
Bodywork for Babies
Gentle bodywork to support feeding, comfort, movement and development.
"As a bodyworker and lactation consultant , I understand that the whole body,
not just the tongue and jaw, plays a part in feeding correctly and comfortably."
- Maria Parlapiano RN IBCLC
Specialized Bodywork Techniques:
Helping babies move more freely, feed more comfortably, and thrive. ⭐
Maria combines three gentle, evidence-informed approaches
to create an individualized treatment plan for each baby.
Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT)
Infant Driven Movement (IDM)
Rhythmic Movement Training (RMT)
What to Expect During Your Baby's Session
Every baby has a unique story. Some babies experience tension or restrictions that can affect feeding, comfort, movement, sleep or overall development. Bodywork gently addresses these patterns while supporting your baby's natural ability to move and function more comfortably.
Since 2014, Maria has specialized in gentle bodywork for infants. Drawing on decades of experience as an RN and IBCLC, she customizes each session to meet your baby's unique needs.
Bodywork helps with:
-
Gassy/fussy/colic
-
Infant reflux
-
Poor feeder (breast or bottle)
-
Slow gainer
-
High need baby (cries a lot)
-
Pre & post lip/tongue release
-
torticollis (neck preference) /plagiocephaly (misshapen head)
-
strain/tension patterns (ie tight hips, arms, legs)
-
Bowel issues (irregular or painful)
-
Sleep issues
3 Modalities of Therapy:
Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT)
A gentle, hands-on therapy that releases tension within the body's connective tissues while supporting relaxation, movement and nervous system regulation.
Infant Driven Movement (IDM)
A baby-led approach that follows your infant's natural movements to identify and release areas of restriction without forcing or manipulating the body.
Rhythmic Movement Training (RMT)
Gentle developmental movements designed to support primitive reflex integration, coordination, movement patterns and overall neurological development.
Is Bodywork Gentle?
Bodywork is gentle, slow and baby-led. Maria carefully watches your baby's facial expressions, breathing, body language and responses throughout the session. Most babies relax into treatment, although some may fuss briefly. This is a normal way babies communicate and can be part of releasing tension.
💚 Babies are always welcome to nurse or bottle-feed during their appointment.
As an IBCLC, Maria frequently incorporates feeding into treatment and will demonstrate activities you can continue at home.
Some improvements you may notice after a session:
-
Increased tongue movements and jaw opening
-
Increased head and neck turning to both sides
-
Improved comfort in babywearing, car seat etc.
-
Calm and more relaxed appearance, less tense, more interactive
-
Improved gastrointestinal function (easier passing gas, stooling, less reflux)
-
Improved latch and breastfeeding abilities
How many sessions will my baby need?
Every baby is different. Some babies improve in just 2-3 sessions,
while others benefit from a series of visits depending on the severity
of restrictions and your baby's progress.
Appointment Information
• Approximately 1 hour
• Insurance reimbursement forms provided
• Call for current pricing
• In-office appointments by reservation
📞 973-701-0606



Result- fluidity of neck movement
Helping a baby to suck better
Grandma is learning exercises too!

gentle side-lying techniques



