What is Infant Massage?
Research shows that infant massage has been beneficial in the following areas:
- Helps relieve discomfort from gas, colic, and constipation
- Improves blood circulation
- Aids in digestion
- Enhanced development of the nervous system
- Stimulates neurological development
- Increases alertness/heightened awareness
- Reduces stress hormones
- Improves immune function
- The release of oxytocin, the nurturing hormone
- Relaxes & soothes – nurturing touch is a naturally rewarding way to relieve stress for you and your baby.
- Deepens bonding – essential one-on-one time that will enhance your intimacy, understanding and ability to nurture.
- Improves communication – increases your confidence and sensitivity to your baby’s cues.
- Contributes to development – stimulates growth and healthy development of your baby’s body, mind and spirit.
- Empowers – enhances your ability to understand your baby’s special needs.
- Helps baby sleep better – helping your baby release stress which builds daily from new experiences means more rest for baby and you; everyone feels better!
What does Infant Massage help with?
- Colic
- Gas, constipation, digestion
- Increase body awareness, improve sensory integration, normalize tone, and promote motor control
- Self-care activities (brushing teeth, washing face, combing hair, trimming nails)
- Eating, self-feeding
- Speech
- Play with toys, feeding, completing schoolwork
- Roll, crawl, sit up tall
- Stand and walk
- Toe walkers, wearing socks and shoes
- Crawl, stand, walk, and climb
- Before and after brace wear (AFOs, SMOs)
- Faster weight gain, improve cardiac and respiratory output
- Better sleeping patterns
