66 Are there any beneficial effects of massage for the parents/ caregivers? While massaging the baby, the hormone oxytocin is released into the baby's body. Oxytocin is called the feel-good hormone. The baby begins to enjoy the sensations and the stimulus and gets into a happy mood. Research has shown that parents or caregivers, who massage the baby, feel calm and develop a strong bond with their infants. They are emotionally closer to the baby. As the baby enjoys a good sleep after the massage, the parents and caregivers can also get the much-needed rest. When can I start massaging my baby? » If you have had a normal delivery, you would be back home within 24 hours after delivery. Once your baby has settled down in the home environment, you can start the massage routine; this can be started after six weeks of delivery. » In the case of cesarean delivery, waiting until the baby is stable and feeding well is a good idea. Depending on the newborn's condition, this may take a few days or longer. » In early massage, ensure that the umbilical stump is avoided. Oil residues on the stump can increase the likelihood of infection.
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