Nurturing Early Relationships

“Exploring the Essential Role of Loving Touch® in Early Growth & Emotional Well-Being for Babies and Their Families”

Join us for our First Virtual Conference to be held on

October 24, 2025, from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm PST

Early Registration: $150 per person , Closes Sept 30th 5:00 pm PST

Late Registration: $180 per person. Closes October 15th 12:00 am PST

This virtual conference invites current CIMI® Certified Infant Massage Instructors, Professionals, Students and family members to come together in celebration of the vital role Loving Touch® plays in the lives of babies.

Keynote Presenter:

Barbara Harper, RN, DEM, BHET, Founder Director Waterbirth International

Barbara Harper is an internationally recognized authority on waterbirth and gentle birth, devoted to transforming the way babies are welcomed into the world. In 1988, she founded Waterbirth International with a simple but powerful mission—to make waterbirth an accessible option for all women.

Over the past five decades, Barbara has served as an obstetric and pediatric nurse, midwife, midwifery instructor, childbirth educator, hypnosis and doula trainer. Through her pioneering seminars and Waterbirth Certification Courses, she has educated and inspired more than 30,000 maternity care providers across 81 countries, leaving a lasting imprint on the field of maternal and newborn care.

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We’re excited to introduce our showcase of presenters! Once you enroll in the conference, you’ll be able to choose the sessions that inspire you. Registrants will be asked to choose their top two (2) preferences for each session!

 (6) Six Contact hours will be awarded through ILTF and can be used towards your CIMI® renewal.

Montana Nurses Association CE’s for Nurses pending approval. 

Please Note: Enrollment section is at the end of the presenters list. This conference is being offered during PST zone.

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Opening & Welcome: (8:30 am – 8:45 am) Diana Moore, MS, LMT, ITMH, CIMI®, CEO, Founder, Director of International Loving Touch Foundation, Lynn Barts, MA, CIMI®, RYT®, IMH-E® Licensed Trainer.

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Keynote (8:45 am – 10:15 am ) with Barbara Harper

Presentation Title:

Skin to Skin: The First Touch

that Lasts a Lifetime

When a baby is born, the first 1000 minutes of life are the most important developmental moments. What is done in those moments can either positively or negatively impact the actual development of critical brain functions that are necessary for the foundation of a healthy attachment and developmental newborn milestones. We will examine the physiological origins of the first breath and the amazing connections to the first human touch. The mother’s chest is not just a comforting place; it is the sanctuary that warms, protects, stimulates, oxygenates, and feeds all human newborns. Discover how neuroscience, chemistry, and physiology reveal the essential role of touch in our very being.

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Morning Dialogue (10:30 am- 11:30 am): The morning dialogues are designed as interactive meet-and-greet sessions, where participants can share perspectives and explore specific topics in an open forum format.

Michele Carnesecca, RN, IBCLC, CIMI® – Topic: Breastfeeding and Related Correlations: Improving Social and Emotional Connections

Sara Cantu,  PhD, LPC-S, LMFT-S, RPT-S, CEDS-C, CIMI® – Topic: Infant Massage to Support Healthy Family Development

Amber Adams, RN, BSN, CIMI® – Nurturing High Risk Families through Home Visiting Infant Massage Instruction

Abby Baker, MS, CCLS, CIMI® – Topic: Infant Massage in the NICU: A Child Life Approach to Playful, Family-Centered Care

Irene Martinez, Pediatric OTR/L , CIMI® – Topic: Infant Massage:  The Language of Cues

Karen Overgaard, LPN, Reiki Master, CIMI®, Postpartum Doula, Lactation Specialist, RYT, Holistic Health Counselor – Topic: Infant Massage & the Role of the Postpartum Doula

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Afternoon Session 1 (12:30 pm – 1:45 pm)

Sara Cantu, PhD, LPC-S, LMFT-S, RPT-S, CEDS-C, CIMI®

Workshop Title: Building Socially and Emotionally Healthy Families

Participants will explore the foundational elements of socially and emotionally healthy family systems, emphasizing the importance of connection, regulation, and relational safety. Participants will learn to identify key qualities and characteristics that support emotional health within families, including open communication, secure attachment, and consistent, nurturing relationships. A central focus is placed on the role of touch as a powerful tool for fostering connection and co-regulation in families. The presentation highlights how appropriate, ethical, and therapeutic touch can support emotional well-being, strengthen attachment bonds, and promote trust. Through discussion of current research and practical applications, attendees will gain evidence-based strategies to apply in clinical, caregiving, or supportive roles. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how intentional relational practices—especially touch—can build healthier, more resilient family systems and therapeutic environments.

