Like many newborns, Emilio Kubala cried often and slept for only short periods of time. His mother, Rosa, was looking for a natural way to soothe her son when she heard about the infant massage classes offered at Summerlin Hospital Medical Center.

"I wasn't sure what to expect," says Rosa Kubala, a Las Vegas resident and mother of two. "But after the first class, I went home, gave Emilio a massage and noticed immediate benefits. He took a three-hour nap ... his longest nap ever, and he seemed happier and more relaxed."

Donna Contreras, RN, an instructor with The FamilyPlace at Summerlin Hospital Medical Center, says Kubala's experience isn't surprising.

"Studies show that massage helps babies sleep better and improves their growth," says Contreras.

To help families bring the art of massage into their homes, Summerlin Hospital began offering an infant massage certification course to its staff, including Maternity and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit nurses, and respiratory and occupational therapists. Now, The FamilyPlace offers infant massage courses to expecting parents and parents of newborns. During the class, parents learn about various massage techniques, different oils they can use and how to tell when a child is ready for massage.

"I'd recommend the class to all moms," says Kubala. "Not only can it help calm fussy babies, it's also a nice way for moms to bond with their babies."

For more information about the infant massage classes offered at The FamilyPlace at Summerlin Hospital Medical Center, visit our Web site at www.summerlinhospital.org/familyplace or call 233-7103.

From Our Family to Yours
The FamilyPlace at Summerlin Hospital Medical Center offers a variety of family-oriented classes to help your family thrive. We offer classes for couples who are expecting as well as established families. You're invited to join us for one or more of these classes:

• Prepared childbirth education
• Prenatal yoga
• Breastfeeding basics
• Breastfeeding support group
• Basic infant care and safety
• Sibling class
• Car seat installation/checks
• New mom and baby time groups
• Mom and toddler group
• Infant massage
• Babysitting workshop

There is a nominal fee for classes. For a schedule of upcoming classes available through The FamilyPlace, visit us online at www.summerlinhospital.org/familyplace or call 233-7103.

The Valley Health System c/o Valley Hospital Medical Center 620 Shadow Lane Las Vegas, NV 89106