When it comes to massage there is no right or wrong way in how you do the massage. If you forget or skip a step that is completely ok. Your baby may not even like specific parts/steps of the style of massage.
If your baby is not enjoying a specific step of the massage, skip that step. It is important not to force or stress your baby. Massage is about teaching positive touch and enjoying massaging through a loving connection.
The more you regularly incorporate massage into your daily routine, soon it will become part of your daily norm and soon you will find both you and your baby will be wanting this loving connection time.
Massage is about being together and enjoying the benefits for both baby and parent physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Relaxation Massage & Benefits
Relaxation massage is a full body massage which includes massaging your baby all over from head to toe.
When you perform the relaxation massage there are three types of massage techniques we use.
Indian massage
Swedish massage
Reflexology
Each massage technique we use works for different parts of the body and working with the immune system. There are numerous benefits to infant and baby massage and as more studies and research is done, more up to date information is regularly being found of the continuous benefits of massage on infants, babies and older children. Some of these benefits include:
Improves Sleep and Regulates Sleep Patterns
When you perform infant massage on your baby it will increase the serotonin levels and regulates melatonin secretion rhythms which able to regulate healthy sleep patterns.
Helps with Pre-term Infants
Research has found that infants who receive touch therapy and massage gain weight faster and are discharged quicker than other infants who do not receive touch therapy.
Reduces Crying
Many studies and research have found infant massage that is performed on babies have shown there is a vast reduction in overall crying time with babies and older children who receive regular massage.
Improves Tummy Upsets
Infants who have had unsettled stomach issues due to wind, colic and constipation have found tummy massage helps to settle the stomach and help regulate a healthy bowl movement. This is because massage stimulates the elimination waste from the body and can help to relive abdominal wind pain within minutes. This also helps the natural process of the nervous system which can assist with reflux.
Bonding and Attachment
Infant massage allows time for parents to simply be and discover and learn about their baby through a beautiful bonding process. Research have found parents are calmer, relaxed and less stressed and feel more confident and in control in caring for their baby.
Boots the Immune System
Research has found infant massage can have a positive influence on the psychological process and help to improve the immune function.
Relieves Sinus and Chest Congestion
Infant massage helps to promote drainage of the sinus and excess mucus on the chest.
Relieves Stress
Infant massage has been found to help reduce stress levels in both baby and parent/caregiver. Cortisol is released in times of stress. Prolonged high levels of cortisol can reduce immunity, reduce cognitive performance, and reduce bone density and muscle tissue. Regular massage can help reduce cortisol levels in both baby/children and parent, allowing blood pressure, heart rate, digestive functioning, and hormone levels to return to their normal state.
Oxytocin
Research has found Infant massage releases oxytocin ‘feel good’ hormones which helps to calm and regulate the body’s normal functioning. Studies has found if you can give a hug for at least thirty seconds, oxytocin is released…. imagine receiving the benefits of a loving touch of infant massage.
Positive Touch
When you engage with your baby and performing infant massage, when you first initiate the massage process by introducing your massage cue, the nurturing touch sequence, you are teaching your child about positive touch and what it means for their body awareness and rights of a children for wanting to be and not to be touched with their sign of approval.
