Baby Massage – Develops Bonding Between Parents and Child
Posted on April 7, 2008
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Have you been hearing about baby massage? It may be something you should be looking into. The benefits of baby massage are great. Not only does it give the mother or caregiver time in which to bond with their baby, but it also aids in the baby’s development of muscle and in relaxation. In the West, people have only really become aware of the benefits of baby massage during the last thirty years.
In other parts of the world, such as places like Asia and Africa, baby massage has been used for centuries. The therapeutic benefits and effects of baby massage have been passed on from one generation to the next. To a baby, another person’s touch is talk. By massaging their baby, parents and caregivers can gain more confidence in handling them. By watching and interpreting their baby’s reaction to touch, they can better relate to the baby.
Parents can find out what their baby likes and dislikes. This helps a parent understand his or her baby better. Further, this helps to develop a positive relationship between baby and parents.
Baby massage’s benefits to the Parent:
DEVELOPING SENSITIVITY
When massaging your baby, be aware of your baby’s reaction to your touch, and particularly to the pressure you apply. Babies are unable to tell you if you are massaging them too hard! In learning to read your baby’s body language, and by interpreting her reaction, you acquire key parenting skills.
In fact, studies have shown that mothers who had lots of early physical contact with their children could find their 3 – 8 year old child’s pajamas from a pile of pajamas that were identical!
BONDING
* Baby massage provides the mother and child with the opportunity for increased eye contact * Baby massage causes increased prolactin levels (the mothering hormone) in breast milk * It helps you to “fall in love” with your baby * in cases of abuse and neglect, the use of baby massage can improve the situation.
Massage is also known to strengthen babies’ muscles and joints, and to help relieve the symptoms of some of the ailments common in the early years of life. According to studies carried out across various cultures, babies who have more body contact (being carried, breastfed, massaged, and gently handled) develop into adults who show empathy, compassion, and cooperation with others.
Most mothers instinctively lovingly massage their babies. Perhaps it was by understanding this and observing the effect upon the infant that the idea of infant massage was born. Actually Baby Massage has been in practice for many years. But recently its popularity has taken off worldwide. It should really come as no surprise since both babies and parents enjoy the benefits. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of Baby Massage below:
Baby Massage Facilitates Bonding
Touch between mother and baby is extremely important during the early months in order to develop the bond that will help the baby thrive and grow into a happy well adjusted child. The mother and father are able to provide gentle nurturing touches that the baby associates with love and being cared for. Infant massage helps the baby and parents get to know one another and spend quiet quality time together, communicating through touch.
Baby Massage Relaxes the Infant
a newborn baby?s life is pretty stressful when you think about it. He gets hungry and cold and the only way he can let anyone know he needs attention is to yell for it. Baby Massage can help relax a stressed out baby that has just had too much activity or is suffering from stomach upsets. When Baby Massage is part of the baby?s normal routine, there is a good chance he will grow into a child who knows what relaxation is and how to achieve it to escape the stresses of life.
Baby Massage Improves Baby’s Sleep
it follows that a baby lulled into relaxation by an infant massage will quickly succumb to slumber. The upside is that infant massage may help to promote sounder and longer sleep periods. Parents will also benefit from a soundly sleeping baby that will give them much needed rest also.
Baby Massage Supports Communication
Baby Massage opens up a new channel for communication between baby and parents. Parents will learn to pick up on nonverbal cues from the baby. The infant will grow to feel as if he is being heard and attended to without having to clamor for it.
Baby Massage Relieves Discomfort
Studies indicate that infant massage releases endorphins and lessened up toxins into the baby?s body. These elements may act to relive the common discomforts a baby struggles with such as teething, stress, congestion, and colic. Watch any mother trying to comfort an unhappy baby as massage, rubbing, and patting just come naturally. The movements help to settle the child, relax him, and alleviate his discomfort.
Baby Massage is Fun
what better reason could there be for infant massage other than the simple fact that the baby and parents think it is fun. It is a great way to get some giggles and coos from the baby and has an enjoyable time together.
So given the above benefits, it is no wonder that Baby Massage is so popular. Of course mothers have been massaging their babies since the beginning of time, but when we speak of the formal Baby Massage you should know there is actually a method to follow. Certain types of movements act to calm and relax the baby before bedtime and other types of movements will energize him. Still other types of massage movements act to relieve discomfort. So if you would like to learn formal massage for your baby and experience the benefits above, ask around and see if you can find a local Baby Massage class that you and your baby can attend together.
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