An upcoming series of classes are aimed at giving moms and dads another tool to use while traversing the sometimes-overwhelming world of new parenthood.
Yvonne McKenna, a family counsellor and certified infant massage instructor, is offering several infant massage sessions this spring.
"It's really a nice thing for new parents," she says, adding that infant massage can help calm and soothe babies while promoting engagement and bonding.
Over the five sessions, McKenna takes parents through a series of nurturing touch strokes on the baby's legs, arms, stomach, back, chest and face. The strokes used are natural movements based on Indian and Swedish massage, she says, with some yoga and reflexology as well.
The series of strokes are specially tailored to enhance the relationship between parent and baby. As well, infant massage can help with relaxation for both parent and baby, and promote relief of tension, stress, gas and even emotions for infants.
McKenna says she also teaches strokes that can help with colic.
She says babies must be at least three weeks old and it's best to start before they begin crawling, however, she adds, she can also adapt the techniques to use on older, more mobile babies.
"It's a nice way for parents to connect with each other too," she says.
McKenna's classes are being offered through Delta's parks, recreation and culture department at the Tsawwassen Arts Centre on Tuesdays from April 23 to May 21, and on Wednesdays at Kinsmen House from April 24 to May 22. The Tuesday sessions run from 9: 30 to 11 a.m. and the Wednesday classes are from 12: 30 to 2 p.m.
For more information or to register, visit www. deltarec.ca or call 604-9523000.
A series of four classes are also being offered at the Birch Tree Family Wellness Centre in Ladner on Fridays, May 17 to June 7, from 9: 30 to 11 a.m.
For more information, or to register, call 604-9401981 or email [email protected].
