The positive effects of massage with pre-term infants have
been well documented by research. Nurses in Neonatal Intensive Care Units
(NICUs) are frequently trained in infant massage. The nurses teach parents to
use the massage to bond with and support their tiny new ones. In one study,
preterm infants who were massaged gained 47% more weight than those who weren’t
massaged. These babies also became more socially responsive and were discharged
six days earlier than babies who weren’t massaged. Massage has powerful
benefits for other babies with special needs. It increases general relaxation
and stimulates muscle tone. This is particularly helpful for babies with
cerebral palsy or other hypertonic states. It helps to regulate
hypersensitivity, often seen in drug-exposed babies. Babies with vision,
hearing or other neurological impairments may not be able to receive typical
stimulation such as smiling or singing. Nurturing touch becomes an especially
important bonding and soothing tool for families, as a way to replace the other
senses.
Baby’s Emotional Wellbeing
The physical benefits are a persuasive argument for the
importance of touch. But, there is more to a massage session than meets the
eye. The exchange of loving glances, and mirroring of facial expressions is
critical in the formation of a secure attachment between child and parent.
Recent work in the field of psychiatry has established direct links between
secure attachment, development of efficient right brain regulatory functions,
and adaptive infant mental health. Secure attachment is a direct result of
being loved, nurtured, comforted and cared for. Nurturing touch, and the
closeness that occurs during a session of massage, facilitates this connection.
Cross-cultural studies have also shown that cultures where parents use
nurturing touch there is a lower incidence of violent crime and domestic violence.