Was President Bush Massaged as an Infant?

By the look of these pictures, President Bush knows the benefits of a massage. Unfortunately, German Chancellor Angela Merkel may not have been quite the right recipient. (photo source: ABC)

As childbirth.org explains, massaging your baby is not only be a great bonding experience for you but it also benefits your baby.

The Benefits of Infant Massage

Relaxes Infant
- Loving touch lessens tension, fussiness and irritability. Digestion is aided and this can provide relief of gas and colic. Massage is also a wonderful way to lessen stress parent and baby.
Enhances Bonding
- Touch conveys nurturing and love, the essential ingredients for emotional and physical growth and well being.
Aids Growth and Development
- Studies have shown increased weight gain, and immune function. Myelination of nerves is also increased. These things in turn are needed for brain and muscle development.
Promotes Communication
- Parents become more aware of baby's nonverbal cues. One-on-one communication instills a massage of love and security.
Improves Baby's Sleep
- As your infant learns to relax and release stress, sounder and longer sleep is often the end result.