Infant Massage
Infant massage provides a means to nurture one’s baby. Touch is the most developed of our five senses at birth and infant massage helps the infant bond with the parent more quickly. Infant massage has been practiced globally for many years, and has been increasingly used in Western countries as a treatment for soothing abdominal troubles, aiding digestion, improving circulation, increasing flexibility, etc.
Infant massage promotes bonding
Infant Massage Stimulates Growth
A study published in the US National Library of Medicine found that massage in pre-term infants, and low birth weight infants, stimulates growth hormones for weight gain, increases bone density, reduces cortisol, and may improve cognitive and motor development.
Infant Massage for Jaundice
It has also been found massage reduces bilirubin in infants and thus decrease instances of jaundice. It is estimated that about 75% of hospitalizations within the first week after birth are due to Jaundice.
Infant Massage for Post-Partum Depression
Infant massage may also be beneficial to mothers suffering from post-partum depression by improving the mother’s connection with her newborn infant. Post-partum depression affects one in eight women. Massage encourages interaction between mother and child, promotes bonding, and helps the mother cope with her emotions in a positive way.