Baby Massage: Key to Stimulating Optimal Growth and Development of Toddlers
The community service team from Aisyiyah University (UNISA) Yogyakarta is once again innovating to improve the quality of life of Indonesian children. This time, their focus is on stimulating the optimal growth and development of toddlers through baby massage education.
Baby Massage
More than just a tradition, infant massage is now backed by scientific evidence as an effective way to stimulate a baby’s physical, cognitive and emotional development. The gentle touch during infant massage not only provides comfort, but also triggers the production of the hormone oxytocin which plays an important role in the formation of the bond between mother and baby.
Benefits:
- Physical growth: Increases weight and height, especially in infants with slow growth.
- Cognitive development : Stimulates brain and nervous system development.
- Emotional development : Increases sense of security, reduces stress, and improves sleep.
- Physical health : Aids digestion, breathing, and blood circulation.
Comprehensive Education:
UNISA Yogyakarta’s community service team, led by Enny Fitriahadi, S.Si.T., M.Kes and Esitra Herfanda, SST., M.Keb, not only provided theoretical education, but also hands-on demonstrations of proper baby massage techniques. This activity is carried out intensively at posyandu and residents’ homes to ensure wide coverage.
Collaboration with Posyandu Cadres:
The involvement of posyandu cadres is key to the success of this program. They are not only participants, but also active partners in accompanying the mothers while doing it at home. This collaboration is expected to create a snowball effect, where knowledge about baby massage can continue to spread in the community.
The community’s enthusiasm for this program is very high. The mothers felt helped by the baby massage education. They feel the benefits directly, both for the baby and for themselves.
Universitas `Aisyiyah Yogyakarta gave full support to this community service activity. This shows UNISA’s commitment in making a real contribution to the community, especially in the field of maternal and child health.
It is not just a tradition, but a long-term investment for the child’s future. With support from various parties, including academics, health practitioners, and the community, it is hoped that the baby massage education program can continue to grow and provide wider benefits for the nation’s future generation.
Tags: aisyiyah, banggamenjadiunisa, beunisa, pijat bayi, unisayogya
