While Infant Massage has been gaining popularity in recent years, a review of the research indicates that a relaxing rub-down may benefit parents as well as babies. A team of researchers at The University of Warwick reviewed nine studies and found that babies who receive massage experience consistently lower levels of stress hormones, like cortisol, and slept better than those who received no massage.
One of the studies reviewed even indicated that infant massage could benefit the relationships of mothers with postnatal (postpartum) depression. Another study found that massage, talking and eye contact improved immune function and growth in contrast to infants who received little interaction or touch. A small study performed by professors at Tel Aviv University indicated that a daily massage for an infant by it’s mother helped establish circadian rhythms, or humans’ ‘biological clock.’
While this research may only confirm what many mothers have known for years, misinformation still permeates popular culture on the topic of infant contact. Many people, due to long culturally held beliefs, believe that too much attention can ’spoil’ a baby. This logic implies that we should condition our children to receive very little attention so they don’t get used to it and expect it. But these archaic ideas about parenting ignore what science has proven for decades and what mothers have known for centuries: touch and attention are NEEDS, not wants. Touch, interaction and eye contact are crucial for brain development and in fact, the more the better. And if massaging your baby can help him or her sleep better, well that’s better for the whole family!
Want to learn more about infant massage, check out the Make Way For Baby Guide, visit your local library, or look for classes at your hospital or birthing center.
| Have you taken a baby massage class or made a practice of massaging your baby? Please share your experience below! |
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