Massage is a method of pressure on or friction against, or stroking, kneading, rubbing, tapping, pounding, vibrating or stimulating of the external soft parts of the body with the hands.

Benefits of massage

  • Promotes bonding and communication
  • Assists in overall growth and development
  • Promotes sounder and longer sleep
  • Improves function of the respiratory, circulatory, digestive, eliminative, nervous, and immune systems
  • Reduces the symptoms of colic, gas and GI tract distress
  • Gives relief from the discomfort of teething and congestion.
  • Improves sensory awareness
  • Helps baby learn to relax, decreases production of stress hormones
  • Reduces fussiness
  • Enhances awareness of being loved, accepted, and responded to assists in increased vocalizations

    The following conditions represent situations where massage should be avoided?
  • Open or weeping wounds
  • Infected skin irritations
  • Fractures or other acute injuries
  • Bleeding
  • No massage over an unhealed navel
  • Burns, including sun burn
  • Undiagnosed lumps
  • No abdominal massage if the infant has hiccups or has just been fed