Women's Center
Childbirth
NICU
INFANT
MASSAGE
Lastly, research has shown that Infant Massage can help relieve stress for your
baby, while helping it to gain weight, become more developmentally mature, and
strengthen it's ability to fight infection.
Parents also benefit
as they learn how to communicate with and gain greater confidence in handling
their baby. Parents tell us it helps to reduce their own stress as well.
Infant Massage
may begin when your baby is 32 weeks gestation, weighs over 2.2 pounds, is clear
of any stomach or blood infections and bleeding problems. The classes are free
to NICU parents. They are held for one hour with a Certified Infant Massage
Instructor. For a listing of class dates each month, refer to the board across
from the NICU sink. Your baby's nurse can assist you in registering for the
class.
Benefits to Baby
. . . Physically
- Helps to organize their behavior
- Increases their weight gain
- Relaxes a fussy baby, allows it to sleep better
- Helps to strengthen and regulate their primary systems i.e. circulatory,
respiratory, central nervous system
- Benefits a variety of medical conditions
- Stimulates their immune system, especially early years
- Strengthens muscles
Benefits to Baby
. . . Emotionally
- Better interaction
- Increases their trust in parents
- Helps healing from negative touch
Benefits to Parents
. . .
- Opportunity to bond with baby
- Reduces your stress
- Increases your confidence in care of baby
- Helps you to understand your baby's cues more
- It empowers you to strengthen baby's health
- Gives opportunity to nurture baby with compassion and respect
- It acquaints you with your baby's body
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