takes as little as 10 minutes! Even better, your baby will love you for it.

5. Great for keeping your baby flexible - during the 4 session course with Idibidi Kids Massage, you will learn how to do lymphatic exercises with your baby. These are useful for maintaining your baby's flexibility, but more importantly assists the communication process of the right and left hemispheres of your baby's brain. Lymphatic exercises also improve circulation of the lymphatic system (the 'waste removal' system of the body).

Post by: Natalie Garmson, Owner/Instructor of Idibidi Kids Massage

Sunday, 30 November 2008

Great Christmas ideas to be found in Flourish Magazine!

Stuck for Christmas gift ideas? Looking for something unique? Check out the latest Flourish magazine, due out early December at leading newsagencies around Western Australia. Issue 8 volume 1 for 2009 is the super Summer edition, containing a special gift feature, perfect for getting ideas for Christmas presents! Idibidi Kids is featuring in this edition, promoting our beautifully presented Idibidi Kids Massage Gift Certificates. A gift certificate in infant massage is a unique and thoughtful present for the new parents or expectant mother-to-be. Gift certificates may be used for the 4 session parent-infant massage course or the 1 hour introductory workshop in infant massage. Available in the Perth metro. area only. So why not spoil that someone special who is pregnant or for the new parent with an Idibidi Kids Massage gift certificate? Its the perfect baby shower gift!

Gift certificates may be viewed online at www.kidsmassage.com.au/products.htm or http://www.flourishmagazine.com.au/

What is Flourish magazine all about? Flourish W.A. is all about women enjoying life now. Flourish is a biannual magazine for women offering a fresh approach to healthy, positive living. The magazine has sections such as Inform, Play, Nourish, About Your Look, and Toolkit. A very informative and enjoyable read for all West Australian women!

Monday, 3 November 2008

Massage... for the young and old!

Massage for the young and old...
I was recently talking to another mum (and friend of mine -I know her through Ethan's school) who lost her mother this year due to unfortunate circumstances. She mentioned that her dad, 72 yrs, is trying to cope with the loneliness of now living by himself. What struck me was when she said how her dad misses the affection; the day-to-day hugs and cuddles he was used to receiving by his (late) wife. She said he is a very 'touchy-feely' person. That got me thinking of how touch is crucial for babies development - without touch, babies will die. Touch is crucial for the health, wellbeing, psychological and physiological development of babies and children. Studies have shown, how in extreme circumstances eg amongst many orphanages around the world, how lack of touch can have a devastating effect on human beings; babies have died or their growth has been stunted.
Massage is for everyone... young and old! Why stop when your baby grows to a toddler and older child? Although babies do go through a stage (the older toddler phase, anywhere from 10 months to 18 months) when trying to offer a massage becomes very tricky (due to their natural development and being very inquisitive; always on the go!), it is important to always offer your child massage - they will eventually come back to wanting a massage! My 8 year old is proof of this. The key is to adapt the infant massage techniques to suit your growing child. You learn how to adapt infant massage for older children in the Idibidi Kids Massage 4 session course www.kidsmassage.com.au/4sessioncourse.htm
Touch is a basic human necessity. Some adults love recieving a massage, whether that be by a qualified massage therapist or even a quick shoulder massage by a loved one. Others do not. This may due to a number of reasons. Touch sensitivity quite often begins in infancy or early childhood. Several reasons may include (courteousy M.I.S.P):
* a difficult labour
* being born prematurely
* experiencing painful medical procedures
* being extremely physically sensitive
* painful or abusive forms of touch (and not recieving nurturing, positive touch by a parent/family member)
* any accident to a particular part of the body
Therefore, before you consider offering a massage or loving touch to your child, friend or family member, it is always important to ask permission first! Otherwise you may be invading their personal space (and this is very disrespectful).
At the other end of the spectrum (referring to the beginning of this post regarding my friend's dad), elderly people are no exception to recieving a massage, or loving touch. Nurturing, loving touch is very reassuring and calming; essential for our emotional, mental and physical wellbeing. Recieving nurturing, positve touch reduces our stress hormones, can enhance our emotions and improve our mood and also help with sleep. In particular, for the elderly, massage can assist with relieving many conditions experienced with age, such as arthritis and muscle deterioration (ref:Babies and Baby Boomers Embrace Massage Therapy AAMT media release 2007).

Happy massaging,
Natalie :)

Quote for the day -
"Once someone touches your heart, the fingerprints last forever."
Anonomyous.

Saturday, 25 October 2008

Massage In Schools display at Edgewater Primary School, Perth, Western Australia



Recently, my son's school, Edgewater Primary School, celebrated its 25th anniversary; 1983 to 2008. Idibidi Kids was delighted to have a Massage In Schools display in the school library.
On display were the drawings of each of the 16 strokes for the massage in schools program. These colourful, character drawings are a way for the kids to remember the MISP strokes and sequence. As you can see from the photos, I also had the large MISP banner stand which displays photos of children participating in the Massage In Schools program throughout the world.
The Massage In Schools Program is a peer massage program for children aged 4 to 12 years of age. It is implemented by an internationally qualified Massage in Schools instructor (such as myself!). My role is to teach the kids MISP, which consists of 15 massage strokes, 1 permission sequence (ie asking their friend, or massage buddy, permission to massage) and finally saying 'thank you' to their friend for letting them do the massage routine. It is a series of simple movements that is taught world-wide. They do these movements over clothes on each others back, arms, face, head and shoulders. The key behind this program is that it teaches children respect and positive touch. There are many benefits of this program, for the children, the teacher, the school, for parents and for society. For further details, please visit www.kidsmassage.com.au/massageinschools.html
Congratulations to Edgewater PS for its 25th year! Ethan is currently in Year 3; he enjoys school and has had lovely teachers since he commenced EPS in pre-primary.

Books Ive Read...

  • Frederick Leboyer: Loving Hands, The Traditional Art of Baby Massage
  • Kerstin Uvnas Moberg: The Oxytocin Factor
  • Tiffany Field: Touch
  • Vimala McClure: Infant Massage, A Handbook for Loving Parents