Touch is the first sense to develop and this is the first way that infants begin to learn about the world around them.  One of the best ways to bond with your baby and begin the self-esteem building process is through infant massage, but this is also a

Research increasingly supports the fact that touching skin triggers hormonal reactions and may aid in the production of endorphins, the brain chemicals that deaden pain naturally while bringing feelings of happiness and heightening sensory perception.  In addition, massage boosts the immune system, improves blood circulation, aids digestion, relieves teething pain, promotes better sleeping patterns and makes a baby or child feel loved.  Studies from Sweden have shown that massage also reduces abuse, aggression and violence among children and within the family structure.

Emma Miller, D.Div, Child and Family Specialist and creator of the ¹Gentle Touch® Program advises asking your baby for permission before touching her.  "Remembering that infants are highly interactive from the beginning is an important part of not taking them for granted.”  When you ask your baby for permission to touch her, it encourages and teachers her to respond and makes her feel important and needed.  "This is the foundation for healthy self-esteem and the ability to be honest with herself and her feelings", says Emma.

Massage can also be of particular benefit to children with special needs.  It can be a powerful method of developing trust and communication in a non-threatening way, whilst stimulating energy flow and balance, promoting relaxation, relieving stress and tension and enhancing self-esteem.

If you are interested in learning the techniques, but are not sure where to begin, your health visitor or GP should be able to give you details of local infant massage sessions and courses.

Baby Massage Resources:

http://www.iaim.org.uk