Infant Massage

Front 1

3 benefits to the Parent who gives infant massage

Back 1

1. Aids parent in helping their child relax in times of stress
2. Improves parent-child bonding and communication
3. Promotes competence and confidence in caring for their child

Front 2

4 physical benefits to the baby who receives infant massage

Back 2

1. Releases stress, reduces 60-90% of illness which can b attributed to stress.
2. Enhances immune function & decreases production of stress hormones
3. Improves digestion, respiratory, and circulatory systems
4. Develops and improves muscle tone

Front 3

4 emotional benefits to the baby who receives infant massage

Back 3

1. Promotes self-esteem
2. Builds trust & respect
3. Enhances relaxation
4. Improves body awareness

Front 4

Describe the developmental link between the brain and the skin

Back 4

The ectoderm, one of the 3 cell 'layers' that the fertilized egg develops after implantation, develops into the skin and the brain.

There is a relationship between skin-to-skin touch and intelligence. The amount of tactile stimulation a child gets in his/her first year has a permanent impact on their brain development.

Front 5

Infant massage techniques helpful for:

Chest Congestion

Back 5

cupping with cups may help using light tapotement (tapping) in a rapid rhythm on the chest and upper back with fingertips or cupped palms of the hands

Front 6

Describe infant massage techniques helpful for:

Colds

Back 6

Light tapotement (tapping) with the fingertip pads or palms of the hands in a rapid rhythm on the chest and upper back.
Using fingertip begin at junction of eye and nose, press for 2 seconds, then release. Work down along the edge of the nose, where it meets the cheek, to the bottom of the nose. Then beginning at the edge of the nose, press and release above the cheekbone, working out to the jawbone.
Repeat below the cheekbone.

Front 7

Describe infant massage techniques helpful for:

Constipation

Back 7

Massage the abdomen in a clockwise direction (right to left). Continue for 10 minutes or more if possible as this is most effective.

Front 8

Describe infant massage techniques helpful for:

Crying

Back 8

Check to see if needs are met first.
then perform 5 S's (Swaddle, Side or Stomach Lying, "SHHH"ing, swaying, sucking on a pacifier or breastfeeding)

Front 9

Describe infant massage techniques helpful for:

Diarrhea

Back 9

Happen most often when baby's are teething.
To slow down elimination massage the abdomen in a counter-clockwise motion for 10 minutes or more.

Front 10

Describe infant massage techniques helpful for:

Fever

Back 10

Use gentle but brisk massage strokes, using warm water instead of oil. You are working to bring warmth to the skin, which will cool as the water evaporates.

Front 11

Describe infant massage techniques helpful for:

Hiccups

Back 11

Gentle pressure around the phrenic nerve on the sides of the neck at the level of cervical vertibras 3,4,and 5 working down toward the sternum may help release the spasm of the diaphram

Front 12

Describe infant massage techniques helpful for:

Sinus Congestion

Back 12

Use your index finger or thumbs on each side of the nose and stroke down the nose from the inside ridges of the eye sockets. Then move outward along the cheekbone. Stop along the way and hold pressure for 5-10 seconds at sensitive areas.