BABY MASSAGE BLOG - Taking care

Upcoming 4 week infant massage class starts:  Thursday, June 14, 2012  from 10:30-11:30 am at Birth Source,Inc
in Edmonton, Alberta .Contact Sharon for more information and to register.

New Parents need to take care of themselves as well as their babies.  It is a very time consuming job- taking care of your baby, and a life giving one- but it is also very important to take care of you.  Remember the oxygen mask on the plane - first to you, then to your child.  To be a fit parent, a better parent, remember the oxygen first goes to you!

What does this mean?  There are as many ways of "taking care" of yourself as there are people.  For some, it is an evening out having dinner with their partner or a friend.  Others love the chance to get to the gym, or have a relaxing bath or shower.  It's also good to know when you need breaks from your baby and to ask for them from the people in your life.  (It's good to ask for help when you need it!! )  It can be a lot of little things that add up to a very big difference, a more present you.  It could be as simple as taking a few moments throughout the day to just "be", to take some deep breaths and relax inside.  Ah! let it go-  let it all go, for a few moments  - the worry, anxiety,  all the thoughts, all the concerns, right now, let it go!.  It's like holding a lot of packages that you just let go of, let them drop, and feel free, unfettered, feel the relief for those few moments., utterly free!!  This is a mini meditation and meditation is know for its value in reducing stress and boosting well-being.

Yes, it takes practise, at first you'll want to hang on to some of the packages, unwilling to let them go, but hey- you can learn to let them all go..  Remember, it's a few moments, that's all - you can do it!! As you do this, your shoulders can drop, your stomach unclench, your arms relax.  Ah yes, as your arms relax, the tightening in your jaw and neck relax as well.  Your breath can deepen of it's own accord and your mind becomes a clear lake.  Sound impossible to accomplish in a few moments?  give it a try, let yourself try it. A  few moments - a few times a day. 

When we are the most busy, the most overextended, the most tired, these are the times that "Taking care" and letting go become the most important, for new parenting and other times as well.

Can  something so seemingly simple actually work? - Actually help us feel more refreshed, more able to cope  with all the demands of a busy life?  Remember, not everything is in our hands, in our control (as much as we might like it to be),  there is a wisdom in life, a magic, a flow that we can relax into.  This few moments of relaxing from the inside out - a few times a day, can help you enjoy these years that are so special, can help you enjoy your life!

Remember, close your eyes, let go of all the packages, and breathe in the oxygen!!!

Thanks for joining me and  Take care,

Sharon

AS A BABY LEARNS....

4 WEEK INFANT MASSAGE CLASS STARTS: Thursday, May 10 10:30-11:30 am
at BIRTH SOURCE, INC. 5024 106 AVE. EDMONTON, AB CONTACT SHARON FOR MORE INFORMATION


On checking in at the beginning of a baby massage class the other day, one of the moms
talked about the enjoyment of watching her little son "learn to have a massage".
What a neat concept. Babies learn so much as they integrate one new experience after another. So much goes on as they do this "learning". One time while I was reading about child development, I came across this interesting idea: that a baby imagines him or herself walking before it actually happens. We see ourselves doing something first, then it happens. Maybe creative visualization works a lot more than we've thought. We have an idea, then life conspires to help us bring that idea forth into the world, like a baby being born.

Back to babies "learning to have a massage," learning can be a very enjoyable experience for all of us. Opening up to a new experience, letting go of our 'long held 'attitudes ,letting something new in. For example, learning to sit still and enjoy a sunrise, learning to like a new food we haven't liked before, learning a new skill just for the sheer fun of it.

Once, , when I was living in Yellowknife (NWT), I took a day off and snowshoed across Yellowknife Bay, with a pair of dogs yapping at my feet. I had never snowshoed before. It was hard and it was amazing!!!

Part of learning something new involves how we connect with a new experience. According to research into baby massage that the University of Calgary has done, some babies "connect" to a new experience right away, and some babies need a repitition of that experiece daily for at least a week before they "connect" with it. So, give your child a chance with something new, be patient. I remember one mom who put it this way about her little son - She said that when he first experiences something, he often hates it, then with time he mellows and doesn't mind it, and then magically she watches while he's on the verge of "falling in love" with it.

We all need to be patient with ourselves (especially new parents), give ourselves time to try something new , let ourselves learn to enjoy it, and spread our wings to fly.
Take care everyone, Sharon Melvin

Listening to Your Baby

classes: 4 week baby massage class starts Thursday, February 16 from 10:30-11:30 am. at Birth Source, Inc. located at 5024 - 106 Ave. Edmonton, Alberta, (also, Tai Chi starts Nov.3 7-9 pm)
Tai Chi Chih class starts: Feb.13 12-1 pm. at Capilano Community Hall, Edmonton

Babies Talk all the time in many ways. Sometimes they are heard- sometimes not. Really listening to anyone is an art, but especially with a baby. Their eyes, their smiles, their little hands waving - are all talking - a relaying of important information. Like many "arts" - the art of listening to a baby requires us to be present, focused and willing for a short period to "let go of everything else" and to truly be here in the moment. Listening allows a space to open up for a baby to "be heard", to "be understood", and to "be validated", which leads to needs being met.
For instance, if your baby is willing to make eye contact with you, it may mean that they are in the newborn cycle of "quiet alert", which is the best cycle to accept a short massage from you. When you begin the massage, and notice all their subtle responses to each stroke you do with them, you can do more of the stokes they like the best in this moment, and "voila", your baby can feel "heard" by you, increasing the closeness between you, and deepening their "sense of self".

