Infant Massage - Let Love Flow from Your Hands

Author: Shabina Birtzer
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-10-01
Features: First and foremost, it should be noted that the concept of infant massage is not related to any profession, and infant massage has never had a medical therapeutic purpose. Therefore, we cannot claim that infant massage has specific effects. As mentioned in the introduction, massage is a physical and psychological need for infants, and it is equally beneficial for the massage giver. They can be mothers, fathers, older brothers, or older sisters. Generally speaking, in the first few months after birth, the primary massage givers are mothers. They use this gentle approach to make the baby feel comfortable and happy. The effects of massage are truly wonderful; it lays the foundation for building an intimate relationship with the child. It is the first step toward harmony and communication.
First, many parents do not realize that they should massage their delicate and soft children. The word "massage" often brings to mind vigorous rubbing and kneading: However, infant massage is the opposite. Infant massage is a special form of interaction with one's own child, also known as physical communication. One form of physical communication is infant massage. For newborns, physical contact and communication are the first ways to express their emotions and perceive the external world. It is also the first step in close physical contact between parents and babies. Children, especially in the first few months after birth, have a strong desire for physical contact. During this time, parents can help the child feel their presence through physical touch, replacing verbal communication with physical interaction.
Communication through physical touch
If the baby is newborn, massage provides an excellent opportunity and support for both participants—the baby and the mother. It helps alleviate the fatigue of childbirth and promotes relaxation for both. Additionally, infant massage is a wonderful way to express emotions. If the baby enjoys physical contact and skin-to-skin touch, they will quickly understand the mother's affection and respond with a smile of gratitude. When the mother massages while speaking softly and gently, the baby will gradually become accustomed to massage and even begin to enjoy it. One day, they will actively participate, turning their body to the other side to signal that it's time to massage their back. Eventually, you will receive your child's reward when they try to give you a massage in return. This is because the child has learned this silent language from you.
If the baby is a bit older, you may observe that they start giving their dolls or teddy bears massages.