The baby massage course is run at Craftea on a Tuesday by Laura of ‘Baby Lemonade Massage”.
Baby massage is a delightful way to spend time with your baby and can also aid in bonding with them. Before babies can understand language, touch is often used to communicate and soothe them. For instance, when a baby cries, they are typically held, cuddled, or stroked by their parents. Baby massage is an extension of this instinctive action. It involves the gentle, rhythmic stroking of your baby’s body with your hands. During a massage routine, you may softly rotate your baby’s ankles, wrists, and fingers. Softly talking, humming, or singing to your baby during the massage can also foster a tranquil and reassuring environment.
Introduced around 30 years ago in neonatal wards, baby massage was aimed at aiding the development of premature infants in intensive care. A 2004 study indicated that massaged infants in intensive care units had shorter hospital stays, marginally improved developmental test scores, and slightly fewer postnatal complications.
Presently, it is widely believed that baby massage may enhance a mother’s awareness of her infant’s needs and foster an early bond, as well as potentially boost her well-being if she is experiencing postnatal depression or other mental health challenges. Although the evidence on these benefits is not definitive, many parents report that baby massage is a wonderful way to connect with their newborn.