The Benefits of Infant Massage

by Earth Mama on October 26, 2011

Infant Massage has many benefits for baby and mama (or papa, or caregiver). Linda Storm from Infant Massage USA® lists a bunch here for us! And for a wonderful interview with Linda, click here.

Infant massage stimulates:

  • All the systems of his body digestion, circulation, immunity, elimination
  • Learning – language development, multisensory stimulation, building neural pathways that cross both sides of the brain, and body awareness
  • To normalize muscle tone
  • Release of hormones to help your baby feel calm, relax and sleep better
  • Healthy weight gain and healing in infants born premature

Infant massage relaxes:

  • Promotes optimal hormone balance – reduces stress hormones (Cortisol), increases “feel good” relaxing hormones (Dopamine, Seratonin, Oxytocin), improves ability to self-soothe,  and calming effect
  • Improves sleep patterns
  • Promotes state regulation
  • Baby is in the quiet alert (learning) state longer
  • Decreases hyperactivity
  • Promotes self regulation
  • Normalizes muscle tone
  • Improves flexibility
  • Promotes regulated heart rate and respiration

Infant massage promotes relief:

  • Gas, tummy troubles and “colic”
  • Constipation/elimination
  • Cramps
  • Growing Pains
  • Excess mucus
  • Discomfort of teething
  • Disorganization of the nervous system
  • Physical and psychological tension
  • Sensitivity to touch

Infant massage promotes interaction:

  • Promotes the parent/baby bond and secure attachments (Important for life-long mental health)
  • Supports the development of trust and confidence
  • Reading and responding to cues
  • Baby feels loved and respect
  • Promotes body-mind-spirit connection
  • Enhances pre-verbal and nonverbal communication
  • Provides interaction through all senses
  • Decreases stress and anxiety in social and public situations
  • Provides one-to-one quality time

Infant massage provides benefits for parents:

  • Parents feel closer to their baby
  • Reduces stress and feel more relaxed (as much as receiving a massage yourself)
  • Feel more comfortable and confident responding to your baby
  • To have a support system for new parents/caregivers
  • Learn techniques to comfort fussy baby, relieve discomforts
  • Have a family routine

Tagged as: infant massage

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