Infant massage provides mental, emotional, and physical benefits for both parents and children. It allows for quiet bonding time, strengthens the parent-child connection, and helps calm and soothe the baby. Studies have shown that infant massage decreases stress hormones, increases relaxing hormones, slows heart rate and blood pressure, and promotes physical, emotional, and behavioral growth. The practice involves gentle, predictable movements and maintaining eye contact and a soft tone to encourage relaxation and bonding.

1. Infant Massage Promote health & wellbeing of parent and child Image from Fair Oaks Massage Institute Cathleen Nichols HW420-03 Presentation

2. Introduction Infant massage provides – Mental fitness benefits Quite togetherness Bonding Emotional connection Physical calm & soothing touch

3. Mental Fitness During this time cultivate a quiet mind Allow thought patterns to physically relax and calm the body Regulate the flow of negative and positive energy through the body

4. Studies Show Benefits to both parent and child Infant massage Decreases stress hormone circulation Increases circulation of melatonin Slows heart rate and blood pressure Physical, emotional and behavioral growth Field, T. (1996). Evans, L. (1990). Scholz, K. (1992).

5. Quiet Togetherness Dedicate a special time daily for massage Play soothing music (soft sounds) Keeps lights low or use natural lighting (candles, setting sun) Limit distractions

6. Bonding Talk to baby in a soft tone Keep one hand on baby at all times Smile and encourage baby Maintain eye contact with baby

7. Emotional Connection Set an intention for the practice (this can be anything you would like) for example ‘today I focus on bringing calm, self soothing spirit to my baby and me’ ‘today I reflect on a peaceful and quiet mind so that we may hear what is important’ ‘today I send all the loving and positive feelings present within me to my child’

8. Physical Calm & Soothing Touch may be over stimulating to baby at first each session should last only as long as baby is enjoying it use slow, gentle, predictable patterns Avoid quick, sporadic movements with time baby will enjoy longer sessions practice regularly

9. Summary Commit to the practice of infant massage Strengthen connection with baby and one self Master a quiet mind Send and receive loving and peaceful energy Enjoy!

10. References University of Warwick (2006, November 9). Research Says Massage May Help Infants Sleep More, Cry Less And Be Less Stressed. ScienceDaily . Retrieved March 5, 2010, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2006/11/061108154347.htm Schneider, E.F. (2003). Touch Communication, The Power of Infant Massage. Retrieved March 5, 2010 from http://www.healthyfamily.org/cs/user/print/article/2 Dellinger-Bavolek, J. (2005). Infant Massage: Communicating Love Through Touch. Retrieved March 5, 2010 from http://www.nurturingparenting.com/research_validation/a8_infant_massage.pdf