The Benefits of Infant Massage

For centuries, massage has been used to promote wellness: a healthy circulatory system, improving immune function and releasing emotional stress.

                         

                      

 

However, studies show that infant massage helps your newborn sleep better, improves health and strengthens the mother-child bond.

A recent research conducted by the Touch Research Institute at the University Of Miami School Of Medicine confirms the importance of a secure environment and nurturing touch in the healthy growth, development and maturation of children. Infant massage is good for the emotional wellbeing of the child. "Affectionate touch and rhythmic movement are among the most powerful forms of communication between babies and their parents, so they're great ways for you to bond," says K. Mark Sossin, PhD, director of the Parent-Infant Research Nursery at Pace University, in New York City. 

Improves Sleep- Sleep is vital to the health and well-being of your newborn. Giving a gentle massage to your baby will help increase the serotonin levels and regulates the melatonin secretion rhythms which help enhance sleep in your newborn and regulate sleep patterns.

Increase Weight Gain For Premature Babies- Research revealed that premature infants that were massaged regularly had higher daily weight gain, increased motor activity, and better Brazelton neonatal behavioural assessment scores. They had a better conversion of calories to weight gain.

Promotes Relaxation- Various research studies on infant massage have shown that there is a significant reduction in overall crying time with infants and toddlers who receive massage. This will help promote relaxation and calmness.

Enhance Emotion And Improve Mood- Massage increases dopamine levels which are believed to play an important role in regulating anger, aggression, temperature, mood and appetite in addition to other body functions.

Strengthen Bond With Family- Fathers who used massage techniques with their infants’ experienced increased self-esteem as parents. The babies greeted their fathers with more eye contact, smiling, vocalising and reaching responses. The fathers were more expressive and showed more enjoyment and more warmth during floor-play interactions with their infants.

Boosts Immune System- Research shows that infant massage can positively influence physiological processes and improve immune function. Also, regular massage relieves sinus and chest congestion by promoting adequate drainage of the sinuses and excess mucus on the chest.

Research has proven that massage has a huge positive impact on not just the physical growth of your baby, but also on their mental and emotional health.