Week 4: Baby massage

Question 1

What are the benefits of baby massage to the baby?

Answer 1

Many studies by Tiffany Field demonstrating benefits to pre-term babies (e.g. weight gain)
PREMM trial currently investigating neuro development in very pre-term infants
Mellow babies trial – mellowparenting Scotland•Direct skin-to-skin contact
Direct eye contact
Can help alleviate some minor complaints with the baby (.e.g. colic and teething) (Pigeon-Owen, 2007)
Encourage a close and loving relationship
Can help the baby relax/sleep therefore so can the mother

Question 2

What are the benefits of baby massage to the mother?

Answer 2

Communication through touch 
Increases mother-infant attachment 
Gain confidence in handling their baby
Improved mood 
Bonding  
Encourage a close and loving relationship

Question 3

Can baby massage help with postnatal depression?

Answer 3

Glover et al (2004) conducted a pilot study of depressed mothers to ascertain if baby massage was beneficial to maternal mood. This small study found that maternal mood improved in the experimental group (who attended baby massage classes and not in the control group).
O’Higgins et al (2008) conducted a further study but did not use a control group. They found a reduction in maternal depression scores if they had attended baby massage classes versus just attending a support group

Question 4

What oil/lotion should be used?

Answer 4

Olive oil is sometimes recommended by health practitioners (Walker 2010) but research does not confirm any benefits of this oil to the baby(Cooke et al, 2011) and should not be used (Danby et al 2013)
Sunflower oil has also been recommended (use cold compressed oil as less additives)
Mineral oil has been suggested as safe to use
Do not use coconut oil as it is a cooling oil

Question 5

What are the massage strokes?

Answer 5

Baby massage usually starts with the feet and legs and works up to the abdomen, chest arms and hands, head and face and then the back