Infant MassageThe Power of Touch

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Infant Massage-The Power of Touch

• Conducted By
• Christine A. Fink, R.N., C.M.T.

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Babys World

• Although it can seem like there is not much going
  on in babys world, it is a new and exciting time
  for them. It may seem like they do little but
  eat, sleep and demand attention, but they are
  learning more now than they will ever learn again
  in such a short period of time. It takes time for
  them to adjust, from being rudely transitioned
  from a state of tranquility, warmth and comfort
  into a world of changing faces, cold winds, warm
  baths and well everything else that we see every
  day and take for granted.

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Benefits of infant massage

• Relaxation
• Relief
• Stimulation
• Interaction

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Relaxation

• Stress is a normal occurance in every ones
  life, including babys life. It has been found
  that all humans, from babyhood to old age,
  survive best on a period of high stress followed
  by a period of deep relaxation. But we have
  forgotten how to relax. Babies can pick up on
  this. Massage can help ease the muscles into
  relaxation.

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Relief

• From pain. Colic can be a nightmare
• There are massage techniques that can help
  relieve colic, teething and emotional pain.

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Stimulation

• It may seem that stimulation is incompatible with
  relaxation, but massage can do both
• helps aid digestion and ease constipation
• stimulates blood flow and brings warmth
• Increase premature infants weight gain by as much
  as 47
• Decrease hospital stays by up to 6 days for
  premature infants

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Interaction/Bonding

• Bonding isnt an instantaneous reaction for
  having given birth. It is an ongoing process and
  can be started any time.
• Infant massage encourages a good relationship
  between mother and baby
• Can help with the mothers depression

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Conditions for massage

• Establish a regular routine
• Dont make it too long-15-20 minutes is good
• Temperature-babies loose heat fast, make sure the
  room is warm
• Light- not too bright is right!
• Oil- babies prefer it! Use a vegetable or plant
  based oil like grapeseed or sweet almond oil.

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Conditions Cont.

• Eye contact is encouraged as is talking or
  singing to baby
• HAVE FUN AND RELAX!!!!!!!!!!!

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HRSA

• Supported in part by project(634000-446) from the
  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
  Health Resources and Services Administration,
  Maternal and Child Health Bureau (Title V, Social
  Security Act).