How can baby massage aid the bonding process?

It's very difficult to describe what a bond is but I think that this quote describes it well:

‘A baby fills a space in your heart you never knew was empty’ - Unknown

Many parents worry that if they don't feel that immediate rush of love for their baby then the ‘bonding moment’ is lost. 

This isn't the case, for many bonding is a process that takes place over time. 

Bonding however it is extremely important, especially for mothers mental health. Many Mums who experience postnatal depression report that not feeling bonded to their baby is a major contributing factor.

How can massage aid the bonding process? 

Eye contact - when we are massaging our baby we are making lots of lovely eye contact with them. This helps with recognition and aids communication and understanding.

Sound of parents voice - during baby massage we talk and sing to our babies. Your baby prefers the sound of your voice to anyone else's, talking to you is one of their favourite things to do.

Smell - babies prefer the smell of their mothers and amazingly after two hours 80% of Mums could distinguish their baby by smell alone! The sunflower oil we use during massage is scent-free allowing us to transfer smells between parent and baby.

Oxytocin  - when you massage your baby both yours and their bodies produce the love hormone Oxytocin which makes you feel relaxed and in love with your baby.

Vicky x