Benefit of Baby Massage - For Parents and Baby

FOR BABY

STIMULATION

• Skin sensitivity is the earliest developed function
• Studies have shown that animals that are gently handled & stroked are fatter, more bright-eyed and have more easy-going dispositions than other animals
• Gentle handling improves stability of the nervous system and resistance to disease
• Infants who are massaged regularly are more alert and sociable when awake
• They tend to do more 'vocalizing' or 'baby chatting'
• As they grow they tend to be more relaxed and open with healthy touch - hugging, cuddling, holding hands, etc.
  
  

RELAXATION

• Babies sleep better and soothe more easily
• It enables them to release pent up tension and anxiety
• Massage helps babies practice handling input and responding to it with relaxation
• It enhances their positive feelings about their bodies, helping them grow up with a healthy body image

• It teaches them relaxation techniques they will carry through their life
  
  

  

RELIEF

• Massage helps with relief of colic and digestive problems
• It helps tone the digestive tract, thereby moving gas and fecal material for easier expulsion
• It may help relieve discomforts of teething, congestion and emotional stress

INTERACTION

• Massage enhances the bonding process
• Infant and caregiver 'feel' closer as they share this communication of love
• Eye contact is enhanced during this 'quiet' time of the day
• Intuitive interaction is enhanced since the massage is done mostly in silence without a lot of extra 'chatter'
• It is a dance that builds trust and intimacy

FOR PARENTS

BONDING

• enhanced through increased eye contact
• increased prolactin levels - a hormone needed to produce breast milk
• also known as the "mothering" hormone
• this increase has been noted in fathers and other caregivers
• has the effect of helping you "fall in love" with your baby
• has been used with great results in cases of neglect and abuse

RECOGNITION

• In studies it has been shown that mothers who had a lot of early contact were able to choose their 3 - 8 year old children's pajamas from among others that were identical
• Gives you a chance to 'mirror' your love

ENTRAINMENT

• Computer studies have shown that infants synchronize their body movements with the speech of their caregivers.
• This shows the important 'dance' of communication that occurs
• Massage enhances this response as infant and caregiver become more in 'sync' with each other

HAPPY FACE AFTER MASSAGE

STRESS RELIEF

• There is a decrease in cortisol levels (stress hormone).
• If you routinely massage a baby , you will have a measurable decrease in your stress levels.
• Routinely practicing the breathing and relaxation techniques needed to successfully do the massage will become automatic in other parts of your life
• Many working parents have found that doing the massage as soon as they get home helps them to relax and "reconnect" with their baby before they start their evening routine

kredit to babymassage.net

with love,