A Sense of Touch: Local moms learn art of baby massage
<p>Ciera rubs Nidua's chest Friday during the Lake County Public Health Department's monthly Parents as Teachers program. Licensed massage therapist Mary Gertson demonstrated how to safely massage babies. Nidua, 20 months, lives with his mom in Pablo.</p>
<p>Six moms and their babies took advantage of the Lake County Public Health Department's monthly Parents as Teachers event Friday. Licensed massage therapist Mary Gertson demonstrated how to massage a baby safely. Vince Lovato / Leader photo</p>
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<p>Licensed massage therapist Mary Gertson git some unexpected help from Naomi, who was cradling her doll in a knitted blanket during the Lake County Public Health Department's monthly Parents as Teachers event. Gertson demonstrated how the mothers can massage their babies. Vince Lovato / Leader photo</p>
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<p>Breanne applies a light rub to Asher's back Friday during the Lake County Public Health Department's monthly Parents as Teachers program. Licensed massage therapist Mary Gertson demonstrated hoiw to safely massage babies. Vince Lovato / Leader photo</p>
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<p>Ciera rubs Nidua's chin Friday during the Lake County Public Health Department's monthly Parents as Teachers program. Licensed massage therapist Mary Gertson demonstrated hoiw to safely massage babies. Nidua, 20 months, lives with his mom in Pablo. Vince Lovato / Leader photo</p>
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<p>Licensed massage therapist Mary Gertson shows how to rub a baby under the chin to help relieve teething pain Friday during the monthly Parents as Teachers program at the Lake County Public Health Department in Polson. Vince Lovato / Leader photo</p>
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Ciera Kennedy rubbed her son’s chin and listened to him gurgle his appreciation while turning his head from side to side.
Kennedy, who was learning baby massage techniques, then picked up her 6-month-old son, Nidua, and placed him tummy down on a blanket and softly caressed his back.
Nidua stared off in a contented haze.
As part of its Parents as Teachers program, the Lake County Public Health Department hosted a baby massage demonstration Dec. 19 at the offices in Polson.
Licensed massage therapist Mary Gertson, of Polson, demonstrated infant massage techniques for about an hour to six moms who practiced on their own offspring.
“It aids in helping the babies fall asleep faster, sleep deeper and sleep for longer periods of time,” said Gertson, who took her first baby massage classes in 2000. “It also supports bonding with parents and relieves child muscle tension.”
Kennedy is a member of the Parents as Teachers program which gives parents free opportunities to learn teaching and child-rearing techniques.
“I just came out of interest and to see if he would like it,” Kennedy said. “He’s going through teething right now and I want to try it when he’s in a better mood.”
Crystal Johnson is an OB/GYN nurse who lives in Polson. She took her 8-month-old daughter, Olivia, to the demonstration.
“I thought it would be fun to learn and Olivia will love it,” she said.
Before the massaging started, health department family support specialists shared information about the Parents As Teachers program and provided a light lunch. Afterwards, the mommies received health-focused gift bags.
Gertson was happy with Friday’s session.
“I got some really great feedback from the moms,” she said. “They just seemed like it was really validating for them and the (massage) went well with things they are already doing.”
The success of the class was clear.
“One baby was out like a light afterwards,” said Gertson, who has helped deliver 19 babies over her career.
She will host a class on essential oils for first aid in March.
Research shows infants who are caressed regularly develop cognitive and emotional skills faster, gain weight and deal better with constipation, teething and gas pains, Gertson said.
“Massage has been used throughout the world for eons,” said Gertson, who received her first massage while recovering from severe burns. “It’s becoming more accepted here over time.”
As a massage therapist, Gertson believes she gets as much therapy out of giving the massage as her client does receiving it.
“I was taught to love people and I want to work until I’m 80 years old,” she said. “I’ve never been bored and it’s a gift to help people.”
Lake County Public Health Department
802 Main St. in Polson
Toll Free: (888) 445.3269 or (406) 883.7288
http://www.lakecountypublichealth.org