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 INFANT MASSAGE

What is it?
DEFINITION AND EXPLANATION OF INFANT MASSAGE
Infant massage is a therapeutic act between parent, or caregivers, and their babies. Utilizing various specialized massage practices, infant or pediatric massage is the practice of stroking the infant’s muscles in order to elicit a relaxation response and encourage well-being.

What is it used for?
CONDITIONS INFANT MASSAGE MAY BE HELPFUL FOR
Benefits for parents and babies may include:

- Stimulates circulation
- Encourages proper functioning of the digestive and intestinal tracts
- Assists the immune system and healing process
- Aids in infant developing sensory awareness
- Facilitates neurological development
- Encourages deeper, more restful sleep
- Improves muscle tone and ease of movement
- Encourages the neurons within the brain to connect
- Raises the infant’s state of wellbeing
- Helps babies self-soothe, lessening crying
- Promotes bonding between the parent and the infant by utilizing aspects of touch, smell, movement, and vocalizations
- Facilitates pre-verbal communication between the parent and infant
- Supports a feeling of competence and confidence in parents and caregivers
- Allows both parents and infants to experience dedicated time with each other

Where did it come from?
HISTORY OF INFANT MASSAGE
Mothers have been practicing the art of infant massage for centuries. There is widespread belief that all infants require loving, regular touch and massage to stimulate their physical, cognitive, and psychological development.  Infant massage in the United States is now becoming a more specialized practice.  It is now promoted by professionals from many disciplines and is utilized to assist healthy newborns as well as those with special needs.

What is it based on?
THEORY OF INFANT MASSAGE
A lot of research has indicated that infant massage provides numerous benefits to both parents and infants and facilitates emotional development and attachment.  The Touch Research Institute (TRI), founded by Tiffany Field PhD, located at the University of Miami School of Medicine in 1982, has performed hundreds of studies on the effects of massage therapy.  This research was groundbreaking in proving the effects of massage therapy on premature, special needs, and the general population of infants.

The bonding process begins at birth and can be helped with the practice of massage.  Infant massage can give parents and babies a special place and time to be together and help build their relationship. The massage also becomes an opportunity for watching and learning from each other. Once the parents feel more comfortable and confident with their massage techniques they begin to experience a heightened communicate with the infant. 

Infant massage instructors teach techniques to the parents. These techniques are straightforward, easily mastered, and generally facilitate the parent-infant bonding process.

How is it done?
WHAT A SESSION OF INFANT MASSAGE IS LIKE
Infant massage is primarily done by the parent(s) at home.  It is recommended to be in a warm room with low lighting.  The parent undresses the baby down to the diaper or completely. If the weather is cold or humid, cover the areas of the baby's body that are not being massaged with a light drape. Some parents may enjoy soothing music as well.  Massage time works best if parents choose a time which they and their child are relaxed and calm.  A half hour after the baby has eaten has been shown to be the more beneficial.

Placing the baby on a soft surface helps him or her feel comfortable and secure. Some parents like to have their child in their lap, others on a bed or table. Pillows can be helpful for propping and supporting.

Preparing for the massage involves first applying cream or light oil to the hands and rubbing them to create a sensation of softness and warmth.  Parents are taught that while massaging the baby to look tenderly at him/her. Doing this stimulates all the senses of the baby and establishes a more intense visual and tactile communication.  Speaking softly to the baby is encouraged.  The more relaxed the parent is, the more relaxed the infant will be.

The amount of pressure used is slight. It is recommended that touches be tender and non-mechanical. Larger areas are touched with the palm of the hand, while smaller areas require fingertips. A general massage routine can include the back, legs, arms, head, neck, and torso. Adaptability to the infant’s desires is important, and the infant should be allowed to shift positions, returning to missed areas at a later time.

Massage therapists can also perform massage therapy or bodywork on infants in their offices, especially in the case of children with special needs.

Who does it?
INFANT MASSAGE PRACTITIONERS
Infant massage instructors are active in many countries worldwide, and the practice of infant touch and massage is rapidly expanding as a parenting tradition on a global scale. Infant massage instructors teach parent/infant classes in settings that range from in-patient and out-patient hospital programs, to home visitation and private instruction, to community based classes. Instructors hail from a variety of professions and include nurses, social workers, massage therapists, midwives, childbirth educators, and trained, experienced parents.