Working with a premature baby

A study conducted by Touch Research Institute in 1986 showed

that premature infants who receive some kind of touch in the hos-

pital gain up to 47 percent more weight than those who don’t. The

sooner premature babies gain weight, the sooner they are able to

come home.

If you have a premature baby, all you need to do to bring massage

into his life is to touch him with your finger. Believe it or not, just

the touch of your finger stimulates his growth and development.

Being touched increases circulation in any area on your baby’s

body. Increased circulation is physically stimulating, as well as

encouraging to overall growth and good health. Gentle massage is

a basic and loving method to help your preemie along. It is also a

great way to bring physical connection into your baby’s world.

Watch your baby react in wonder and pleasure, and you’ll know

you’re on the right track.

Chapter 1: The Wonderful World of Massage 15

The art of baby wearing

You have probably seen other moms and dads carrying their babies around in slings.

Wearing your baby in a sling offers a feeling of comfort and safety similar to what

is experienced in the womb.

Let’s be blunt: Being born is stressful. Labor can be difficult, everything is new, and

babies have to learn how to get their needs met. Wearing your baby provides her

the comfort of motion and close contact with you. It also strengthens bonding. You

can begin to use a sling with your newborn right away. It’s an easy and convenient

way to nurture your baby while you do errands or just move about your house. (Your

coauthor Joanne wrote many pages of this book wearing her baby in a sling!)

Wearing your baby is also an easy way to be sure that your baby has all the touch

and contact she needs as a newborn. Baby wearing can be likened to a hands-free

massage!