Tennessee School of Massage Memphis Infant Massage

Why  Infant Massage??? 

Nature begins infant massage before the baby leaves the womb.  The womb caresses, surrounds him/her with warmth, and as he/she develops, the womb contracts and rhythmically squeezes and pushes and massively stimulates the unborn’s skin and organ systems.  For the human infant, the contractions of labor provide some of the same type of preparation for the functioning of the internal organs, as early licking of newborns, does for animals.

Massaging babies enhances the bond between parent & infant, and the father’s experience of gentle contact, one he often misses, is enhanced by an  infant massage routine.  Infant massage reduces tension, fussiness, congestion and colic.  It provides gentle exercise and stretching of the baby’s muscles and helps to develop a healthy, happy and stress free personality in the baby.

BENEFITS  

Wrapping the baby in a blanket mimics in-utero conditions, allowing them to feel comfort and security. Our culture is very fast paced and babies need those around to slow their pace so there is a healthy atmosphere for their growth and development.  Colic, often results from a highly sensitive system, infant massage helps these children relax and moves the gas through the intestines.  Stress is the primary cause of many digestive disturbances, and during the massage infants may relieve gas. The more massage the infant receives the more healing of gastric problems.  Sleep disturbances are also addressed by soothing the muscle tugs that accompany bone grow and restless infants find peace from erratic sleep patterns.  Infant massage slows the heart rate and the infant breathes more evenly, allowing the infant to rest more fully.

SETTING THE SCENE  

For the results to occur, you need to create a soothing, non-stimulating environment. Warm the room and wrap the infant in a blanket, thus giving them a sense of boundaries similar to those the infant experienced in utero.  Talk to the infant and play gentle relaxing music or sounds.  Use a warm olive oil, safe, if baby puts its fingers in his mouth.  It takes about 2-3 tablespoons.  Start very slowly and calmly, massage with a moderate pressure to avoid tickling the infant.  Watch the infant, he will give feedback and will give you signs that he is not comfortable. Infants will usually make eye contact when they feel connected and will coo and often drift into a sleep as they enjoy the massage.  Treating the infant with respect will get you the best results.  Approach the child by name, use the term massage each time so he can make a connection. Observe the child’s response.  An upset baby, a baby looking away or avoiding your gaze, or pushing away, frowning, or crying is a baby not enjoying the massage and should not be receiving one at that particular time.  Wait it out, the benefit and the gift of infant massage can correct the birth trauma and the under lying fear of touch.  You get past their fears by respectfully acknowledging their feelings of insecurity.  Introduce different aspects of the massage one stimulation at a time.  Using a gradual progression, the infant can accommodate a new sensory stimulation.                                                                          

 The greatest service you can do for a baby is to nurture loving touch.  Babies listen with their skin, they listen as their mothers and fathers listen to them. It is better for human development if infants are surrounded by a state of peace and what better way than parents learning the art and care of infant massage.