Q My baby often falls asleep when I massage her. Is this bad?
A Some babies do fall asleep during massage, especially if snuggled up to their parent.This is fine until your baby is about four months old, after which time you
should help her fall asleep with less and less physical contact, so she can put herself back to sleep when she wakes up in the night. If she is accustomed to falling asleep during massage, she is unlikely to go back to sleep alone.
Q How can I tell if I’m using the right or wrong pressure for my massage strokes?
A Your baby’s skin will redden if the pressure is too firm.This is obvious on fair-skinned children, but be aware that it is less obvious on dark skin. If your child cries, pulls away or seems uncomfortable when you massage her, it may be
that you are using too much pressure. Be aware of using too little pressure – this will give your child a tickling sensation. If you are unsure, use the pressure you would apply to rub cream into your face.
Q I have just had a Caesarean.When can I start massaging my baby?
A As soon as you feel you are able to. It may be hard to find a comfortable sitting position for massage, so keep the sessions short until your scar has healed.
Q I have a bad back and find the massage positions on the floor uncomfortable.What should I do?
A Your back pains may be caused by incorrect posture.When sitting on the floor, ensure you keep your back straight and bend forwards from the hips. Sitting on more cushions may help you to do this. If the floor is too uncomfortable, sit on a chair with a towel across your lap and your baby on the towel. Always keep one hand on your baby so she does not roll or slip off your lap.However, this position will not be safe once she is moving, rolling over or is too big for your lap.
Q When I massage my young baby, my toddler becomes jealous.What can I do about this?
A It is not unusual for a toddler to be jealous of a young sibling, especially if physical contact is involved. If your toddler would like to be massaged herself,
make a regular time for it, when your baby is asleep or settled, so she feels she gets the same special attention from you as your baby does. Or ask her if she would like to ‘help’ you massage the baby. Show her how to rub oil gently into the baby’s arms and legs, then praise her for doing it well. Perhaps she would enjoy massaging
‘her baby’ – a favourite teddy bear or doll – while you massage yours.
Q I recently adopted a toddler. Can massage help us to bond?
A Massage may certainly be one of the ways in which you establish a bond between you and your child. Before you begin, you must familiarize yourself with what the toddler does and does not like. Some children do not like to be touched, particularly by people they do not know well. Be warm, open and approachable.When he
comes to you by himself, you will know that he is comfortable being close to you. At this point, start to touch him more and more. Stroke his hair, put your hand on his
shoulder or an arm around him when you talk to him, especially if you are telling him what a good boy he is. Start to massage him when you feel confident that he
can relax and enjoy it.
Q My child is close to the end of her toddlerhood. Is there an age when I should stop massaging her?
A The time to stop massaging your child is when she gives you the cue. If she seems to be losing interest and often wriggles, sits up, rolls over or walks away during massage; if she cries or asks you not to do it, then respect her wishes and stop. If she continues to enjoy it, massage her for as long as you like, even into adulthood – it can be a special time of closeness between you then, too.
No comments:
Post a Comment