La Rabida is focused on treating the whole child this includes both their physical and social-emotional needs. Infant massage is one of the many tools that our care team uses to not only support a patient’s physical needs but also promote bonding between the child and their parent.

Through different strokes and techniques, infant massage can improve things like colic, constipation, muscle stiffness, digestion, and gas.

“There are specific massage strokes that are for each part of the body,” explains Kirstin Zaloum, Infant Development Specialist at La Rabida. “There are certain strokes to help with blood flow, get the body moving, and help the child relax.”

In the hospital setting, infant massage is also used to help a child build a positive experience with touch. “Many of our patients have long histories of hospitalization and, as a result, don’t enjoy the experience of being touched,” explains Kirstin. “If a child doesn’t tolerate touch because of their history, you can usually do something like resting hands on their arms or their legs or their chest. That helps them get used to touch. Then we might gradually move on to a stroke once they are ready.”

Infant massage is a tool that our team teaches parents and caregivers.

“The thing I love the most about infant massage is the relationship that it builds between the caregiver and the child. It is such a beautiful bonding moment,” shares Kirstin.

“Their bare hand is touching their child’s skin and that’s facilitating bonding and attachment. You’re looking at the child, looking into their eyes, reading their cues, you’re smiling, you’re singing – it’s such a beautiful interaction.” Infant massage also gives parents techniques to comfort and calm their child in times of stress or discomfort.

While infant is in the name, this tool is beneficial to our older patients too. “The great thing about infant massage is that you can modify it for each patient’s needs,” says Kirstin. “I can usually find a reason to do infant massage with any of our inpatients. I’ve done it with a 16-year-old, a 7-year-old, infants – we can find benefits for everyone.”

Infant massage has been incredibly beneficial for La Rabida passenger, Mikela, and her mom, Matiana. “I learned to do the massages from her therapist.  Her therapist does it on a doll and I do the same to Mikela,” said Matiana.

“I enjoy it because it is a time where we can bond. I give her massages on her stomach, legs, face, arms, and back while I sing her songs. I can see her expressions and how calm and relaxed she gets while I do it. I can always see the smile in Mikela’s face.”

The key to success with infant massage is to take the child’s lead and allow them to be in control. According to Kirstin, “kids want to be in charge just like adults do. Not all kids tolerate touch in the same ways and that’s okay. They are in charge and we adapt to them. They want to be independent and through massage, we can facilitate that independence.”