Benefits of Baby Massage
In many cultures, the practice of massaging babies is an art passed down from generation to generation. Historians have found evidence of baby massage dating back over 3000 years and in regions as diverse as India, Africa, Asia, New Zealand and the Caribbean. Even today in these countries infant massage is still considered a routine part of childcare, from the moment of birth until the baby is weaned and walking.
Since the mid to late 1990’s baby massage has become very popular in the UK, with more emphasis placed on physical bonding and attachment between the parent and the baby. More and more professionals are now realising the importance of baby massage and are encouraging parents to make baby massage a daily part of their routine.
Suitable from Birth
Baby Massage is suitable from Birth (providing your baby was full term). Although there is no upper age limit to baby massage it will depend on whether your baby is willing to lie fairly still enough to enjoy the massage.
Benefits to your Baby
There are many benefits of baby massage for both your baby and you. Regular massage can stimulate muscle development and tone and improve your babies mind and body awareness. Many babies who are massaged demonstrate better than average language and physical ability.
Other benefits to your Baby include:
- Promotes bonding and attachment
- Increases circulation
- Stimulates the Digestive System
- Increases the release of Oxytocin ‘The feel good hormone’
- Reduces the stress levels and the stress hormone Cortisol
- Improved sleep patterns and encourages a deeper sleep by regulating the breathing and increases the levels of oxygen in the bloodstream.
Baby massage can help with many common baby ailments that can cause great anxiety for both you and your baby. Research has shown that baby massage can alleviate many of the symptoms and pain. This includes relief from:
- Colic and trapped wind
- Constipation
- Teething discomfort
- Nasal congestion
Benefits to you
Mothers can also benefit on a physical level. A mother’s breast milk can be stimulated by massaging her baby and Oxytocin, the hormone that controls feelings of well-being and the nurturing instinct, is much higher when a mother has massaged her baby. The benefits are not just limited to the mother; studies have shown that fathers that massage their babies regularly each night before bed shows they interact much better with their babies than fathers that don’t. On the whole baby massage can help parents feel confident about handling a tiny newborn.
Massaging your baby from an early age is one of the most important forms of communication you can have with your baby. During a Lullaby Lucy Baby Massage class, you will begin to learn about your baby’s non-verbal cues and discover how to communicate with your baby.
Postnatal Depression
This is a serious problem which can have implications on a child’s development. Very often mothers who are suffering from postnatal depression avoid interacting and making eye contact with their baby. Baby massage has shown to help with mothers suffering from postnatal depression and help mothers have a more positive interaction with their baby.
Sibling Massage
Sibling rivalry can be alleviated by allowing an older brother or sister to help with the massage. Lullaby Lucy holds sibling classes, where they are welcome to come along and join in with the experience. Whether it be just holding the oil bottle, copying the massage on their teddy or learning the strokes for the hands and feet.
What to bring
During your first class you will be given your complimentary cold pressed organic sunflower massage oil and a mat will be available to use during the session. At the end of each class you will be given handout notes to help you remember the strokes for home.
Newborn baby’s sense of smell is very sensitive and it is important that strong perfumes are avoided during a massage as this can overstimulate the baby and put them off the massage. Baby will be more comforted by the natural and subtle smells of a familiar environment or a familiar object like their towel or blanket. Please bring a towel or blanket along to the class.
What to wear
As the room needs to be warm for the babies, it is advised that you wear comfortable and removable layers. We suggest that baby’s clothes and nappies are removed during the massage, however if you would prefer to keep the nappy on then that is also fine.