If someone on the street walked up to you and said there’s such a thing as massage therapy for infants, you’d probably be skeptical.
But seriously, there is such a thing.
Infant massage, though not often talked about, is a medically proven practice that delivers numerous benefits to infants.
Silly parents—babies can get massages, too!
Jayna Troutman, owner and practitioner of Soothing Touch Infant Massage in San Luis Obispo, graduated with an associate’s degree in child development from Allan Hancock College. She then transferred to San Diego State University where she worked toward a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology.
Upon graduating, Troutman moved back home and began working for Santa Barbara County Early Start Services as a child development specialist. While working there, she assessed children ages 0 to 3 years old.
In 2009, Troutman decided to go back to school to earn her certificate as a massage practitioner at the California Holistic Institute in San Luis Obispo.
Troutman then had a revelation: She could combine both of the professions she loves by becoming a certified infant massage educator through the International Association of Infant Massage.
With a passion for assisting with infant development and helping parents of infants, and a solid education under her belt, Troutman started her own business in May of this year.
Soothing Touch Infant Massage offers services taught from the comfort of Troutman’s own home.
Through a series of five classes, one session per week, Troutman teaches parents how to massage different parts of their child’s
body; she doesn’t make contact with the
children herself.
Infant massage is a parent-driven experience that benefits babies and helps parents form bonds with their infants. Troutman describes various holds and touch techniques that
educate parents on how to respond to their child’s cues.
“Massaging the infant helps parents feel more comfortable with their baby,” Troutman said.
According to the medical research Troutman has discovered, infant massage benefits babies both physically and emotionally.
“It helps with bonding, attachment, blood circulation, muscle tone, and better sleep,”
she said.
And parents, if your baby sleeps better, so
do you.
There are multiple benefits of infant massage that will help improve a baby’s quality
of life.
Troutman made the discovery that although infant massage is great for all babies, it’s especially beneficial to special needs children—
primarily those with cerebral palsy.
“I worked as a case manager, and for me it just clicked. I could do something to help kids with CP,” Troutman said.
For children with CP, infant massage can help improve muscle tone, motor skills, and reduce spasms that typically accompany children with CP. Infant massage can help parents feel more confident and secure in meeting their children’s needs.
“I worked with CP kids, and it broke my heart,” Troutman said. “I would love to see cerebral palsy eradicated.”
For more information, visit soothingtouchinfantmassage.com.
Highlights
• Energy, jobs, and the economy will be the topics of discussion at the Santa Barbara County Energy Coalition’s 2011 National Energy Day and Economic Development Symposium on Oct. 12.
Featured speakers will present information on technological innovations, sustainable energy, energy efficiency, and natural resources for America’s energy future. The cost to attend is $40 and includes admission, a continental breakfast, an informational packet, and a one-year subscription to the SBC Energy Coalition’s monthly newsletter.
Networking and registration will begin at 7 a.m. The conference runs from 8 a.m. to noon at the Radisson Hotel in Santa Maria, located at 3455 Skyway Dr.
To reserve a seat, visit sbcEnergyCoalition.org or call 934-0743.
Biz Spotlight was written by Intern Kristina Sewell. Highlights were compiled by Staff Writer Jeremy Thomas. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, e-mail, or mail.
This article appears in Aug 18-25, 2011.