Questions Answered for Parents

FirstPlay® Infant Story-Massage

Visit the FirstPlay® Parent’s Website: firstplayinfantmassage.com 

Research reveals that high levels of joy and caring touch between a parent and child helps to wire the brain to form emotionally healthy neruopathways, resulting in a life-long ability to develop emotionally intimate, empathetic and caring relationships. Infants who receive FirstPlay® experiences early on gain an inner sense of security and esteem which—as they grow—help them to better calm and self-regulate their own emotions.
Janet A. Courtney PhD, LCSW

baby_massage

Benefits of FirstPlay Infant Story-Massage

  • Increases the parent-child attachment and bonding
  • Creates a fun time each day of intimacy between parent and child
  • Caring touch releases the calming and connectivity hormone oxytocin, while at the same time lowering the stress hormone cortisol.
  • Teaches infants the sensation of relaxation
  • As they grow, they learn to gain a sense of internal self-regulation and their own ability to calm.
  • Helps to create deeper and more sound sleep
  • Increases oxygen and nutrient flow to the cells
  • Helps with digestion and bowel elimination
  • Increases the joy within the relationship
  • Teaches your baby about caring positive touch, respect and personal boundaries
How do you demonstrate the massage techniques?

FirstPlay® Practitioners demonstrate the story-massage techniques on a doll model while parents follow along and provide the story-massage activities with their infant. 

What if I have more than one infant?

You can have another caregiver(s) present who can learn the story-massage techniques and participant in the sessions.

What if my baby is not in the mood for a massage at the time of the session?

FirstPlay® sessions are scheduled for “prime time” when your infant is in a “quiet alert” state. Some times that are best can be late morning after a nap. You can also learn the story-massage movements at the time of the session and practice at a later time when your infant is ready.

Where are the sessions held?

The sessions may be held in your home or at a FirstPlay® practitioners private office. This will be discussed during your initial introductory telephone conversation.

What ages is this FirstPlay infant story-massage model geared toward?

Although you can introduce massage at any age in childhood, these sessions are meant for infants ages 3 weeks to 36 months old.

How are sessions scheduled?

We recommend six sessions that will be scheduled at your convenience with your FirstPlay® Practitioner. 

I am a working mother. How will I have time to integrate FirstPlay sessions with my infant?
You will find that a massage session only takes about 10 to 20 minutes of your time.
I want to do this program, but I am not able to get off work during daytime hours. What can I do?

FirstPlay® Practitioners may be able to offer evening or weekend appointments. 

What if I know of another mother with an infant that might be interested, can we have a session together?
Absolutely! This is encouraged and this lowers the cost of the sessions for you.
What if I want to put together a FirstPlay infant story-massage group with some other parents?
Groups can be organized up to a maximum of six parents. The program rate adjusts depending on the number of parents.

 

 

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Join our FirstPlay Café Podcast, E-Zine & Training Mailing List

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact