Where to learn infant massage on Long Island
Mark Caperna, 40, of Blue Point, massages the head of his seven month old son, Joseph, during a class on infant massage therapy at the Patchogue-Medford Public Library in Patchogue. (June 15, 2012) Credit: Daniel Brennan
Even when 9-month-old Cadence Goldstein was in her mother's womb, she seemed an incredibly active baby. "We have issues with calming down," mom April Goldstein says. So when Goldstein learned a two-part, free infant massage class was being offered at the Patchogue-Medford Library, she and Cadence signed up, hoping that would encourage relaxation.
"We're in a fast-paced society. It's really hard to take a deep breath," certified infant massage therapist Lisa Fritz tells Goldstein and the six other parent-child pairs at the second class of the series. During the first session, Fritz covers leg and body massage; during the second she focuses on massaging babies' faces, which she explains helps with teething and colds.
Check with your local library for free classes; here are some other venues that offer infant massage classes for a fee. With more babies born in July, August and September than any other time of the year, classes are sure to be popular:
This one-hour-a-week, four-week group course is taught by Patricia Manzo, a registered nurse and certified infant massage therapist teaching for 18 years. It is for babies 3 weeks to crawling; both parents -- and even grandparents -- can come along. Classes are at 10 a.m.; day to be determined.
Four 90-minute-per-week group classes cover strokes, techniques and benefits. It is taught by Suzanne Reese, a pediatric physical therapist and certified infant massage instructor.
One-time, 90-minute class includes booklet to take home. If you take class before baby's birth, ChiroMom provides doll prop.
This is a 90-minute class for a flat fee, no matter the number of participants. You can get your mommy and daddy friends together and split the charge.
One 90-minute course covers massage techniques with individualized attention.
Massage therapist Nancy Barravecchio of East Meadow, who does private in-home lessons for $25 a session in a four- to six-session curriculum, says infant massage is especially great for fathers to learn. Moms typically spend more time with newborns; Barravecchio encourages dads to come home from work and use massage to interact with baby. Call Barravecchio at 516-297-9749.
