Benefits of Massage

Massaging has many benefits. A good massage acts as great bonding time between the mother and the baby. Massaging helps in growth and development of the baby. It strengthens the bones. Read on to know more about the benefits of massage. In this articleIntroductionHow does massage benefit premature babies?Can massage help to alleviate stress in babies?Can massage be a way of bonding with my baby?What are the other benefits of massaging a baby?What precautions should be taken while massaging a baby?IntroductionThe sense of touch has been detected in human embryos less than eight weeks old. At this stage, the foetus is less than an inch long and has no eyes or ears, but its skin is highly sensitive. Floating in the amniotic fluid, the foetus is accustomed to tactile stimulation. As the contractions of the womb become stronger, they rhythmically squeeze and push the baby.How does massage benefit premature babies?In a study conducted at the University of Miami Medical Centre, twenty premature babies were massaged thrice a day for fifteen minutes each. Results showed that they averaged 47% greater weight gain per day, were more active and alert, and showed more mature neurological development than infants that were not massaged. In addition, their stay in the hospital averaged six days less.Can massage help to alleviate stress in babies?Emerging from the security of her mothers womb, a baby finds the world a vast and bewildering place. Everything is strange and unfamiliar. Adjusting to her new surroundings and responding to sensory stimuli can be quite a stressful experience for a baby. Like all other things, a massage is also a new experience for the baby. It helps the baby to practice handling input and responding to it with relaxation. While a massage brings with it new sights, sounds and smells, it is made pleasurable by comforting physical contact and a soothing voice.Can massage be a way of bonding with my baby?Touch plays a key role in human bonding — whether it is between mother and child, lovers or friends. Infant massage is probably the most basic method of bonding for parents and children. Massaging your baby gives you a chance to get intimate with her body language, the way her body looks and feels, and familiarize yourself with her response to stimuli. A daily massage is a powerful tool that helps to maintain and strengthen affectionate bonds between the parents and the baby.What are the other benefits of massaging a baby?Let us take a look at some more benefits of giving a massage to a baby.Massage aids in neurological development of babies.It helps to promote good sleep in babies.It helps to prevent and reduce colic in babies.Growth hormones are promoted in babies as they experience the power of their mother’s touch.Massage also helps in improving baby’s digestive system.It also helps in boosting overall immunity of children.What precautions should be taken while massaging a baby?You need to be very careful while massaging your baby as she is a delicate little creature. You should sit in such a position that both you and your baby are comfortable in. It is best to consult a paediatrician for choosing right kind of baby oil for massaging her. Do not be harsh while giving a massage to your baby, massage her gently.Try to have a conversation with her while giving her a massage so that it helps both of you to enjoy the massage session. Keep all the things that will be needed by you near you while doing your baby’s massage or ask someone else to provide you with the things that you need. Do not get-up until you finish the complete process and seek assistance while getting up. Hold your baby properly so that she does not skid from your hands while getting-up. Massage your baby before bathing her. It will help her to get a very good sleep.