Touch

Did you know that of all of the senses, touch is the very first to develop in utero? And of all of the senses it is the last to leave when you pass away? Now think of all that happens between the very first and the very last touch. It is a sense that spans a lifetime and one of the many reasons infant massage has made such an impact on babies—one of which is the deep connection an infant who has been massaged has as they grow into adults.

In the process of becoming a Certified Educator of Infant Massage {CEIM} we were to write essays on research articles that were impactful in how the sense of touch is used in relation to child growth and development. As you can imagine, the effects of infant massage on the ability of babies to gain weight was intriguing to me as a lactation consultant working with breastfeeding babies. You can find many research articles on the numerous different benefits of infant massage—for both babies and parents actually. The most intriguing to me being the difference in increased weight gain of massaged infants versus those who were not massaged. The studies of children in developing countries were noted by early founders of infant massage and truly fascinating. It leads to question the use of touch in the weight gain of premature babies in our country as well.

As Shine Lactation + Postpartum Support became a reality, the collaboration of infant massage and lactation consulting just made sense. I am excited to begin offering these classes and to hear of the benefits families will see for their babies and themselves!

Thank you to Isaac, Palmer, Sienna, Madi, and Miles! You were the perfect baby guinea pigs and an important key to my certification completion. (and the parents that brought them each week!) I can’t wait to add more names to the list of babies and families that will benefit from Infant Massage.

What the families had to say…

“I feel like he’s gotten more cuddly since we started. The stomach and face massage was very helpful as we worked through sickness this past month”

“I do feel closer.”

“Stomach issues and constipation have been helped. Head massage has soothed her. I have been able to soothe her better which has resulted in less crying—so more trust established.”

“She became more responsive to the massage and to touch! It gives us another means of connection and builds relationship.”

“Stephanie knew a lot about baby development.”

If you have interest in learning massage for your baby or know someone who might benefit I would love to talk with you. Check here for more information: https://www.shine-lactation.com/infant-massage-information

Classes in McPherson beginning in June.