Infant Massage: The Jewish Family

Infant Massage: The Jewish Family & Community Building : 

Infant Massage: The Jewish Family & Community Building Linda Werber – BA, RN leahv@clalit.org.il Director, Betar Ilit Well Baby Clinic (Tipat Chalav) Clalit Medical Services

Who Am I? : 

Wife Mother Grandmother Kibbutz Member Nurse Certified Infant Massage Instructor Who Am I?

Slide 3: 

Who Are You?

Slide 4: 

All gentle loving touch is beneficial to a baby

Diana Moore on Infant Massage : 

systematic form of touching target different areas of the baby’s developing system. work on the circulatory system target deep muscle tissue creating a cleansing action relax the body while others help firm up and tone developing muscles Diana Moore Diana Moore on Infant Massage

Our “Hands On” Session : 

Meaningful One-on-One Interaction Relaxation Practices Swedish & Hindu Massage Technique Reflexology Adapted from Vimala Schneider McClure Our “Hands On” Session

Hands On! : 

Hands On! Photo from Sunface 13 0n Flickr

In Real Life : 

In Real Life Hutch’s Nightly Massage by Supabri on YouTube

Reflections : 

How does parent-infant interaction begin? How does each stage begin and end? How would you describe parent-infant interaction during massage? What “feelings” are experienced? What senses are used during massage? Who enjoys massage more – parent, child? Reflections

Benefits for Baby : 

Nurturing touch communicates love. Love is essential for physical, emotional growth and well-being. First important mode of communication Teaches baby how to relax Lessens tension and irritability and buffers against stress Increases sense of security Increases body awareness Teaches baby that he’s in charge of his body Benefits for Baby

Benefits for Baby : 

Research shows that massage: Improves circulation Strengthens immunity system Enhances neurological development Stimulates digestive system Relieving gas and colic Preterm infants with massage gain 47% more weight & left hospital earlier Benefits for Baby

Benefits for Parents : 

Pleasurable way to develop trust & intimacy with baby Promotes strong sense of confidence in parenting – empowerment Becoming attuned to baby’s communication Foster bonding with baby Benefits for Parents

Equipment Necessary for Infant Massage Class : 

Babies Parents Blanket Towel Oil Instructor Pleasant, relaxed atmosphere Equipment Necessary for Infant Massage Class

So, what is Infant Massage doing at CAJE? : 

Infant Massage as outreach for attracting young families to our Betar Ilit health services community by offering parent empowerment. For US Jewish Communities looking to bond new young families – engage them with connections to human relations, culture, spirituality & community. So, what is Infant Massage doing at CAJE?

Slide 15: 

CONTACT – Winter, 2007

The Family Redeemed Rabbi J.B. Soloveitchik – p. 115 : 

The Family Redeemed Rabbi J.B. Soloveitchik – p. 115