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.