The power of touch

      Talking to the therapists I informed them I wanted to do anything and everything I could that is offered for Mason. A whole list of things were mentioned, and suggested but one thing that stuck out to me was baby massage. The occupational therapist told me the benefits. She listed off the following...

Increases circulation

Strengthens the immune system
Improves sleep patterns
Increases weight gain
Relieves congestion
Encourages parent-Infant bonding
Increases body awareness
assists with reflux (which Mason has) 
Improves motor development

Improves muscle tone (hypertonicity)

      The ones highlighted where the main reason I didn't hesitate to say yes. She told me her sessions would be longer if I chose to do the baby massage. But I didn't care. 

      The first day we did the massage the therapist had a baby doll she was wearing a knitted hat another mom made for her. She sat her doll in front of Mason and he took off her hat. We put the dolls hat back on and Mason took the hat BACK off. ha ha

       The therapist told me she was going to do the massages on her doll and I will do massages on Mason. She gave me all natural oil (had to be safe bc his feet are in his mouth often.) told me While rubbing my hands together  tell him it was time for a massage. She said he will eventually learn that when rubbing my hands together he will know it is massage time. 

         At first the therapist wasn't sure if he would stay still because he moves alot. But she was wrong. I started rubbing his legs (his chunky legs that is) ha ha. He stopped moving, stared at me, and smiled. I could tell he loved it! I did different techniques the therapist was showing me. Starting with his legs, then feet (which was his favorite), tummy, arms, hands, head, shoulders and ending with his face. He was so relaxed and loved every second of it. 

          Another occupational therapist bought me a baby massage book. I thought that was so kind and thoughtful of her. It has all the techniques, benefits, pictures to show me how to do different massages. Im sticking to this because Mason LOVES it and it is proven to be beneficial.

         For those who have babies 0-3 yrs old this is beneficial for your children as well. I would highly recommend it. The book is called  "The practical Art of Baby Massage" by Peter Walker. 

          After the massage the occupational therapist worked with his posture, watched how he rolled. He showed off by showing her he can stand at the coffee table for a few minutes. she said "Mason you do so great I maybe out of a job" We then showed her how he drinks capri sun from a straw. She said he has GREAT muscle tone around his mouth and she was more then pleased that he could drink from a straw! 

           "Touch the body. Calm the mind. Heal the spirit."