Infant Massage 

Baby massage has been a custom of traditional cultures for centuries. Massage encourages what is part of every parent’s instinct – to love and nurture the new little life in their world. In the Indian villages visited by Vimala McClure, the founder of the International Association for Infant Massage, it was the daily delight and routine of an Indian mother to massage her baby, to teach the older children to massage the younger children, to massage family members who are sick and to pass on the tradition to her daughters. Infant massage is a wonderful opportunity to

learn strokes and techniques that will communicate a sense of love and security to your child along with many physical benefits that support healthy development. 

Infant massage is based on a combination of relaxing Indian and more stimulating Swedish massage along with aspects of reflexology and incorporating principles of yoga in the gentle movements. A growing body of research and the experience of mothers and healers over the centuries support the many physical as well as emotional benefits of infant massage, some of which include: 

Infant massage stimulates physiological development??

Research studies show respiratory, muscular, circulatory and immune systems all benefit form the positive effects of massage. Premature babies who received daily massage in hospital had improved weight gain, improved sleep and cried less than those who did not, and these effects were still evident over 8 months after leaving the hospital. 

Infant massage enhances bonding, relaxes and soothes??

Eye and skin contact, the exchange of soothing sounds and smells, cuddles and smiles all help parent and baby feel closer. Massage is a pleasurable experience for both parent and child, it releases the ‘bonding’ hormone oxytocin and can aid in recovery from post-natal depression. 

Infant massage improves communication??

The close interaction improves your ability to understand your baby’s body language. They will respond with more sensitivity and confidence. Research has shown that children who receive regular meaningful touch grow up better able to communicate their feelings, better able to cope with stress and to contribute positively to society. 

Infant massage helps relieve colic and tummy discomfort??

Specific massage techniques have been designed to help improve digestion and to relieve the very painful symptoms of colic which many infants experience. It is great to know that on those long nights pacing the hallway with a screaming baby there is actually something you can do to help! 

Infant massage promotes neurological development?

Through firm, smooth massage strokes your baby’s ability to handle stimulation is increased. Massage increases the rate of myelination (the growth of the protective covering around the nervous system) and enhances brain development and coordination. 

Infant massage is a wonderful skill to make a part of your daily life, the rewards of loving communication, a happy and settled disposition and healthy physical development will delight the whole family.