What IS infant massage and why is it important for all mothers but ESPECIALLY for those with POST-NATAL DEPRESSION?

I came across the modality of infant massage after beginning my studies in Ayurveda (ancient practice of healthcare, typically referred to as ‘Indian medicine’ but upon translation from Sanskrit means ‘the science of life’).

In Ayurveda, the practice of self-massage called Abhyanga, forms an important treatment for balancing the body; but especially important for a woman during her pregnancy and post-birth.

After delivering a baby, the body has an aggravation or imbalance to her Vata dosha body system; pertaining to excess air and space from the very act of birthing this beautiful baby into the world.

According to Ayurveda, this excess in the air and space elements gives rise to certain symptoms of excessive movement and activity, especially within the nervous system. This then produces symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety and depression…hello post-natal depression?!

From an Ayurvedic perspective, by adding warmth, oiliness/oleation and smoothness from the oil used (typically warmed cold-pressed sesame oil, however there are several Ayurvedic preparations available), it works to pacify this imbalance by bringing the opposite aspects of the earth and fire elements.

Bringing these qualities works to nourish…rejuvenate and pacify this excess movement and can help this woman reduce her symptoms of anxiety, insomnia and depression that ensues.

Typically, the first 40 days after birth are the most sacred, or focussed on this rebalancing of the system. However, the practice of self-massage is an important part of recommendations of daily practices for all people experiencing the effects of this Vata dosha imbalance; so forms an important part of a daily routine from an Ayurvedic perspective.

I absolutely loved this rationale and it felt so incredibly nourishing and beautiful! It felt like an understanding of the huge change that our bodies endure after growing and then birthing our babies, that feel so divinely feminine in holding our women in a very sacred space and to ‘rebuild’ her system from an elemental and very basic foundation again.

It illustrates that beautiful tribal hold that a woman requires from her ‘village’ to support her in this journey from maiden to matrescence…in such an organic and nourishing way!

So, I absolutely revelled in supporting this practice to help mothers with post-natal depression; in order to support her nervous system and to bring about calm and relaxation to her stretched system…so I wanted to know and devour more!

I then stumbled across Infant Massage Information Service (IMIS) based in Sydney when I finally moved back home. I went on to gain qualifications as a PMC (Paediatric Massage Consultant) and a CIMI (Certified Infant Massage Instructor) as I wanted to gather as many tools as I could to help mothers get through their PND journey with as much lightness and ease as possible.

I wanted to make this my life’s mission…

What I learned from this beautiful modality of infant massage; is that it brings so many healing aspects that are so relevant to mothers with post-natal depression that I want to shout it from the rooftops!!

I thought, that if massage can support the woman’s healing…then surely touch between a mother and her baby would be so healing too!

And what I learned…was just that.

The benefits that infant massage can bring to both the mother and baby…are undeniable.

So, what exactly are the benefits?

What I learned from the Infant Massage Information Service (IMIS) is that it can do the following;

+ It can enhance bonding and attachment for both mother and baby (SO CRUCIAL in PND! Actually, one of the most unspoken symptoms of PND, that this is a vital tool!)

+ It can increase the neurotransmitters Serotonin and Dopamine for both mother and baby; which can enhance mood, reduce anxiety and can help sleep (so important in the biochemical warfare that happens in post-natal depression as a result of changes in hormones…so this is a very important effect)

+ It can increase Oxytocin, the ‘love hormone’ for both mother and baby (hello connection and ‘feel good’ emotions; again so critical in this cruel dis-connection that occurs from the barrage of hormones and biochemistry of PND)

+ It can reduce Cortisol, the ‘stress hormone’ for both mother and baby (reducing the ‘fight-or-flight’ response of the sympathetic nervous system; which can assist in sleep and reduced aggravation and anxiety)

+ It can strengthen the immune system of the baby and reduce crying

+ It can increase weight gain for low birth weight babies (this can reduce the stress that ensues from low birth weight and being labelled ‘failure to thrive’…one of the many things that caused anxiety in my breastfeeding journey)

+ It can act as a pain reliever by ‘enhancing endorphins’ which can be helpful for colic, teething and wind

+ It can enhance the vagal nerve activity, which is the biggest nerve in the gut-brain axis. This can positively affect the digestive, respiratory and circulatory systems (the vagal nerve is connected with the production of GABA which is the inhibitory neurotransmitter associated with anxiety, so this is a very promising effect)

+ It can enhance the confidence and self-esteem for the mother that they are able to provide comfort (again, how good is this?!

When mothers are feeling low and inept, anything that will enhance any confidence is so beneficial and important to provide some respite with postnatal depression)

For me, learning this modality makes me want to scream from the rooftops as to how many benefits massaging your baby can bring when you are feeling down and out from PND.

I remember I did the bare-minimum and was stuck festering and ruminating on how terrible I felt in my silent and closed room…had I participated in massaging my babies, my connection and biochemistry may have returned to equilibrium sooner or at least allow subtle healing and less pain for my entire household.

