Infant massage class

Yesterday was our second infant massage class, and the first class in which we actually got to practice massaging our babies! Our instructor, Heidi, is really nice and has a very calm, soothing voice that I think helps the babies relax. Yesterday we learned massage techniques for the legs and feet. We learned which ways stimulate the senses, and which ways relax the senses. Hayden loved it! He seemed to really enjoy the bonding and the relaxation of the massage. The class is very comfortable, and we're encouraged to listen to our babies, first and foremost. So when Hayden needed to eat and needed a diaper change, we just did what we needed to do and picked up when we were done. I massaged his little legs and feet and ankles, and it was really a lot of fun for both of us.

We use an organic almond oil in the class, but I have some sesame oil at home for massages. To keep Hayden from smelling like a chinese buffet, I also got some essential lavender oil and mixed the two last night. We were going to try our new techniques after his bath but he was a little fussy so we tried them today instead. He was a little squirmy today, so he wasn't really in a massage mood. But I think we'll try again tonight when the day is over and he's ready to relax. Next week we're going to talk about crying and soothing, and incorporate the stomach with what we've already learned. I can't wait!