Infant Massage for Parents and Caregivers

IECC May 8th & 9th, 2014

Jacqueline Rosquita, MOT, OTR/L, CIMI

Irene Bryant, PT, DPT, CIMI

UW Medicine Valley Medical Center Children’s Therapy

Introduction

Presenter background Certified Infant Massage Instructor

(CIMI) International Loving Touch Foundation Financial Disclosures

Course Objectives

Explain 2 benefits of infant massage Identify three cues the baby exhibits

that let the caretaker know it is an appropriate time to provide massage

Perform head to toe stroke sequences with or without handouts as a support.

Group Introduction

What is your personal goal for the course

How will you apply this material with your infant or child

What is Infant Massage

“The art of infant massage is a special touching we do WITH our babies, not TO our babies. It is a reciprocal interactive form of communication. It should be done only as long as the infant is interested.” -Diana Moore1

What is Infant Massage

“Infant massage is positive interaction between caregiver and infant using systematic manual manipulation of soft tissues of the body.” -Diana Moore1

Infant Massage Worldwide

Global practice that has evolved over the last 5000 years1

Cultural Influences

Traditionally passed down from mothers to daughters

Cultural traditions and significance of direct skin and body contact1,2

Evolution of baby products reduces skin to skin contact3

Benefits of Infant Massage

Stimulation1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8

Weight gain Immune system improvement Brain myelination Respectful stimulation of multiple sensory systems Growth Hormone production Improved cell nourishment Improved circulation

Benefits of Infant Massage

Relaxation1,3,4,9

Pain management Reduces stress levels Co-regulation

Benefits of Infant Massage

Relief1,2,3,8

Improves intestinal motility Helps with sleep disorders Colic Constipation Teething pain

Benefits of Infant Massage

Developmental1,2,3,4,5

Bonding/Attachment Early communication Promotes alert state and engagement

in environment Improves body awareness/body map

Infant Cues

Engagement Mutual gaze Brow raising/facial brightening Reaching/turning toward caregiver Babbling/giggling Relaxed body

Infant Cues

Disengagement Gaze aversion Arching pulling/pushing away Clenching or stiffness in body Hiccoughs/yawning/rapid breathing

Getting Ready for Massage

Be clear about your intention Allow enough time Good time of day for baby

Alert  Allow time after eating Pair it with a daily ritual

Getting Ready for Massage

Prepare the space Improves well being in caregiver

Warm Quiet

Turn off electronics Blanket, oil, towels Parent positioned comfortably  Remove clothing (diaper optional) Eye contact and gentle strokes Ask your baby's permission

Massage Sequence (handouts)

Legs and Feet Tummy Chest Arms and Hands Face Back

Massage for the Child with Special Needs1

Contact primary care provider prior to initiation of massage

Be aware of contraindications Establish a massage routine (time of day, place, etc) Minimize additional stimulation (parent clothing,

lighting, music) Explain to child the what and why during and to

prepare for next step Child is in control

Resources

1. Moore, D. (2010). CIMI Certified infant massage instructor workbook for the Loving Touch Parent-Infant Massage Program, 8th ed. Portland, OR: International Loving Touch Foundation.

2. Field, T. (2003). Touch. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.

3. Heller, S.(1987). The vital touch. New York, NY: Holt Paperback.

4. Heath A, Bainbridge N. (2004). Baby massage: The calming power of touch. New York, NY: DK Publishing Inc.

5. Field, T., Schanberg, S., Scafidid, F., Bauer, C., Vega-Lahr, N., Garcia, R., Nystrom, J., Kuhn, C. (1986). Tactile/Kinesthetic stimulation effects on preterm neonates. Pediatrics, 77 (5), 654-658.

6. Mendes, E., Procianoy, R. (2008). Massage therapy reduces hospital stay and occurrence of late-onset sepsis in very preterm neonates. Journal of Perinatology, July, 815-820.

7. Field, T., Diego, M., Hernandez-Reif, M., Dieter, J., Kumar, A., Schanberg, S., Kuhn, C. (2008). Insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 Increased in preterm neonates following massage therapy. Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, 29, 463-466.

8. Diego, M., Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M. (2005). Vagal activity, gastric motility, and weight gain in massaged preterm neonates. Journal of Pediatrics, July, 50-55.

9. Jain, S., Kumar, P., McMillan, D. (2006). Prior leg massage decreases pain responses to heel stick in preterm babies. Journal of Pediatrics and Child Health, 42, 505-508.

Discussion

How will you apply this material with your infant or child

Questions?

Thank you!

Course Evaluation