HPP staff members Carrie Hamilton, Elizabeth Rivera, and Karent Novelo with internationally certified infant massage trainer Michael Curtis.
New Beginnings Case Manager Carrie Hamilton, Health Educator Elizabeth Rivera, and Health Educator Karent Novelo attended a four-day infant massage parent education certification training from April 29 – May 2nd. The training will enable them to become a Certified Educator of Infant Massage (CEIM) and join infant massage educators in more than 35 countries as part of the International Association of Infant Massage.
The core curriculum focused on topics such as infant behavioral states, cues and reflexes, bonding and attachment, touch and massage research, group facilitation skills, and a demonstration of strokes and gentle activities. As a CEIM, they will be certified to teach parents/caregivers how to massage their infants, share concepts of bonding and attachment through infant massage professionals, and facilitate in helping enhance the loving relationship between parent/caregiver and infant.
Hamilton hopes to launch an infant massage class at HPP this summer and found the training to be beneficial. “Infant massage is a wonderful and effective tool to connect parent and child together and help facilitate bonding between the two.” Hamilton said. “It also helps mothers feel comfortable with the healing power of the touch. I am excited to have participated in the training, and I look forward to sharing my knowledge on what I’ve learned.”