Massage to promote bonding
By Kari A. Hufnagel, MS, OTR/L, CIMI
Throughout the journey of becoming a parent it's natural to be both anxious and hopeful about the bond that will develop between you and your child. One avenue to promote bonding is massage. Infant touch and massage involves providing your child with certain types of gentle, caring touch. It is a quiet, intimate time shared between you and your baby.
In addition to promoting bonding, massage can benefit your baby with improved:
- Sleeping
- Digestion
- Breathing
- Circulation
- Nervous system organization
- Sensory awareness
- Relief of emotional stress
- Growth and development
You might be surprised to learn that massage also benefits the caregiver. By learning to read his or her body language, you can better know your child and feel more confident as a parent.
Many internationally adopted children have not received the nurturing touch and affection that is so important for bonding, growth and development. Others who had the benefit of a loving foster family might experience difficulty transitioning to new caregivers.
Children of all ages can benefit from massage sessions with their parents. There are unique needs and challenges for each life stage. A massage instructor can help guide you in creative, age-appropriate techniques.
The Massage Session
Preparation
It is best to massage your child when he or she is in a quiet, alert state. Find a comfortable space where you like to spend time with your child. Consider having a few toys and/or lullaby music. Remove your child's clothes at his or her comfort level to allow for skin-to-skin contact. Coat your hands with a small amount of natural, edible oil such as grapeseed or olive oil.
Massaging
Make sure that you are comfortable, relaxed and focused on your child. Ask your child's permission before you begin, and begin when he or she gives you readiness cues including:
- Relaxed posture
- Wide eyes
- Smiling
- Eye contact
- Babbling
- Reaching toward you
As you begin to massage, move at a slow pace and provide gentle pressure. The massage session is guided by your child's body language. Do not expect to follow a certain sequence or protocol. Most sessions will not last longer than 30 minutes.With practice, you will become an expert at reading and responding to your child's cues.
Precautions
It is very important that you read and respond to cues of disengagement. This is your child's way of telling you to change your approach or take a break. Some examples of these signals are:
- Fussing
- Turning away
- Coughing
- Choking
- Hiccups
- Grimacing
- Arching back
Never massage a child who is in a deep sleep. If your child has any acute illness or medical condition, seek advice from a medical professional.
You can obtain books and videos on infant massage, but it is best to be personally trained by a Certified Infant Massage Instructor (CIMI) who can guide you in developing a massage approach that best fits your child's needs. For more information, refer to the International Association of Infant Massage.
References
Babeshoff, K. & Dellinger-Bavolek, J.Nurturing Touch: Instruction in the Art of Infant Massage. 2004.
Cullen C. et al. Father infant interactions are enhanced by massage therapy. Early Child Development and Care. 2000; 164: 41-47.
Hart J. et al. Health visitor run baby massage classes: investigating the effects. Health Visitor. 2003; 76, 4: 138-142.
Lorenz, L et al. The benefits of baby massage. Paediatric Nursing. 2005; 17, 2: 15-18.
Schneider, E.F. The power of touch: massage for infants. Infants and Young Children 1996; 8, 3:40-55.
