All over the world and throughout the centuries, the massaging of infants has been an essential part of their care and remains so in many societies today, though not until recent times in the UK. Whilst childcare has become more child centred and relaxed, research has shown that irrevocable damage can be done to children when they have been deprived of a secure and loving environment. Thus the importance of infant massage is now been recognised and there are many practitioners teaching parents the techniques all over the country including premature baby units.

baby massage The skin is the largest organ of the body. It can be described as the exposed part of the nervous system. Skin is a protective barrier, an excretory organ, a sensory receptor, and an information source of sensation. The skin’s sensitivity is such that its responses to internal and external stimuli exceeds all other sense organs except the brain.

Touch is the “mother of the senses”. It is evident in an embryo of six weeks gestation, when it is only one inch long!

Although all senses play a crucial role in its perception of its world, touch is as essential as food for the infant, and an important factor in normal mental and social behaviour. At birth touch is the most developed sense. It is therefore not surprising that massage can stimulate the nerve centres in the brain, lowering stress levels and thereby resulting in improved immune systems.

There are many benefits gained from massaging your baby. It enhances the bonding process that is not always spontaneously achieved immediately after birth. Eye contact, skin contact and vocalisation all come to play during the massage session. The “dance” between the baby’s responses and those of his parents enables them learn to read his clues and needs thereby strengthening their mutual attachment.

Mothers with post-natal depression may find that massaging their baby actually enhances their own sense of well being because there is an increase in the production of prolactin and oxytocin, hormones that furthers the mothering instincts. Benefits to the baby include the reduction of colic symptoms, improvement to digestion, blood circulation and balance. It gives the baby security, love and a sense of well-being. It can also improve sleep patterns.

Preparation for massage

The environment:

• Warm, draught free with no overhead lighting
• Quiet environment - no TV or music as it could prove over stimulating for the baby. It is advisable not to have more than one kind of stimulation at a time.
• Find a comfortable position, on the floor, back supported with knees slightly bent and soles of your feet pressed together ( “cradle” position) the baby’s head rests on your feet enabling good eye contact.
• Remove jewellery that could harm the baby and use a relaxation technique to remove all stressful feelings prior to starting the session.

The Baby:

• The ideal time to mas...

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