What are the benefits?
'It is through our hands that we speak to the child. That we communicate. Touch is the child's first language, understanding comes long after feeling.'
Frederick Leboyer, M.D. & author
Dr Tiffany M Field (PhD) of University of Miami School of Medicine summarised the benefits of baby massage into 4 main catagories:
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Interaction
Stimulation
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Promotion of bonding and secure attachment
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Verbal and non-verbal communication
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Understanding your baby's cues
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Demonstrating love and releasing hormones via skin-to-skin contact
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Many babies who are massaged demonstrate better than average language and physical ability
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Stimulate muscle development and tone
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Stimulates and aids circulatory, digestive, hormonal, immune, lymphatic, nervous, respiratory and vestibular systems
Relief
Research has shown that baby massage can help alleviate problems such as
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Gas & colic
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Constipation & cramps
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Growing pains
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Muscular tension
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Teething pain
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Nasal congestion
Relaxation
​Many parents find baby massage to help with
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Relaxation of both parent and baby
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Reduction of stress
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Less hypersensitivity
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Less hyperactivity
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Improved sleep patterns
