HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1999-01-13, Page 10Exeter Times -Advocate
4rossroads
Wednesday, January 13, 19911
Page 9
Infant massage -the nurturing touch
The benetifts of
infant massage
LayEl
rcf�.xhnei,�
In the psycho -social
domain
Benefi ' 4 to the infant of
receiving massage
Promotes bonding and attachment
*Promotes body/mind/spirit connection
*Increases self-esteem
*Increases ,,;: nse of love, acceptance,
respect and trust
*Enhances communication
Jodie Baker massages her two -mom son Jonathon.
Infant massage is credited with
curing colic and improving the
parent-child bond.
By Kate Monk
TIMES -ADVOCATE REPORTER
EXETER — Although relatively unknown two years
ago, baby massage is becoming a popular way for
parents to bond with their babies and treat health
problems.
Rebecca Farquhar, a registered massage therapist
in Exeter, took a baby massage course in London one
and one-half years ago when very few people knew
about the technique. Now, Farquhar says the benefits
of giving infants and children massages is document-
ed in several journals.
"It's wonderful for parent-child bonding," Farquhar
explained. "It's also wonderful for colic."
Although unsure of precisely how massage treats
colic, Farquhar speculates it could increase circula-
tion around the stomach and teach the baby how to
relax.
Experts list a host of other benefits for parents and
babies from relaxation and communication to reduc-
ing discomfort from teething and improving muscle
tone co-ordination. •
Infant massage has been integrated into intensive
care units for premature babies, according to
Farquhar.
"They've found babies grow quicker and develop to
a point where they can go home sooner," she said,
adding it also allows the parents to touch the new-
borns and establish a bond.
Another study comparing six-year-old children who
were massaged from the time they were infants ver-
sus those who were not, showed the massaged chil-
dren excelled in school.
"They know how to deal with stress, are relaxed
and more attentive," Farquhar said.
Although people often think about teenage growth
spurts and growing pains, Farquhar said babies are
constantly growing so they are always undergoing
change and stress.
Parents can start massaging their infants immedi-
ately but most prefer to wait until the baby is one to
two weeks old, Farquhar said.
"The sooner you do it the better," she said. "It's
to read infant cues
n.ing
ence in perm
best to start before they can move around."
Older babies can often enjoy massages as well.
Farquhar said she recently taught massage to a
mother of a nine -month-old baby with great results
— the baby enjoyed the activities and the mother
received feedback from the baby.
The amount and type of massage varies with the
baby and parents.
"Most babies love having their legs done so we start
with that," Farquhar said, adding somemay notlike
lying on their stomachs.
"Some parents spend 10 minutes, some an, hour.
The amount you de depends on the baby," she
explained.
Mothers frequently learn the massage techniques
from Farquhar with fathers and older siblings partic-
ipating at home. It generally takes an hour for
Farquhar to teach the techniques and an instruction
book is included with the $45 fee.
Farquhar says it's up to the parents to decide what
they'd like to do but advises it's best to make infant
massage a part of the daily routine at the beginning
An ideal time is when the baby is relaxed but alert.
Some parents use the time after breakfast while
others may prefer to make it part of the bedtime -rou-
tine.
Jodie Baker of Exeter heard about infant massage
from Farquhar's mother Linda and learned the tech-
niques when her son Jonathon was two months old.
"He was gassy and fussy periodically," Baker
explained.
"It's been a good experience," Baker said. "It
seemed to have an effect and seemed to be relaxing
for him."
Although Baker used the book Farquhar provided
she found she could easily remember the techniques.
Jonathon liked the best and referred to the book
occasionally. The massage became. part of his pre -
bath routine.
Baker said once Jonathon started moving around,
the massages were more difficult and she got away
from the routine but they still do some of the tech-
niques:
Farquhar is unsure of the number of families she
has worked with but has taught four mothers in the
last two weeks. She has also taught the techniques at
the Baby and Me seminar in Clinton for new moth-
ers. /
For more information, call Farquhar at Heath First
at 235-4587.
Provides time to share anc
quality time
Promotes -parenting skills'
CH
fits to the ant of
receiving mass
*Improves body agar: , s
*Improves relaxation and re.le
a,ccurr uiated stress
Stimulates circulation
S � , 4,1 z1 ; stive, circulatory and
stems which
gain
*Reduces: tart from teething,
congestion, ` , as, colic and
emotional stress
*Improves muscle tone co-ordination
*Improves sleep patterns
*Increases hormonal function
Benefits to the parent of
•
giving massage
*Improves sense of well-being
Reduces blood pressure
Reduces. stress