By: Barb Evans
Infant massage has been around for centuries, and recent studies support its numerous health benefits for both parent and child. Besides the obvious calming effect, infant massage can:
- Reduce crying or colic.
- Control stress levels.
- Stimulate sleep.
- Improve hormones.
- Encourage relaxation.
- Promote parent/baby bonding.
Now local families can learn infant massage in the comfort of their own home with several packages offered through Faith ’N Love, a local business started by Phoenix mom, Lori Fox.
Fox learned the art of infant massage after her second son, Jesse, was born prematurely. At just 3 lbs. and 14 ounces, he spent his first 10 days in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) while she recovered from preeclampsia. Unable to hold or touch her newborn, Fox yearned to make up for lost bonding time when they returned home, but was unsure of how to handle his fragile body. She found a way to feel confident and comfortable with him through massage, and in 2010 became certified in Early Infant Massage and Bonding.
Faith ‘N Love offers several in-home massage tutorial packages that cater to each family member and the child’s stage of development. Pregnant women can get a head start on techniques, dads can learn fun ways to play with their infants, and even siblings can learn how to calm their newborn brother or sister with a gentle touch. Each package is divided into two 45-minute sessions, and range in price from $65 – $145 per session.
Fox predicts that by practicing infant massage, families will build lasting relationships with their child. “Faith ‘N Love is about early intervention,” she states. “Infant massage is fairly new, and I hope others will understand the importance and need for it. The impact can last a lifetime, like it has for me and Jesse.”
For more information and to schedule your first session, visit www.faithnluv.comor call 623-335-0608.
Lori Fox has worked extensively in early childhood intervention as a family support specialist, a child and family therapist, and a school psychologist. As founder and director of Faith ‘N Love, she aims to help families build loving relationships through the practice of infant massage. Lori resides in Anthem with her husband and two sons, Jessie and Christian.
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