Feb 23 2009
The Benefits of Infant Massage
Infant massage is nothing new, as it goes with most natural healing methods. Massaging babies has been happening for centuries, just not so much in the Western World.
Infant massage benefits not only the baby, but also the care person giving the massage. Touch is good for everyone and infants especially benefit from this caring touch. A baby is new to this crazy world and needs some reassurance that someone is there for them. The benefits for the massage giver include an increased awareness of the baby and what their needs are and it is good for bonding.
The benefits of infant massage include: relaxation, relief, stimulation, and interaction.
Relaxation: Babies have more to adjust to now than they will ever have again. Stress is normal, even for babies. Massage can help relax the muscles and when you use massage as a form of relaxation it teaches the baby what relaxation is and how to get it. The caregiver giving the massage also benefits. As they take time out to gently massage their baby, they can de-stress at the same time.
Relief: Massage can ease some of the pain and discomfort from spasm or gas. Massage can help disperse gas, ease muscle spasm, tone the digestive system and help it to work better. There are also some massage techniques that can help to soothe teething and emotional stress.
Stimulation: Yes, massage is usually used to relax muscles, but in some cases muscles may actually need to be stimulated. Some muscles, especially in babies with physical disabilities, may be loose and weak. Infant massage will not just stimulate the muscles, it can also stimulate other body systems. It can help digestion and ease constipation. It can stimulate blood flow in babies with poor circulation. There is a statistic that says that massage can help increase weight gain in premature babies by as much as 47%.
Interaction or bonding: Bonding is the development of understanding between two people. It is the knowledge of who someone is and what they need. Bonding is an on-going process which can start at any time and continues to grow and strengthen throughout time. There are always new things to learn about your child as he grows and changes. Infant massage encourages a positive relationship between baby and caregiver.
You may want to set a massage time into your baby’s daily routine. You could establish this time first thing in the morning, after bathtime, or right before bed. Remember to keep the massage room warm enough for baby and adjust lighting so it is not too bright (unless you are looking to stimulate baby). Many massage therapists recommend using vegetable or plant based oils (grapeseed oil or sweet almond oil). These oils are easy to absorb into the skin and are easily digested if baby sucks his thumb.
Infant massage can also be a great way for daddy to bond with baby, especially if mom is breastfeeding.
Don’t forget to make eye contact with baby during the massage and you may want to incorporate talk or singing in the massage, too.
Infant massage may not be a cure-all and it may not be right for every child. Give it a try and you will know shortly after beginning if it is right for you and your child.
