In a message dated 97-07-03 13:52:09 EDT, you write:

>I'm doing a research project on the application of the Krieger and Kunz
>Method of  Therapeutic Touch and its applications in pregnancy, birth,
>infancy and lactation.

Hi Netters,

LLLI conference was wonderful. Good seeing some of you netters.  They had
over 4000 people attending, including all the little munchkins.
One of our local ILCA affiliates here in Chicago area had a lecture on Infant
Massage by a Certified Massage Therapist.  Here is some of the info from her
handout.  "Touch is the mother of all senses.  Touch is the most developed
sense at birth.  The sense of touch helps to reinforce the other senses.  The
nervous system learns by association, not logic.  Sensory stimulation in
infants is greater than the sensory stimulation in adults.  Newborn
experiences are feelings that actions induce.  Actions are reflexive not
learned.  Association of feelings cause the baby to walk.  The newborn has no
direction therefore his universe is continually swirling about.  Stimulation
causes sensory experience which becomes associated with his movements.  The
newborn has concentrated awareness of sensation which stimulates growth.  If
deprived of this, babies fail to grow and become retarded.  Just 1 hour and
40 minutes of stroking during the first 3 days will cause an increase in
weight, increase in motor movement and greater glycogen stores.  Stimulation
benefits all the systems of both the baby and the mother.  If a baby becomes
sensory overloaded, he will glance away or fall asleep."  I have heard some
of this info. by the OT's, NDT's at Easter Seals where I spend a half a day,
once a month in their "feeding clinic" as their LC/RN.  I also have heard
from Kittie Frantz (in fact heard it again at her lecture session this past
week ,in DC on infant assessment) that you should always leave the socks and
other hand protectors off of the babies.  That it is important babies are
able  touch stroke their own faces.  I think all human beings need to by
touched and hugged.  Take care all.
"Death, taxes and childbirth.  There's never a convenient time for any of
them" by













                                                                     Margaret
Mitchell

Pat Bull, RN, IBCLC
The Breastfeeding Connection/Medela
Naperville, IL