New Method to Prevent Occurrence of SIDS: Massage
Scientists and medical researchers have just recently discovered a new way to protect their infants against SIDS or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Australian pediatricians attest that parents can now learn a certain form of therapy with only the use of their own fingers, such as in a massage, to do so.
What does a massage do?
It is a very wonderful and helpful finding, learning about new naturally ways to reduce how a newborn could possibly get SIDS. Massaging the infant has been proven to naturally boost the serotonin levels of the infant. This particular neurotransmitter has been observed to be lacking in infants who die because of this very mysterious syndrome.
Skin contact
It is already a fact that skin to skin contact and touching have a big role in developing the serotonin pathways that are located inside the brains of the infants. This is a finding that has been implemented for a long time by the Director of the Pediatric Research inside the Canberra Hospital, named Dr. Reynolds. This particular physician is also the patron of the IAIM or the International Association of Infant Massage.
SIDS and serotonin
At present, the connection between the occurrence of SIDS and serotonin levels has been established. However, to be intact with the Safe Sleeping Guidance, further research is still needed to completely figure out if infant massage can actually help in reducing the rates of SIDS.
Serotonin has already been proven to have some effects in behavior and mood. It actually acts as the regulator of the basic life-sustaining functions of the body like the blood pressure, respiration, heart rate, and the sleep cycles.
Risks for SIDS
When infants sleep in a position which has them not facing up, it can precipitate them to a sudden occurrence of SIDS. Also, if their parents smoke a lot, they can have SIDS even if they are not yet even sleeping.
Smoking has the very same effect in neonates during pregnancy. When the mother smokes while pregnant, the baby can have a lot of disorders when it is finally born. SIDS is only one of them.
Moreover, the famous Dr. Reynolds strongly states that those who are interested in implementing massage to their infants to prevent SIDS should only be trained by a Certified Infant Massage Instructor.
About the IAIM
The IAIM is actually a nonprofit organization that offers classes about infant massage. Aside from preventing SIDS, infant massage has also been very effective in promoting the healthy bond that goes on between the children and their parents or their caregivers.
Other benefits
Infant massage also has other benefits which make parents want to learn everything about infant massage. The serotonin level increases inside the infant’s brain whenever the baby is being massaged. Furthermore, it also reduces the possibility of the baby in developing cases of depression, mental health disorders, and development of violent behavior when they finally get older.
The campaigns for public awareness about safe sleeping practices have strongly led to a decline in the rates of infant deaths, such as ones caused by SIDS.

