Infant Massage Benefits Mom and Baby

When my daughter was a newborn, she cried – a lot. She never wanted to sleep in more than 30 minute increments, and she wanted to be held constantly. Breastfeeding seemed to be the only thing that soothed her, so like a lot of new moms, I spent those first few months of motherhood with an infant literally attached to me almost 24 hours a day.

In the beginning, I thought my daughter was always hungry, but I soon realized that, at times, it was simply the connection – the feeling of warmth and security that came from being in my arms – that she craved.

Babies are born with an intense need for skin-to-skin contact, and touch is a powerful tool that parents and caregivers can use to soothe and comfort fussy infants as they gradually acclimate to the strange, new world around them.

In fact, it is the simple act of touch that has the power to reduce crying, encourage relaxation, and promote parent-child attachment – all through an age-old practice known as infant massage.

What Is Infant Massage?

The tradition of infant massage has been part of ancient cultures for centuries, but has only recently gained popularity in the Western world – thanks in large part to the work of a woman named Vimala McClure.

It was McClure’s observation of babies being massaged in poverty-stricken areas of India in the 1970’s that inspired her to learn more, and eventually found the International Association of Infant Massage. Today, the Association has chapters throughout the world, including Infant Massage USA here in the United States.   

Curious about infant massage but intimidated by the practice? Don’t be. According to popular pediatrician Dr. William Sears, “massage is a touch you do with your baby, not to your baby. It's an interaction, not a task. You learn which strokes your baby enjoys and, as if dancing, go with the flow of your baby's body language.”

Suzanne Tucker, a St. Louis-based Physical Therapist and Certified Educator of Infant Massage (CEIM), agrees. “I teach parents how to do it,” she says of the infant massage classes she offers at Kangaroo Kids in Glendale. “What better person than you to hold your baby’s hand (quite literally) and let them know in no uncertain terms YES!!! The world is a safe and nurturing place because you are in it with them.”

Benefits of Infant Massage

The tremendous benefits of infant massage are well-documented. According to a study conducted by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine, infants who are massaged for just 15 minutes a day cry less and exhibit less stress than those who are not (and what new parent doesn’t appreciate less crying?)

In another study, fathers who gave their babies massages before bedtime were found to be “more expressive and showed more enjoyment and more warmth during floor-play interactions with their infants.”

According to Tucker, the primary benefits of infant massage for babies can be divided into four main categories – Stimulation, Relaxation, Relief and Bonding. Massage reduces infant stress and promotes increased parental interaction, and also aids in digestion, respiration, and waste elimination. In addition, it helps to boost baby’s immune system and makes baby feel secure and loved.

And don’t forget that infant massage benefits parents too. New parents in particular can easily become overwhelmed by the life-altering challenge of being solely responsible for a tiny, helpless newborn. Infant massage helps caregivers learn to understand and respond to their baby’s cues, and develop more confidence in their own ability to meet their baby’s needs.   

Learning the Art of Infant Massage

If you’re interested in learning the art of infant massage, classes are highly recommended. In Tucker’s classes at Kangaroo Kids, for example, you’ll learn everything you need to know to become your baby’s own personal massage therapist. Classes are just $10 a week, and are held on Friday mornings from 10 to 11 a.m. The following 4-part series repeats on a regular basis:

• Week 1 - Feet and Legs
• Week 2 - Tummy (aids with digestion and sleep)
• Week 3 - Chests and Arms
• Week 4 - Face and Back

All ages are welcome (including teething and fussy babies too), but Tucker finds that newborns through pre-crawlers tend to do best in the class setting. Older siblings are always welcome to attend, and in addition to learning about infant massage, you’ll have the opportunity to socialize and connect with other parents from around St. Louis.

“For me, my infant massage classes are really about inspiring connection,” says Tucker, “not only between parent and child, but also to your new role as a parent, and to the broader support system that so many new parents desperately need. So many moms tell me they were so glad to have something to look forward to weekly outside the home during those first few weeks/months with their babies.”

“It’s a great thing to do with your baby,” she concludes. “But guess what? It’s great for you too.”

To learn more about infant massage and what it actually looks like, visit the Infant Massage page on Tucker’s My Mommy Manual website. You can also RSVP for classes and learn more by joining her My Mommy Meetup Group, or by texting/calling Suzanne at 314-495-2009.   

Watch Tucker demonstrate infant massage on Great Day St. Louis:

By Alyssa Chirco, SmartMama blogger for SmartParenting

Alyssa Chirco is a St. Louis freelance writer, mother and margarita lover, not necessarily in that order. In addition to writing for St. Louis Kids, she is Contributing Editor for Parenting Squad, writes regularly about parenting and family for Lifetime Television's The Balancing Act, and firmly believes there are few problems in life that cannot be solved with a good margarita.