Business Details
34 Years
experience
Certified Newborn Massage Training Program
Founded in 1992, Baby's First Massage has been a pioneer in newborn massage training for healthcare professionals and birth workers. Our research-based program, developed in collaboration with medical experts, equips certified instructors with specialized skills in newborn communication, sensitive touch techniques, and evidence-based practices for both full-term and medically stable premature infants. With over three decades of experience, we've trained thousands of professionals globally, maintaining our status as a trusted leader in perinatal education.Our curriculum combines medical expertise with practical application, offering both home study and in-person workshop options while emphasizing ethical standards, comprehensive support, and continuous program updates based on the latest neuroscience research.
Services
Newborn Massage Certification
CEU Continuing Education
In-Person Workshops
Home Study Training
NICU Massage Training
Business Development Workshops
Online Learning Platform
Practice Class Supplies
Marketing Resources
Refresher Courses
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- Research-based program developed in 1989-1991 with NICU medical teams
- Approved by multiple state and national licensing boards for CEUs
- Boutique-style personal learning experience with expert support
- Internationally recognized certification since 1992
- Comprehensive training materials with ongoing program updates
Associations and certifications
- National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)
- Ohio Nurses Association
- Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD)
- Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board (OTPTAT)
- Ohio Physical Therapy Association (OPTA)
What people say
Proven techniques
Expert instructors
Comprehensive materials
Excellent support
Career-enhancing
Services
Newborn Massage Certification
Our certified newborn massage program trains healthcare professionals in evidence-based touch techniques for infants. The curriculum covers 15-step massage routines, newborn behavior interpretation, and medical applications for NICU settings. Participants gain skills to teach parents effective massage methods that improve infant sleep, digestion, and parent-child bonding while meeting strict medical community standards.
In-Person Workshops
Full-day workshops combine theoretical knowledge with practical application through live demonstrations and practice sessions. Professionals learn to implement massage techniques under expert supervision while networking with peers. The boutique-style format ensures personalized instruction with a maximum of 20 participants per session, including business development guidance for private practice implementation.
Home Study Program
Self-paced certification program with comprehensive materials including printed manuals, video demonstrations, and practice kits. Students complete coursework through an online platform with email and phone support available. The program includes four practice teaching sessions and a final exam, offering flexibility for busy professionals while maintaining rigorous certification standards.
CEU Continuing Education
Approved continuing education units for licensed massage therapists, nurses, and occupational therapists through state-recognized accreditation bodies. The program meets requirements for 10-12 contact hours with documentation provided upon completion. Credits apply to license renewal requirements across multiple healthcare disciplines while maintaining strict adherence to medical community standards.
NICU Massage Training
Specialized training for medical professionals working with premature and medically stable infants in clinical settings. Techniques focus on developmental support, pain management, and neurological benefits while following strict medical protocols. The curriculum includes adaptations for various medical conditions and guidelines for integrating massage into patient care plans under physician supervision.
People
Teresa Kirkpatrick Ramsey
Founder & Author
Nurse and licensed massage therapist who developed the program in 1989 while working in a NICU. Trained thousands of instructors globally and authored the foundational curriculum based on clinical research and practical application.
Amy Stenger-Sullivan
Contributor & Facilitator
Licensed counselor and massage therapist who expanded the program's understanding of Polyvagal Theory. Led the program from 2013-2021 while integrating trauma-responsive counseling techniques and advancing neuroscience applications in newborn care.
Diane Zarlingo
CEO & Facilitator
Licensed massage therapist with 20+ years of experience in prenatal and postnatal care. Current CEO since 2021, specializing in business development for birth professionals while maintaining clinical expertise in newborn massage techniques.
Bethany Burke
Nurse Planner
Registered nurse providing medical oversight for program content. Focuses on patient advocacy and clinical application of massage techniques in hospital settings while supporting learners through the certification process with compassionate guidance.
Ricki Cartwright
Program Coordinator
Certification process manager with corporate management experience. Oversees student support from enrollment through completion, ensuring personalized assistance while maintaining program standards and facilitating successful outcomes for healthcare professionals.
Questions
What qualifications do I need to enroll in the program?
The program is open to licensed professionals including nurses, massage therapists, and occupational therapists, as well as certified doulas and lactation consultants working with newborns and families.
How long does certification take to complete?
The home study program requires 20-50 hours of study with no strict deadlines, while in-person workshops provide certification in a single day with pre-work requirements.
Are continuing education credits available?
Yes, the program is approved for CEUs by multiple state and national boards including NCBTMB, Ohio Nurses Association, and physical therapy licensing bodies.
Can I teach newborn massage without certification?
Our program specifically trains certified instructors to teach the Baby's First Massage techniques. While general infant massage knowledge exists elsewhere, our proprietary methods require formal certification.
What business support is included with certification?
Certified instructors receive marketing resources, class materials, and business development guidance including social media strategies and practice setup assistance through both online and in-person training formats.
Is the program available internationally?
While based in Ohio, the program serves professionals globally through online home study options and periodic international workshops, with graduates in multiple countries implementing the techniques.