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Irene Martinez, Baby Specialist, Pediatric OTR/L , CIMI®

Workshop Title: How do babies talk to us? Communicating with your infant beyond words

We will delve into the avenues we as humans use to connect, communicate and (as newborn & parents) co-create life together: brief review of our senses touch, eye contact, movement… As time allows, we may explore ways to individualize these avenues of connection. How do we imprint on each other? Relationships leave a blueprint for the future, and they are always an exchange. How do we maximize the benefits of critical windows of opportunity that shape the rest of our lives? I call these miracle moments because they have the potential for long-term effects.

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Lynn Barts, MA, CIMI®, IMH-E® Infant Family Specialist & Reflective Supervisor, Prenatal & Perinatal Health Educator

Workshop Title: Teaching Infant Massage During Pregnancy to Increase Outcomes

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Liz Triesler, BSPT, CIMI®

Workshop Title: The Art and Science of Touch: Exploring Infant and Therapeutic Massage Programs in a Children’s Hospital

This session will provide information regarding how our programs were designed and started at Children’s Hospital of Richmond, growth of our programs over the past 10 years, and how our programs are helping to emotionally nourish the infants and helping care givers to bond with their child. The therapeutic massage program helps to improve medical conditions such as providing relaxation for high tone, relieving discomfort from gas and constipation, and improving sleep habits in children with a range of diagnoses, including cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, arthrogryposis, and feeding difficulties.

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Karlton Terry, Pre & Perinatal Educator

Workshop Title: The Cure for Colic

CRYING. The evolutionary origins of birth trauma and implicit memory crying. Why infant crying is so irritating. How it affects the brain, behavior, and emotions of adults. Deconstructing the “Colic” myth and how to permanently resolve implicit memory crying. The peace and joy awaiting the baby and family on the other side.

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June Horowitz, PhD, RN, PMHCNS-BC, FAAN

Co-presenter Bobbie Posmontier, PhD, CNM, PMHNP-BC, FAAN – PPD

Workshop Title: Mobile Application Development to Improve Postpartum Depression & Mother-Infant Interaction

Postpartum Depression affects up to 20% of women worldwide. Unfortunately, PPD can have adverse effects on the mother-infant relationship that may contribute to lifelong cognitive, emotional and psychosocial challenges among children into adulthood. Stigma, healthcare inequities, poor access, and childcare and transportation challenges prevent many women and their infants from obtaining treatment for PPD and related sub-optimal mother-infant interaction. These barriers may escalate for women facing adverse social determinants of health including cultural and economic conditions. Current evidence supports digital healthcare interventions as convenient, cost-effective, and accessible. A culturally tailored digital healthcare platform has potential to address health disparities and improve health outcomes for women and their infants globally.

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Break (1:45 pm  – 2:00 pm)

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Afternoon Session 2 (2:00 pm – 3:15 pm)

Michele Carnesecca, RN, IBCLC, CIMI®

Workshop Title: Feeding, Lactation, and Related Correlations: Improving Social and Emotional Connections through Infant Massage

Feeding and touch are two of the earliest ways parents connect with their babies. But when breastfeeding challenges arise—whether due to a low milk supply, latch problems, a NICU stay, or mother-baby separation—those connections can feel disrupted. This presentation will explore the powerful role of infant massage in supporting the emotional and physiological aspects of lactation. We’ll discuss how intentional, loving touch stimulates oxytocin, encourages milk flow, and helps regulate both baby and mother. More importantly, we’ll highlight how massage offers a beautiful way to nurture closeness, rebuild confidence, and strengthen attachment—even when feeding is difficult or not possible. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how to support families in fostering meaningful connection through touch during the feeding journey, no matter what it looks like.

