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.
Showing posts with label baby massage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label baby massage. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Baby Massage : Questions and Answers
Q Can I massage my baby when he has his clothes on?
A Yes, particularly if he is newborn and if you feel both of you would like to be introduced to the massage strokes slowly. But do try and progress to removing
his clothes. Children gain from any positive touch, but skin-toskin contact – your bare hands against your baby’s skin – is the most beneficial.
Q Should I continue to massage my baby if he has a cold or fever?
A Avoid massaging your child if he has a fever or cold. Many children do not want a massage when unwell, but enjoy lots of reassuring strokes and cuddles.
Q If my child has a cut or a bruise, should I stop massaging her?
A Avoid the bruised or cut area, which may be sore and painful to the touch. If your baby has a scar, do not massage the area until the scar has healed. But do continue to massage other areas of her body.
Q My baby has eczema. Can I massage him?
A Yes you can. Use a natural oil, such as olive or sunflower oil, to moisturize your baby’s skin. Choose organic oil if possible. If his skin is cracked or broken, do not
massage the area until it has healed.
Q Is massage recommended for asthmatic children?
A An asthmatic child can benefit from massage, especially if the condition is stress or anxiety related. Massage may help her to relax, which could prevent asthma
attacks or reduce their severity. Never massage your child during an attack, but do give her reassuring strokes on her arms, legs or head to help her feel less frightened.
Q Can I use essential oils to massage my baby?
A It is not advisable to use essential (aromatherapy) oils on babies or young children. Few essential oils are suitable, and those that are should be diluted in a base oil. Never use any essential oil on your child unless instructed by a
trained aromatherapist.
Q My child has very sensitive skin and is allergic to washing powders and soaps. Is it safe to use oil? What type of oil should I use?
A A natural oil is less likely to irritate sensitive skin than a synthetic variety. Select a light oil such as sunflower or apricot oil, choosing an organic variety if
available.The more naturally the oil is produced, the better. Before using any oil, make sure you carry out a patch test on your child to ensure she is not sensitive to the oil you choose.
Q My baby is allergic to nuts.Will she be affected if I massage her
with a nut oil?
A Do not use a nut oil under any circumstances as it may well affect your child.Try a natural oil such as grape-seed or olive oil. Some vegetable oils may contain
nut products, so before using any oil, make absolutely certain that it is free of these. If the ingredients label is unclear, contact the manufacturer for further
information. Once you have chosen an oil, make sure you perform a patch test on your baby to eliminate the possibility of sensitivity. If you have any doubts, massage your baby without oil – it is the loving touch you give her that is most
important.
Q My baby has recently had surgery. Is it safe to massage her?
A Check with your surgeon before massaging your baby post-operatively. In many cases,once a child has recovered from surgery, massage is very beneficial to the baby and her parents.The touch is soothing to the child, and massaging their baby helps parents overcome anxieties about handling an infant in a delicate state.Avoid
massaging the general area of the operation until the scar has healed – your doctor can give you more advice on this.
A Yes, particularly if he is newborn and if you feel both of you would like to be introduced to the massage strokes slowly. But do try and progress to removing
his clothes. Children gain from any positive touch, but skin-toskin contact – your bare hands against your baby’s skin – is the most beneficial.
Q Should I continue to massage my baby if he has a cold or fever?
A Avoid massaging your child if he has a fever or cold. Many children do not want a massage when unwell, but enjoy lots of reassuring strokes and cuddles.
Q If my child has a cut or a bruise, should I stop massaging her?
A Avoid the bruised or cut area, which may be sore and painful to the touch. If your baby has a scar, do not massage the area until the scar has healed. But do continue to massage other areas of her body.
Q My baby has eczema. Can I massage him?
A Yes you can. Use a natural oil, such as olive or sunflower oil, to moisturize your baby’s skin. Choose organic oil if possible. If his skin is cracked or broken, do not
massage the area until it has healed.
Q Is massage recommended for asthmatic children?
A An asthmatic child can benefit from massage, especially if the condition is stress or anxiety related. Massage may help her to relax, which could prevent asthma
attacks or reduce their severity. Never massage your child during an attack, but do give her reassuring strokes on her arms, legs or head to help her feel less frightened.
Q Can I use essential oils to massage my baby?
A It is not advisable to use essential (aromatherapy) oils on babies or young children. Few essential oils are suitable, and those that are should be diluted in a base oil. Never use any essential oil on your child unless instructed by a
trained aromatherapist.
Q My child has very sensitive skin and is allergic to washing powders and soaps. Is it safe to use oil? What type of oil should I use?
A A natural oil is less likely to irritate sensitive skin than a synthetic variety. Select a light oil such as sunflower or apricot oil, choosing an organic variety if
available.The more naturally the oil is produced, the better. Before using any oil, make sure you carry out a patch test on your child to ensure she is not sensitive to the oil you choose.
Q My baby is allergic to nuts.Will she be affected if I massage her
with a nut oil?
A Do not use a nut oil under any circumstances as it may well affect your child.Try a natural oil such as grape-seed or olive oil. Some vegetable oils may contain
nut products, so before using any oil, make absolutely certain that it is free of these. If the ingredients label is unclear, contact the manufacturer for further
information. Once you have chosen an oil, make sure you perform a patch test on your baby to eliminate the possibility of sensitivity. If you have any doubts, massage your baby without oil – it is the loving touch you give her that is most
important.
Q My baby has recently had surgery. Is it safe to massage her?