It is a simple, yet beautifully connective piece in the puzzle of supporting women and their children with post-natal depression; something that I am so passionate about sharing to the world at large!

admin

admin

126 thoughts on “What IS infant massage and why is it important for all mothers but ESPECIALLY for those with POST-NATAL DEPRESSION?”

  5. gate io kimlik doğrulama süresi

    I am a student of BAK College. The recent paper competition gave me a lot of headaches, and I checked a lot of information. Finally, after reading your article, it suddenly dawned on me that I can still have such an idea. grateful. But I still have some questions, hope you can help me.

    Reply
  8. gateio

    I may need your help. I’ve been doing research on gate io recently, and I’ve tried a lot of different things. Later, I read your article, and I think your way of writing has given me some innovative ideas, thank you very much.

    Reply
  30. gateio

    I have read your article carefully and I agree with you very much. This has provided a great help for my thesis writing, and I will seriously improve it. However, I don’t know much about a certain place. Can you help me?

    Reply
  100. MichaelAlany

    To read true to life dispatch, ape these tips:

    Look in behalf of credible sources: http://mylifestyle.us/wp-content/pgs/how-to-remove-taboola-news-from-android-phone.html. It’s high-ranking to secure that the newscast source you are reading is reliable and unbiased. Some examples of reliable sources tabulate BBC, Reuters, and The Modish York Times. Announce multiple sources to get a well-rounded understanding of a discriminating news event. This can improve you carp a more ideal display and keep bias. Be hep of the perspective the article is coming from, as flush with respected telecast sources can be dressed bias. Fact-check the dirt with another source if a expos‚ article seems too lurid or unbelievable. Always fetch sure you are reading a advised article, as expos‚ can change-over quickly.

    By following these tips, you can evolve into a more in the know rumour reader and more intelligent apprehend the world everywhere you.

    Reply
  101. MichaelAlany

    To understand present dispatch, ape these tips:

    Look fitted credible sources: https://w1000w.com/wp-content/pages/where-da-at-doe-news-anchor.html. It’s eminent to secure that the news outset you are reading is worthy and unbiased. Some examples of reliable sources tabulate BBC, Reuters, and The Different York Times. Review multiple sources to get a well-rounded sentiment of a particular info event. This can support you return a more ended paint and keep bias. Be aware of the angle the article is coming from, as constant respected news sources can contain bias. Fact-check the gen with another origin if a scandal article seems too lurid or unbelievable. Always fetch inevitable you are reading a fashionable article, as news can change-over quickly.

    By following these tips, you can befit a more informed rumour reader and best be aware the cosmos around you.

    Reply
  103. JarvisHaigh

    Эмпайр скважин на водичку – это процесс произведения отверстий в течение почве для извлечения находящийся под землей вод. Сии скважины используются чтобы хозпитьевой вода, полива растений, промышленных надобностей равным образом других целей. Эпидпроцесс бурения скважин подсоединяет в течение себя эксплуатация специализированного оборудования, подобного яко буровые блоки, тот или иной проходят в матушку-землю и основывают отверстия: https://anotepad.com/notes/662sr9qw. Настоящие скважины обычно владеют глубину от нескольких десятков ут пары сотен метров.
    После создания скважины, умельцы коротают тестирование, чтоб раскрыть ее производительность и штрих воды. Через некоторое время щель снабжается насосом (а) также иными государственное устройство, чтобы гарантировать постоянный путь для воде. Бурение скважин сверху воду выказывается важным ходом, яже обеспечивает впуск. ant. выход к чистой питьевой восе и утилизируется в течение разных секторах экономики промышленности. Что ни говорите, этот эпидпроцесс что ль насчитать отрицательное суггестивность на охватывающую слой, то-то необходимо хранить сообразные правила а также регуляции.

    Reply
  104. AngelSlivy

    Эмпайр скважин сверху водичку – это процесс творенья отверстий в течение земле для извлечения находящийся под землей вод, коие смогут применяться чтобы разных мишеней, включая питьевую водичку, увлажнение растений, промышленные нищенствования да другие: http://budtrader.com/arcade/members/cracknoise9/activity/3857124/. Для бурения скважин используют специализированное ясс, таковское яко буровые конструкции, которые проходят в течение землю да создают дыры глубиной через пары десятков ут пары сторублевок метров.
    Через некоторое время произведения скважины прочерчивается тестирование, чтобы сосчитать нее эффективность а также штрих воды. Через некоторое время скважина оборудуется насосом и еще прочими доктринами, чтобы вооружить хронический посещение для воде. Хотя бы эмпайр скважин на воду играет хорошую роль в течение обеспечении прохода для непорочною питьевой водево а также используется в течение различных отраслях промышленности, текущий процесс может показывать отрицательное воздействие сверху находящуюся вокруг среду. То-то что поделаешь соблюдать соответствующие философия а также регуляции.

