Baby Massage
Both babies and parents benefit from baby massage.
The Benefits To The Baby:
- Massage will help to relax baby and relieve pent up tension and frustration.
- Massage has been shown to provide relief from colic and other problems related to digestion.
- It improves circulation and boosts the immune system by moving the lymph around.
- Its therapeutic benefits help relieve the pain of teething.
- Babies who are regularly massaged are more friendly and alert when awake and are more receptive to hugs and cuddles in later years.
Premature Babies particularly will benefit from massage.
- Premature babies who receive massage whilst in hospital are allowed home on average 6 days earlier than non-massaged babies.
- When premature babies receive standard hospital care they appear stressed, their pulse rates increase and their oxygen levels fall; however, when they are massaged, the opposite happens, pulse rates fall and oxygen levels rise.
- Massage is used in many special care baby units.
The Benefits To The Parent:
- Massaging baby will aid bonding.
- Studies have shown that parents experience a fall in stress levels when they regularly massage their babies.
- Working parents who are able to massage baby soon after they return home from work will enjoy quality time with their little one which helps them ‘switch off’ from work, relax and reconnect with their family.
Where And When To Massage
You need a warm room, minimum temperature 25 C. Babies lose heat quickly when uncovered
Choose a room on your own away from distractions like the television and other people.
Don’t massage when baby is tired or has just had a feed. Wait until at least one hour following a feed otherwise you could cause baby to bring up her food. However, don’t wait until just before a feed is due either as she could be too hungry to enjoy the experience.
You can begin massaging as soon as you like after baby’s birth, but don’t massage around the navel area until the umbilical cord stump has fallen off – normally four to seven days after birth.
How Long Should A Massage Take?
About 20-30 minutes. A baby is not very big so half an hour will be enough to completely massage baby.
If possible, include a massage in baby’s daily routine. If this is not possible, even three times each week will be beneficial.
The Oils To Use
Oil will help your hands move gently over baby’s body without causing friction.
Use natural oils such as extra virgin olive oil, almond oil or grape-seed oil as these are easily absorped by the skin. The use of essential oils (aromatherapy oils) is not recommended unless directed by a trained aromatherapist.
Massage Pressure
Babies are fragile! As a guide, close your eyes and rub your eyelid. This is the maximum pressure you should use when massaging baby.
Other Points
- Baby will become very slippery when massaged, so be very careful when picking her up afterwards. It will be rather like picking up a piece of wet soap!
- Do not massage baby if she has a temperature.
- If you suspect baby has a nut allergy, use an oil that is free from nut products.
Technique
IMPORTANT - it must be stressed that you should use only a light pressure, the same that you would use to rub your eyelids.
| The Head Use your fingertips to stroke the forehead, temples and base of the cranium. Do the same on the eyebrows, nose, cheeks and the area around the ears and mouth. |
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| The Jaws and Neck Very gently stroke the front of baby's neck. Use the palm of your hand to gently massage the back of the neck with slow movements down to the top of the shoulders, and stroke the neck to the shoulders in the direction of baby's chest. |
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| Shoulders and Arms Make a ring around the top of baby's arm with your fingers and thumb and run it down baby's arm. The elbow area is particularly sensitive, so be gentle. When you reach the wrist use a circular motion. |
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| Stomach and Legs Massage baby's stomach with the palm of your hand. Travel in a clockwise circular direction. The genitalia area is not included. Always use very gentle pressure, it is a caress not a rub. Stroke the legs with the whole hand. Gently flex the legs and knees. |
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| Heels and Feet Apply gentle pressure to each toe, then massage the foot and heel area with the palm of your hand. |
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| The Back Turn baby over. Start with large slow movements beginning at baby's head and traveling down the length of baby's body. Then use your fingertips to caress in small circles. Do not massage the spinal area. |
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| When you arrive at the feet, start again from the top. |
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