Frequently asked questions

Q: What are the benefits of massaging a baby?

A: Studies show that babies who are massaged have increased cognitive development, are more relaxed, sleep more deeply, have better muscle tone, improved weight gain and digestion. In addition, it enhances emotional bonding, improves parental confidence and increases parental awareness of their baby's nonverbal behavioral cues.

Q: What about babies with special needs, do the same benefits apply to those babies?

A: Yes, all of the above benefits apply to your baby and in addition, you may also notice a decrease in tactile aversion and an improvement in your baby's muscle tone and range of motion. The massage will also help to increase your baby's tolerance for touch, stimulation and feelings of self-acceptance. However, some of the massage stroke will need to be modified to your baby's special needs. These modifications are demonstrated in the DVD.

Q: What are the benefits of receiving private infant massage instruction as opposed to taking a class?

A: Private instruction allows the parent(s) and Carolyn to focus solely on your baby. This provides an opportunity to learn how your baby responds to the massage and to make adjustments accordingly. In addition, there are much fewer distractions and the environment is typically more quiet and conducive to a great massage experience.

Q: How often should a baby receive a massage?

A: Babies are affected by the stresses of everyday life. As an infant, your baby encounters many new experiences on a daily basis. Such things as new tastes, textures, sounds, smells and sights can be overwhelming until they build up coping skills. Massaging your baby daily helps build up their tolerance to stimulation, which carries over into their day-to-day life. For you and your baby to enjoy the many benefits of Infant massage it is a good idea to massage your baby at least 2-3 times per week. On the other hand, if your baby suffers from colic, gas or constipation, it is a must for you to massage your baby's tummy more frequently as indicated in the DVD. Studies show that although massaging the tummy may not entirely eliminate colic, it will definitely decrease the intensity and the length of your baby's fussy times.

Q: Does one have to do a full body massage on a baby for him to get all of the benefits of the massage?

A: No, your baby will get many of the same benefits of the massage whether they enjoy a full body massage or only have their favorite areas massaged. Most babies prefer their legs, feet and back and it is perfectly fine to massage only those areas. The key to remember is that infant massage is an activity to be done with your baby and not to your baby. It should be a relaxing interaction for everyone involved.

Q: I’m interested in getting into the field of working with preemies or hospitalized babies but don’t know where to start. Any suggestions?

A: The key to success in implementing a touch therapy program with the medically fragile infant population is education and training. Until now, there has been little formal education in this new and innovative field. Information on Carolyn’s training programs is available from Children’s Medical Ventures at www.chmv.respironics.com