You’ve become an Infant Massage Teacher – Now What?!

by Tina Allen, LMT, CPMMT, CPMT, CIMT
Updated Jan 2010

So, you have taken the Certified Infant Massage Teacher Course, finished your practical work, and received your certification – now what?

You may have come into the course with an idea of what you wanted to do with your certification when you completed it. You knew you could use the CIMT certification within your existing work or by starting out on a new career path, but now your eyes have been opened to so many more possibilities.
 

The Possibilities for Infant Massage Teachers are Endless - You are the Classroom

An infant massage teacher not only has the opportunity to provide education to parents and caregivers in the privacy of their homes, but also in parent centers, hospitals, early education environments, preschools, at community events, health centers, and so on. Really, the places you can teach infant massage are endless. Anywhere you can carry your teaching doll can become your classroom.

What’s an Infant Massage Teacher to Do?

So, what should you do now? Start brainstorming about all of the different families you want to work with. Maybe you find yourself drawn to working with teen parents, single parents or parents who have adopted a baby. Possibly you would like to focus on teaching families at a hospital or healthcare center. Once you have your list of who you want to teach, let’s figure out how to find them.

Ask yourself some questions. If I were a teen parent where might I find information?  How do I learn about opportunities available to me? Where would be a good place to teach teen parents? Continue this brainstorming activity for each population you wish to work with. Think about how you will find these families and let them know your classes exist. Don’t only think of the obvious ideas of hanging up a flyer, crossing your fingers and hoping the parents will come to class. Think about those things that others may not try. Why is your class different? How can you make yourself stand out from the crowd?

Tools of the Trade for an Infant Massage Teacher (CIMT)

Once you have compiled a good list of both the families you wish to work with, and the places you may find them, put together your marketing materials. What do you need? Well, this depends on how you wish to reach your families. You may need brochures, flyers and postcards to leave in the locations you know parents will find them. You may need to set up time to speak to community groups in person and then personally share printed materials. Without a doubt to reach the majority of families you will need an internet presence. This internet presence should include not only your website, but also your participation in online groups, forums and discussion with families. Answer their questions and share information about the importance of infant massage. Keep yourself current on newsworthy trends in parenting and research that relates to infant massage. The internet can become your most powerful marketing tool in reaching families.

Successful Infant Massage Teachers have a Plan

Once you have a good plan for reaching your families, then take that first step, get out there and market yourself! Many infant massage teachers start out just teaching a few families locally, but once they put their plan into action they can just barely keep up with the requests from families who have heard of their classes. For many becoming a Certified Infant Massage Teacher opens doors to a whole new world working in an exciting modern career making a difference for themselves and others.

Share your comments and thoughts here on the Liddle Kidz Forum:
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