Touch is a powerful element in human bonding, and infant massage has been called a “dance” between a parent and a baby.
The first sense is touch, Shannon Robinson, Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre's (CFEC) Early Years program home visitor, explains.
"Appropriate touch is emotional food for our children."
Robinson holds infant massage sessions free at the CFEC once a week for four weeks. The program starts when Robinson has eight to 12 people interested in attending.
Fathers can especially benefit from infant massage, she says, as it gives them time to connect and interact with their child on a deeper level than day-to-day contact provides.
The outside world can be stressful for newborns; massage helps the baby feel soothed and relaxed. Another benefit is the babies may sleep better and longer, says Robinson.
"I use a doll to demonstrate the massage techniques, and at the same time, discuss the benefits. The sessions are a support group as well, and one mother of a colicky baby says she truly believes the massage has helped."
For more information, call Robinson at CFEC at 250-395-5155.