Massage has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, reduce muscle tension and pain and increase feelings of well-being in lots of adults, did you know that massage therapy just as effective for babies and children?
It turns out, it IS, and the benefits are pretty significant!
1. Babies will benefit from from improved sleep. Infants who receive massage will show better sleep patterns, ease in falling asleep, and staying asleep longer. Babies will also show better alertness and activity during the day.
2. Stress behaviors will also decrease in those who receive massage therapy. Studies show that cortisol levels decrease after receiving massage. Cortisol is a hormone produced when we experience stress and causes inflammation throughout the body.
3. Infant that receive massages have shown improvement in motor development. Even in premature babies who have developmental problems.
4. Babies that were in the NICU who received massage showed 21% more weight gain and were discharged (on average) 5 days earlier, as opposed to those who didn't.
5. When massage is preformed by the caregiver, there is bonding between the family members and improved interaction.
Caregivers Benefit, Too!
Baby massage also offers benefits to those performing it, with caregivers reporting such gains as improved bonding with their baby, more confidence in caring for their infant, and better understanding of their baby’s nonverbal cues. Caregivers also enjoy a reduction in stress as they focus on their baby for the 15 to 20 minutes of well spent time!
Want to learn to massage your baby? Contact me to find out more information!