Infant Massage Benefits

Infant massage can be a wonderful, relaxing way to bond with your baby. Read on to discover the many benefits of infant massage for Mom and baby.

Bonding

During the nine months of pregnancy, mothers begin bonding with their babies in the womb. The experience of feeling their unborn child move inside of them often creates a powerful emotional connection.

After birth, massaging your baby is a perfect way to continue the physical and emotional bonding. In addition, fathers and other family members can join in and share this special time with the newest member of the family.

Infant Massage History

After she returned home and her first child was born, she used what she had learned about massage and reflexology to massage her son every day.

She soon developed a teaching curriculum based on her years of yoga training and massage. This curriculum became the basis of training in organizations such as Infant Massage USA.

It can't be stated enough that one of the best aspects of baby massage, in particular, is that it gives fathers a chance to experience what has typically been a mother-child phenomenon. . .that of bonding with his child from a very early age.

It can also be a great tool to use when sleep-deprivation, life demands and feelings of being overwhelmed have mom and baby off-balance. In fact, studies have shown it improves the quality of interactions with baby for moms suffering from post-partum depression.

Benefits

• Promotes healthy bonding
• Encourages healthy sleep patterns
• Improved muscle tone
• Improved digestion and elimination
• Better circulation and respiration
• Builds a sense of love and trust
• Reduces colic discomfort
• Reduces teething pain
• Relieves emotional stress
• Decreases crying

Other Medical Benefits-Autism

In combating the effects of autism, researchers have found that deep tissue techniques can be beneficial.

Studies have found that the aspect of touch, which many autistics tend to avoid, when applied through hands-on therapy can have a drastic impact on behavior and even interaction with caregivers. These studies are still preliminary but are showing promise.

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