What are the IAIM baby massage classes all about?

Baby massage is a longstanding parenting tradition in many cultures, including Indian and African, and was introduced to the western world during the last 30 years, gaining in popularity in the UK since the late 1990’s. As the name of the IAIM suggests the programme is global and taught world wide. The same 5 week programme is taught all around the world.

The programme was created by our founder Vimala McClure in 1986. Following her experience of working in an orphanage in northern India in 1973, Vimala brought the traditional practice of infant massage to the West. She has since written many books including Infant Massage – a Handbook for Loving Parents.

The IAIM became an internationally established organisation in 1992 with the help of Audrey Downes, a registered nurse and IAIM Instructor, and other dedicated IAIM Instructors, who helped Vimala to begin the Association. The United States held the International Office until 1992, when it was moved to Sweden and the first IAIM Bylaws were introduced.

The programme of training for CIMI’s is quite intense and now undergo four days of training. This combines theory and practical skills of learning the massage strokes on a demonstration doll. The examination process includes observation, journals and a written assessment. Once qualified CIMI’s are able to use the IAIM registered trademark. CIMI’s must also keep up their professional membership with the IAIM which enables them to access further training, study days and access the to the Annual General Assembly. CIMI’s are kept up to date with latest research and share this with our families in our classes.

This is why it is so important for you to research your CIMI’s and they can be found on the IAIM website for their local areas. This will allow you to know who has kept up to their professional memberships.

The IAIM is a special programme which once taught can be used for a long long time.

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