Course Content
Course Aims:
By the end of the course you will:
Know that baby massage is an ancient technique and how and why it has become popular in the West
Know that touch is important and understand why
Know that there are 6 behavioural states and will learn about each one
Know that a baby has cues and will learn how to recognise these
Know and understand contraindications to baby massage
Know that a baby has reflexes and will learn how to recognise these
Learn the difference between behavioural states, baby cues and baby reflexes
Learn that a baby can show how they are feeling through engagement and disengagement cues
Learn what engagement and disengagement cues are and how to recognise them
Know that there are many benefits to baby massage and will be able to discuss these
Learn how to market a business and will understand some marketing mistakes
Understand the basics of setting up a business Learn what to include in a lesson plan in order to make it effective for learning
Learn what makes a good teacher and will have the opportunity to practice some of these skills
Learn baby massage techniques and then will use these in a sequence Know what the benefits and cautions are for each area of the body when massaging and will be able to discuss these
Use the skills learnt to practice teaching a part of the baby massage sequence
Have opportunities to self and peer assess
Be given feedback on their progress and will be given areas to develop if required
A full and comprehensive manual is included in your course
How does the course work?
There are two stages to the course, home study and a practical day.
The home study part of the course will take you around 20 hours of study, which includes reading through the course manual and answering 20 short questions (to be emailed to your home study tutor for marking). You do not need to have completed the reading and questions before your practical day but it is advisable that you have made a start with reading the course manual. You will be given full support and guidance throughout this part of the course.
The home study part of the course involves:
· Lesson aims and objectives
· Lesson outcomes
· History of baby massage
· The importance of touch
· Behavioural states
· Contraindications to baby massage
· Baby cues
· Baby reflexes
· Benefits of baby massage
· Setting up your business
· Marketing your business
· Top teaching tips
· Recommended reading · Assessment (20 short answer questions) to be emailed to your tutor
You will also have access to videos of the massage sequence (including a sequence for relief from toothache, constipation, wind and colic).
The practical days training will run 10.30 - 4.30pm Weekdays or 11.00 - 5pm if you choose to attend on a weekend date. You will be given full support and guidance throughout this part of your course.
You need to complete both parts of the course to be awarded with your certificate.
Practical Day
You will be massaging dolls in class and will be instructed with a doll. There will be no babies in class! This is an instructor training course and not a baby massage class where you bring your baby to the class.
The dolls will be provided for you on the day to work on and the tutor can give you information if you need to buy one to practice on at home if required if you wish to carry on your practice at home on a doll.
The practical day involves:
Planning a lesson and how to structure your baby massage classes
Learning the baby massage sequence
Additional sequences for teething, constipation, wind and colic
Assessment, feedback and a Q&A session
You can start your home study at anytime. This gives you the flexibility to complete the course at your own pace and in your own time.
You need to complete both parts of the course to be awarded with your certificate.