Infant Massage Services and TummyTime!™ Classes
My work with babies is best utilized throughout their first year, though I occasionally work with older babies and children. My work is gentle and I use an integrative approach. I don't focus on one particular technique for babies, though my focus is to help soften and loosen tissue that may influence their ability to breast or bottle feed, digest easily and rest peacefully for their particular point in their development. I often incorporate craniosacral, myofacial, reflexology and acupressure techniques.
"Melissa was great with Anjali! She really took time to get to know her and her needs, then sent us home with some great exercises. It really helped us connect and have a positive nursing experience."
~Alli, Indianapolis, Indiana
"Hi there! Thank you so much for coming to see us yesterday. Sebastian seems so much more loose. He has been more alert when awake, and his latch is much deeper. I haven't felt any pain when he is nursing, and haven't had to use the nipple shield . He's turning his head to both sides with ease. Cristian practiced some of the exercises with him today, and was working on the gag-reflex tips you suggested. We really appreciate you coming over, you have such great, calm energy. Once again, thank you for all your magic."
~Amie, Bloomington, Indiana
Private Sessions
Private sessions are useful for babies experiencing difficulties with feeding, digestion or overall comfort. Sessions are scheduled for 90 minutes, though the actual hands-on time will vary for each child. l use a variety of gentle techniques to soften tissue restrictions and parents will be instructed in a variety of massage techniques to use with their baby. I never massage babies who are not in an emotional space to receive touch, which is why we work slowly. Baby often goes back and forth between me and the parent to find his/her grounding point. I will often work with babies while they are nursing, in a parent's arms, on the massage table, on my lap or in my arms. Sessions are always in the presence of the parent and my goal is for each family to leave with a better understanding of how to support their baby as he/she transitions to life outside the womb.
TummyTime!™ Classes
Tummy time is recommended for all babies but is especially helpful for babies who have difficulty with breastfeeding, digestion, tongue tie, reflux, colic, plagiocephaly or torticollis. In tummy time your baby is guiding her/his process with your help, minimizing the need for outside expertise or therapies.
TummyTime!™ classes are for newborns to pre-crawlers. Parents will learn how to help their babies experience comfort in tummy time. Additionally, they will learn baby yoga holds, acupressure, reflexology and basic massage skills.
• Lengthening & strengthening their bodies
• Developing spatial awareness
• Releasing tissue restrictions
• Enhancing tummy function
• Developing their visual system
• Elongating and strengthening their necks
• Communicating, playing and bonding