Plant a SEED!
This fall, we’re hosting a virtual walkathon! Join us for Planting a SEED, whether you’d like to walk, pledge or donate. We’re raising money for our SEED Scholarship, which makes CEIM Training possible for amazing professionals who otherwise might not get the opportunity. We award people that inspire us with their commitment to empowering families in underserved communities.
One of these amazing SEED winners is Dr. Winnie Chang! Read on to hear a bit about her experience as a SEED scholarship recipient.
In my journey as a psychologist, infant massage has become an essential part of how I support infants and their parents and/or caregivers. Working alongside the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS), my work has primarily focused on babies in foster care or exposed to substances prenatally.
Infant massage provides a powerful way for parents and caregivers to connect with their babies. Many foster children experience disrupted attachment, making it difficult for them to feel secure and safe. These consistent, shared moments of connection help establish a foundation for healthy relationships and emotional development. They also allow parents and caregivers to “listen” to their child’s needs without words, fostering attunement.
For parents and caregivers struggling emotionally, infant massage offers a nurturing way to reconnect with their babies. These shared moments of touch can help parents and caregivers feel more in tune with their baby’s cues, boosting their confidence in their caregiving abilities and strengthening their emotional bond, which in turn benefits their mental health.
Infant massage has shown me how vital early experiences are for lifelong well-being. It has not only enhanced my professional practice but also sparked a personal interest in infant care, development, and attachment. Without the support of the SEED program, I would not have had the opportunity to participate in and experience the power of infant massage. I am grateful for the program and deeply appreciate the opportunity.
We need your help to award more SEED scholarships and, by proxy, help more families connect through infant massage. With more CEIMs, the world will be a more nurturing place! If you’d like to help, you can pledge or donate to our fundraiser here. Or you can register as a walker here.