Infant massage as a complementary intervention to improve infants’ weight gain and sleep quality

Abstract

Background : Infant massage, also known as baby massage, is a massage technique that resembles gentle stroking or tactile stimulation performed on the skin surface, along with manipulation of body tissues or organs aimed at influencing muscle condition, supporting the respiratory system, and improving blood circulation. It is one form of multisensory stimulation that can support optimal infant growth and development, especially when carried out during the golden period of the first 1,000 days of life. Baby massage is one of the oldest touch therapies known to humans and remains one of the most popular forms of infant stimulation. Objective : This community service activity aimed to improve mothers’ understanding of the importance of baby massage for infant growth and development, both before and after practicing baby massage therapy. Methods :The educational activity was conducted through lectures and direct demonstrations at Hadijah Clinic, Medan, involving 12 participants. Educational media used in this activity included leaflets and flipcharts. Results : The results of the activity showed an increase in participants’ understanding of the benefits, techniques, and importance of baby massage for infant growth and development. Before the educational session, only 5 out of 12 participants (41.67%) had an adequate understanding of the material. After the session, all participants (100%) demonstrated good understanding. Thus, there was an increase in understanding of 58.33%. Through this educational intervention, it is expected that mothers will be able to continue practicing baby massage in daily life so that infants’ growth and development can be optimized.