Baby Massage

Tracy McCarthy IAIM Instructor since 2012

IAIM MISSION STATEMENT

THE PURPOSE OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INFANT MASSAGE IS TO PROMOTE NURTURING TOUCH AND COMMUNICATION THROUGH TRAINING, EDUCATION AND RESEARCH SO THAT PARENTS, CAREGIVERS AND CHILDREN ARE LOVED, VALUED AND RESPECTED THROUGHOUT THE WORLD COMMUNITY.

Whether you’re soothing your little one to sleep or easing his gassy belly, a gentle massage can work wonders for your baby — and the power is in your tender touch.

Infant massage is not a fad, it is an ancient art that connects you deeply with the person who is your baby, and it helps you to understand your baby’s particular nonverbal language and respond with love and respectful listening.  It empowers you as a parent, for it gives you the means by which you become an expert on your own child and therefore can respond according to your baby’s unique needs.  Rather than growing up selfish and demanding (though all kids go through such stages), a child whose voice is heard, whose heart is full and who is enveloped in love overflows with that love and naturally, unselfconsciously gives of himself to others.  He learns what healthy, respectful touch is by being touched that way.  He learns self-discipline by watching his parents and imitating them.  The deep emotional bonds formed in infancy lay a foundation for a lifetime of trust, courage, dependability, faith and love.

(taken from INFANT MASSAGE handbook for loving parents Vimala McClure founder of IAIM)

HISTORY OF BABY MASSAGE

Baby massage has a very long history and has been a part of eastern cultures for thousands of years – although it has recently become practised in the west.  In eastern cultures massage is part of the daily routine, whereby the grandmother will pass down her skills and knowledge to the new mother. Massage is thought to relax the baby, improve flexibility and protect the skin.  Eastern cultures recognise the importance of body and skin contact as a natural daily custom.  Many mothers in such countries as India, Africa and Asia carry out their daily chores with their babies in a sling, enabling the baby to be close to their mother’s body and experience her rhythm and movements.  This in turn helps to stimulate the baby’s emotional and motor development.

WHY USE BABY MASSAGE

Many new mother’s and father’s find it very difficult to adapt to the demands of a new baby.  The crying, sleepless nights and the change of a familiar routine can cause a feeling of helplessness in the parent/guardian and therefore bonding with newborn is not always a natural consequence and may be a process that needs to be worked on.  Once a massage routine has been established it can promote feelings of security, confidence and contentment for both the parents and baby.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS

Why massage your baby, well touch helps the baby and infant to feel loved, safe and secure, which is paramount for self-confidence and personal development.  Massage also encourages bonding between the parent and baby to develop which is often neglected in the 21^st century as the pace of life becomes more demanding.  Lack of bonding between parent and child is a factor that could result in psychological and emotional problems throughout the child’s development.  Massaging you baby can give them a feeling of wellbeing, security and love and encouraging them to thrive.

BENEFITS FOR BABY

1. INTERACTION  with your baby

1. promotion of bonding
2. promoting secure attachment
3. one to one quality time
4. undivided attention
5. early contact with both parents
6. pre-language communication skills
7. love, feeling respected, tolerance, empathy

2. RELAXATION may be demonstrated by

1. improved sleep patterns
2. normalizing muscle tone
3. increased flexibility
4. enjoying positive time out
5. reduction of stress levels
6. regulation of behavioral states
7. being calm

3. RELIEF can help with

1. gas and colic
2. constipation
3. growing pains
4. muscular tension
5. teething discomfort
6. sensitivity to touch
7. softening of the skin

4. STIMULATION of

1. language development
2. improved learning
3. the body systems including digestive, nervous and immune
4. muscular development
5. growth
6. mind/body awareness

BENEFITS FOR PARENTS

1. meeting other parents in classes
2. better understanding of their baby
3. reading and respecting cues
4. promotion of bonding
5. promotion of secure attachment
6. decrease in post natal depression
7. quality time
8. a tool to use as your baby grows