You are listening to your baby when you take note of all the things that help them feel relaxed,safe and secure. When with their help you figure out how they calm themselves, what positions they like best and when hunger sucking turns to comfort sucking.

"Listening to another" is part of every healthy relationship and an important part of your sweet unfolding ongoing relationship with your baby.

Thanks for joining me and see you next posting.
Sharon

Sharon's Sweet Baby Dream Blog

UPCOMING CLASSES IN EDMONTON, ALBERTA

Loving Hands: Learn to Massage Your Baby
4 week class starts: Thursday, September 8, 2011 - 1:30-2:30 pm. Class held at BIRTHSOURCE 5024 - 106 Ave. Edmonton 780-758-2525
Also: contact Sharon ( About Sharon) for further information

(Tai Chi class starting at BirthSource on September 15, 7-8 pm.)

" EXPECTING - TAI CHI"

Tai Chi and Massage have always gone together for me. Doing some gentle Tai Chi movements before giving a massage has always helped me to feel calm and centered and then after the session Tai Chi's energy and revitalizing flow make make sure I feel grounded and balanced.

In baby massage classes, I always suggest to new parents to practice some Tai Chi or stretching exercises before massaging their little one, to do something that will help 'bring them to the moment', to truly be present with their baby, not thinking of other things: work undone, unwashed dishes, what's for dinner? - but to just be with their baby. To be the most present they can be for this vital connection during the massage.

I fact, now that I think of it, there is a connection between babies and Tai Chi. There's an old saying in Taoism, "breathe as a new born babe", that soft, gentle breathing where the tiny belly moves in and out as the baby breathes - unfettered, full body breathing. A baby is truly alive in this present moment, not in any other. The spirit shines brightly in their eyes, the mysteries of beyond within their gaze. It is an honor to gaze into a newborn's eyes.

Yep, babies and Tai Chi - what a connection! In the moment, relaxed, breathing from the belly, close to the mystery, gentle yawning and stretching!
A regular Tai Chi practice is a wonderful way to prepare your body and yourself for the experience of birthing. Relaxing, letting of go of deep held stress, freeing yourself to gather your energy for this important event. Tai Chi is energy and blood flow - circulating freely, partners in health and well-being.

Tai Chi is safe through pregnancy and into labour (with some common sense precautions) and is waiting right there for you after the birth - picking up where you left off. Restoring your energies, helping you connect to your intrinsic self and to your baby.
Thanks for tuning in and see you next posting.
Sharon

BABY MASSAGE BLOG WITH SHARON

UPCOMING CLASSES IN EDMONTON, ALBERTA

INFANT MASSAGE 4 CLASS SERIES: Thursday, February 24,  1:30-2:30 PM'

"Tai Chi for Fitness, Health, and Relaxation: 6 week class starts: March 10  7-9 pm.
 7-8 pm
Location: BIRTHSOURCE 5024 - 106 AVE.

Please CONTACT Sharon FOR MORE INFORMATION

"ESPECIALLY FOR DADS"

I was walking towards the conference room in the Alberta Children's Hospital in Calgary last Saturday where I was about to teach a "Loving Hands for Expectant Parents" workshop, when I noticed this sign on the room next door: "Especially for Dads". Intrigued, I stopped and introduced myself to the class Instructor. He told me that he taught this class once a month for men who were about to be Dads, to help them prepare for the arrival of their baby. I peeked in a few times throughout the morning and noticed that the class was quite large, full of very interested dads to be.

I've noticed this interest in dads to be in my own classes in infant massage. It used to be that often the moms and moms to be would drag along their male partners to class. Now, sometimes its the dads dragging along the moms!!

Dads are definitely stepping up to the bat when it comes to soaking up information to prepare for the birth of their child. It's wonderful to see. My own class that morning went well, 6 couples coming to learn more and feel more confident about handling and comforting their newborns through touch.

Skills to practice and think about in readiness for the grand day of their baby's arrrival. One of the things I share with expectant parents is the specialness of each of their interactions with their baby. For example, when mom massages her baby, there are certain benefits, and also, when dad massages his baby, there are complementary benefits, a different quality. So, even though the dad doesn't get to be close to his infant through the breastfeeding experience- massage bridges that gap - deepens and forges the bond that will last a lifetime. And, his male, daddy touch is unique to him-the same, and yet different.

