At Infant Massage USA we talk a lot about the importance of nurturing touch. Here we’d like to explain a bit more about what nurturing touch is and how it can impact development.
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“Infant massage is one tool we have to help reshape our child’s interpretations of the world, to release her pain, grief, and fear, and to open her up to love and joy.”
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Several years ago, a student in my training shared that her mother had massaged her when she was a baby and that she was a CIMI/CEIM.
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A list of resources for families and those in early childhood professions during the COVID19 crisis, including free e-books, support hotlines, webinars and more.
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Like you, we are monitoring the COVID-19 coronavirus across the US as well as the world. As a community brought together by the importance of touch this is particularly impactful and our hearts go out to all those who have been affected.
Below you will find a list of suggestions and resources …
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This study aimed to determine whether a blended Infant Massage–Parenting Enhancement Program improved maternal psychosocial health outcomes (parenting stress, depressive symptoms, self-esteem, maternal attachment) and maternal-infant interaction among substance-addicted mothers…
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Watch this informational presentation by our Trainer Dr. Vonda Jump, Certified International Trainer and Assistant Professor at Utah State University, on her work with infant massage in the United States, Ecuador, Haiti and India.
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Infant massage programs have proved to be effective in enhancing post-natal development of highly risk infants, such as preterm newborns and drug or HIV exposed children.
Less studies have focused on the role of infant massage in supporting the co-construction of early adult–child relationships. …
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As an occupational therapist and CEIM working in a NICU (Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit), my job may be quite different from many CEIMs around the world. I wanted to share with you some insight into the world of premature infants and specifically what infant massage looks like in the NICU. ...
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Postpartum depression (PPD) strikes one in eight women.
Mothers of premature infants are at especially high risk for PPD because of the amount of stress involved in a premature birth and in caring for the infant in the NICU. ...
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PROFESSIONAL/RESEARCH: PEER REVIEWED - The sensitivity of early interactions, conveyed through eye contact, voice tone, facial expression and gentle touch is an essential element in the development of neural connections, affect and behavioural regulation, and secure attachments. ...
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Children who experience more functional touch and less aggressive touch were less likely to show symptoms of poor psychological adjustment.
These findings are consistent with the assumption that children of parents who are more responsive, including through touch, are less likely to suffer from emotional and behavioral problems …
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It is estimated that 1 in 110 children in the US are considered to have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) which includes autism, Asperger’s syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder – not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). This means that most people know someone whose family is affected by ASD and most Certified Educators of Infant Massage (CEIMs) will work with a baby or child who will be diagnosed with ASD. ...
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“So what is Colic?” and “How many different cries does a baby have?” are the two questions I am most frequently asked. What parents really want to know is: What causes colic, and how is colic defined and diagnosed. How can I make it go away? Underlying all the questions is the biggie: Is it my fault? The answers are more complicated than you might think. ...
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PROFESSIONAL/RESEARCH: PEER REVIEWED - Kangaroo care has had positive effects on autonomic behavior and state. The state dimension of neurobehavioral organization involves the preterm neonate's ability to make smooth transitions between the sleep, quiet, and awake phases, and to maintain the most desirable state of quiet sleep. ...
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Infant massage helps infants become more regulated. This is the greatest need for most of the infants in the foster care system. Because the infant’s service plan is often to return home he/she may have parental visitation visits which may also include other family members. ...
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Human babies are born helpless, needing to be entirely cared for and protected. Luckily, they are born with all the necessary tools and “instructions” to attain such care for themselves, and to become a loved and loving part of their family and society. ...
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As parents, we know the first five years of a child’s life are the foundation for developing knowledge, skills, behavior and emotions. One of the first ways babies experience the world is through touch – making their tender, delicate skin, and its care, so significant to their overall health and development. ...
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For further reading, we suggest exploring work by the following Researchers & Facilities -
Dr. T. Berry Brazelton
Sue Ludington-Hoe
…
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