Did you know infant massage can support mums with postnatal depression?

Research shows that gentle, nurturing touch through infant massage not only strengthens the bond between mother and baby, but also reduces depressive symptoms in new mums.

One study found that mothers who practiced infant massage experienced improved mood, enhanced mother-infant interaction, and stronger emotional connection over time.

Infant massage isn't just soothing for babies—it’s healing for mothers too.

Research Extracts:

Research indicates that mother-led infant massage can be beneficial for mothers experiencing postnatal depression, leading to reductions in depressive symptoms and improvements in mother-infant interactions.​PubMed+4Medical Xpress+4PubMed+4

A systematic review published in PLOS ONE analyzed eight studies involving 521 women with postnatal depression. The findings revealed that mothers who engaged in infant massage reported a decrease in depressive symptoms compared to those receiving standard postnatal care. Additionally, enhanced mother-infant interactions were observed in the infant massage groups. ​Medical Xpress

Similarly, a study featured in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that mothers participating in infant massage classes experienced reductions in depression scores and demonstrated improved interactions with their infants over a one-year period. However, the study noted the absence of a control group of depressed mothers who did not receive an intervention as a limitation. ​ScienceDirect+3ScienceDirect+3PubMed+3PubMed

Another study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders reported that mothers with postnatal depression who learned and practiced infant massage showed significant improvements in mother-infant interactions. The researchers concluded that infant massage could be an effective method to enhance mother-infant relationships in the context of postnatal depression. ​PubMedScienceDirect

While these findings are promising, it's important to acknowledge certain limitations, such as small sample sizes and the lack of control groups in some studies. Further research with more rigorous methodologies is necessary to confirm these outcomes. Nonetheless, incorporating infant massage into postnatal care may offer a valuable, non-pharmacological approach to support mothers experiencing postnatal depression and to foster healthier mother-infant relationships.​Psychology Today