Video Review

My kids, ages 14 and 10, love for me to massage their backs. Every night before bed, we have backrub time. So when I heard about the DVD, “Bonding Through Touch: Infant Massage for Adoptive Families,” I was intrigued.

After watching this DVD, I wish I’d learned the techniques demonstrated when my kids were little. Infant massage helps parents and child to get to know each other through the senses. As the parent gently massages his or her child, the parent maintains eye contact and verbal contact with the child, which facilitates bonding.

The video profiles seven adoptive families who represent both domestic and intercountry adoption. They briefly explain how infant massage has benefited their child and family. After each vignette, parents demonstrate a massage technique on a live, squiggly baby. The techniques demonstrated are appropriate for newborns through about age 2 ½.

The massage techniques are quite simple to learn; you can follow along with the video as you practice on your own child. The video includes techniques for tummy and chest, arms, face, back, legs, and feet.

Some of the benefits the adoptive parents interviewed on the video highlight include:

The close physical contact helps you get used to each other’s smell.

Touch plays an important part in the bonding process.

Tactile stimulation helps an institutionalized child make up for deficits from previous lack of loving touch.

Several of the techniques can relieve colic or gas.

Massage is a soothing way to start—or end—the day.

Massage relaxes your baby so she sleeps better.

Moms, dads, and older siblings can all enjoy massaging baby.

Joni Rubinstein, a Certified Licensed Massage Therapist since 1978, produced the video. On the DVD, she offers several pointers for parents who plan to massage their infant:

Massage your child when she is in a quiet, alert state.

Watch and listen for your child’s cues. Talk to her while you’re massaging her and tell her what you’re doing. Ask permission from her to continue massaging. Her body language will let you know whether you should continue.

Your child’s health, cultural differences, language, and experience with touch will all have a bearing on how she reacts to massage.

Use plain, unscented vegetable oil such as Canola or soy in order to alleviate allergic reactions.

You can massage through your baby’s clothes if she doesn’t like to be undressed or if she gets chilly.

It’s more difficult to massage a crawling or walking baby. Some of the techniques demonstrated can be adapted for older children.

I plan to adapt some of the techniques and try them out on my kids. I’m sure they’ll love it! I highly recommend this video for those who are planning to adopt (hint: ask for it for a shower gift). Infant massage is a quiet, loving way for parents and child to get acquainted and to enjoy spending time together.

“Bonding Through Touch: Infant Massage for Adoptive Families,” costs $20 plus $6 shipping/handling for either VHS or DVD. To order, visit www.thethreehearts.com.

In the next post: Getting to know massage therapist, Joni Rubinstein.