Benefits
Baby massage is suitable for all babies but can be particularly beneficial for babies who:
- Have colic, wind or constipation (specific massage technique to relieve these symptoms)
- Have reflux problems (relaxation of muscles)
- Were born Premature (Stimulation)
- Have special needs (Physical benefits)
- Were adopted (Increase bonding)
Other benefits are as follows:
- Infant parent attachment or "bonding"
- Relaxation
- Makes baby feel loved
- Promotes better sleep
- Facilitates body awareness
- Boosts immune system
- Sensory stimulation
- Improves skin condition
- Improves blood circulation
- Helps digestion
- Balances respiration
- Relief for teething pains
- Helps waste elimination
- Helps you learn about your baby (Their needs and desires)
- Relaxes parents
- Helps build parents' and baby's self-esteem
- Pleasurable experience
- Stimulates production of oxytocin (Oxytocin is a hormone that can be produced by both male and female persons during massage. It is useful as a pain reliever and has a calming effect on the person.)
Bonding
Bonding has been defined as a "unique relationship between two people that is specific and endures through time".
Touch is a very powerful element in human bonding, as are communication, both verbal and non-verbal, and prolonged eye contact. Infant massage encompasses and supports all these vital aspects of bonding. Delayed bonding may occur due to situations such as premature birth, recovery from caesarean, medical complications, adoption, lack of physical and emotional support and post natal depression. In these cases Infant Massage can begin to recreate the elements of bonding.
Fathers can especially benefit from practising baby massage especially if the mother is breast-feeding. It gives them time to connect and interact with their child on a deeper level than maybe day-to-day contact allows. Father’s classes are available and very popular with first time Dads.