This is a relaxing experience for you and your baby. I use my hands in a gentle way to release tension in your baby's body. I've spent many years training how to do this. I know what to look & feel for and I know how to correct it
Babies are often deeply relaxed at the end of the session.
How it works
You bring your baby to my office in Hillhurst (central Calgary) and we talk about what you're concerned about with your baby.
I look at your baby's body (with their clothes on) as they lay on their back, side and tummy.
I use my hands to feel for tension in your baby's body and head.
I'll look at your baby's eyes, nose and mouth.
I'll feel how your baby your baby is sucking and the shape of your baby's mouth with a gloved finger.
Where there is tension in your baby's body I'll stop and hold the area in a specific way to release the tension. When I hold your baby's body in the right way tension melts away or unwinds under my hands. For you it looks more like quiet holding than it looks like massaging; babies are highly sensitive to sensation so holding is more effective in deflating tension.
You feed, change and comfort your baby at any time during the session.
Babies need to be close to their mamas. For this reason you can expect that I will be close to your body for much of the session (because your baby will be close to you). You'll interact and play with your baby if they are awake while I work with their body. Babies are much more receptive to releasing tension when you are making face to face contact with your baby. It helps your baby feel more comfortable and confident.
Most of the time your baby will have their clothes on unless I need to look at their ribs.
If you want I can teach you simple ways that you can help your baby's body continue to improve while you are at home in between appointments.
I'll show you what to do and then you'll do it. I'll give you tips and tricks as to how to tailor it to your baby's specific needs.
I'll start you out with full body movements like the tummytimemethod and guppy and layer on specific mouth exercises. @tonguetiebabies and Michelle Emanuel's you tube channel has many examples of the exercises I'll show you.
All exercises are designed to strengthen the muscles of your baby's body for better function and to build a healthy nervous system for your baby's optimal brain development.
Towards the end of the session I'll tell you when it's to come back (its often within 7-10 days). Typically most problems are solved within 4 treatments, depending what going on in your baby's body and how they respond to treatment. Balancing tension can take time. It's a process. Think of it like peeling away layers of an onion.
You'll notice changes in your baby during the session and throughout the week. Each time I see you and your baby I'll balance another layer of tension in their body.
There's no pressure for you to come for more sessions than you like.
I want to help you as quickly as possible and send you on your way so that you can enjoy this time with your baby and not have to leave your house to bring them for appointments.
What to expect after the session
Moms and babies are generally pretty relaxed afterwards.
Most babies have a good, long nap or short, deep sleep after the session or a good extra poop that day.
If you can plan to return home and chill out for the rest of the day as best you can (this would not be the day to do errands or book other apts). Imagine what you would like to do after you went for a massage. Some moms go for a walk or meet a friend for lunch afterwards.
On the odd occasion some babies need you for extra support emotionally as they cope with all the new changes in their body.