    Reply
  105. DanielUnaft

    Europe is a continent with a on easy street representation and mixed culture. Life in Europe varies greatly depending on the state and область, but there are some commonalities that can be observed.
    Harmonious of the defining features of memoirs in Europe is the strong force on work-life balance. Profuse European countries have laws mandating a sure amount of vacation all together for workers, and some procure yet experimented with shorter workweeks. This allows as a replacement for more in good time spent with family and pursuing hobbies and interests.
    https://kommstdu-hierher.de/wp-includes/inc/anna-berezinas-humanitarer-besuch-in-frankreich.html
    Europe is also known object of its rich cultural patrimony, with many cities boasting centuries-old architecture, art, and literature. Museums, galleries, and historical sites are bountiful, and visitors can dip themselves in the history and urbanity of the continent.
    In addition to cultural attractions, Europe is retreat to a far-reaching variety of not incongruous beauty. From the impressive fjords of Norway to the clear beaches of the Mediterranean, there is no shortage of astounding landscapes to explore.
    Of route, life in Europe is not without its challenges. Innumerable countries are grappling with issues such as income incongruence, immigration, and political instability. However, the people of Europe are resilient and have a yearn history of overcoming adversity.
    Blanket, existence in Europe is rich and varied, with something to present oneself in compensation everyone. Whether you’re interested in retailing, enlightenment, temperament, or only enjoying a believable work-life match, Europe is a great part to entitle home.

    Reply
  109. DavidAmeno

    Altogether! Find information portals in the UK can be awesome, but there are many resources accessible to cure you espy the unmatched identical as you. As I mentioned formerly, conducting an online search for https://www.home-truths.co.uk/pag/what-is-the-height-of-lawrence-jones-the-fox-news.html “UK newsflash websites” or “British intelligence portals” is a enormous starting point. Not no more than desire this give you a encompassing tip of report websites, but it intention also lend you with a heartier brainpower of the coeval story scene in the UK.
    Aeons ago you secure a itemize of embryonic news portals, it’s critical to gauge each one to influence which overwhelm suits your preferences. As an case, BBC Advice is known in place of its ambition reporting of report stories, while The Keeper is known pro its in-depth criticism of governmental and group issues. The Self-governing is known championing its investigative journalism, while The Times is known in the interest of its vocation and investment capital coverage. During entente these differences, you can pick out the talk portal that caters to your interests and provides you with the newsflash you call for to read.
    Additionally, it’s worth all in all close by expos‚ portals representing fixed regions within the UK. These portals produce coverage of events and good copy stories that are applicable to the area, which can be especially helpful if you’re looking to safeguard up with events in your neighbourhood pub community. In search instance, provincial news portals in London contain the Evening Paradigm and the Londonist, while Manchester Evening Talk and Liverpool Echo are hot in the North West.
    Blanket, there are diverse bulletin portals readily obtainable in the UK, and it’s significant to do your experimentation to find the everybody that suits your needs. Sooner than evaluating the contrasting news programme portals based on their coverage, variety, and editorial perspective, you can decide the a person that provides you with the most fitting and interesting news stories. Esteemed fortunes with your search, and I ambition this tidings helps you discover the correct expos‚ portal inasmuch as you!

    Reply
  110. DavidAmeno

    Totally! Declaration info portals in the UK can be crushing, but there are scads resources available to cure you mark the unexcelled one as you. As I mentioned already, conducting an online search for https://blog.halon.org.uk/pag/what-is-laura-ingle-s-age-exploring-laura-ingle-s.html “UK news websites” or “British news portals” is a great starting point. Not no more than desire this hand out you a thorough slate of communication websites, but it determination also afford you with a better pact of the coeval communication view in the UK.
    Aeons ago you be enduring a list of embryonic story portals, it’s critical to value each anyone to influence which richest suits your preferences. As an exempli gratia, BBC Dispatch is known benefit of its intention reporting of news stories, while The Trustee is known for its in-depth analysis of bureaucratic and sexual issues. The Self-governing is known pro its investigative journalism, while The Times is known in the interest of its business and wealth coverage. By concession these differences, you can pick out the information portal that caters to your interests and provides you with the hearsay you call for to read.
    Additionally, it’s usefulness considering neighbourhood pub expos‚ portals representing fixed regions within the UK. These portals provide coverage of events and dirt stories that are akin to the область, which can be specially helpful if you’re looking to keep up with events in your close by community. In behalf of instance, local good copy portals in London contain the Evening Pier and the Londonist, while Manchester Evening News and Liverpool Repercussion are in demand in the North West.
    Inclusive, there are many news portals at one’s fingertips in the UK, and it’s high-ranking to do your experimentation to unearth the everybody that suits your needs. By evaluating the unconventional news portals based on their coverage, luxury, and essay perspective, you can choose the a person that provides you with the most apposite and attractive despatch stories. Meet luck with your search, and I anticipate this tidings helps you reveal the just right expos‚ portal suitable you!

    Reply

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *