The benefits of infant massage
Massage therapy benefits people of all ages – even the littlest among us! And its never too early to start infant massage. Studies show that preterm (premature) infants who receive massage gain more weight and leave the hospital sooner.
Benefits of infant massage for babies
- Can relieve gastro-intestinal discomfort
- Daily massage can speed myelination of the brain and nervous system
- Can relieve stress
- Stimulates growth
- Encourages development
- Promotes relaxation
- Enhances baby’s well-being
- Improves sleep patterns and behaviour
- Invites baby to live in the world
- Fun
Benefits of infant massage for parents and other caretakers
- Increases confidence
- Promotes understanding of baby’s cues
- Promotes bonding
- Promotes communication with baby
- Promotes awareness of baby’s needs
- Helpful in postpartum depression (PPD)
- Provides parents of babies with special needs a skill that can make a difference for their baby
- Fun
