Part of caring for a baby includes feeding and helping her to feel safe. A baby needs close contact and touch to promote bonding with her parents. Infant massage and breastfeeding are two ways that give care while instilling feelings of security for a baby. These measures are not only important for care but will promote a sense of connection between parent and child.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a healthy way of feeding an infant. Breastfeeding benefits both the health of babies and their mothers. For babies, breastfeeding has been shown to protect against ear infections, asthma, type 2 diabetes and childhood leukemia, reports the National Women's Health Information Center. Breastmilk provides nutrients that promote infant growth and supplies antibodies that protect against infection.
Massage
Infant massage provides muscle relaxation and soothing touch for a baby. Cultures across the world have practiced infant massage throughout history, and western societies are recognizing its benefits. Parents who spend 15 minutes per day performing infant massage find that their baby sleeps better, states Infant Massage USA. It also may relieve some symptoms of colic and constipation, as well as improve circulation and muscle tone.
Craniosacral Therapy
Many babies have difficulty with breastfeeding, causing inadequate nutrition for a baby and a painful experience for a mother. According to La Leche League International, if a baby has any type of trauma at birth, including some C-sections or use of forceps at delivery, he may have difficulty with breastfeeding. Craniosacral therapy, or CST, is an infant massage that stimulates the nerves of the head through the spine. CST has been shown to improve breastfeeding by enhancing the nerve functions of a baby's head and face, claims La Leche League International. Only qualified practitioners should perform CST.
Attachment
Breastfeeding and infant massage are important aspects of attachment by promoting the sense of touch. The skin-to-skin contact is important for babies to feel closer to their mothers, notes the Natural Family Site. Breastfeeding is an activity that provides closeness and eye contact between a mother and baby. Infant massage uses touch for relaxation, which supports closeness. A baby learns to associate the relaxing feelings of feeding and massage with her mother.
Methods
While a natural process, breastfeeding is not easy to establish for everyone, and mothers may need to take a class before beginning. Many hospitals employ lactation consultants who are available to help with breastfeeding. Mothers can perform infant massage while breastfeeding by lightly rubbing baby's legs or back during feeding. Parents may also use a little oil or lotion for a baby's skin. A small amount smoothes the skin, allowing a light touch massage to relax the baby.
