Nurturing Touch                  Nurturing Touch is positive interaction that one human being has with another, whether it be adult to adult, child to child, or adult to child.  It may occur through different types of social interactions, such as holding hands, hugging, cuddling, or massage.  When nurturing touch is made in the form of infant massage, it can have many positive effects.  It assists with relaxation for both the caregiver providing the massage and baby.  It can also provide relief for conditions such as anxiety, congestion, and colic and muscle pain associated with growth.  It stimulates the muscular, respiratory and nervous systems through the social and emotional contact between the caregiver and the infant.  Most importantly, it can provide an opportunity for the caregiver to begin to better understand the baby’s communication attempts, cues and preferred method of physical contact.  Infant massage can also provide an opportunity for individuals to develop a deeper understanding of respect and attachment to others, which can create stronger families and communities. Presentation lead by: Linda Cameron. Training Specialist II, B.A. Sociology, 18 years direct child care experience, Certified SAMA Instructor, Certified American Red Cross CPR and First Aid Instructor, Infant Massage USA, CEIM, Train-the-Trainer trained to present Search Institute’s Developmental Assets, Certified National Child Passenger Safety Technician, PRIDE Facilitator  Ashley Gonzalez. Training Specialist, B.A. in Anthropology with a minor in biology, American Red Cross Certified CPR and First Aid Instructor, SAMA Certified Instructor, PRIDE Facilitator, Currently completing CEIM Certification. AANYC Food for Thought "Nurturing Touch" 10.00