Infant Massage Therapy
Bonding with Your Baby Through Baby Massage
Infant massage therapy is a great way to deepen the connection between parents and child. It can help new parents feel more at ease handling their baby and help the baby feel loved and connected to his parents.
Infant massage therapy has a long history in different cultures around the world, but didn't come to the United States until the 1970's. Few people knew about infant massage or practiced it, until the 1990's when some research was done on the subject. At that time some hospitals started using infant massage to help decrease babies' recovery times and help premature babies gain weight more quickly.
A baby doesn't have to be ill to benefit from infant massage though. Infant massage therapy can help soothe colicky babies. It helps relieve gas and digestive problems. It eases pain and helps babies to relax. Getting regular massages also helps a baby sleep better at night.
Because of issues with attachment massage therapists don't massage infants. Instead, you can attend a class to learn how to massage your baby.
When you massage your baby make sure the room is warm enough for your baby to feel comfortable with little clothing on. You can use your favorite baby oil or baby lotion. You can also use a natural massage oil.
Baby's respond to environment just like adults do. Make sure the environment is comfortable. Play soft music in the background to help the baby relax.
Use firm yet gentle strokes to massage your baby's limbs, hands, feet, back, belly and chest. Pay attention to the cues your baby gives you. The massage can last 30 minutes but you should stop before that if your baby wants you to.
