To help calm our babies - our natural instinct is to touch them, whether it is picking them up, rocking, kissing, stroking or cuddling. By learning the strokes of infant massage, we can help our babies’ discomfort from colic, lack of sleep, or digestive problems.
A study released in 2002, A Good Night’s Sleep Together, states that massaging a newborn will help develop a more regular sleep cycle, thus, allowing moms to get more uninterrupted sleep. This study is also the first one to examine the effects of massage therapy on the production of melatonin in infants. Melatonin is a sleep regulating hormone secreted by the pineal gland at night. According to this study, the secretion of melatonin is controlled by the circadian rhythm, a biological clock that helps humans and other beings adjust to the earth’s 24 hour rotational time. The results show a clear, long term effect of massage therapy in the development of circadian rhythm.
Some tips for infant massage:
You can start infant massage at one month of age for 10 to 15 minutes while watching your baby’s cues. Be cautious with babies who are ultra sensitive. A few babies may be so sensitive to touch that they will never be able to stand massage.
The best time to massage your baby is during the “quite, alert” state which is when your baby is relaxed with his eyes open and making eye contact.
Some babies may not enjoy massage the first time. Your baby maybe tired or hungry or have a full stomach. Your baby may also be reacting to this new experience. Try gentle strokes or gentle tones. Singing may help your baby relax. If your baby is still upset, try again later.
Benefits for baby:
• Relaxes child and helps to decrease stress for you and your baby.
• Relieves discomfort from constipation, gas and colic.
• Helps normalize muscle tone, improve blood circulation and improve the texture of the skin.
• Helps baby sleep better (therefore parents sleep better!)
• Stimulates brain development and improves sensory awareness.
• Babies cry less as the parent is more responsive to babies’ cues.
• Promotes bonding, attachment and reassurance through skin contact.
• Stimulates and strengthens a baby’s immune system.
• Massaging the jaw can relax a baby who has just begun to take solids.
• A face massage can unblock baby’s blocked nose.
• Massage can alleviate the effects of postnatal depression and help mother have a more positive interaction with their baby.
• Encourages muscular coordination, joint mobility and faster weight gain.
A five minute massage, two or three times a week helps make a more confident parent-infant relationship. Babies love it and it can help alleviate baby ailments too. Massage is an excellent way of connecting with your baby. A short massage each night before bath time can help your baby feel loved.
Baby massage and gentle stroking is encouraged in premature babies as touch has been found to have a profound effect on development.
Benefits for parents:
• Caregivers report feeling more comfortable and confident in their ability to care for baby.
• Parents learn techniques to soothe and comfort their babies and learn to understand and respond to baby’s cues.
• Provides an additional avenue for close and nurturing contact.
• Infant massage is one of the most natural and pleasant methods of providing important early nurturing and is an amazing tool for helping parents become closer to their babies.
• Deepens and strengthens the relationship between parent and baby by encouraging bonding. |
