In honor of May and mothers who experience depression, I want to discuss the benefit that massage therapy can have.  Unlike drug treatments that medical doctors might prescribe, massage has no negative side affects to a mother or nursing baby.  It is gentle, safe and effective.  Women who receive massage therapy during pregnancy have less pain and lowered stress levels.  This translates to the fetus’ and the infant’s stress hormones are also reduced.  We can continue these affects after birth with postpartum massage  and infant massage.

Massage for moms helps to reduce pain and trigger points developed during pregnancy, allowing her body to quickly transition back to its pre-pregnancy state.  It aids in the balance of hormones, which play an important role in depression.  Massage can help regulate sleep and induce relaxation.  Without proper rest it is very hard for the body and mind to heal.  Fatigue is a contributing factor to depression.  And most beneficial is the ability of massage therapy to reduce the stress hormone cortisol which puts stress on all body systems.  Taking time to receive massage gives Mom time for herself, where she can be nurtured with healing touch and be able to offer more nurturing care to her new child.  Infant massage can help to lessen the effects of postpartum depression.  Through massage a mother learns to calm the discomforts of the infant from digestive issues and colic.  Massage has the same affects on baby as they do on the mother, balanced hormones, reduced stress levels and enhanced sleep.

A relaxed baby means a baby that cries less and therefore a relaxed mom.   Performing infant massage enhances the bond between mother and child.  Communication becomes clearer because mom can learn to identify the body language and other cues their baby uses to express themselves.  With this understanding she will have more confidence in her new role as a mother.  Shalon Da~Nai, LMT is Certified in Prenatal and Postpartum Massage Therapy.  She offers one on one Infant Massage classes to parents and caregivers.
All appointments and classes can be scheduled online at ShalonLMT.com or http://www.healinghandsnh.com/massage-therapy/massage-therapy-online-booking/

Links

www.postpartum.net

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/471895_4 for research on Massage/infant Massage for postpartum

To reach the Postpartum emotional support group  call 603-663-8927

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For parents & caregivers

By Shalon Da~Nai, LMT

Massaging your baby can be of great benefit to their health and development. Many new babies are

coming home with digestive sensitivities causing gas or acid reflux. Some are prescribed Prilosec and

take it daily through their infancy and into the toddler years. Massage is a tool that empowers parents

to help their child through these painful issues. Performing infant massage on a daily basis will help to

alleviate these symptoms without the side affects involved with meds.

Benefits of Infant Massage

~improves circulation

~enhances sleep

~soothes digestion

~reduces stress

~assists development of the nervous system

~secures a stronger bond between parent and child

Not only does massage sooth and comfort your child, it creates an intimate space to really connect and

bond with them. You will become more aware of the subtle cues your baby uses to communicate, such

as sounds, facial expressions and body language. This makes you able to identify their needs easier

and reduces frustration for both of you.

Infant massage is wonderful for fathers to learn as well. A Mother already has the bond of carrying the

baby and the further bonding of breastfeeding. Regular touch allows fathers the time to form those

physical bonds and a deeper connection to their child.

Healing Hands offers small, intimate classes in a comfortable setting. This is a 2 hour, hands on class

for expecting parents or parents with infants 3 weeks to crawling. Other caregivers are also welcome.

For Class you will need to bring…

~Your baby, or a doll

~2 Body towels

~extra Diapers

~toys

Schedule & Rates

$60 per child/couple

Saturday August 22nd 1pm-3pm

Saturday October 3rd 1pm-3pm

Please call the office at (603) 434-3456 to register.

The post Infant Massage Class in Londonderry, NH appeared first on Healing Hands Chiropractic Manchester, NH.