When I had my babies 30 or so years ago, I knew that giving them a ‘baby massage’ made me feel good and they seemed to respond well to it. So from birth to about 12 months of age I would massage each of my four children a couple of times a week. I had no training or real technique; I would just rub some baby oil on them and we would both enjoy it.
Now as a Certified Infant Massage Instructor (CIMI), I am amazed that my innate maternal instinct would lead me to do something with so many positive benefits but I am also conscious that I made many mistakes that I wasn’t even aware of. From using oils made as a by product of the petrochemical industry to overstimulating very young babies with sensory overload, there are a number of tips that any massaging caregiver needs to be aware of and I will cover some of these tips in depth in my next Baby Massage blog.
Here, though I will focus on what I consider to be 11 of the most compelling reasons for parents to learn how to effectively massage their baby. World wide studies in baby massage have proven these (and many more) benefits…I am just collecting the info here for you in one easy to read blog!
1. It improves sleep quality and patterns
Sleep patterns and quality are dictated by the hormones serotonin and melatonin. Regular massage increases serotonin levels and regulates melatonin secretion rhythms resulting in better patterns of sleep and improved quality of sleep over time.
This is not an instant fix and relies on consistent regular massage over 2 – 4 weeks to see results.
2. It enhances emotions and improves mood (which in turn enhances bonding)
Dopamine is both a neurotransmitter and hormone. As a neurotransmitter it facilitates communication between nerve cells helping to lay down neural pathways in infant brains. This helps the infant brain to grow and mature.
As a hormone it works by inducing feelings of euphoria in both parent and baby, which in turn, reduces feelings of anxiety and sadness. These responses work in a complex way to increase bonding between parent and baby as well as significantly reduce the likelihood of Postnatal Depression.
3. It reduces stress hormone levels
Studies have shown that regular baby and infant massage reduces stress hormone (cortisol) levels in both infants and caregivers. Reduced cortisol levels can result in improved sleep and reduced irritability; reduced anxiety and improved alertness.
4. It improves wind, colic and constipation symptoms
Using a specific and targeted set of massage techniques and strokes that focus on the baby’s abdominal area, and repeating this sequence twice daily for between 2 – 4 weeks, research has shown that symptoms of colic and reflux as well as wind and constipation improve significantly. Number 5 will explain why…
5. It speeds myelination of the nervous system and Increases vagal activity
Skin stimulation speeds the process of myelination. This means that the fatty sheath known as myelin (a substance that is required for nerves cells to ‘talk’ to one another ), is deposited faster when there is consistent, regular skin stimulation. This in turn results in the vagus nerve, which branches out of the brain and controls areas of digestion, respiration and circulation, maturing faster and being better able to control the sphincters that affect reflux, colic and other digestive issues.
6. It enhances coordination and body awareness
A specific sequence of massage and movement (Baby Yoga) designed to aid the maturing of the lymphatic system, also has the added benefit of enhancing left/right brain development and coordination.
7. It enhances habituation (learning) in infants
Any sensory input that is new for an infant can induce an automatic release of Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH). This hormone stimulates the growth of millions of new connections between nerve cells. These connections results in the brain being able to convert new and stressful information into something that it recognises as predictable and safe. Basically this hormone allows babies to anticipate when something familiar is about to happen. Think of the excitement a young baby shows when mum settles in to breastfeed and unsnaps her bra. This is in effect the baby learning cues which will result in them being easier to soothe.
8. It strengthens the immune system
Research shows that consistent regular massage significantly increases the number and function of natural killer cells ( which work on killing virus cells) and an increase in neutrophil cells which heal damaged tissue and resolve infections.
9. It relieves discomfort
Regular massage releases endorphins which act like the bodies own opiates to block pain. This assists in relieving the discomfort of common childhood conditions such as teething, wind, colic and other painful childhood conditions.
10. It teaches appropriate touch
It is never too soon to start discussing appropriate touch and consent with your infant. As massage is an intimate form of touch involving skin-to-skin contact it is a great way to teach about appropriate touch.
Parents can determine whether their baby is interested in stimulation at that moment by use of a ‘Permission Sequence’. For example, if a baby avoids eye contact it is not a good idea to begin massage and further stimulate their nervous system.
By responding appropriately when babies display ‘no cues’ babies quickly learn that when they refuse physical contact their decision is respected by their parents. There are many ‘no cues’ that will be learnt in class and in the practical demonstration you will soon learn that your baby can communicate with you.
11. It also benefits children with additional needs
All of the points mentioned above also apply to children with additional needs. Infants living with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, ADHD, ASD, and epilepsy show a variety of additional benefits as well. By altering techniques and sequences to accommodate each child’s particular circumstances, ensuring that they also receive all of the positive benefits of baby and infant massage
There you go…11 pretty compelling reasons why every parent should learn Baby Massage.
If you would like more information, or would like to book a Baby Massage Instruction session please feel free to reach out.