In fact, we each have a unique quality when it comes to touch - just like we have our own individual body 'scent' called a 'chemical signature' - we each have a unique touch quality called a 'touch signature'.

Your baby knows your touch, your voice, your scent, making you the 'expert' when it comes to calming and comforting them. Others may share the 'tips' and 'techniques' for benefits like 'gas relief' and 'helping your baby sleep at night', but you are the best person to take, use, and turn the techniques into the LOVE you have for your baby. Both Dads and Moms!!!

Take care and see you next posting!

Sharon

Sharon's Sweet Baby Dream Blog- Infant Calming

Upcoming Infant Massage 4 class series (parent and baby)
Dates: October 19,21,26,28 or Novmber 9,11,16,18, 2010
Location: LeSoleil Health and Wellness, #15, 9353-50St. Edmonton, Alberta
Time: 10-11 am contact Sharon for more information and to register

Also: Loving Hands for Expectant Parents: 10-12 noon Sat.Nov 13, 2010

Hi everyone,welcome to my SWEET BABY DREAM BLOG and a special hello to any new parents that may be checking in here that I met in Calgary this month at the Alberta Childrens Hospital and the Rockyview Hospital in their Birth and Babies class when I presented infant touch and massage. Infant Self Calming is an idea that I find truly amazing and important for new parents to be aware of and informed about. It goes like this: babies have an innate, instinctual knowledge of how to calm themselves, they know how to do it. However, they need their parents help to figure it out. Awareness that their baby can do this marvelous thing and the skill to guide their baby in the process and to let them discover it, is invaluable for new parents. The main ways a baby can calm themselves can include: non-nutritive sucking, body movement and position and vision.

It takes time and communication with your baby for it all to unfold, but imagine, learning how to calm yourself at this tender age, what a lifelong gift. As a Massage Therapist, I know that one of the areas we as adults have trouble with is how to "relax inside", to stay calm when life gets stressful, when circumstances and life events just begin to pile up. If we learnt how to relax inside as tiny babies, what would our lives be like? It's often said that stress is accountable for many ills and problems in our lives. What if we could head this all off at the pass - to physically and emotionally calm down in the face of stress, to truly "go with the flow", and not suffer ill effects from "trying situations". Also, it is said that it's not the stress that gets you , it's how you deal with it. Well, a baby learning that they can self calm is to me, a wonderful , important piece of information and well worth learning about. The term is "self-soothing, or self-calming" and I recommend the book "The Self-Calmed Baby" A Revolutionary New Approach to Parenting Your Infant , written by Dr. William Sammonds MD

Take care and see you next posting!
Take care and see you next posting!!!

SHARON'S 'SWEET BABY DREAM' BLOG

Upcoming classes:

LOVING HANDS FOR EXPECTANT PARENTS: CALMING YOUR BABY WITH TOUCH
Learn different massage and touch skills to comfort and relax your baby from the day he or she
is born. Hands on practice will help increase your confidence in soothing your baby.

Edmonton: June 26 at Le Soleil Health and Wellness, #15, 9353 - 50 St. Contact: Sharon
Calgary: June 19 through Calgary Health Region
Time: 9:30-12:30 contact: Birth and Babies, Calgary Health Region

INFANT MASSAGE 4 CLASS SERIES:
Infant massage enhances the loving communication between parent and baby:
Edmonton: July 20,22,27,29 Time: 10-11am. Contact Sharon Melvin
Calgary: May18,20,June 15,17 through Calgary Health Region

Welcome to my "Sweet Baby Dream " Blog, where I can share with you stories and facts regarding the importance of touch and your new baby. I also share topics of interest to new parents. I invite you to join me regularly and I would also love to hear from you.

Preparing for your baby's birth

Those few days before a baby's birth are a special time to rest and harbor strength for the adventure ahead. Research shows that babies are aware of the world outside the womb and
and are also aware of the emotional state of their mother. An " about to be Mom" can prepare herself and her environment to be reassuring for her newborn baby. I also know at this point you may just want the baby to be here and for the birthing part to be over. This last stage of pregnancy, the 'Pre-birth time" can be uncomfortable. If possible, spend a few days quietly resting and relaxing. Other nurturing things to do are listening to soft and gentle music, gently rubbing your tummy and gently reassuring your baby that everything is alright. You also might want to take this same music to your delivery room. What a nice transition for your baby! These same relaxing sounds and the sound of your voice reassure and help them leave their safe fluid world to transition solftly into this world to be hed securely in your waiting arms.

So, for these last few days, resist the temptation to clean out that fridge one more time. Instead, have your favourite meal, put your feet up, and relax. Truly relax, blend and bond with your baby, open to your senses, enjoy music........and relax.

During the birth, if there are no complications, turn down the lights, and hold your baby
close to your heart as soon as possible after birth. This is truly one of the most precious moments of your life and you are preparing for it thoughtfully and lovingly.

Recommended Reading:

"Birth Without Violence", by Dr. Frederick Leboyer, (A pioneer in birthing practices in North America)