Infant Massage Training for Parents

Those who attend infant massage training for parents understand the benefits that infant massage holds for babies and their caregivers.

The benefits of infant massage include:

• Calms colicky babies
• Improves infant circulation
• Promotes parent/child bonding
• Fosters love and respect between parent and child
• Improves general well-being and health
• Helps baby relax
• Enhances the immune system
• Improves gastrointestinal function
• Improves muscle tone
• Improve sensory ability
• Improves sleep habits
• Improves respiration and helps oxygen flow
• Reduces stress
• Helps with pain management
• Stimulates psychological functions

The neonatal intensive care units in many hospitals have turned to infant massage as a means of comforting, calming, and also stimulating premature infants. The results of this practice are research based, and they provide many more reasons for the importance of practicing infant massage.

• Encourages weight gain in preemies
• Improves sleep patterns
• Improves muscle tone
• Reduces stress
• Improves parent and child interaction
• May reduce hospital stays
• Encourages both physical and cognitive development

While there is no doubt that infant massage is beneficial to babies, there are also many pluses for parents and/or caregivers who administer the massage as well. They include the following:

• Provides the opportunity to bond with the infant
• Provides a means of communication between infant and parents
• Enables parents to feel like they are doing something positive in the care of their baby
• Sets aside quality time for parent and child
• Validates parental role while increasing self-esteem
• Helps parents understand their infant's non-verbal communication
• Keeps parents involved in the healing process if their child is sick and/or hospitalized
• Encourages fathers' involvement in the care of their infants

• When should you get infant massage training for parents? There is no exact answer to this question, and in fact, it's really never too late to learn massage training. Even children who are no longer infants can benefit from massage. Parents often begin infant massage training after learning they are pregnant. Others get their training while still in the hospital or not long after arriving home. Still others pick up on infant massage when their babies are a bit older.
• Where can you find infant massage training for parents? Websites like Loving Touch offer a list of training sites for you to check out. You can also contact your local hospital to see if they offer training for infant massage. Your pediatrician may be able to help you with information as well.
• How is infant massage taught? Obviously, training techniques can vary depending upon the instructor and the class. The overall instruction normally includes relating the importance of bonding between parent and child. The training usually focuses on cuddling, eye to eye communication, facial expressions, and of course gentle, rhythmic touching. Many sites may offer forums for discussion and an opportunity to address any questions or concerns regarding infant massage.

Infant massage can create a secure, loving environment for your baby. If you are unsure as to how to begin, there are numerous websites on the Internet that offer information and possible classes. Your local hospital may also offer instruction or videos on infant massage. Before you attempt infant massage without any training, however, be sure and discuss this technique with your doctor.

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