There's a moment Melissa Andruszkiewicz describes in this episode that perfectly captures why she does this work.
She's working with a school-aged autistic child who is constantly on the move. During a session, she's teaching his mom some of the massage techniques she uses with families. Halfway through, the child picks up the massage oil, warms it in his hands, and begins applying it to his own feet and legs.
His mom stops and looks at Melissa.
"He's dependent on me for so much self-care," she says. "He's never done anything like this for himself before. "It's a powerful reminder that while it's called infant massage, the benefits don't stop in infancy.
Melissa is a pediatric occupational therapist and certified infant massage coach based in New Hampshire, where she runs Thrive Mama, offering classes through libraries, community spaces, and private sessions. Her path into infant massage began with her own daughter. Sleep was a struggle, regulation was a challenge, and despite being an OT, Melissa felt like she had exhausted every tool she knew.
Looking for something more, she found a certification course taught by an occupational therapist. What she learned ultimately changed not only her family's experience, but the way she supports other families as well.
In our conversation, Melissa explains why infant massage is about far more than relaxation. For some families, it becomes part of a bedtime routine that supports regulation and sleep. For others, it's a tool for navigating reflux, constipation, gas, and other tummy troubles. Just as importantly, it helps caregivers build confidence — especially during those early months when everyone feels like they're figuring things out as they go.
One of the things that sets Melissa's classes apart is her clinical background. Because she's a licensed therapist, she can provide hands-on guidance and help families adjust techniques in real time. She intentionally keeps classes small so parents can ask questions, receive individualized support, and leave feeling confident enough to use the strategies at home.
Throughout the episode, Melissa returns to one theme again and again: awareness. Most families don't know infant massage exists as an option, and many healthcare providers aren't talking about it. Yet it's a relationship-based, accessible intervention that can be woven into everyday routines and adapted to meet the needs of a wide range of children and families.
Touch is one of the oldest forms of caregiving we have. This conversation is a reminder that sometimes the simplest tools can have the most lasting impact.
Listen to the full episode of Coral Currents to hear Melissa's story, learn more about the benefits of infant massage, and discover how she's bringing this work to families across her community.
You can find Melissa on Instagram at @thrivemama_nh and on Facebook at Thrive Mama.
