Infant Massage--Revised Edition: A Handbook for Loving Parents [Paperback]

Vimala Schneider McClure (Author)

Book Description

Release date: October 31, 2000

Discover the gentle art of Infant Massage...

In this completely updated version of her renowned classic, Vimala McClure, founder of the International Association of Infant Massage, and its premier proponent in the United States, helps you master the techniques of infant massage so you can incorporate this joyful and wonderful healing art into your baby's life. She shows you why a daily massage can be one of the greatest gifts you give your child...and yourself.  For generations mothers the world over have known that the soft stroke of their hands soothes, calms, and communicates their love to their babies. Now scientific research proves that massage can do all that and more.

In Infant Massage, McClure shares how massage benefits children--easing discomfort, releasing tension, helping premature infants gain weight, even helping asthmatic children improve breathing function.  She explains each step of the massage process with simple easy-to-follow instructions and delightful photographs demonstrating each stroke. You'll also find:
Specific routines tailored to help relieve colic, fever, chest and nasal congestion
Modified instructions for premature infants and babies with special needs
Helpful hints on dealing with crying and fussing
Lullabies, rhymes, and games to enhance the massage experience
Guidance for teaching children about "good touch"
A special chapter dedicated to fathers
Compassionate advice for foster and adoptive parents
And much more

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Vimala's work in infant massage has been instrumental in the birth of touch therapy and bodywork in the United States and has helped to popularize and legitimize massage
throughout the world."
-- Peggy O'Mara, founder and publisher of Mothering magazine

"As a pediatrician, the best advice I can give you is to try the techniques described in this book."
-- Dr. Stephen Berman, M.D., F.A.A.P.president of the American Academy of Pediatrics

From the Inside Flap

Discover the gentle art of Infant Massage...

In this completely updated version of her renowned classic, Vimala McClure, founder of the International Association of Infant Massage, and its premier proponent in the United States, helps you master the techniques of infant massage so you can incorporate this joyful and wonderful healing art into your baby's life. She shows you why a daily massage can be one of the greatest gifts you give your child...and yourself.  For generations mothers the world over have known that the soft stroke of their hands soothes, calms, and communicates their love to their babies. Now scientific research proves that massage can do all that and more.

In Infant Massage, McClure shares how massage benefits children--easing discomfort, releasing tension, helping premature infants gain weight, even helping asthmatic children improve breathing function.  She explains each step of the massage process with simple easy-to-follow instructions and delightful photographs demonstrating each stroke. You'll also find:
Specific routines tailored to help relieve colic, fever, chest and nasal congestion
Modified instructions for premature infants and babies with special needs
Helpful hints on dealing with crying and fussing
Lullabies, rhymes, and games to enhance the massage experience
Guidance for teaching children about "good touch"
A special chapter dedicated to fathers
Compassionate advice for foster and adoptive parents
And much more

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Bantam; Revised edition (October 31, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0553380567
• ISBN-13: 978-0553380569
• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 0.8 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (54 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,860 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #20 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Alternative Medicine > Massage

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book On Infant Massage August 9, 2001

By Kelly TOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

This is a wonderful book for any expectant or new parent. It gives a concise summary of the research supporting infant massage and why it is important. Then the book goes into great detail on how exactly to do a great infant massage. The last part of the book is dedicated to handling special cases [preemies, sick babies, etc]. The photos are great for helping you understand what massage techniques the author is describing. I found this book very helpful as a new parent. Infant massage really helped me bond and connect with my daughter [now three] and I'm looking forward to using it again with our new baby.

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Help with a Preemie April 21, 2000

By Wendie

Format:Paperback

This book has meant so much to me. My daughter was born 2 1/2 months premature. When she was first born I was unable to hold and handle her as much as I would have liked since she had no fat under her skin and was very sensitive. My aunt gave me this book. I read it, learned the techniques and when it was appropriate, I began to give my baby a massage twice a day. Her development has been amazing and the connection between us was strengthened tremendously. I've had no prior massage experience and I found Ms. McClure's instructions easy to follow and perform. Emee and I look forward to our time together each day. The massage can take as long or be as short as needed, but the connection is invaluable. I'm so grateful for this book and the gift it has given to us. I know Infant Massage has made a huge difference in my daughters life and mine.

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Massage, play and lots of love. February 9, 2000

By "chaac"

Format:Paperback

I started massaging daily my baby after reading this book when she was about 3 weeks old, now at 7 months she loves to hear the hands rubbing oils and just starts smiling and cooing as she feels the hands caressing her little body. We travel a lot so routines are hard for us but her daily massage before bathing time is the one thing always present in her life, and it seems she doesn't need anything else, she can take it all as long as there is the loving hour, totally devoted to us, no matter at what time this may come. When my husband is at home he just can't let anyone else give the massage to our girl so then I try to find time in the mornings while dressing her up to have our massage session. It is just a very important part of our life and she relaxes and enjoys it so much. Who could resist having a great time and a great soothed baby? This is a great book, you can try the massage on yourself and find out how great it is for your baby and yourself, plus it is a great time for bonding and activating your baby's body. Everyone, including her pediatrician, keeps telling us how alert and developed she is, I'd say this is the only thing I know we do different from must parents.