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The sense of touch

The sense of touch is the very first sense to develop in utero at around 8 weeks gestation. Touch is our first language. For newborns, especially those who are premature, touch is not merely comforting; it’s essential for survival and development.

Some fascinating facts:

A study led by UCL and York University found that skin-to-skin contact between a parent and newborn reduces the baby’s brain response to painful stimuli, suggesting that such contact not only soothes but also modulates the infant’s pain perception pathways, highlighting the neurophysiological importance of parental touch.
Baby Massage
Affectionate touch stimulates the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone.”
This neuropeptide fosters bonding, reduces stress, and promotes social interactions.
Gentle abdominal massage can help move trapped gas through the intestines, alleviating discomfort from bloating and colic.

Baby massage is one of those skills that last a lifetime and will help no matter the age of the baby or the child. Soothing gassy tummy in the infant stage, relaxing growing muscles in toddler, allowing strong emotions to come out in older children and even teenagers. It really is a skill for life. I time to bond and connect, no matter the age. A time to slow down and be present.

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