Aim
The aim of this course is to give practitioners the confidence to work competently with parents and babies who have lived through the neonatal experience. This is especially useful once the baby has been discharged from hospital, but practitioners may even feel empowered to introduce massage onto the neonatal units (subject to local NHS hospital policy). Post-course support options will also be discussed.
Introduction
Within the confines of the neonatal unit, giving touch to such fragile babies requires sensitivity and mindfulness. Additionally, the practitioner needs to be considerate of the emotional wellbeing of the parent whilst participating in this activity.
Often parents lack confidence to touch their babies, so need activities that will encourage touch in a sympathetic and positive way. It is therefore important to teach parents appropriate touch; by observing cues, they will be aware when baby is becoming overstimulated, helping to reduce stress in both baby and parent.
The techniques learnt will also help practitioners understand the requirements of children with special needs and the need to adapt massage plans.
Programme
The day will include :
-
The environment of the neonate
- Light
- Noise
- Positioning
- Negative touch
- Positive touch
- The emotional journey of the parents
-
The physiological effects of stress and its effects on:
- The baby
- The mother
- Lactation
- The family as a whole
-
The use of positive touch
- The principles of Therapeutic Touch
- Practical - 'feeling' energy
- Using energy with carers and babies
-
Massage and the neonate
- Practical session demonstrating a modified massage routine
At the end of the day, delegates will have the confidence to work competently with this specialised group of babies.
Admission Criteria
This one day workshop is primarily aimed at professionals working with babies who have spent time on a neonatal unit, but will also be helpful for those working with babies and children with special needs, or babies under 6 weeks old. Therefore it will benefit not only health care workers but any infant massage instructors who are in contact with these 'fragile' babies.
