Massage is a powerful way to connect with your baby and has proven health benefits. Studies* at the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami show that being touched lowers our levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) allowing serotonin and dopamine levels to increase, which makes us feel good.
Linda Blair, a Clinical Psychologist and author of The Happy Child, says touch is incredibly important across all of the mammals. It has its roots in survival and gives us reassurance that we are safe. Massage has an effect on the limbic system in the brain, where positive emotions are stored, and regular touch will reinforce baby's positive feelings.
Massage Benefits for Baby and Parent
According to the Association of Infant Massage (IAIM) the benefits of baby massage include better digestion, circulation, muscle toning, bonding and communication. It also eases colic pains, jaw and gum pains during teething and stimulates the immune system. It is also a great relaxer, says Lorraine Tolley of The Guild of Infant and Child Massage, as babies are so busy learning that they don't always know how to relax.
It will help you to feel more confident about parenting and can also help mothers with postnatal depression, according to a study at Queen Charlotte & Chelsea Hospital in London. Plus the whole family can get involved, which is great if older siblings are feeling a little unsettled over baby's arrival.
It is best to massage when you are not feeling rushed, tired or stressed. Make sure the room is warm enough and has low lighting. Try adding a couple of drops of lavender oil to a burner if your baby is over three months old.
Organic Massage Oils For Baby
Using oil will enhance the massage as it reduces friction and makes it a smoother experience, according to a study by Professor Tiffany M Field, director of the Touch Research Institute. IAIM suggest using organic, cold-pressed oils with no added scents as they don't contain any harmful petrochemicals. Sunflower is ideal and olive good for dry skins.
Baby Massage Techniques
There is no one specific technique to follow according to IAIM so don't worry if you only manage a few strokes at a time. The important thing is time together, eye contact and touch. Sharon Forster, trained infant massager and Principal of Essence Aromatherapy, East Sussex, suggests the following technique in her infant massage class:
- Place baby on a soft towel on the floor or bed. Get in to a comfortable position.
- Ask his permission before you begin and tell him what you plan to do so he is accustomed to your voice at the start of the massage.
- Warm the oil in your hands and start with one leg, lifting it gently and stroking from foot to thigh until his whole leg is covered with oil. Squeeze his leg and using your thumbs make circular movements over the top of his feet and soles. Pull and rotate each toe then repeat on the other leg.
- Put your hands on his thighs and stroke up the front of the body, over the shoulders and down his sides.
- Gently circle his tummy in a clockwise motion to aid digestion. Glide your hands back and forth across his tummy.
- Hold up one arm and stroke and squeeze up and down it. Circle the back of his hand and palm and gently tug his fingers in turn.
- Turn him onto her front and starting at the buttocks stroke up his back over her shoulders and down the sides continually, avoiding the spine. Pluck his buttocks and pat gently to finish.
When Not to Massage Baby
Do not massage your baby if he has a fever, rash or joint problems or has been vaccinated in the past couple of days.
Baby massage is a bonding, rewarding activity for baby and parent, and it helps increase feelings of security, as well as addressing common health issues in infancy such as colic, jaw pain, and indigestion. It also helps baby to relax - something children do not find easy to do! You can buy organic cold-pressed sunflower oil cheaply from health food shops, so it need not be an expensive activity.
Resources
*Massage Therapy For Infants and Children. The Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, 16, 105-111. Field, T. (1995).
The Happy Child: Everything You Need to Know to Raise Enthusiastic, Confident Children, by Linda Blair, Piatkus, 2009.
The Guild of Infant and Child Massage - access to local instructors and classes.
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