Touch is the primary sense for infants. There is a surplus of studies that have proven touch is essential to the growth and health of infants. It has even been described as “food for the infant. Food as necessary as minerals, vitamins, and proteins.” by French obstetrician and author Frederick Leboyer.
Touch is intuitive between the mother and her child as it begins the incomparable bond that will continue to grow and evolve.
The link between touch, growth and bonding is begun in the womb and continues throughout life. The amount of touch stimulation your infant receives in his/her first year can have a strong impact on brain development permanently. I strongly advocate the use of skin to skin contact. Take every opportunity to hold your baby directly against your bare skin. In addition you should be taking every opportunity to hold, stroke, cradle and otherwise make physical contact with your baby.
Many mothers, especially new mothers, can be frightened of the thought of caring for their babies and intimated by the fragility of this tender new person. Simple touch can help overcome this barrier. Providing regular infant massages is a wonderful tool to help mothers develop confidence when caring for their children.
Because your infant needs you so dearly, Maternity Wellness does not advocate the use of infant massage services for treatments outside of your presence. We will only perform a treatment if the parents are present. Our infant massage services are for the purpose of training the parent in the techniques, unless special circumstances negate the Registered Massage Therapist administering the treatment. Should you be in a situation where you are unable to massage your baby, such as recovering from a debilitating condition I will administer the massage with all efforts to include your touch. This may mean I massage your baby as he/she lies on your chest or in your arms.
Special needs children are in great need of touch. They benefit immensely and develop more efficiently. They often have stabilized respiratory patterns, improved digestion and sleep, greater flexibility and a decrease in any pre-existing contractures of their body tissues. These children include those experiencing the challenges of Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Spina Bifida, Pre-term infants, and many others. I advise consulting your pediatrician prior to beginning massage therapy if you are concerned about the appropriateness of Massage Therapy for your infant. A compromised immune system would be an example of one such concern. Another interesting consideration is the effect of stroking on premature infants. In a three-month study at Odense Hospital in Denmark, they concluded that stroking was over stimulating for premature infants, whereas containment techniques (a holding technique performed by the parents) which did not stimulate the infant reflexes, resulted in momentary decrease in blood oxygen levels followed by a level of oxygen in the blood that was higher than before the infant had been touched.
By the same token, many studies have shown Massage Therapy can increase the weight of premature infants and decrease the length of their hospital stay. Because of the perceived discrepancies between studies, it is important to look at each case from an individual basis and treat appropriately.
Benefits of infant massage extend to both mother and child.
For your baby:
- Stimulates circulation
- Releases stress
- Improves muscle tone
- Improves sleeping patterns
- Reduces discomfort from colic, gas, and constipation
- Strengthens digestive, circulatory, and intestinal systems
- Improves body awareness
- Stimulates right/left brain development and coordination
- Increases sense of being loved and accepted
For you:
- Provides quality bonding time
- Increases communication between baby and parent
- Improves relaxation and reduces stress
- Allows parents to better read babies cries
Touch is a vital part of our existence. All parents should adopt a form of infant massage that is appropriate to their child.
