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The many benefits of baby massage for you and your baby

Article Summary: Infant massage is beneficial for you and your baby in so many ways. Studies have shown how important touch is to your growing baby and its importance for you in helping build confidence and an understanding of the new special person in your life. The main benefits can be summarised as:

Infant massage is beneficial for you and your baby in so many ways. Studies have shown how important touch is to your growing baby and its importance for you in helping build confidence and an understanding of the new special person in your life. The main benefits can be summarised as:

Baby Massage for Colic, wind, teething, colds and congestion

You may find that during the first months of your baby’s life he may suffer from a number of minor uncomfortable complaints. One of the most common complaints is trapped wind. This is largely thought to be caused by babies swallowing air when feeding and having an immature digestive system unable to cope with expelling it. A distressing form of trapped wind is known as colic and is catogorised by prolonged bouts of crying, pain when passing trapped wind, a hard tense stomach and baby bringing his knees up to his chest in discomfort Relief from colic and wind is an important benefit of baby massage. Massage helps to tone the digestive tract, expel wind from the body and break down large air bubbles, making them easier for your baby to pass. By massaging your baby’s tummy you are physically able to support your baby’s digestive system. Massage can also help to ease constipation too. This can be of particular use when your baby starts solid food. Baby Massage can also bring relief from the pain of teething through massage around the mouth and gums. It can also help to ease sinus congestion by helping to drain the nasal passages of mucus. The use of oils on your baby’s skin during baby massage can also help to improve the overall condition of his skin which can be particularly useful if your baby suffers from dry skin, eczema or cradle cap.

Creating bonds between you and your baby with baby massage

Bonding with your baby is a complex matter occurring over time through understanding and communication. It does not always happen immediately and there is not set time in which you must bond with a baby or the opportunity to do so lost. Bonding is very important between a parent and baby to ensure the survival of the baby and the emotional state of the parent. Your baby needs you to feel a “bond” towards him so that his needs are met and he is protected and nurtured. Baby Massage encourages bonding by creating the perfect environment for touch, eye contact, exchange of personal odours, and vocalisation with your baby; all important aspects of bonding.

Baby Massage for relaxation for you both.

If you have ever had a massage you will be familiar with the sensation of wellbeing it evokes and the release of tension throughout the body. Your baby will experience these sensations when you massage him. A happy relaxed baby is more likely to feed well, sleep well and have a good temperament. A happy baby also helps to make a happy parent. If your baby is feeling relaxed you will be more likely to feel relaxed which is important in the early days of parenting when it can often feel as if you are on a steep learning curve. Having fun with your, exchanging smiles and laughing together whilst you massage are important in building a relationship of love and trust between you. When you massage the skin, the body produces the hormones prolactin and oxytocin. These hormones help to lower the levels of stress hormones in your body and help combat the symptoms of stress. Both you and your baby may fell more relaxed after a session of baby massage

Helping your Baby’s Development through baby massage and skin stimulation

Stimulation of the skin is crucial to the development of all young, not only human infants. Studies have shown that infant animals not exposed to touch tend to be aggressive and can develop antisocial behaviours. Baby massage can help to encourage your baby’s development by providing him with the vital skin stimulation he craves, boosting the circulation to his muscles making him stronger and more physically able. His brain is stimulated with new sensations and experiences. By evoking all of your baby’s senses using massage, you will teach him about social behaviour, language, movement and you can help him to reach his developmental goals. A daily massage can also help to increase your baby’s stimulation levels by stimulating his nervous system producing new connections between the body and the brain. The more developed a baby’s nervous system, the more equipped he will be to cope with stimulation such as bright lights, loud noises, and strange smells.

Get Started

To get started you need to create a quiet and peaceful place for you to massage, use some Blossom & Berry Pure and Organic Baby Massage Oil, and place baby on our unique Blossom & Berry Baby Massage Mat. Use a simple guide to the strokes, relax and have fun. Always make sure baby is well before you begin massage and avoid massage if baby is suffering from any of the following conditions or ailments it would not be advisable to give baby a massage.

Acute infections, Fever, Sickness, Diarrhoea, Undiagnosed lumps and bumps, Contagious Disease, Serious Skin Complaints, Recent Surgery, Open Sores, Inflammation, Clicky Hips, Epilepsy, Heart or Lung problems or Less than 72 hours after immunisation.

You should consult your medical professional before practice if your baby is on medication or has any serious medical condition.

Article Source: http://www.upublish.info

About the Author:
GayleBerry
This article was written by Gayle Berry, founder of baby massage website www.blossomandberry.com, and also an author on babymassage.