Infant Massage

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• Expert:Infant/Child Massage

By Bonnie Peters

Infant massage is rapidly gaining popularity in the west. The growing awareness of the benefits of infant massage is reflected in our gradual return to customs our ancestors practiced before they were abandoned in the name of "progress".

Massage has become the treatment of choice for adults seeking relief from stressful, hectic lives. Now, a growing number of parents are discovering that infant massage is a nurturing, joyful way to bond with their babies while dramatically improving their newborn's responsiveness and overall health. In fact, infant massage is second only to breastfeeding as the most fulfilling form of nurturing a baby can receive.

The soothing quality of infant massage promotes overall health and helps an infant learn one of the most valuable skills they will ever be taught in this fast-paced world - how to relax.

My goal, as a Registered Massage Therapist, is to educate parents and other caregivers on infant massage technique. It is important that parents - not therapists - massage their own infants, so they can share in the benefits. These moments centred on baby are especially important for working parents and those with multiple children. Fathers, in particular, can build confidence in creating an emotional bond with their child through mastering the techniques of baby massage. The psychological benefits are the most appealing aspect of baby massage.

The Touch Research Institute has revealed astonishing benefits for babies receiving massage. They state that through massage a child will be more alert, active and responsive; be able to tolerate noise and calm himself; sleep more deeply and have fewer episodes of apnea (breathing stops briefly). For premature infants being massaged in the hospital, the Institute reports that they will gain weight 47% faster and leave the hospital 6 days sooner.

Infant massage improves the function of a baby's brain, heart and liver; improves blood flow, and strengthens gastrointestinal and respiratory tract function. The practical value of baby-massage is most apparent when dealing with colic, constipation, weaning, teething, post-natal depression, sleep difficulties and difficult breastfeeding.

For parents looking for classes or video instruction on the techniques of baby massage, be sure the instruction you find is provided by qualified expert. There are many individuals and organizations that provide baby massage instruction without the proper qualifications. There are contra-indications to massage (times when massage is not appropriate therapy). These and many other rules must be adhered to for the safety of the child and the effectiveness of the massage. To have anyone but a registered professional teaching baby massage is simply dangerous.

Make sure that your baby massage instructor is a Registered Massage Therapist. If they have an RMT behind their name you can be assured of their knowledge and feel safe in following their instruction. BC therapists have the highest professional standards in North America with over 3000 hours of training over a 3-year program.

Whether you choose to administer massage to your child yourself or enlist the help of a professional, baby massage is a wonderful expression of love and closeness every parent and child should experience. Please explore this ancient form of nurturing because the best gift you can give your baby is in your hands.

Some Tips On Baby Massage

The following is a description of baby massage for the face and head only:

Lay baby; face up on your lap or on a blanket. Start the massage on the baby's face and head. There's no need for oil here and besides you don't want it in the baby's eyes. Always touch your baby very gently and softly - a caressing, flowing stroke with little or no pressure. Note that very young infants may be sensitive in this area. Their head may still be tender on top and over the ears from delivery. And their rooting reflex is so strong that stroking their cheeks may frustrate them.

1. Start at the hairline, both sides, top of head. Avoid the fontanel or soft spot on top of the head. Stroke around over the top and side down to his neck using small circles. Three rows ending behind the ears.
2. Next, outline baby's face with smooth relaxed fingers top, mid forehead to chin.
3. Then with both thumbs starting at mid top forehead smooth outward in rows down baby's face. Across the brows, over the eyes, over the nose etc. If baby's rooting reflex is still very strong avoid the cheek and mouth area
4. Next, do small circles with your fore and next finger from the temple down and along the jaw line to chin, again, both sides at the same time. (Especially soothing for teething babies).
5. End with the outline of baby's face again. Each stroke can be repeated as you and baby like. Please be very light and gentle. Remember there is no need for oil when massaging the face and head.

Do not massage a sick or feverish child.