Most people are aware of the numerous benefits that come from having massages, but are you aware that babies can also benefit from a gentle, three minute massage? Moms and dads are slowly learning about this and are surprised at how easy and effective it is for their little ones.
Massage is a way to show your love for your baby. It will not only improve your baby’s sleep but may help your baby to stay relaxed, cry less, ease constipation, relieve colic, and strengthen his or her attachment towards you. The touch of your hands on your baby stimulates the feel-good hormone, oxytocin. Oxytocin is often referred to as the “bonding hormone”. It is a hormone that gives you that warm and loving feeling and promotes trust and empathy. If you are not yet convinced, there is also a belief that the skin-to-skin contact will stimulate your baby’s brain development.
It doesn’t stop there. Massaging your baby is not only beneficial for the baby. Massaging your baby can lighten your mood and will help you feel more empowered as a parent. Feeling close to your baby and strengthening the bond between mother and child can help tackle postpartum depression. Tests show that mothers who regularly massage their babies had decreased their levels of stress hormone and also felt more responsive to people around them.
Here are easy steps to get started. Lay your baby on any flat surface in a warm room. Apply oil on the palm of your hand and rub your hands together to warm the oil. Rub the oil on the skin using gentle, light (not so light as to tickle, though) strokes. Starting with the legs is a good idea because your baby is already used to the legs being touched during a diaper change. Using your fingertips in circular motions, work your way up the thighs, gently massaging the tummy, chest and arms. You can massage the baby’s head, hands, feet, and turn the baby over to massage the back. Start with a short session of five minutes or less, and then slowly work up to longer sessions. Your baby may be relaxed but vocal during the massage, so don’t be surprised if your little one coos, squeaks, or starts to giggle!
The fact is- babies need touching! Whether it’s to soothe your little one or to ease constipation, a gentle massage can work wonders for your baby, and the power is in your tender touch!
Author Info
No Comments