ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the early experiences of movement and touch, arising within the mother-infant relationship, described by E. Bick and D. W. Winnicott as essential to the evolution of a sense of boundaries, a sense of skin, and a sense of bodyself. The communication between mother and baby is triggered by a variety of channels: skin contact, smell, warmth, eye contact, interplay of facial expressions, vocalizing, movements-all sensual means, experienced by the infant as holding the parts of the personality together. The chapter emphasises the effect of the touch experience with her infant on the mother. The touching during infant massage can help the mother to relieve tension, enhance and integrate her bodyself image, mobilize her tense shoulders, chest and breathing, and smooth her posture. The chapter examines the possible value of mindful infant massage in enhancing the relationship and communication skills of parent and infant, particularly in the case of mothers with emotional difficulties.
