Vimala McClure pioneered infant massage training in the UK after working in India in the 1970s, where she witnessed mothers of all social classes, massaging their babies as part of their daily routine. While in India, Vimala learned the art of baby massage and came to appreciate the benefits of positive touch through massage, on the physical and emotional wellbeing of babies. Vimala’s vision was to see infant massage become an ingrained part of the parenting tradition of all cultures throughout the world.
“I believe that every parent, regardless of personal philosophy, and every infant, regardless of birth history or disposition, should have the opportunity to experience the lifelong benefits that come from early bonds that are loving, healthy, and secure.” Vimala Schneider McClure
Infant Massage Benefits Babies…
The art of massage has existed for thousands of years and has been used by many cultures including the ancient Greeks, Romans and Chinese to promote good health and wellbeing for adults and children. And there’s lots of numerous studies have shown that children also benefit greatly from receiving a gentle back-rub every now and then.
Some of the key benefits of massage for babies are:
- Reduces physical, mental and emotional stress experienced by babies after a traumatic birth
- Reduces anxiety and increases the bonding between mother and child
- Induces deep relaxation and improves a baby’s sleeping patterns
- Relieves the discomfort associated with colic, teething and tummy troubles
- Improves a baby’s immune, respiratory, nervous and other systems
- Enhances cognitive and physical development
A unique part of the IAIM training is that the instructors start working with real mothers and babies within the four day training enabling them to teach mothers how to read their baby’s cues.
“Mothers with postnatal depressions did have improved relationship with their young babies, after attending a training on IAIM baby massage.”
Infant Massage Benefits Parents Too…
However, giving a massage is just as rewarding as receiving one and the benefits for parents may include:
- Increased confidence, competence and self-esteem in your role as a parent
- Alleviates the symptoms of post-natal depression
- Provides skills to help parents calm a child when she/he is distressed
- Facilitates quality bonding time with your infant and better communication between parent and child
- Improves the level of intimacy between a father and child
- Creates opportunities for improving the bond between working parents and their children
- It’s fun and relaxing
“A significantly greater proportion of mothers who attended baby massage classes showed a clinical reduction in their scores on the depression questionnaire.” (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) Richard Bowlby, University College London
“I personally feel that the IAIM infant massage classes should be offered as a routine part of the postnatal process – they should be available to every mum as standard.” Linda Pollock, Midwife
If you’d like to discover how infant massage benefits your family or the children and families you work with, take look at our IAIM Baby Massage Course.