 
SHORTCUTS:
What
is infant massage?
What are the benefits of infant
massage to infants?
What are the benefits
of infant massage to parents?
Infant Massage Instruction Rates
What
is infant massage?
Infant Massage is a parent tradition within many ancient cultures that has
been re-discovered and adapted to the western world. Research conducted through
the Touch Research Institutes at the University of Miami, School of Medicine  confirms
the importance of a secure environment and nurturing
touch in the healthy growth, development and maturation of children (Tiffany
Field, Ph.D.). Numerous other studies have also shown the many developmental
benefits of positive contact as part of baby’s early life. Infant Massage
is one of the most natural and pleasant methods of providing this early nurturing
contact.
Infant massage enhances child development, including brain, physical, emotional,
mental and social development. Infant massage is a gift from parent to child
that lasts a lifetime.
*Infant massage
is recommended from birth to 2 years old*
What
are the benefits of infant massage to infants?
- Bonding
and attachment - provides all the essential indicators of intimate
parent-infant attachment - eye-to-eye, touch, voice, smell, movement,
etc
- Improves
digestion
- Relief
- massage can relieve discomfort from teething, pain management,
congestion, gas and colic
- Provides
a special time of communication that fosters love, compassion
and respect
- Improves
functioning of the gastrointestinal tract
- Helps
to normalize muscle tone
- Improves
circulation
- Effects
the lymphatic drainage/enhances the immune system
- Improves
midline orientation
- Helps
to improve sensory awareness
- Enhances
neurological development
- Helps
baby/children to sleep deeper and more soundly
- Helps
to increase oxygen and nutrient flow to cells. Improves respiration
- Enhances
release of hormones in the body. The growth hormone can be effected
- Reduces
levels of cortisol - the stress hormone
- Skin
stimulation - all the physiological systems are stimulated. Speeds
myelination of the brain/nervous system through the senses
What
are the benefits of infant massage to parents?
- Helps
parents understand their infants cues and states of awareness
- Provides
a positive way for fathers to interact with their infants/children
- Promotes
bonding and attachment. Reinforces good eye contact
- Helps
the parent to feel more confident and competent in caring for
their children
- Helps
parents to ease their stress if they are a working parent and
must be separated from their children for long periods during
the day
- Gives
parents alone and quiet time for interactive play. A special
time together
- Increases
parent's self-esteem by reinforcing and enhancing their skills
as parents and validates their role
- Gives
parents the tools for understanding their infants/children's
unique rhythms
- Helps
parents when they have children that have been hospitalized.
Helps them to feel a greater part of the healing process
- Daily
massage helps parents to unwind and relax
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