The Benefits of Baby Massage to the Parent
by adminBONDING
Baby massage provides mother and baby with the opportunity of increased eye contact
• Results in increased prolactin levels (prolactin is a hormone needed to produce breast milk, also known as the “mothering” hormone)
• Gives you the feeling of “falling in love” with your baby
• where there have been cases of abuse and neglect, baby massage has produced some positive results
DEVELOPING SENSITIVITY
When massaging your baby, you must be vigilant for signs of your baby’s reaction to your touch and particularly the pressure you apply. Babies are unable to tell you whether you are massaging them too hard!
In reading your baby’s body language and interpreting her reaction, you are acquiring some key parenting skills.
In fact, research studies have shown that mothers who had lots of early contact with their children could choose their 3 - 8 year old children’s pyjamas from a pile of others that were identical!
STRESS RELIEF
Massage has been shown to reduce levels of the stress hormone.
• Parents benefit greatly from giving massages to their children and studies have shown that those who carry out massage on a regular interval benefit from reduced stress levels.
• Especially for working mums and dads, being able to give your baby a massage as soon as you return home from work, provides valuable quality time with your little one – and in doing so helps you to relax and “reconnect” with them.
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