We’ve known for ages that massages feel good, and it is also a well-known fact that massage therapy can help those of us suffering from tension and stress related ailments. New studies have found though, that our babies will benefit from massages as well!
Apparently massage may help small children and infants relax, sleep better and as a result cry less. Babies that are massaged regularly show lower levels of stress-related hormones in their urine compared to babies who are not massaged.
This also calls up for another important consideration: infants benefit from a stable environment in which stress is kept at a minimum. This means a supportive family, and parents who support each other. Although it seems logical, there are many couples who cause each other stress and don’t do anything about it but bring a baby into an already troubled relationship.
Having said that, massage therapy can be beneficial for the entire family and a great way for parents to bond with their new-born child. The parents themselves should not be forgotten though: massage relieves tension, and produces those “happy hormones” that makes us smile. Western society is far too concerned with “sick care” instead of “health care”, i.e. preventative health care. Massage therapy can be one way to prevent many modern diseases related to stress and anxiety disorders.
For most people, paying a registered massage therapist may not be an option though. Especially when it is not covered in your health care package. Even so, why not multitask? Whether you have (just) given birth to a new addition in your family, or you are still trying, there is no better time than now to bond with your partner. Take a massage class and spend some time together at the same time (this could even be a great gift idea with the holiday’s looming closer)!
Taking a massage class together gives you the opportunity to spend quality time with your partner (also proven to have health benefits!), and learn something that will help both of you relax and come closer together in the future.
There are also special classes for baby massages. Even if your husband rolls his eyes, try to get him to come with you. Touch is an integral part of infant-parent bonding, and uniting that with something as relaxing as a massage can be really fun for both of you to do. If you are planing to massage your infant, do talk to your doctor first about safe products to use. Because every infant is unique, your doctor may recommend whether massage is a good idea for your baby or not.
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