Massage with a Difference: Baby Massage

Infant massage is an ancient tradition in many cultures. It is being rediscovered in the West. Clinical evidence shows that loving, touching and nurturing contact between caregiver and infant has an important impact on their development.
Infant massage is something that every parent or caregiver can learn and practice - providing benefits to both baby and parent. It consists of simple strokes using light natural oil to allow your hands to glide over baby's delicate skin. The movements are safe and relaxing for both you and the baby.
Young babies are accustomed to the constant tactile stimulation and movement in the womb and they benefit from the re-establishment of those rhythms after birth.
Babies enjoy being handled and massaged in a manner that communicates your strength, love and confidence. All strokes are slow and rhythmic with just enough pressure to be comfortable but stimulating.

What are the benefits of infant massage?

Improves communication between parent and baby
Helps to calm babies' emotions and relieve stress
Soothes babies and help them to sleep better
Helps babies to develop awareness of their body
Enhances parents' ability to understand their babies' needs
Aids digestion and help to relieve colic, wind and constipation
Helps to develop muscle tone, coordination and suppleness
Strengthens the immune system
Regulates breathing and relieves nasal congestion
Improves skin texture
It provides a wealth of sensory experience to babies, the strokes, eye contact, odour; your voice, warmth and rhythm.
The bonds of love and trust inherent in the massage routine will be carried by your child into adulthood.

FAQ
My baby is really happy and content. Would my baby benefit from infant massage?
It is true that baby massage helps with many complaints your baby may have. However, you don't need to deprive yourself or your baby of a good experience because s/he is happy.

I have just bought a book on baby massage. Would we still benefit from going to infant massage classes?
How many books have you got on Yoga, Exercise, Diet ...? Hand on your heart - have you used them as you intended when you bought them?
Are you sure that it will not be the same with your book on baby massage? Also, infant massage is similar to exercise - it is much more fun if there is a group of you.

Can premature babies be massaged?
The massage routine can be adapted for premature babies but it is important to go very slowly and very tenderly. Premature babies love the feeling of enclosure that a pair of warm, loving hands can give. Many studies have shown that premature babies who are stroked regularly improve rapidly in growth and development. Some neonatal care units have introduced massage as a regular part of every baby's routine.

Can massage benefit babies with special needs?
Infant massage can be wonderful for bonding between parents and babies with special needs. Massage can open another avenue of communication and strengthen the link between parent and child. Often infants with special needs require a lot of support from health professionals. Infant massage is something you can do for your baby! A massage routine can be specially designed to suit your baby's needs.

Learn how to massage your baby
You can start massaging your baby from birth. The best time to begin is between one and nine months before the baby starts crawling. Massage can be adapted to suit older children.
Each course consists of one session per week for five weeks. Each session lasts approximately one and a half hours. The classes are held in small groups of parents (or grand-parents or other carers) and babies in Nottingham. Participants massage their babies whilst being guided through a massage routine that uses a carefully balanced combination of Swedish, Indian and Reflexology techniques. In addition participants will learn a massage sequence specially designed to relieve colic. Individual tuition is also available.

Contact 0115 845 7113 or e-mail info@touchingwell.co.uk