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Loving Touch Times Two

Massage for Multiples

By Lyn Mettler

A separate study done at the Center for Neurodevelopmental Research at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C., found that premature babies' nervous systems also matured faster, which can help them develop a better sleep pattern and be more receptive to interaction.

"There's nothing more powerful or healing than touch," says Robert Toporek, author of The New Book of Baby and Child Massage (Running Press, 2001). "The most important thing you can do is start massaging your baby."

Massage also can help moms and dads, especially by slowing the hectic routine of parents of multiples. "There are benefits both for the individual receiving the massage as well as for the individual giving the massage," says Maria Hernandez-Reif, co-director of the Touch Research Institute. "There's just something very calming about massaging a baby."

"It is a wonderful way for a mom to slow down and get to know each of her babies' uniqueness," says Doolan Boyle. "Infant massage cannot be rushed, and so often moms of multiples go about their lives on full speed. This slows you down to the little things in life that are so very important not to miss. How often would you look between their toes or under their armpits? Would you have known that every time you lift your baby's leg, his toes curl in?"

Working moms of multiples may feel even more pressure, and massage can provide great one-on-one time to reconnect with their babies. Dr. Amina Ahmed of Charlotte, N.C., a pediatrician and 36-year-old mom of 1-year-old twin girls, finds massage a great way to unwind and spend time with her daughters. "It made me feel after a long day at work that I was finally getting that touch interaction with my child," she says. "It makes me feel less guilty for being away."

Want to see more?

• Infant Massage: The Therapy of a Loving Touch
• Two at Once: Becoming a Parent of Twins
• Bonding for Life: Developing That Special Connection With Your Baby
• Your Preemie's First Year
• Write an iParenting diary about your multiples! To find out how, click here.
• Talk about it!

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