Karen Hecker, LMT, MPH, BSN, RN.

I am a licensed massage therapist and nurse. I am also a Certified Infant & Pediatric Massage Teacher. I trained with and became internationally certified by Tina Allen, founder of the internationally recognized Liddle Kidz Foundation.

Liddle Kidz Foundation is the premiere organization for Infant Massage and Touch Therapy professionals worldwide.

Liddle Kidz

I have been a pediatric nurse for 35 years in large, pediatric teaching hospitals in Michigan, Los Angeles, Washington D.C. and Colorado, and in community settings in Oregon and Colorado.

Instruction in Infant / Child Massage & Touch Therapy (Ages 3 weeks - 17 years)

• Infant / Child massage is known to promote bonding, relaxation and communication between the child and the caregiver. Schedule individual sessions with your child and up to two caregivers in my studio or in your home.
• You may prefer to organize a small group of up to 6 pairs of one infant & one caregiver to meet for class style instruction in the location of your choice. 
• Group classes are for children ages 3 weeks to 5 years.
• 2-4 sessions are recommended for 1:1 sessions and 4-10 are recommended for groups, to learn how to work with your infant / child's body and practice techniques.
• In honor of the needs of infants & children, sessions are not longer than one hour.
• Bring oil to class just for your child. It should be a cold pressed, unscented vegetable oil like sweet almond oil, jojoba, sunflower, safflower or fractionated coconut oil. The oil should not have a scent.
• Research demonstrates that children with or without significant medical conditions may benefit from massage & touch therapy.
• Contact the therapist HERE to set up a group class or if you have specific questions.
• Some children will require a written, medical release from their licensed healthcare provider. This will be assessed by the therapist upon review of a required new client intake form and sent to the parent/caregiver as needed.
• While precautions may be required for some children, massage and touch therapy is easily adapted to the needs of the individual child and can be safe.
• It is generally advised that group classes have children of similar ages and developmental stages.

What is included in s a session

• Welcome
• Warm up
• Get ready/Relax
• Asking permission-learn to read cues
• Massage time-learn site specific techniques
• Topic Talk/Discussion
• Q & A
• Wrap up

Contraindications (not ready for massage - we can reschedule)

• Current infections or fever
• Diarrhea/illness
• immunization within 48-72 hours (ok after that time period)
• Certain health conditions

Good to know

• When possible, it is best to schedule sessions at a time when you think your child is in a quiet alert state, and instruction will be adapted to the child's needs.
• Parents/caregivers often ask, "What if my child cries during the instruction or won't be still?" This is normal, can be adjusted to during the session, and is part of the instruction because it is real life.
• You may want to bring a favorite item to engage your child during the training.
• For some children, touch is enough stimulation and having a favorite item may be overwhelming. If you are not sure, bring the item and we will explore this together. 
• Learning to read cues from your child is a big part of each session
• Children tolerate touch delivered through various techniques. We will discover your child's unique needs together.
• Confidentiality, safety and individual needs are essential components of training, including in group classes.