INFANT MASSAGE
What is infant massage?
Infant massage is a series of classes taught to parents by a certified instructor for use on their infants and children. It is a way to establish an early and lifelong bond between parent and children. Massage is a means of communication in itself and when used as a means of establishing trust between child and parent opens up verbal communication as well.
The infant massage course consists of a series of
sessions in which the parents learn not only massage strokes to use on
their babies, but also ways in which to understand their baby's needs.
This promotes better understanding between the child and parent. The
parent learns to recognize the meaning of the specific cues the infant gives
and the baby learns that these cues will be recognized by and responded to by
the parent. Special situations are addressed throughout the series such
as dealing with a fussy baby and, what to do to help a baby with colic.
BENEFITS OF INFANT MASSAGE:
Relief - Can relieve discomfort from gas and colic,
teething, congestion, and emotional stress
Bonding - More intimate interaction with parent and baby/child helping
to foster the parent/infant bond
Relaxation - Helps baby learn to relax and may enable a pattern of
stress release
Skin Stimulation - All physiological systems are stimulated by
massage. It spped myelination of the brain/nervous system
Some specific benefits are:
- Helps baby/child to sleep deeper and longer
- Improves digestion
- Helps relieve colic or "gassy spells"
- Helps baby be heard and acknowledged
- Assists in increased vocalization
- Provides individual focused time
- Provides a special communication time for children to confide in their parents
- Enhances neurological development
- Helps baby increase oxygen and nutrient flow to cells
- Helps to deepen respiration
- Supports organization of the nervous system
- Helps to encourage midline orientation
- Helps to improve muscle tone and circulation
- Helps to improve sensory awareness
A quote from the founder of the
International Association of Infant Massage, Vimala Schneider McClure:
"I believe that babies are aware human beings who deserve respect, tenderness, and warmth, and above all a listening heart. When we listen to our infants with our hearts, we discover whatever it is that we want to know.
I believe that every parent, regardless of personal philosophy, and every infant, regardless of birth history or disposition, should have the opportunity to experience the lifelong benefits that come from early bonds that are loving, healthy and secure."
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