Benefits to the Parents

Just as important, baby massage builds a bond of love and caring that both parents can share. Health professionals stress that parents-not therapists-should massage their own infants, so they can spend precious moments centred on baby (especially important for working parents and those with multiple children). Fathers in particular can gain confidence in creating an emotional bond with their child through practising the techniques of baby massage.

Bonding

• Enhanced through increased eye contact.
• Increased prolactin levels-a hormone needed to produce breast milk, also known as the "mothering" hormone.
• Has been used with great results in cases of neglect and abuse. Children who have a well- nurtured childhood with strong bonding process, are less likely to resort to violence as I teenagers than the ones, who are deprived of the nurturing bonds.
• Gives you a chance to 'mirror' your love.

Entertainment

• Computer studies have shown that infants synchronize their body movements with the speech of their mothers.
• Massage enhances this response as infant and caregiver become more in 'sync' with each other.

Stress Relief

• There is a decrease in cortisol levels (stress hormone), if you routinely massage a baby, you will have a measurable decrease in your stress levels.
• Routinely practising the breathing and relaxation techniques needed to successfully do the massage will become automatic in other parts of your life.
• Many working parents have found that doing the massage, as soon as they get home, helps them to relax and "reconnect" with their baby before they start their evening routine.