Baby Massage benefits
In a typical Kalma Life Baby Massage class you will often hear our teachers talk passionately about the many incredible benefits this therapy can bring to parents and babies. Having recently launched our incredible Developmental Baby Massage classes in the areas of East Yorkshire and Beverley we want lots of parents and babies to be able to experience the many benefits it can bring.
The first massage a baby receives is during birth when they are moved through the birth canal with each contraction. A baby born via c-section does not receive this early massage and will therefore benefit greatly from beginning massage at an early age, often a baby born via c-section can have more mucus in their lungs from missing the massage the birth would have given therefore regular massage can help with releasing this. C-section babies can sometimes be prone to lethargy and massage provides stimulation needed. Another benefit is the bond and interaction massage can provide. Following a c-section a new mum is often advised not to carry their baby for long periods and can sometimes not hold them immediately after birth so massage is a lovely way to create the bond without straining the mother after surgery.
Benefits of Baby Massage for Pre-term Babies
Babies born prematurely (ie before 37 weeks) often need special care as they may have difficulties with breathing, feeding and keeping warm. Much research has been done into the benefits of massage for pre-term infants and their parents. It can help with the bond between the parent and child. It has also been proven to significantly improve weight gain and bone density.
The feel good hormones released during a massage can lead to increased appetite, more restful sleep and a reduction in stress and anxiety. A major study found that pre-term babies who regularly received positive touch and massage were able to leave the medical setting on average 6 days earlier than those without the therapy. A further long term benefit was found in babies 8 months after birth with increased motor and cognitive development.
Social Benefits
Baby massage is a perfect way to communicate with your newborn baby. Our first ways of communicating and bonding with baby is through touch, whether that is massage, cuddles, strokes or just holding them when they are upset. We encourage lots of singing, talking and eye contact in the sessions which is all beneficial to creating a lovely, bonding experience. The massage techniques learnt in class can be shown to other members of the family, dads, grandparents, even older siblings can be involved and can learn to communicate and socialise with the new baby through touch.
Emotional Benefits
In a Kalma Life Baby Massage class both the parent and the baby gain great emotional benefits from massage. Firstly, the loving connection and bond we can make through touch and cuddles is amazing for lifting the mood and releasing oxytocin (the love hormone) into our blood stream. With a Kalma Baby Massage on the tummy it has particular emotional benefits as the tummy is the emotional centre which contracts with emotional pain and relaxes with emotional pleasure. Therefore, if we can use massage techniques to encourage babies’ tummies to relax fully we can help relieve them of any stress, anxiety and even birth trauma. Babies also hold tension in their chests so a short chest massage which encourages deeper breathing will also help to create a relaxed state for baby.
Physical Benefits
Here at Kalma Life Beverley and East Yorkshire we often promote the physical benefits of massage which are numerous. Ranging from releasing physiological flexion to helping babies with additional needs and disabilities to reach milestones and develop well. Massage can relieve muscle cramps and aid movement. It is also a great way to relieve any digestive complaints such as wind, constipation and colic. Massage can also strengthen the upper body and limbs and maintain hip flexibility and posture in preparation for sitting unaided, crawling and eventually walking.
The focus is on promoting all of these benefits whilst we also strengthen the maternal bond between parent and the child in a soothing, nurturing environment. To find your nearest class visit our find a class page or more information on a Kalma Life Baby Massage class in Beverley and East Yorkshire head over to Kalma Life Beverley and East Yorkshire.