There are so many benefits to using infant massage with your baby. Not only will your baby feel relaxed so will you! Nurturing touch is a naturally rewarding way to relieve stress for both you and your baby as well as improve their healthy development.
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There are numerous benefits to using infant massage with your baby.
Infant massage relaxes and soothes:
Not only will your baby feel relaxed so will you! Nurturing touch is a naturally rewarding way to relieve stress for both you and your baby. It has been proven that touch decreases the levels of Cortisol (stress hormone) in our bodies. Cortisol is always present in our bloodstream, but high levels of this hormone can be found in our bodies during times of extreme stress.
Deepens Bonding:
Infant Massage provides you with essential one-on-one time that will enhance your family bonding, understanding and ability to nurture. Oxytocin is released in both the giver and receiver's body during massage. Also known as the hormone of love, Oxytocin is our feel good hormone. This hormone helps to provide us with loving, nurturing feelings which helps us to bond. An increased production of Oxytocin occurs for mothers during labor and breastfeeding. Research now shows that even close physical contact and nurturing touch also stimulates Oxytocin production. Great news for all of the dads out there who didn't give birth to their baby, you can still produce the same hormones through the use of loving touch.
Improves Communication:
Touch is our first form of communication. So it is always natural to assume that communicating through touch enhances your ability to understand your baby's special needs and respond appropriately. Through the use of infant massage your sensitivity and confidence in understanding your baby's unique cues and forms of communication is increased. Picking up your baby when they cry is not going to spoil them. When babies receive attentive responses to their needs they grow to become healthier and more secure in adulthood.
Contributes to Development:
Growth and healthy development of your baby's body, mind and spirit are stimulated. Massaged babies gain healthy weight better than babies who do not receive massage. Additionally, nurturing touch helps to enhance the digestion process. The systems of the body are stimulated during massage which assists in the absorption of nutrients and elimination of what is not needed. For some babies infant massage has also been shown to be effective at reducing the symptoms associated with Colic.
Helps Baby to Sleep Better:
Not only does massage help your baby to release stress which builds daily from new experiences, it allows them to relax. During this special time both you and your baby have time to relax. Massaging your baby helps your little one to sleep deeper and for longer periods of time which can translate into you being able to sleep longer as well!
Through massage you will not only increase your loving, nurturing bonds with your baby, you will assist in their healthy and happy development!
Bringing Home Your Pre-Term Baby
Pre-term and medically fragile infants require specialized medical care and when brought home facilitated bonding time. Massage can provide both of these in many situations, find out how pediatric massage can benefit your pre-term and medically fragile child.
How Does Childcare Effect My Baby?
How does child care affect the bond with your baby? Childcare impacts your baby both positively and negatively and it's important to know how and why. Creating special time with your child is important to maintain your relationship and strength your bond.
I Want To Start Infant Massage, What Do I Do?
Having trouble getting your little one to sleep? Try infant massage, in this article we discuss how simple it is to start massaging your baby and the benefits massage provides.
