how infant massage can help your family
Welcoming a new baby is joyful and beautiful, but the early months can also feel overwhelming—especially when your baby is uncomfortable, fussy, or having a hard time settling. When your baby is struggling with colic, gas, reflux, stiffness, or other discomforts, it can be difficult to know how to help. Infant massage offers a gentle, hands-on way to comfort your baby while supporting healthy development and strengthening the connection between you.
These classes teach simple, developmentally supportive massage techniques that can help ease common infant discomforts, including gas, colic, reflux, and indigestion, while promoting healthy circulation, body awareness, relaxation, and nervous system regulation. Techniques can also support babies experiencing stiffness or torticollis and may be especially helpful for babies transitioning home after a NICU stay.
Just as importantly, you’ll learn to recognize your baby’s cues and feel more confident responding to their needs. Massage can become a special time to slow down, connect, and learn what helps your baby feel safe, comfortable, and regulated. It’s not just about the techniques—it’s about building confidence and discovering your own unique language with your baby.
Classes are rooted in evidence-based practice and informed by my experience as a pediatric occupational therapist, with an emphasis on practical techniques that can easily become part of everyday care.
Five-week sessions meet once a week for approximately 60–90 minutes, with time to learn and practice techniques tailored to your baby’s needs.
In-person group classes are offered in Chittenden County, VT, with online group and individual sessions also available. Please contact me at LilaOTRL@gmail.com to inquire about setting up a group or individual class.
Why I Teach
I discovered infant massage after my first child was born, and it quickly became a cherished parts of our daily routine. I wish I had found it sooner— when those early weeks and months of parenthood felt overwhelming. For me, infant massage became a sweet, calming way to connect with my first child, develop rituals we could carry throughout life, and slow down in a world that feels fast-paced and full of distractions. It also gave my husband much more confidence holding a newborn after our second was born.
I’ve always been drawn to bodywork and mindful practices, exploring Reiki and craniosacral work even before becoming a licensed occupational therapist. Ultimately, I was looking for something that integrated science, wellness, and hands-on meaningful work. Infant massage does just that—merging evidence-based understanding with mindful, nurturing touch and empowering families. I love the intentionality of it, and teaching it allows me to share what I know and am passionate about with other families during this tender time of life.
Who Is This Class For?
This class is for parents and caregivers of babies ages 0–12 months, and classes are attended with your baby. Because infant massage is rooted in connection and trust, participants should be someone your baby knows and feels safe with.
Classes are baby-led and flexible—crying, feeding, diaper changes, movement, and breaks are always welcome. For families with multiple children, this is a special opportunity for one-on-one time that a new sibling might not usually get.
Gentle massage techniques can help support common infant challenges such as colic, congestion, and digestive discomfort, alongside simple guidance on positioning, movement, and overall development, informed by my background as a licensed occupational therapist.
This class is inclusive and welcoming to all families, providing a nurturing, nonjudgmental space for connection—with your baby and with other caregivers navigating this special, transitional time in life.
Email Lila at LilaOTRL@gmail.com to schedule a class.
Private, Virtual and in-person options available
Parent Testimonials
"Lila is Passionate about supporting families and it shows. She knows the power of infant massage to support babies and parents. As a mom of 4 this was an incredible opportunity to bond with my baby and with other moms in our group."
"Lila was an amazing instructor. Incredibly patient with all the different needs of each baby"
"This was a super relaxed environment with helpful tips for helping my baby with gas and relaxation. It was very important 1-1 time with full focused attention."
"This class strengthened our bond and connection. It was very informative, enjoyable, and great for bonding with my baby, and other moms too"
"Lila does a great job explaining things about baby musculature and reflexes. My last babies, I dreamed about booking them an infant massage. Never did. I am now eternally grateful to be able to do it for my babies myself. Thank you!"
"My baby is calmer and happier after massage, and I'm more confident in using massage techniques to soothe baby. I looked forward to our class each week and having time to do massage at home."
"Touch is not optional in human development. It is foundational."
Tiffany Field, PhD, Touch Research Institute
