In a study conducted by Dr Tiffany Field it was reported that premature babies that received massage had an increased growth rate of 47% more a day than babies in the control group that did not receive touch therapy and leave hospital up to 6 days earlier.

Multiple studies and research has also found it can improve the immune system, increase head circumference, improve circulation, sleep, feeding tolerance and improves neurodevelopment, decreased the length of time babies spent in hospital, while reducing pain and stress in infants and can create a positive sensory experience in a world of heel pricks, medical devices and medically necessary care.

Parents that massage their babies in NICU have also reported less stress, anxiety and depression. Massage can help parents feel as though they can play an active role in the healing, growth and development of their child in a world where they can feel as though the doctors and machines sometimes take ownership over their newborn.

Along with the neurodevelopmental and physiological benefits, Paediatric Massage can also offer positive touch and desperately important moments of connection and comfort to both babies and their parents.