Who can resist a baby? When a baby enters the room, she/he quickly becomes the center of attention. People want to hold, talk to, make faces at, or even smell the baby. Watch people line up and wait patiently to touch the baby, hoping to make a connection in some way. Babies are extremely sensitive to touch and thrive when cuddled or touched. Touch is definitely essential for well being.
 
So it is not a complete surprise that infant massage exists. The skin to skin contact babies receive is a very important part of the bonding process. The person giving the massage becomes more aware of the baby's non-verbal cues and his/her needs. A closer relationship with the baby is not limited to just females either. A study showed that fathers who massaged their babies for 15 minutes prior to bedtime for one month showed more warmth and enjoyment when playing on the floor with their babies. 
 
Giving your baby a massage assists in healthy infant development. Massage stimulates the nervous and circulatory systems. Nerves in the brain can be stimulated to ease food absorption. The digestive and circulatory systems are also stimulated, which can result in weight gain. Stress hormone levels also decrease, which may build resistance to colds as a result of improved immune function. Massage can also reduce discomfort from colic, gas, congestion and teething problems. Sleeping patterns may also improve. Infant massage can also help to improve muscle tone and aid in developing coordination.

 

Here are a few basic tips for you to remember for infant massage: 
•    Make sure the room is warm. 
•    Wash your hands before massaging. 
•    Make sure your hands are warm so your baby is not startled by cold hands. 
•    Use a gentle touch because too much pressure may be painful.
 
Want to learn how to give your baby a massage? Check first with your local hospital's maternity unit to see if a class is offered. If not, here are three web sites that may be helpful in locating a class or certified infant massage therapist that can show you the appropriate techniques for your baby.
 
1.  International Association of Infant Massage - www.iaim-us.com
2.  American Massage Therapy Association - www.amtamassage.org
3.  International Loving Touch Foundation - www.lovingtouch.com
 
Do something special for you and the baby. Use massage to reinforce and strengthen that special connection you and your baby share.

4 comment(s) so far...