Infant Massage Workshops

I had a question asked to me a couple of weeks ago regarding children and massage. The question was, "At what age do you suggest massage therapy?"
Excellent question! The answer is....drum roll please...at any age! In fact, I 110% believe that massage is especially beneficial to babies. This is why I hold classes for new Moms & Dads.
What, you may ask, are the benefits?
Well, first off, let me explain something. We are in a touch deprived society! What do I mean by that? Teachers are no longer able to show approval or assurance by gently touching a child on the shoulder or back for fears of sexual and physical abuse. In the working world, co-workers and employees alike are told they must only use handshakes (and even still, with all the bugs going around, we've been told that even handshakes are no-no's!) While these rules are only of good intention, we still need touch.
But did you know that studies have been done that compare North American children and children from France and their families in a normal environment for children - a play park.
The North American children were shown to receive much less touch (2 times out of 30 minutes) than the children who were studied in France (110 times in 30 minutes). To make matters worse, the North American children seemed to have higher incidences of violence towards their friends than the French children. Pretty sad that it seems we're possibly creating a violent society just by not giving our children the positive attention and love they deserve!
Another study states that we spend an average of 2 minutes per week of undivided attention with our children! TWO MINUTES! In a week!
Wow!
Okay, so the positive side to this is that it is in our hands. Literally! If we teach children from day one that positive touch, attention and communication is okay and vital then we have the chance of forming the future.
So, getting on to the benefits. Massage for infants and children can bring tremendous benefits to you and baby! For one, it supports and enhances the bonding process. Whether or not there has been an interruption in the bonding process (ie. separation from the baby due to cesarean section, preterm birth, health issues, adoption, etc), or you're a father, grandparent, or caregiver, the one on one communication through touch, eye contact and singing or talking, is an excellent tool in bonding!
Studies have shown that massage for preterm infants increases vital signs, faster weight gain, and shortens hospital stays!
Other studies have shown that massage helps babies with colic by decreasing the symptoms and incidences.
Benefits for parents? Of course! Like I said, the bonding process is one of the benefits that parents get out of massaging their infants. Not to mention, it's much more likely that one will feel more at ease with their baby/child if giving massage on a regular basis.
For now, I am going to leave it up to you to find out more on this topic. How? The best way is to get in contact with me either at Orillia Chiropractic (705) 327-7463.
I offer infant massage instruction on a one-on-one basis as well as in workshops. So if you know any other moms, dads, caregivers who are interested in a workshop, please feel free to contact me and we can discuss dates & times to arrange a class!
Keep in Touch!
Carrie Creamer RMT