Being a new mum can be very stressful and can sometimes seem an endless cycle of feeding, crying and changing nappies. Massaging your baby can give you time to relax and bond, bring endless benefits. These include:
It also reduces stress hormones and alleviates depression. It is especially beneficial if you are suffering from postnatal depression.
Baby massage can be relaxing for mum and baby, as babies get stressed being in new environment, and pick up on your stress. Taking time out together for a massage teaches baby how to relax, and you will relax too.
Massage has lots of physical benefits and for babies can play a vital role in circulation, digestion and growth. Using simple techniques you can ease the symptoms of colds, colic and teething. Massage can help babies who are premature and those with disabilities too, improving muscle tone and stimulating growth hormones.
Bonding with your baby can take time and doesn't always happen easily. The bonding experience can be encouraged through touch, through spending quality time together and through eye-to-eye contact with you baby. Baby massage can play a vital role in this process particularly if you've struggled due to postnatal depression, an early baby or medical problems. It's a great thing for dad to learn too, especially if mum is breast feeding and he feels left out.
For hundreds of years many other cultures have been massaging their babies as part of their daily routine. Try it and you'll discover how natural it feels to interact with your baby in this way.
Each session will teach you techniques to use on your baby helping the bond to grow between you both. Sessions can be carried out privately, with just you and your child, or in a group with friends.
