Infant Massage, Bonding, and the Fourth Trimester
- Kathy Morelli
- Aug 23, 2016
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 22
Infant massage can create a quiet, calming space for parents and babies to connect.
It is not a technique to “get bonding right.”It is an invitation into presence.
Research suggests that gentle, responsive touch may support bonding, emotional regulation, and reduced stress for both parent and infant. Studies show that infant massage decreases stress hormones (in both Mom & baby), reduces colic and GI symptoms, relieves muscle pains and assists recovery for preemies (Onozawa et al, 2001; Field et al, 1996).
For many families, infant massage becomes a small daily ritual — an oasis of calm time with your baby in an otherwise exhausting season.
Infant massage can create a quiet, calming space for parents and babies to connect.
Fourth trimester is a vulnerable and powerful time
The fourth trimester — those first months after birth — is biologically tender and emotionally intense. Both parent and baby are adjusting to life outside the womb.
Gentle, responsive touch can help regulate two nervous systems at once.
You're hoping to create a solid emotional bond with your baby right from the beginning. You're learning every day what it is to be a parent. You might be experiencing extreme exhaustion from lack of sleep and emotional highs and lows, exacerbated by the lack of sleep. So many decisions and so many new things to come to terms with!
Maybe you’re concerned you're not bonding with your infant. Some people mistakenly believe that human bonding occurs with sort of a single, initial, imprinting. However, human bonding and attachment takes place over time, and develops with daily access to a responsive primary caregiver. Bonding and attachment develops over time through repeated, responsive interactions — not through a single moment or technique.
Bonding is a body-based, biological and emotional experience involving touching, seeing, smelling the primary caregiver on a consistent basis. Infant massage is a wonderful way to have some calm bonding time with baby!
What research suggests
Studies have found that infant massage may:
Decrease stress hormones in both parent and baby
Improve mother–infant interaction in mothers experiencing postpartum depression
Reduce colic and gastrointestinal discomfort
Support muscle relaxation
Assist recovery and growth in premature infants
Research by Tiffany Field and colleagues has shown that massage can improve interaction patterns between mothers with postpartum depression and their babies (Field et al., 1996).
A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found improved mother–infant interaction when massage was introduced for mothers experiencing postnatal depression (Onozawa et al., 2001).
Massage supports connection when done gently and responsively.
What infant massage actually Is
Infant massage is slow, attuned touch. You watch your baby’s cues. You pause when they turn away. You continue when they soften or lean in.
It's a dialogue - a relational —dance, not something you perform.
Learning infant massage
Infant massage is good for both mom & baby’s mood. It's easy to learn; there are usually classes in local hospitals and yoga studios. For a lovely DVD on infant massage check out Massage Practice for Infants and Infant Massage: The Power of Touch.
If you’re struggling
If you are feeling persistently sad, irritable, or anxious, reach out for support. Postpartum Support International offers free resources and support in every U.S. state. You deserve support, too.
Related Articles
Bonding Through Mindfulness: Connecting With Your New Baby
Postpartum Depression: Signs and Getting Help
Sources
Field T, Grizzle N, Scafidi F, Abrams S, Richardson S. Massage therapy for infants of depressed mothers. Infant Behav Dev 1996;19:107-112.
Onozawa K, Glover V, Adams D, Modi N, Kumar RC. Infant massage improves mother-infant interaction for mothers with postnatal depression. J Affect Disord 2001;63:201-207.
Comments