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Karen Overgaard, LPN, Reiki Master , CIMI®, Postpartum Doula, Lactation Specialist, RYT, Holistic Health Counselor

Workshop Title: Role of the Postpartum Doula

As a postpartum doula, I make the transition of bringing a newborn home smooth and supportive for the whole family. I provide assistance with feeding, (breast or bottle), bathing and basic newborn care. Additionally, I assist with the care of other siblings, meal planning, light housekeeping and more. When mom needs some time for self care, I will take care of the baby and/or the other children. I utilize my skills as a Reiki Master and a Certified Infant Massage Instructor in these visits too. It’s a little extra “perk” as not all postpartum doulas have these certifications.

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Lynn Barts, MA, CIMI® , IMH-E® Infant Family Specialist & Reflective Supervisor, Prenatal & Perinatal Health Educator

Workshop Title: Infant Massage for Fathers & Other Non – Carrying Partners

Workshop Title: Prenatal Bonding BA – “A Soul’s Cord”. 

Prenatal and perinatal psychology has shown that supporting maternal and infant mental health, even before birth, not only improves birth outcomes, but also the maternal-child attachment that is critical to the emotional development of the child. Prenatal Bonding BA creates that emotional connection beginning after gestation. Topics will include: The Origins of Prenatal Bonding BA, Why is Prenatal Bonding Important, The Method of Prenatal Bonding BA, Improvements in Pregnancy and Birth and Beyond, Effects on the Baby, The importance of Father and Siblings, Common Results of Prenatal Bonding (BA). [Prenatal Bonding (BA), or Bindungsanalyse (Bonding Analysis), is  a guided method of connecting with an unborn baby.]

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Jennifer Smith Tagg, MS, CCLS, CIMI®

Ashley Carr, CCLS, CIMI®

Workshop Title: Supporting Families with Infant Massage Instruction in the Healthcare Setting

As certified infant massage instructors, we are committed to teaching caregivers how to use touch to promote bonding, relaxation, communication, and physical development with their babies. Whether in community spaces, or healthcare settings, we find unique ways to support families through the art of infant massage. When we work in healthcare settings as both child life specialists and certified instructors, we focus on helping caregivers feel empowered in their role. In the healthcare setting, typical routines are disrupted—feeding, diapering, and soothing may involve hospital staff, and bonding moments are often shared with medical responsibilities. Caregivers may struggle to balance emotional connection with clinical demands. Infant massage offers caregivers a powerful, nurturing way to stay connected. In a space where babies face stress from pain, procedures, and overstimulation, a caregiver’s voice, scent, and touch provide unmatched comfort and familiarity. We offer instruction in one-on-one sessions and small groups. In group settings, collaboration with music therapists enhances the atmosphere—gentle guitar music or nursery songs support mood and encourage interaction. Caregivers are guided through massage strokes, encouraged to tune into their baby, and supported in building secure attachment. This simple practice can empower caregivers and stay with them beyond hospitalization.

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Simone Klein, CIMI®,  Infant Development Consultant

Workshop Title: How Attachment Protects the Nervous System and Fosters Resilience

Children are born with an inherent drive for connection and proximity to their primary caregiver. The loving connection and proximity with their parent or caregiver is known as attachment. Attachment theory, developed primarily by John Bowlby, theorized that infants and children form emotional habits in close relationships, which are based on how caregivers respond to their needs. These interpersonal relationships affect their nervous systems either in a positive or negative way. When children go through adverse experiences, their attachment can either help to mitigate their response to the adversity or trauma, or it can cause negative consequences. Childhood trauma affects the nervous system and the brain and can hinder emotional regulation, impair social skills, and impact their relationship with themselves and others. Trauma such as neglect and abuse disrupt a child’s sense of safety and trust, which can lead to various mental health concerns such as depression, substance use, post traumatic stress, and attachment problems. Children can feel overwhelmed by their emotional responses to stressors. When they struggle they can feel alone or misunderstood. This is where healthy attuned attachment comes into play to regulate the nervous system by creating a protection against these Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE). The end result is resilience.

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Closing (3:15 pm – 3:30 pm)

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Registration for Groups of 5 or more may qualify for a discount. Please contact us directly at info@lovingtouch.com for details.

• Early Registration: $150 per person – closes September 30, 2025 at 5:00 PM PST
• Late Registration: $180 per person – closes October 15, 2025 at 12:00 AM PST