 |
Web Hosting by Netfirms | Free Domain Names by Netfirms |
|
By Petrina Fava, RN, CIMT
July 2009
Colic, constipation, relentless crying, teething, overstimulation; these are just a small number of discomforts that many infants may experience on a daily basis. Although common, they are typically an enormous source of distress for parents and caregivers. Often, families feel extremely powerless and disheartened when they are unable to soothe their baby. In particular, young first time parents often feel that they do not possess the skills or knowledge needed to settle their infant or provide relief from the discomforts they may be feeling.
There is a wonderful parenting practice that many cultures have been using with their infants and children for thousands of years. Western and European cultures have just recently started to appreciate the enormous value of this simple technique. Caregivers in Africa, India, Indonesia and Nepal have long known that regular, loving touch and gentle massage can quickly ease their baby's discomforts while also providing a wonderful opportunity to nurture the infant. 1
What caregivers in some parts of the world may not be aware of is the substantial amount of scientific research which has been done to demonstrate that infant massage has enormous benefits for both the baby who is receiving and the caregiver who is providing the massage. Studies show that bonding and attachment between an infant and caregiver is greatly enhanced when infant massage is provided. Loving touch is an essential element of attachment and bonding, along with sustained eye contact and subtle body language. Regularly setting aside time to massage a baby provides him with quiet, focused time with his caregiver and helps them both learn each other's specific cues and rhythms. Adoptive or foster parents, siblings, grandparents and alternate caregivers may use massage time as an excellent bonding opportunity. Fathers who may otherwise feel that they do not have the same chance to bond with their infants as mothers do (especially if mom is breastfeeding), can use this very special time to learn about their baby and connect with them in their own unique way. The International Journal of Behavioral Development published a study which points to the following results. "After a twelve week period the babies from the massage group greeted their fathers with more eye contact, smiling, vocalizing, reaching and orienting responses and showed less avoidance behaviors, than the control group. These fathers also showed greater involvement with their infant." 2
In addition to psychological and emotional effects, massage results in many notable physical changes in both baby and caregiver. Massage increases levels of various nurturing hormones. Oxytocin is a substance that enhances warm and nurturing emotions and encourages a parent's desire to care for their baby. It also induces feelings of sleepiness and calm. Prolactin is released during massage as well and this hormone improves breastfeeding in lactating women. So, massage helps both baby and caregiver to relax and alleviates some of the tension that may have developed over the course of the day.
Massaging an infant contributes significantly to various areas of his growth and development. It improves neurological and muscular development, stimulates blood and lymph circulation, aids in digestion, accelerates weight gain and assists in developing regular sleeping patterns. A study conducted by the Touch Research Institute found that "massage therapy infants gained significantly more weight per day than did the control infants. Seventy percent of the massage therapy infants were classified as high weight gainers..." 3 In another one of their studies on infant massage "infants and toddlers with sleep onset problems were given daily massages by their parents for 15 minutes prior to bedtime for one month. Based on parent diaries the massaged versus the control children (who were read bedtime stories) showed fewer sleep delay behaviors and had a shorter latency to sleep onset by the end of the study." 4
Perhaps most importantly, participating in massage with their infant gives parents and caregivers a tremendous sense of confidence and competency. It helps them feel good about the fact that they are better able to communicate with their baby and respond to their needs. In the March 2009 issue of Massage Therapy Today, Michelle Cooper recounts her personal experience with infant massage: "Over the next couple of weeks, we did our massage every time we changed a diaper. We very quickly saw the change in Vonley. His belly was no longer rock hard, he was sleeping better, and our greatest gift was the smiles. Vonley has a very expressive eyes, so when he smiles, his whole face lights up. This is what infant massage gave us." 5
While there are not many rules for massaging an infant, some guidelines will help parents/caregivers get the full benefits of massage time. The most essential aspect to keep in mind is that massage is not merely about performing specific strokes. Far more than technique, massage time with a child is a special occasion for focusing on each other and connecting in a special way. Caregivers should always begin by taking a few minutes to relax. It is important to remember that stress is easily communicated to a child. Some soft music, several slow deep breaths together with a few shoulder rolls are usually sufficient. A quiet and softly lit warm room will ensure that baby is comfortable while undressed and not over stimulated. Babies are always asked for "permission" prior to receiving the massage and parents learn to recognize baby's "yes" and "no" cues. This is essential to nurturing an attitude of mutual respect and building on the child's self esteem. The use of vegetable or fruit based oils is encouraged since these are edible and do not contain potentially harmful substances such as mineral oil. Babies should be at least three weeks old, and massage is easiest up to crawling age. However, strokes can be tailored to older, more active babies. Older children and even teenagers also enjoy the benefits of massage. After all, receiving loving touch is precious for people of all ages!
It is a good idea to learn infant massage from a Certified Infant Massage Teacher as there are some important considerations pertaining to massage. For instance, babies should not be massaged if they have a fever or if they have received an immunization within 48 hours prior to the massage. A Certified Infant Massage Teacher can help caregivers learn these precautions and guide families on how to decide if massage is right for their baby at any given time.
Simple and effective, infant massage is a wonderful practice that can help caregivers discover more about their baby while communicating immense feelings of love and affection. All while encouraging the release of important hormones, stimulating growth and development, encouraging sleep and perhaps most importantly, having fun!
