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Baby Massage is becoming a popular practice which is now recommended and taught by hospitals and medical centres. There are significant benefits to both parents and infants who practise Baby
Massage. A nurturing environment during early childhood has been proven to stimulate a child's physical, mental and emotional development. Studies have demonstrated that infants are more likely to suffer
from developmental and growth delays if deprived of touch, cuddling and the sound of a parent's voice.
The important elements thought to promote bonding between mother/father and infant include; eye
and skin contact, the sound of a parent's voice, odour and the activation of maternal hormones which are triggered when a mother is in close contact, touching and stroking her baby. Massage provides time for
a parent to become familiar with baby's body language and how the baby looks and feels when tense or at ease. Baby Massage can help to improve a parent's feeling of competence and may aid feelings of trust
and attachment.
BENEFITS OF BABY MASSAGE
A clinical study has revealed that massage may be helpful in a number of infant medical conditions. The results of the study revealed that the infants and
children who received massage regularly from parents and grandparent volunteers had lower levels of anxiety and stress hormones and improved rates of recovery.
COLIC, GAS AND CONSTIPATION
Very
gentle strokes, using two fingers, in a clockwise motion over the abdomen of the baby may help to stimulate digestion and reduce the incidence of colic, gas and constipation.
BREATHING, CHEST AND
SINUS CONGESTION
These techniques should be demonstrated by a trained health professional. Muscles of the chest, back, neck and face may benefit from the relaxing effects of Baby Massage. This relaxation
may help to promote deeper breathing by relieving tension and constriction in tight muscles.
SLEEPING DISORDERS
Baby Massage may help to promote a sense of wellbeing and relaxation in an irritable
infant. Babies who were born prematurely or handicapped were massaged daily as part of a university trial. These babies gained weight more quickly, were more active and alert when awake and exhibited more
restful sleep patterns than those babies who did not receive a daily massage. |
