Infant Massage: Contraindications & Safety Guidelines

Question
Hello Christopher:

I just started a massage therapy course and need your assistance in locating information on contraindications for infant massge. Any assistance you can provide would be extremely appreciated.

Thanks,
Diana

Answer
Greetings Diana. There is not a lot of information out there on contraindications (CIs) for infant massage. I did find this list on one website (at http://www.infantmassage-imis.com.au/tips/index.html):

Open or weeping wounds
Infected skin irritations
Fractures or other acute injuries
Bleeding
No massage over an unhealed navel
Burns, including sun burn
Undiagnosed lumps
No abdominal massage if the infant has hiccups or has just been fed

As you can see, for the most part, the CIs are the same as the ones for adult massage. An unhealed navel, hiccups and just being fed are the obvious differences for infants. I would also add any infection or a cold or flu to this list, for the same reasons as adults: this could spread the infection or illness, making it worse but shorter in duration. While an adult can handle this, it might be too much for an infant's still developing immune system.

Massage is an absolutely wonderful thing for infants. Besides assisting their developement, it can also be an increadible way to bond with the infant.

I hope this helps, Diana. Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with. Also please feel to rate me on AllExperts; both positive and constructive feedback help me learn to helps others better.

Sincerely,
Christopher Hall