SHORTCUTS:
What is infant massage?
What are the benefits of infant massage to infants?
What are the benefits of infant massage to parents?
Infant Massage Instruction Rates

What is infant massage?
Infant Massage is a parent tradition within many ancient cultures that has been re-discovered and adapted to the western world. Research conducted through the Touch Research Institutes 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 (Tiffany Field, Ph.D.). Numerous other studies have also shown the many developmental benefits of positive contact as part of baby’s early life. Infant Massage is one of the most natural and pleasant methods of providing this early nurturing contact.

Infant massage enhances child development, including brain, physical, emotional, mental and social development. Infant massage is a gift from parent to child that lasts a lifetime.

*Infant is recommended from birth to 2 years old*

What are the benefits of infant massage to infants?

• Bonding and attachment - provides all the essential indicators of intimate parent-infant attachment - eye-to-eye, touch, voice, smell, movement, etc
• Improves digestion
• Relief - massage can relieve discomfort from teething, pain management, congestion, gas and colic
• Provides a special time of communication that fosters love, compassion and respect
• Improves functioning of the gastrointestinal tract
• Helps to normalize muscle tone
• Improves circulation
• Effects the lymphatic drainage/enhances the immune system
• Improves midline orientation
• Helps to improve sensory awareness
• Enhances neurological development
• Helps baby/children to sleep deeper and more soundly
• Helps to increase oxygen and nutrient flow to cells. Improves respiration
• Enhances release of hormones in the body. The growth hormone can be effected
• Reduces levels of cortisol - the stress hormone
• Skin stimulation - all the physiological systems are stimulated. Speeds myelination of the brain/nervous system through the senses
  

What are the benefits of infant massage to parents?

• Helps parents understand their infants cues and states of awareness
• Provides a positive way for fathers to interact with their infants/children
• Promotes bonding and attachment. Reinforces good eye contact
• Helps the parent to feel more confident and competent in caring for their children
• Helps parents to ease their stress if they are a working parent and must be separated from their children for long periods during the day
• Gives parents alone and quiet time for interactive play. A special time together
• Increases parent's self-esteem by reinforcing and enhancing their skills as parents and validates their role
• Gives parents the tools for understanding their infants/children's unique rhythms
• Helps parents when they have children that have been hospitalized. Helps them to feel a greater part of the healing process
• Daily massage helps parents to unwind and relax