How is it already August?! This summer has been jam packed with lots of fun, but I'm not quite ready for summer vacation to end! Our puppy Jada is off at the prison training program for four whole weeks (holy cow do we miss her!!) and my boys have just one last week before school starts. The wind down of summer has officially begun.

August is the month my first baby was born and as we're coming up on his 13th birthday (say WHAT??!?) I find  myself reminiscing about when my baby was an actual baby. He was so tiny....so snugly....so difficult!! I can't really say I miss those infant days, but I do have such great memories of rocking him, making him smile and coo, and of course, giving him his daily infant massage.
Reason #8- Why Your Baby Needs a Massage....Because Sometimes Lullabies Aren't Enough.  
 
Everyone loves a good massage and b abies are no different! Some people think infant massage sounds over-indulgent, but actually it has been around for centuries. Infant massage is a time-tested and thoroughly researched practice that is proven to help babies thrive. Just like with adults, infant massage can assist in relaxing, unwinding and releasing tension, aches, pains and stress, both physically and emotionally.
Emotional Benefits....Studies have shown that in societies where infants are held, rocked, massaged, breastfed and carried, adults are less aggressive and violent, more cooperative and compassionate. Starting massage at such a young age helps to demonstrate healthy and loving touch from the very beginning of a child's life and extends the lessons of trust and love into adulthood. The emotional bonds formed in infancy lay a foundation for a lifetime of trust, courage, dependability, faith and love.
By giving daily massage, parents become experts on their child and their cues, likes and dislikes, helping you respond more appropriately to your baby's unique needs. This increases a parent's confidence, assurance and compassion toward their child, thus strengthening the bond between child and parent.
 
Physical Benefits.... Infant massage can help relieve colic and digestive problems by stimulating the digestive system. Massaging your baby may also help improve sleep patterns. The less stress and tension, the better your baby can calm down and sleep. Studies show premature babies who are massaged are better able to gain weight and develop neurologically. Premature babies that are massaged are more active and alert than premature babies who are not massaged. 
 
   Speaking from 17 years of professional ex perience, as well as my own personal experiences with m assaging my own boys, learning the art of infant massage and bonding with your baby during their daily massage will be an experience you'll never forget or regret.
Announcements
*We're gearing up for our 7th JDRF Walk to Cure Type One Diabetes. This year's walk takes place on 9/11/16 at 10am at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. We would love for you to join us in supporting my son as well as the millions of other Type One Diabetics at the walk. To join or donate to Team E, click here.
And stay tuned for this year's Team E video coming soon....



Hope you all enjoy the last weeks of summer!
 

Bryn Rath
Tranquil Massage
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