What do you know about Infant Massage? The first week in August is Infant Massage Awareness Week. As part of this week, we are invited to ask ourselves this very question.
So what are the benefits of baby massage?
There are many benefits for both child and parent/caregiver, in this article we will discuss a few of them; how it can improve sleep, enhance bonding and give relief for babies with reflux.
How does massage help with sleep?
Massage increases the release of serotonin, the "happy hormone" in the body; this is then broken down by the body into Melatonin, the "sleep hormone". Regular massage regulates melatonin secretion rhythms, thus regulating sleep patterns. In a 2001 research study done by the Touch Research Institute, Miami, FL, USA; titled ‘Sleep problems in infants decrease following massage therapy'; Infants and toddlers with sleep onset problems were given daily massage by their parents for 15 minutes before bed time. The others were read bedtime stories. The results state the massaged children showed fewer sleep delay behaviours and they fell asleep faster.
How does Massage enhance bonding?
Some of the key elements in bonding are; eye contact, touch and smell. In baby massage courses we teach a permission sequence. This involves specific eye contact, and parents generally maintain eye contact throughout massage time with their little one. Touch is an obvious one, the massage itself. Smell is also involved as we recommend oils that do not mask the parent's natural scent so the baby can still smell them. Oxytocin, the "love/bonding hormone" is released in both the child, and the parent giving the massage. This is a great combination to enhance and develop the bond between parent and child, particularly in cases where parents don't bond instantly with their children, and in cases of post-natal depression.
How can massage assist with reflux?
The most common cause of reflux is immaturity of the muscle between the oesophagus and stomach. Massage, on any part of the body, stimulates the vagus nerve. As the vagus nerve controls the respiratory and digestive systems (which includes the oesophagus and stomach), this has positive effects on digestion and conditions such as reflux. Massage also speeds nerve maturation, improving the effectiveness of nerve operation and the communication between these areas. Many Infant Massage instructors have seen babies show great improvement in reflux symptoms with massage.
Infant Massage is not only about benefits and techniques for specific conditions; it is also about prevention and overall health promotion. These benefits are only a few examples of many, so with massage providing so much for our children's health, let's get involved in Infant Massage Awareness Week, and learn more about it. Infant massage is an important part of your baby's life. It forms a beautiful bond between parent and baby, provides your child with a sense of value and importance, and instils a good understanding of "appropriate" touch, aids in the relief of colic and reflux, and is not only an enjoyable experience for your child but also for you!
To learn how to massage your baby, check this simple guide. Or consult with a infant massage therapist in your area.
Originally published on Aug 03, 2011
