Massage for Soothing
Baby & Child Massage for better sleep
When many people think of the ultimate in relaxation, they think massage. It calms the body, mind and muscles, and often promotes sleep. That is why infant massage is becoming more and more popular amongst new parents. Massage has been used for years to help with colic or to get rid of the pesky gas, but recent studies have shown that regular massage for infants can promote better sleep in babies, and in return, their sleep deprived parents.
A recent study from the Warwick Medical School and the Institute of Education of Warwick, found that infants who received massage cried less and had a decrease in stress hormones such as cortisol, which resulted in better sleep. One Study also stated that massage could also affect the release of melatonin, aiding in infant sleep patterns.
Massaging an infant or toddler, to help with sleep, may be different than treating them for colic, gas, or reflux. Massage before sleep is made part of the bed time routine. Although routines vary from family to family, according to Infant Massage USA, “children who were given daily massages for 15 minutes before going to bed, showed fewer sleep delayed behaviours and had a shorter latency to sleep onset, and as a result, were more awake, alert and active during the day.
To perform a massage to help promote sleep, keep baby in a warm, dimly lit room. Many like to use soft relaxing music. Massage strokes should be preformed in a slow, rhythmical pattern, with full hand contact in a gentle but firm pressure. Lotion or oil can be used, or techniques can be done dry, over clothing. Keeping with a similar pattern can help relax baby and indicate bed time.
Massage therapy follows guiding principals. These help aid blood flow in the correct direction to help with circulation. Starting with the legs, then arms, head, back and tummy allows you to cover all areas, but brings the circulation back to the heart at the centre of the body, and therefore, leaves the child feeling a sense of overall relaxation. Maintaining eye contact and talking to baby in a soft, soothing voice helps build communication, trust, and bonds. It helps to become a wonderful part of the routine, really helping baby feel that this is a wonderful one on one moment with mom or dad. When working on the limbs, again begin closest to the body, working your way out to the tips of the fingers or toes, and back up to the body. Since their limbs are small, you can use your whole hand. When you reach smaller parts, such as hands or feet, you can simply use your fingers or thumbs to gently knead. When working on the tummy or back, you can use a variety of techniques with either the whole hand or just the finger tips. When working on the face, light pressure with finger tips is all you need. Now, most babies will not let you get through a full body massage the first time,if ever, and that is fine. Watching baby and following their cues is important.
Touch is a very powerful tool for a parent to use. Infant massage can help develop that tool for both parent and baby, and also helps create wonderful memories to last a life time.
Amber is a Registered Massage Therapist, the owner of Amber Parkinson Massage and one of Durham Regions leading prenatal massage therapists. She provides massage therapy services to the whole family, working with men, women and children of all ages, from infants to the elderly. Amber tailors each treatment to the abilities, and needs of each individual client. She specialize in prenatal and postpartum massage. You can follow Amber on Facebook and Twitter. Amber lives in Ajax, Ontario with her husband, daughter and dog.Leave a Reply