Tri-County Health Care is offering an infant massage class for parents and babies called "Infant Massage - For a Better Beginning." The July class will be held Thursdays, July 7, July 14 and July 21 from 6:30 - 8 p.m. in the Courtyard Conference Room. The classes are free of charge. Infant Massage classes will also be held the first three Thursdays in September and November, 2011.
The instructor is massage therapist Carla Johnson, who is nationally certified in therapeutic massage and bodywork and is a certified educator of infant massage through Infant Massage USA.
"My role is to facilitate and help enhance the loving relationship between infants and parents, by teaching moms and dads how to massage their infants and to share basic concepts of bonding," Johnson said.
Studies have shown that massage stimulates growth and healthy development of a baby's body, mind and spirit, Johnson said.
The classes focus on the instruction of massage techniques for mother, father and/or support person on their newborn to pre-crawling infant. Classes will also include theory and practicum of infant massages, how to deal with special problems such as colic, gas or constipation and individualized help.
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Kris Wallgren, RN, OB supervisor at Tri-County Health Care, said she was excited to be offering this class. "The infant massage class is an extension of our 'Best Start' program at Tri-County Health Care. It gives parents another tool to enhance their relationship with their baby," she said.
The Infant massage classes are free; however pre-registration is required by calling Salli Crawford at (218) 631-7487 or by clicking on the Infant Massage link on the Tri-County Health Care website at www.tricountyhospital.org .
