Benefits

The First Touch Program specialises in cue-based infant massage. Cue based infant massage is based on the serve- and- return interactions between parent and babies. Child health experts know that these interactions are vital for brain, social, cognitive and mental health development.

 

A high quality cue-based infant massage program supports parents to develop confidence in using massage, healthy touch, voice, movement, eye-contact and facial expression as a way of having a conversation with their baby. These interactions are the mechanisms that enable a baby to regulate their emotional arousal and essential bodily functions (Schore, 2001). This regulation is fundamental to early mental health and physical development because when babies are well regulated, the toxic stress hormones that stunt brain development are kept at bay (Schore, 2001). The serve and return interactions which the cue based First Touch Program builds are believed to be one of the crucial keys underpinning future brain development. For further details on the importance of 'serve and return' interactions for brain building in infancy and early childhood follow the link to watch this clip from The Developing Child, Harvard.

 

http://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/serve-return-interaction-shapes-brain-circuitry/

 

The First Touch Program supports parents to connect with their baby and with other parents in an intimate, supportive and relaxed environment. 

 

All parents and babies are unique and will therefore have different experiences when engaging in The First Touch Program. 

Refer to the testimonials page to find out why the program has been beneficial for many new parents and their baby's. 

 

The following clip highlights the essence of the First Touch Program ...