Media note: A photo opportunity of babies being massaged by their parents will be available today at 10.30 am at the Flynn Drive Community Health Centre.
Improving babies' sleep and their immune, digestive and nervous systems is as easy as giving them daily massages, according to an Alice Springs nurse. But you need to know what you doing, and that's why Flynn Drive Community Health Centre is holding a free Baby Massage session for parents.
The session, held to coincide with Infant Massage Awareness Week, is the first unit in the 5-part Territory Parents Support Program which also covers emotional health, child development, child safety and family day care.
Child & Family Health Nurse Rebecca Bond said the benefits of massage for a baby were both physical and psychological.
"Touch is an entirely physical language and is the first language that a baby understands after birth.
"The process of massage strengthens the bond between parent and child. By setting aside some time each day to massage your baby you create relaxing times that will decrease the stress and tension for both of you.
"Massage improves a child's sleep by soothing the nervous system and reducing muscle tension. It is especially useful if a baby is anxious. Certain techniques will even relieve wind, colic and constipation," said Ms Bond.
Baby massage will also be held later in the year, with the next session scheduled for 23 September. Bookings are essential and can be made by calling Flynn Drive Community Health Centre on 8951 6711.
Media contact: Cameron Jackson 0401 114 113