Product Description

Discover the gentle art of Infant Massage...

In this completely updated version of her renowned classic, Vimala McClure, founder of the International Association of Infant Massage, and its premier proponent in the United States, helps you master the techniques of infant massage so you can incorporate this joyful and wonderful healing art into your baby's life. She shows you why a daily massage can be one of the greatest gifts you give your child...and yourself. For generations mothers the world over have known that the soft stroke of their hands soothes, calms, and communicates their love to their babies. Now scientific research proves that massage can do all that and more.

In Infant Massage, McClure shares how massage benefits children--easing discomfort, releasing tension, helping premature infants gain weight, even helping asthmatic children improve breathing function. She explains each step of the massage process with simple easy-to-follow instructions and delightful photographs demonstrating each stroke. You'll also find:
Specific routines tailored to help relieve colic, fever, chest and nasal congestion
Modified instructions for premature infants and babies with special needs
Helpful hints on dealing with crying and fussing
Lullabies, rhymes, and games to enhance the massage experience
Guidance for teaching children about "good touch"
A special chapter dedicated to fathers
Compassionate advice for foster and adoptive parents
And much more

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6246 in Books
• Published on: 2000-10-31
• Released on: 2000-10-31
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 272 pages

Review
"Vimala's work in infant massage has been instrumental in the birth of touch therapy and bodywork in the United States and has helped to popularize and legitimize massage
throughout the world."
-- Peggy O'Mara, founder and publisher of Mothering magazine

"As a pediatrician, the best advice I can give you is to try the techniques described in this book."
-- Dr. Stephen Berman, M.D., F.A.A.P.president of the American Academy of Pediatrics -- Review

Review
"Vimala's work in infant massage has been instrumental in the birth of touch therapy and bodywork in the United States and has helped to popularize and legitimize massage
throughout the world."
-- Peggy O'Mara, founder and publisher of Mothering magazine

"As a pediatrician, the best advice I can give you is to try the techniques described in this book."
-- Dr. Stephen Berman, M.D., F.A.A.P.president of the American Academy of Pediatrics

From the Inside Flap
Discover the gentle art of Infant Massage...

In this completely updated version of her renowned classic, Vimala McClure, founder of the International Association of Infant Massage, and its premier proponent in the United States, helps you master the techniques of infant massage so you can incorporate this joyful and wonderful healing art into your baby's life. She shows you why a daily massage can be one of the greatest gifts you give your child...and yourself.  For generations mothers the world over have known that the soft stroke of their hands soothes, calms, and communicates their love to their babies. Now scientific research proves that massage can do all that and more.

In Infant Massage, McClure shares how massage benefits children--easing discomfort, releasing tension, helping premature infants gain weight, even helping asthmatic children improve breathing function.  She explains each step of the massage process with simple easy-to-follow instructions and delightful photographs demonstrating each stroke. You'll also find:
Specific routines tailored to help relieve colic, fever, chest and nasal congestion
Modified instructions for premature infants and babies with special needs
Helpful hints on dealing with crying and fussing
Lullabies, rhymes, and games to enhance the massage experience
Guidance for teaching children about "good touch"
A special chapter dedicated to fathers
Compassionate advice for foster and adoptive parents
And much more

Customer Reviews

Excellent Book On Infant Massage
This is a wonderful book for any expectant or new parent. It gives a concise summary of the research supporting infant massage and why it is important. Then the book goes into great detail on how exactly to do a great infant massage. The last part of the book is dedicated to handling special cases [preemies, sick babies, etc]. The photos are great for helping you understand what massage techniques the author is describing. I found this book very helpful as a new parent. Infant massage really helped me bond and connect with my daughter [now three] and I'm looking forward to using it again with our new baby.

Parents, Do Try This At Home
Have you ever touched a baby and had a happy response? Well this book will show you how to fine tune that touch. Once you can do this you will find there is nothing quite like seeing your baby glow with the love and attention he or she is recieving as you massage them.

Babys need a lot of care and this is one way you can both enjoy interacting. Not only does baby enjoy the sensations, but this is the best opportunity to learn your baby's personality. This is when they really open up, telling you through their large smiles, loud coos and some rather amazing wiggling, what they like and dislike, and most importantly, how much they love you.

While massaging our little boy (although my wife does most of it), I have found that there is more of a bond, and a feeling that this child really is a part of our life.

Inside you will find not only how to massage an infant, but lots of information about the importance of an early relationshp with your child, and how times have changed and people are finally becomming aware that their baby doesn't just need physical care, but emotional and spiritual care as well.

We got this book because we heard that infant massage helps gassy babies, not only by helping to release the gas, but also easing tension in both you and the baby. After a week or two of practicing, the results were real. Not only is he generally feeling better, but he really looks foward to his massages.

My only regret is in not knowing about this book when my little girl was a small baby. But as they say, it is never to late, and she is now massaged on a semi-regular basis, thoughrouly enjoying it, (although at this age they are much more easily tickled).

Do I recomend this book? Highly. I think american culture needs more books like this that place a real value on human interaction, and how to cultivate it.

Help with a Preemie
This book has meant so much to me. My daughter was born 2 1/2 months premature. When she was first born I was unable to hold and handle her as much as I would have liked since she had no fat under her skin and was very sensitive. My aunt gave me this book. I read it, learned the techniques and when it was appropriate, I began to give my baby a massage twice a day. Her development has been amazing and the connection between us was strengthened tremendously. I've had no prior massage experience and I found Ms. McClure's instructions easy to follow and perform. Emee and I look forward to our time together each day. The massage can take as long or be as short as needed, but the connection is invaluable. I'm so grateful for this book and the gift it has given to us. I know Infant Massage has made a huge difference in my daughters life and mine.