The Research

Research into the benefits and potential concerns of infant massage has been conducted by several institutions since the mid seventies. Premature babies, infants with motor problems, and drug-addicted babies have all demonstrated positive benefits from the caring touch of infant massage, including improved digestion and weight gain, heightened neurological development, and decreased hospital stays.  

The following are excerpts from some study summaries posted at the Anatomy Facts web site: 

Regarding the babies:

"Infants who received massage therapy versus those who were rocked experienced 1) greater daily weight gain; 2) more organized sleep/wake behaviors; 3) less fussiness; 4) improved sociability and soothability, 5) improved interaction behaviors; and 6) lower cortisol and norepinephrine and increased serotonin levels (suggesting less depression)."

"Massaged newborns had fewer postnatal complications and showed increased weight gain, and better performance on the Brazelton Neonatal Behavior Assessment Scale (particularly on the motor scale), and less stress behaviors following 10 days of massage."

"Infants showed more eye contact when adults, who were smiling and cooing, also touched them as compared to infants who received smiling and cooing without touch."

"Infants with Down syndrome improved in muscle tone and in performance on motor tasks following massage therapy."

Regarding the caregivers:

"Elderly retired volunteers were assessed after giving infants massage for a month versus receiving massage for a month themselves. Results were: 1) they reported less anxiety and fewer depressive symptoms and an improved mood after giving infants massage; 2) their pulse decreased; 3) their cortisol levels decreased; and 4) they reported improved self esteem and a better lifestyle (e.g. fewer doctor visits and more social contacts) after the one month period. These effects were stronger for giving infants the massages than receiving massages themselves, suggesting that the massager can benefit from simply giving massages."

"Fathers gave their infants daily massages 15 minutes prior to bedtime for one month. The fathers in the massage group showed more optimal interaction behavior with their infants."

"Depressed mothers increased their infant's positive affect and attentiveness by providing touch stimulation."

Please contact Kim Streett today to schedule your group's infant massage classes.