You could be forgiven for thinking that we've lost our collective minds to be questioning something so fundamental. Maybe what we really should be asking is: 'Why do we need to ask that question'?
In many cultures, especially ancient ones, baby massage is a normal part of life, and has been since the dawn of time. Mothers know instinctively that babies need touch in order to thrive, and so they have constant contact with them. And if it's not the mother, then some other member of the family takes over.
Even animals know this; you only have to watch your pussycat with her kittens to see that she follows her instincts, and lavishes loving touch onto her young.
But here in the technologically advanced, 21st century, humans are having to do research to find out whether it's actually a good idea to give babies some regular touch.
How Do We Know Baby Massage is Good?
Luckily, lots of research has been done in the past few years showing not only that it's a good idea to massage your baby, but that it's actually crucial. And not just for the baby; it's really important for the mother's wellbeing as well. It's also important for the father, and his relationship with his baby.
There are studies which show that regular massage helps babies to grow properly: gaining weight, interacting with those around them and developing their mental and physical capabilities. Our bodies are complex, and they rely on touch and movement to develop and properly use the nervous system. And that in turn directs the brain to do its' job of orchestrating our lives from beginning to end. Baby touch sets it all in motion.
What Are The Results Of Massage
- Psychological problems averted: An animal study done with baby monkeys at a time when ethics weren't too important, showed that babies deprived of mother touch, even though they could still hear and see their mothers, failed to thrive, and had severe psychological issues.
- Violence reduction: Studies have shown that high levels of physical affection in babies corresponds to low rates of adult physical violence.
- Pain reduction: It's been found that when a baby has massage before a procedure in hospital, there is a decreased response to painful stimuli. This means that its' tiny nervous system is calmed and there are fewer stress hormones rushing around the little body. So massage will increase calm.
- Improved weight-gain in premature babies: Babies given short periods of massage daily gained up to 45% more weight than those not massaged. It helps babies to thrive.
- Colic: Studies have shown that colic and its attendant crying are much less when the baby gets regular massage. Good for baby; good for family.
- Father bonding: When Dad gives baby a short daily massage, you can expect to see a better relationship between them. The baby relates better to the father, and the father is much more relaxed and active with the baby.
- Less post-natal depression: Babies of depressed mothers often have more difficulties than other babies. These babies response wonderfully to massage, but something equally important happens – the mother's depression is greatly reduced.
- Fewer infections: Babies that are massaged regularly get fewer infections and have less problem with conditions such as allergy and asthma due to its enhancement of the immune system.
The many compelling studies make it quite clear babies should be getting as much skin contact as possible, particularly in the first vital months after birth. Without it, there can be serious long-term effects on mental development and physical health.
The positive effects on the mother should not be under-estimated either; since the baby is calmer and sleeps better, there is decreased depression, and much less stress and fatigue.
Baby massage is a very simple and lovely thing to give to your baby, and it doesn't need complex techniques. At the least, simply give your baby as much loving touch as you can. If you don't feel confident massaging your baby, baby massage instructors run classes. You'll learn with your own baby in a secure environment among others who have similar concerns to yours. Find a baby massage instructor in your area.
Originally published on Dec 12, 2011
