Ultrasound screening during pregnancy
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Bonding Through Touch: The Magic of Infant Massage
Bonding Through Touch: The Magic of Infant Massage
Welcome to the world of baby massage—a gentle, soothing practice that not only strengthens the bond between parent and child but also provides a myriad of benefits for your little one’s health and development. In this blog, we’ll explore the wonders of infant massage, from its ancient roots to its modern-day applications, and why it’s becoming increasingly popular among parents worldwide.
The History of Infant Massage:
Did you know that infant massage has been practiced for centuries across various cultures? From ancient Indian Ayurvedic traditions to Indigenous customs, the art of baby massage has been cherished for its healing and nurturing properties. Passed down through generations, these age-old techniques have stood the test of time, continuing to offer solace and comfort to newborns and their caregivers.
Baby massage, a gentle and nurturing practice, holds within its strokes a wealth of benefits for both baby and caregiver. From fostering a deeper bond to promoting relaxation and aiding in development, the magic of infant massage is undeniable.
In a world filled with gadgets and gizmos, the profound power of touch remains one of the most potent tools in a parent’s toolkit. Through the simple yet transformative practice of infant massage, caregivers can forge deeper connections with their little ones, fostering a bond that transcends words and lasts a lifetime. So, take a moment, slow down, and let the magic of touch work its wonders on you and your baby.
As you embark on this journey of exploration and connection through baby massage, remember that every touch is an expression of love and care for your precious little one. Whether you’re a seasoned parent or a new caregiver, the gift of nurturing touch is one that transcends language and time, leaving an indelible mark on your baby’s heart and soul. When seeking expert guidance or support for your baby’s health and well-being, consider visiting a Paediatric clinic. By incorporating the benefits of baby massage with expert guidance from a paediatric clinic in Dubai, you can enhance the bond with your little one while promoting their physical, emotional, and cognitive development.
About our Classes at the Clinic
Our classes are cue-based and baby-driven. Parents/Caregivers are encouraged to respond to the individual needs of their babies. The classes are warm and relaxing, allowing individual baby’s needs to be considered and the small class sizes (or individual support) and structured once-a-week format allows the time and space to learn from each other’s knowledge and experiences.
Our instructor is certified by IAIM (International Association of Infant Massage).
Some of the benefits of Infant Massage are:
1) Interaction
- Supports bonding and attachment: Research supports that infant massage and infant massage parent education programs can increase parent confidence and attachment, result in greater success in adapting to and developing strategies to cope with parenthood and can benefit mothers with postpartum depression by helping them to relate to their baby and inducing the release of oxytocin.
- Encourages non-verbal communication
- Reduces violence and abuse: Infant massage classes proposed by certified instructors/educators are opportunities to enhance sensitive parenting skills development and to promote child development education, acting against violence and child maltreatment.
Touch is nurturing babies and parents as it triggers a reciprocal effect: calming down nervous system and sharing pleasant experience.
2) Relaxation
- Improves sleep quality
- Improves self-regulation
- Reduces stress: Bedtime routines, especially those including infant massage, have shown to improve multiple aspects of the sleep cycle for both the child and the parent/caregiver.
3) Stimulation
- Supports physical development
- Supports brain development
Infants who experience regular massage often see reduced stress, nervous system improvements and improved self-regulation and body-awareness. In relevant studies, parents have reported improvements in many developmental aspects like muscle tone, joint mobility, gastrointestinal issues and response to forms of therapy (such as physiotherapy).
4) Relief
- Relieves digestive discomfort
- Relieves pain and tension
Our classes
- Are always held in small groups or individually to ensure personalized attention.
- Are baby led, it’s okay for babies to cry! Parents/Caregivers are encouraged to listen their baby’s needs.
- Include time for supportive group discussion where parents can share experiences and learn from each other while having fun.
- May be structured as individual classes, home visits or instruction through social agencies.
- Do not include the Educator touching or massaging your baby during class, they will demonstrate on a doll.
- Recommended age for group classes is from birth to pre-crawling.
You’ll learn:
- Massage strokes & touch relaxation
- Bonding techniques & ways to recognize your baby’s cues
- How to ask permission & how doing so builds respect
- How to choose the best oil for your massage
- How to identify the best time for massage & ways to work it into your daily life & more!
Sources
Ambra Perraro
Ambra Perraro is an osteopathy specialist, holding a D.O and Master’s in Osteopathy with merit from Kingstone University in the UK. She has attended a 2 years post graduate course in paediatric osteopathy and has a particular interest in treating babies.
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