As a baby massage instructor, I'm always striving to impart to new parents the importance and massive benefits of massaging and touching their little one.

When they are born, after 9 months in a safe, nurturing environment, they find themselves in a very different place with much to adjust to.

However, their journey is far more challenging and dramatic when they are born prematurely. Firstly they are likely to find themselves in the NICU with the goal of keeping them alive and then they face being poked and prodded with an endless barrage of tests.

This week's guest Tracey Kondrasuk-Brander is no stranger to this environment. Tracey is a neonatal and early intervention, occupational therapist, as well as a licensed massage therapist and has worked with children from birth to three as well as premature infants over many years.

In this episode, you'll hear Tracey and I talk about:-

• Why touch is even more important with babies born prematurely.
• The importance of skin-to-skin time with their parents and how it benefits sleep, heart rates and oxygen levels.
• How massage can benefit sensory integration issues that kids who are born premature often face.

AND much more.

So go ahead, my dear mum. Click to listen and get started.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Helen and First Time Mum's Chat." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- for a smooth journey into the exciting world of parenthood. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe now!