About Infant Massage
Schedule an Infant Massage Class with Lila
Now Accepting Small Groups for Infant Massage Classes
I’m currently accepting small parent groups (3+)— let’s find a time that works for you!
Virtual and in-person options available
(Chittenden County, VT). Private sessions also available .
Email me at LilaOTRL@gmail.com to schedule.
"Touch is not optional in human development. It is foundational."— Tiffany Field, PhD, Touch Research Institute
The History and Importance of Infant Massage
Infant massage is more than just a soothing touch—it’s a meaningful way to build connection, support your baby’s development, and foster calm, confident caregiving. These classes help parents and babies communicate through nurturing, respectful touch that promotes bonding, relaxation, and sensory growth.
Unlike the everyday touch of diaper changes or feedings, infant massage is mindful and intentional. It teaches babies what respectful, caring touch feels like, supports sensory integration, and helps parents better understand their baby’s cues. It can also support better sleep, soothe colic and gas, and ease common discomforts—offering relief for babies and reassurance for parents.
Touch is the first sense to develop in the womb and plays a vital role in your baby’s physical, emotional, and cognitive development. For thousands of years, families across India and Africa have practiced infant massage as part of daily care. It was introduced to the U.S. by Vimala McClure, founder of the International Association of Infant Massage (where I received my training), after she observed its powerful impact while working in an Indian orphanage.
As an occupational therapist, I bring a strong foundation in child development into each class. While my background is clinical, the classes themselves are warm, non-clinical, and thoughtfully designed to be calm, welcoming, and accessible. I put love and care into creating a supportive space where all questions are welcome and your family’s needs are at the heart of the experience.
Massage techniques are gentle, adaptable, and appropriate for babies from birth to 12 months—including those with unique developmental timelines. Whether your baby was born early, is experiencing developmental delays, or is progressing right on time, all are welcome.
In class, we combine Swedish and Indian massage traditions with baby reflexology and infant yoga, offering a holistic experience for both baby and caregiver. It's a safe, loving practice that supports your baby’s well-being—and your confidence—as you grow together.
Why I’m Passionate About Teaching Infant Massage
I discovered infant massage well after my son was born, and it quickly became a cherished part of our routine. My husband, a first-time father who felt overwhelmed at first, became more confident after using some of these techniques. Still, I wish we had started earlier—it would have eased the transition to parenthood and helped me manage postpartum anxiety.
As an occupational therapist, I appreciate that infant massage is baby-led and developmentally supportive. It’s something we do with babies, not to them, honoring their cues while fostering connection. This evidence-based practice is both practical and enjoyable, creating calming, joyful moments for families.
I find great joy in providing a warm, welcoming environment where families feel supported. Witnessing families bond with their babies in unique and meaningful ways is profoundly rewarding.
Who Is This Class For?
These classes are designed for parents or caregivers of babies aged 0 to 12 months. Because infant massage is rooted in connection and trust, it’s important that the person attending the class is someone the baby knows and feels safe with. Classes are baby-led and flexible—this means crying babies, feeding, diaper changes, walking, or taking breaks are all welcome! Our goal is to provide a supportive, non-judgmental environment where you can learn something new each week while responding to your baby’s needs.
I keep class sizes small to ensure a calm and personal experience. In addition to learning massage strokes that can help with common concerns like colic or digestive discomfort, I draw on my background in occupational therapy to share helpful tips about positioning, motion, and overall developmental well-being. Infant massage classes offer a supportive and inclusive environment where all parents can connect with their babies while gaining confidence in nurturing through touch. These classes create a safe space to share experiences, ask questions, and build community with other families in similar stages of parenting. Whether you're looking to bond more deeply with your baby, support their sensory and physical development, or simply find a peaceful space to be together that you can bring home, I invite you to join me.
