Infant massage is a tremendous way to bond with your child and support their development, sense of touch, bonding, and attachment. I have been doing infant massage for years within the scope of OT, but recently ventured out to work towards an infant massage certification from https://www.infantmassageusa.org/. I awaiting my official document for Certified Educator of Infant Massage (CEIM). This was a comprehensive training that involves learning how to support parents and teaching the strokes of massage, the benefits, and how to adapt to their unique child’s needs.
So why would you hire someone to teach you massage versus try it on your own? What are all these actual so called benefits of massage?
Jump over to my YouTube video to watch what I have to say about infant massage and it’s benefits!!!!
When I am instructing infant massage, I am coaching the parent on the strokes, infant cues, and support. I take the guessing work out of things such as “am I pushing too hard, does my infant likes this, are my strokes the right way?”. I take a back seat and coach you from the side to empower the bond between you and your infant and support you along the way. It will allow you to be more present with your infant by eliminating the guess work.
Benefits of Massage
The benefits of massage are endless, I could go on and on and on about it. Here are just a few highlights on the benefits to both baby and caregivers!
| Stimulation | Interaction | Relief | Relaxation |
| Language Development Improved Learning Ability Muscular Development Growth Elimination Body Systems (circulatory, digestive, hormonal, immune, lympthatic, nervous, respiratory, vestibular) Sensory Integration: connections of neurons Mind and Body Awareness | Verbal/Non Verbal Communication Pre-Language Communication Skills Love Nurturing Touch Tolerance Empathy Uses of all body senses Promotion of Bonding Promotion of Secure Attachment 1:1 Quality Time Undivided Attention Early Contact with Parents | Gas and Colic Constipation and Elimination GI Cramps Growing Pains Muscular Tension Teething Discomfort Physical and Psychological Tension Softening of the Skin Excess Mucus Disorganization of Nervous System Sensitivity to Touch | Improved Sleep Patterns Increased Coping Mechanisms Regulation of Behavioral States Being Quiet and Calm Improved ability to self-regulate (babies ability to calm oneself) Normalizing Muscle Tone Increased Flexibility Reduction of stress levels and stress hormones Creation of anti-stress hormones Lower levels of stress hormones Higher levels of Dopamine |
It is a lengthy list, and there are so so many components of infant massage that you cannot quantify on paper. You just have to experience it to see it!