B O D Y T A L K
C O M P I L E D B Y B R A N D O N T W Y F O R D
Massage Soothes Babies
Born with Birth Defects
from Zika Virus
Mothers of babies born in Brazil with
microcephaly are turning to alternative means
of treatment for relief for their children, who
are typically very sensitive to stimulus and
are highly irritable. (Microcephaly is a birth
defect thought to be linked to the Zika virus.)
A parental therapy group called Room
to be a Mother is providing free workshops
in which they teach natural techniques to
soothe infants. The techniques include a
traditional rhythmic Indian massage for
the babies, a sling that keeps them tightly
held to their mother's chest for comfort,
and the use of a specially shaped bucket
for warm baths meant to mimic the womb.
Therapist Rozely Fontoura says massage
therapy is particularly helpful for the babies.
"The production of endorphins and the
reduction of cortisol helps a lot," she says.
Read more at http://fxn.ws/1M3qQCR.
