What are the benefits of baby massage or touch therapy?
Massage is considered very important for the development and growth of a newborn baby. Lack of oil massage or touch therapy results in poor growth of the baby, psychological problems, and delayed attachment to parents.
Benefits of Massage
Massage promotes blood circulation, tone up the muscles, and relax different areas of the body.
It increases food absorption hormones such as insulin.
Massage results in promotion of mother-infant bonding.
Babies become more active and alert.
Massage enhances skin barrier function, acts as a source of warmth and nutrition, and increases weight gain.
Greater bone mineralization and more optimal behavioral and motor responses.
Regular oil massage reduces stress behavior and lowers cortisol levels.
Some More Tips
Oil massage should be given before the bath during summer and after a bath during winter. Massage should ideally be given by grandparents, mother, father, or caregivers. It could be started on the 10th day after birth.
Oil massage should be given to babies when they are active and alert, preferably one to two hours after feeding.
Mothers have to cut their nails, remove the rings and watch.
Massage is to be done in a warm room. Strokes should be gentle and firm not jerky.
Full body massage will take 15-20 minutes.
Good signs of newborn enjoying oil massage are cheerful vocal sounds like cooing, normal breathing pattern, the ability to focus, bright-eyed look, and enjoying clasping own hands and feet, sucking or stretching.
Published on 27-Feb-2019 11:12:04
