Infant Massage by Susan

A 2 year study was conducted to examine the effect of baby massage on attachment between mothers and their newborns.

This study was carried out from June 2008 to February 2010 in a quasi-experimental design. All mothers were assessed on the first and the last days of the 38-day study period. In the experimental group, the babies received a 15-minute massage session with their parent everyday during the 38 days.

The post test mean values of the experimental group mothers were significantly higher than those of control group. There was a significant difference between groups.

The results of the study have shown that baby massage is effective in increasing the mother–infant attachment.

Five FREE promotional spots available in July 2021. Call now 082 337 0857 or leave your details. Babies 0-12 months. 5 infant massage classes over 5 weeks. Pretoria area. Infant Massage by Susan

Why your touch is great for your baby's development Your baby loves cuddles, but did you know the science behind cuddling and babies' development? Learn more in this short animation.

Infant Massage by Susan
0823370857

💜 Benefits for the Entire Family 💜

Infant massage can benefit the entire family where parents involve siblings and the extended family to massage the baby, creating positive connections between them. In IAIM classes, we teach parents due to the deep emotional bonds formed through nurturing touch, but parents can then decide who they would like to share the programme with. Massage is a lovely gift for siblings, helping to reduce sibling rivalry and giving them a positive outlet for touch and connection. It can result in increased respect, a more relaxed environment and a reduction of conflict.

Of course if baby is sleeping better too, that benefits the entire family!

Did you introduce massage with a new sibling?

'Effects of Massage Therapy on the Development of Babies Born with Down Syndrome' - new research published in May 2020 has concluded that Infant massage therapy improves the development of babies with Down Syndrome in the short term.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of implementing infant massage therapy on the global development of babies with Down syndrome, in order to compare the effect in different areas of development. Previous studies only looked at a specific area of development. Infant massage could be part of the preventive care of physiotherapy, as a complement to early care programs, ensuring the general development of the child, such as gross motor function.

The massage protocol was specifically based on the methodology created by our founder, Vimala McClure.

Results: All developmental variables were improved in the experimental group but not in the control group. There were significant differences in developmental age between the two groups, and this outcome was better in the experimental group 💜

Choosing a Massage Oil Involves
Many Considerations Including:

Cultural preference
Family tradition
Availability
Cost

Your class instructor will be familiar with oils available in your area and can help you as a parent select an oil that you and your baby will be happy with.

Generally we recommend cold pressed, unscented fruit and vegetable oils such as safflower, sunflower or fractionated coconut oil because:

They are non-toxic and safe if ingested
They can contain beneficial nutrients, such as vitamin E, which are good for the skin
They contain nutrients that help prevent rancidity
These oils are less slippery when applied, so it’s safer to handle your baby after application
They have no added scent, so infants can still enjoy their parents’ natural smell, and are not overwhelmed.

Use an oil to massage your baby that you would eat on a salad – one that is fresh, natural, pure and unscented. Perhaps you already have an appropriate oil in your kitchen. Put it in a small squeeze bottle, if possible, to prevent spills.

A 2013 study by University College London and the University of Hertfordshire, UK, confirmed the importance of human touch to healthy brain development. Researchers found that loving touch, such as a slow caress or gentle stroking increases the brain's ability to construct a sense of body ownership and plays a big part in creating and sustaining a healthy sense of self.

"As affective touch is typically received from a loved one, these findings further highlight how close relationships involve behaviours that may play a crucial role in the construction of a sense of self," said researcher Laura Crucianelli.

We all need human touch and loving affection at every stage of our lives for healthy emotional and neurobiological development.