[NICU_Nurse]

I just got around to reading my last issue of the ANN journal, and I wanted to say that I thought the infant massage article was just wonderful. Do any of you incorporate this into your work? Does your hospital hold infant massage classes for parents? Does your hospital not support this and you are left to your own devices? Do any of you hold (I know, I know...I keep asking this!) a certification in infant massage, or serve as an instructor for other nurses or parents?

As a slight digression, what about aromatherapy? Anybody working with this?

Let me know! Thanks.

[NicuGal]

OT/PT does this and they teach the parents. All of our kids under 32 weeks get it regardless, the others are on an as need basis. We didn't go to classes because all the kids get worked with everyday. We have 3 therapists just for our unit

[NICU_Nurse]

That's wonderful that your hospital does that! Is their decision to do this for all babies under 32 weeks based on any research (ie, positive effects on preemies, etc.) or is there another reason?

[corks]

Here in England Cherry Bond is the baby massage guru. Try journal of neonatal network for some of her articles. Hammersmith hospital neonatal unit . London was where she was based. With the developement of NIDCAP here, baby massage is starting to become part of our care duties. Corks

[NicuGal]

Our team found that most kids that were under 32 weeks needed the most intensive therapy because of the nippling thing and those kids were most likely to have the most problems with PVL, IVH, etc. It is really nice....most of the kids love their little massage and stretching