Infant Massage

Provided by: Baby Sweet Cheeks - Saasha Plefka

Infant massage is an ancient practice that has roots around the world and is practiced today throughout Africa, Asia and Europe. It has recently made a comeback in the United States and is gaining in popularity. Many great grandmothers massaged their babies and it was an art passed from generation to generation. In the early part of this century, it was less common as parenting experts advised a hands-off approach to baby care. But as recent studies have confirmed, touch is extremely important for newborns and their healthy development.

Because of these ground-breaking studies, infant massage has become accepted by the medical community and is recommended by pediatricians and other experts for the benefits it provides. Some of these proven benefits include:

• Increased circulation
• Deeper and sounder sleep patterns
• Reduction in gas and colic symptoms
• More efficient digestion
• Increased body awareness for infant
• Stress relief for parents & baby

In addition to these measurable benefits, there is an important time of nurturing taking place during massage. This one on one time is crucial for bonding to take place. I often call massage a concentrated bonding time because the interaction is often short, but intense. It is during your babies first few months of life that a foundation for a lifelong relationship is being built. Make the most of it by communicating your love and care through touch. After all, touch is a very important tool for communication with infants.

Massage is also a great time to learn about your new baby. Watch her reactions and body language. She is often trying to tell you something. By focusing completely on her, she senses her importance to you and your interest in her.

A great way to get started with massage is to take a class. Classes are offered at most hospitals and community centers. Make sure the instructor is certified and the class size is small. Most classes are taught in 2-3 one-hour sessions, usually meeting once a week. The instructor will demonstrate strokes on a doll and parents will perform the strokes on their babies. This type of instruction insures that parents are doing the massage correctly and they are free to ask questions and discuss any concerns or special circumstances with the instructor. Classes are also a lot of fun! Parents get to meet other parents of newborns and enjoy a sense of camaraderie. For many new moms especially, it is a welcome break to get out of the house and do something wonderful with your new baby!

Once you have completed your class, you will be on your way to establishing a routine at home. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Comfortable room, with few distractions (NO TV or phone!), soft music, warm temperature.
• Sit so parent is able to reach baby easily and have eye contact. Watch out for back support, if needed.
• Place familiar blanket under baby (scent will comfort him)
• After bath time is a great place to add massage into your routine. Will relax baby and provide a bedtime ritual.
• Use an unscented, all natural (edible!) oil. Scented oils can confuse and over-stimulate newborns. (I use Baby Cheeks Oil (TM), by Sweet Cheeks.)
• Massage can be 10 minutes to 30 minutes, depending on age and temperament of child.
• For optimum results, massage at least 3 times a week.
• Enjoy this special time with your new baby!

About the Author:

Saasha Plefka is a Certified Infant Massage Instructor, a Mom, and the owner of Sweet Cheeks LLC. She teaches classes at Hartford Hospital and is available for in-home instruction by appointment.

For more information please visit her website at www.BabySweetCheeks.com e-mail to babysweetcheeks@cox.net, or call 860-648-4420.