After practicing the Indian massage strokes on her own baby and observing its benefits first hand, McClure founded the International Association of Infant Massage. Massage also promotes communications because a parent becomes more aware of a baby's nonverbal cues, and it improves the baby's sleep. The parents love it, the babies love it, and studies show it's also good for grandparents to get involved in infant massage. It's a time that the baby communicates things, and it's an excellent time for bonding. Studies show that infant massage is especially helpful for premature babies or those with neurological problems, or with asthma, depression or diabetes.
Massage helps stimulate the immune system.
Increases flexibility, making it easier to adjust to extra weight. Reduces stress hormones in mother, which can reduce risk of premature birth. Stress reduction also allows the immune system to function optimally. This in turn can reduce the baby's stress hormones. Reduces excess fluid retention and swelling.