Blissful Bambini | IMIS Certified Baby Massage | Sydney, Australia

The benefits of baby massage*

Please contact Alicia to discuss any aspect of baby massage.

Enhances sleep - most infants sleep for longer periods following massage and experience longer periods of deep sleep, which means they are more alert during awake time. Understandably, this is one of the favourite benefits of baby massage for many parents.

Reduces stress and anxiety - the body’s natural reaction when stressed is to release a hormone called cortisol. Regular massage can reduce cortisol levels in babies, helping them relax and feel less stressed.

Enhances attachment and bonding - massage creates a special time dedicated solely to relaxation. Parents release endorphins or happy hormones by giving a massage, which means everyone benefits.

Helps with perinatal anxiety and depression - massage is especially valuable for parents suffering perinatal anxiety and depression (commonly known as post natal depression), which can affect one in five mothers and one in 10 fathers.

Relieves discomfort - massage releases oxytocins, which reduce anxiety, and endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkiller. Massage can assist in relieving discomfort from teething, congestion, colic, reflux, wind and emotional stress.

Speeds development of brain and nervous system - skin stimulation speeds the process of myelination of the brain and nervous system improving brain-body communication and enhancing neural-cell firing.

Helps neurological development - massage provides both stimulation and relaxation for an infant, both being components of optimum learning conditions.

Stimulates digestion - massage stimulates a nerve in the brain, known as the Vagus nerve. When this nerve is stimulated, peristalsis increases. Peristalses are wave like, rhythmic contractions of the stomach and intestines that move food along the digestive tract.

Deepens respiration - the Vagus nerve's sensory fibres also supply the lungs. A study conducted at the Touch Research Institute in Florida, showed that following one month of 20 minute daily massages, asthmatic children could breathe more easily.

Promotes physical development - massage helps tone muscles and aids growth. Massage also increases babies' body and sensory awareness and assists with coordination and balance by encouraging midline orientation.

Increases circulation - massage increases circulation of blood and oxygen as well as increasing the flow of nutrients to the cells. Massage also helps with lymphatic draining.

Strengthens the immune system - massage causes a significant increase in white blood cells that help to fight infections in the body.

Preventative medicine - it is estimated that stress plays a part in 60-90% of all illnesses. Massage can help infants learn to effectively cope with stress, inturn playing a role in illness prevention.

Increases circulation - massage increases circulation of blood and oxygen as well as increasing the flow of nutrients to the cells. Massage also helps with lymphatic draining.

Teaches appropriate touch - through appropriate massage, children learn from birth that they are in charge of their own bodies.

Source *Infant Massage Information Service (IMIS)