Babys First Massage® FAQ
Q. Are there continuing education hours for Baby's First Massage® ?
A. The onsite workshop offers 8-11 contact hours and the independent study offers 22. The Certification Session combines the Independent Study with 4.5 hours of hands on learning, and offers 24-27 contact hours of continuing education. Participants in the Onsite workshops have the option to complete the certification process at home within one year of attending a workshop and "trading up" their 8+ contact hours for the 22 hours. Additional information is provided on the website page "Continuing Education". Currently, Baby's First Massage can offer contact hours to nurses, massage therapists, doula's, and in Ohio, physical therapists and occupational therapists. Allied Health Care professionals may be able to obtain acceptance for these contact hours through their individual licensing boards.
If you are nationally certified through the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTBM), there is a requirement for participants in home study learning to receive hands on training with it. For the Baby's First Massage program, this means giving one of the required practice classes to a person Teresa Kirkpatrick Ramsey has designated as able to mentor this person in this way. These mentors are listed on the Certification Session page of the website. Teresa is also able to arrange a viewing through Skype if that is the only recourse for learning.
Q. Can I become certified through the Baby's First Massage® workshops?
A. If you attend either an onsite workshop, take the home study program, or participate in a certification session, you receive all the materials necessary to become certified. To become certified, you must complete a post test, prepare a teaching outline, and give 3 documented practice classes within one year of attending or participating in a training. All the certification materials are mailed to Teresa Kirkpatrick Ramsey for review. It is at that time the continuing education contact hours are awarded to the participant, too. The costs of administering this program are built into the independent study and the certification session. However, since it is a choice for onsite workshop participants to continue the process and become certified, and to obtain additional contact hours, an administrative fee of $15 must accompany the packet for certification. The contact hours they received at the onsite workshop are then traded in for the additional contact hours given for completing the home study.
Q. Is this baby massage just for newborns?
A. It is ideally suited to the medically stable newborn , including a preterm baby that is at least 31+ weeks gestation, weighs at least 3 pounds, and is taking feedings. It is also appropriate for all ages of babies as an introduction to the more involved massage steps of infant massage. This approach to massage is meant to support a healing baby or child. It promotes deeper, more restful sleep, promotes eating, digestion, assimilation, weight gain, elimination…just what newborns need to be doing. It offers an enjoyable way for parents to become acquainted with their newborn, and be able to learn some other powerful parenting skills.
Q. How long does it take to complete the home study?
A. The average time from beginning to completion of the post test, etc. is about 20 hours. Some people are able to commit the time and attention and complete it quickly others take weeks and months. The guidelines are to complete the home study within one year of purchase. If there is an unavoidable delay due to circumstances in the family, etc., an extension can be granted if the participant contacts Teresa. However, if no contact is made to explain hindrances, there is a delay fee of $25, payable when the post test is sent in. The workshop materials are typically updated every two years. If more than two years elapses before a participant completes the process of certification, they may have to purchase a new edition of the manual and a new teaching booklet.
Q. Is this the same course as the Infant Massage Training, which is a 3-4 day training?
A. Baby's First Massage® complements the Infant Massage Training, and it does not replace it. Newborn massage is simpler and meant to get parents started massaging as soon after birth as possible. Infant Massage is too stimulating for most newborns. Infant Massage is more appropriate after the healing stage, normally 5-6 weeks of age if full term, and when the baby has reached about 6-7 pounds. Instructors that want to teach parents of older babies and of toddlers would benefit more by taking infant massage instructor training. Instructors that have access to new families, or pregnant women would benefit more by newborn massage training. Baby's First Massage® can be taught in one class session to a new parent(s) whereas Infant Massage is typically taught in a series of classes.
Q. Who is the certifying agent for Baby's First Massage® training?
A. The certification process is a feedback process that indicates the learner has achieved a particular skill level. The founder of this program, Teresa Kirkpatrick Ramsey, has taken in depth training, has many years of perinatal education and experience in program development. She served on the Board of Directors for the International Association of Infant Massage as President and Vice President for three years. Teresa Kirkpatrick Ramsey is both certifyer and continuing education provider for this program.
Q. Does this program prepare me to train other instructors?
A. No. This program prepares you to teach new families how to massage their babies. However, you are encouraged to give overviews of the program, share with colleagues, give inservices, participate in conferences to share your knowledge. To become a Baby's First Massage Instructor, a person must participate in the training offered by or endorsed by Teresa Kirkpatrick Ramsey, founder of Baby's First Massage® Program.
Q. How do I become part of the training faculty for Baby's First Massage?
A. In certain parts of the USA and in Canada, there is a need for additional trainers and coaches, who are part of the faculty of Baby's First Massage. To take that step, a Certified Baby's First Massage Instructor must have been actively teaching for 6 months, and participate in the full day training and a certification session. Please contact Teresa to discuss this.