A Check with your surgeon before massaging your baby post-operatively. In many cases,once a child has recovered from surgery, massage is very beneficial to the baby and her parents.The touch is soothing to the child, and massaging their baby helps parents overcome anxieties about handling an infant in a delicate state.Avoid
massaging the general area of the operation until the scar has healed – your doctor can give you more advice on this.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Massage to overcome baby constipation
FROM TIME TO TIME, your baby may suffer from constipation. Massaging her abdominal area can be an effective way of both relieving and preventing this.The massage can be done when she is fully clothed, but is more effective if she is naked.Allow at least one hour after a feed before performing the strokes shown here. For this massage sequence, lie your baby on her back with her feet nearest to you.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
❖ NO STOOLS
A constipated child will frequently strain to pass a stool, but does not always achieve it.
❖ HARD STOOLS
When a stool is passed, it is hard, often resembling a solid pellet.
❖ CRYING
A hard stool can be painful to pass, so babies often cry just before and while passing a stool.
❖ TIME LAPSE BETWEEN STOOLS
If your child has not passed a stool for over three days, it is possible that she is constipated. It is normal for babies and young children to pass stools three times a day, and also normal not to ‘go’ at all for up to three days, and sometimes even
longer if they are being breast-fed.
❖ STRAINING
Although it is a sign of constipation, ‘straining’ is not always a reliable indicator, as babies often go red in the face when pushing out a stool.
If your child strains when passing a stool, then passes a soft, wellformed one, she is not constipated.
THINGS TO TRY
Besides abdominal massage, there are other options you should consider to relieve constipation or to prevent it from occurring:
❖ PLENTY OF FLUIDS
Make sure your baby is drinking enough fluids. Freshly-squeezed orange juice can help to move the bowels. Give your child two to four fluid ounces of diluted orange juice a day. Squeeze some oranges, strain the juice and dilute it to a ratio of
one part orange juice to four parts boiled and cooled water.
❖ A HEALTHY DIET
Does your baby’s diet include all she needs to prevent constipation? Up to four months, she should have breast or formula milk and juices. From four months, give her baby rice, cornmeal, pureed fruit and vegetables and stewed dried fruit.
From six months, introduce cereals, pulses and other grains gradually. Fibre and fluids help prevent constipation, but do not omit fat from the diet. Ask your
health visitor for advice if necessary.
❖ SENSIBLE ADVICE
Constipation can be a common problem with babies and young children. If it occurs, it tends to be recurring.Your doctor or health visitor will be able to give you
useful advice and support in coping with a constipated baby.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
❖ NO STOOLS
A constipated child will frequently strain to pass a stool, but does not always achieve it.
❖ HARD STOOLS
When a stool is passed, it is hard, often resembling a solid pellet.
❖ CRYING
A hard stool can be painful to pass, so babies often cry just before and while passing a stool.
❖ TIME LAPSE BETWEEN STOOLS
If your child has not passed a stool for over three days, it is possible that she is constipated. It is normal for babies and young children to pass stools three times a day, and also normal not to ‘go’ at all for up to three days, and sometimes even
longer if they are being breast-fed.
❖ STRAINING
Although it is a sign of constipation, ‘straining’ is not always a reliable indicator, as babies often go red in the face when pushing out a stool.
If your child strains when passing a stool, then passes a soft, wellformed one, she is not constipated.
THINGS TO TRY
Besides abdominal massage, there are other options you should consider to relieve constipation or to prevent it from occurring:
❖ PLENTY OF FLUIDS
Make sure your baby is drinking enough fluids. Freshly-squeezed orange juice can help to move the bowels. Give your child two to four fluid ounces of diluted orange juice a day. Squeeze some oranges, strain the juice and dilute it to a ratio of
one part orange juice to four parts boiled and cooled water.
❖ A HEALTHY DIET
Does your baby’s diet include all she needs to prevent constipation? Up to four months, she should have breast or formula milk and juices. From four months, give her baby rice, cornmeal, pureed fruit and vegetables and stewed dried fruit.
From six months, introduce cereals, pulses and other grains gradually. Fibre and fluids help prevent constipation, but do not omit fat from the diet. Ask your
health visitor for advice if necessary.
❖ SENSIBLE ADVICE
Constipation can be a common problem with babies and young children. If it occurs, it tends to be recurring.Your doctor or health visitor will be able to give you
useful advice and support in coping with a constipated baby.
Massage : newborn baby
MASSAGING YOUR NEWBORN BABY is a lovely way to get to know her – her expressions and reactions to different strokes,the contours of her body, the feel of her tiny fingers and toes.You will find that these special moments of loving touch are times that your
baby comes to anticipate and enjoy. Massaging can also help her progress to the
‘quiet-alert state’ where she becomes calm, receptive,and seeks eye contact with you, which will create a wonderful feeling of intimacy between you. She may not smile, but you will have a sense of real closeness.This social interaction enhances your early relationship, setting strong foundations for the future.
baby comes to anticipate and enjoy. Massaging can also help her progress to the
‘quiet-alert state’ where she becomes calm, receptive,and seeks eye contact with you, which will create a wonderful feeling of intimacy between you. She may not smile, but you will have a sense of real closeness.This social interaction enhances your early relationship, setting strong foundations for the future.
BENEFITS OF MASSAGE AND STILL TOUCH FOR PREMATURE INFANTS
Perhaps the most important benefit of still touch and massage for your premature baby is that it helps you both to bond.This is especially helpful if your baby has spent the first days of his life in an incubator.You can give him love, comfort and reassurance through your voice and gentle touch. Massage can also:
❖ have a calming and soothing effect
❖ help to improve weight gain
❖ enhance growth and development
❖ encourage greater responsiveness
❖ improve digestion and metabolism
❖ reduce pain by stimulating the production
of endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers.
❖ have a calming and soothing effect
❖ help to improve weight gain
❖ enhance growth and development
❖ encourage greater responsiveness
❖ improve digestion and metabolism
❖ reduce pain by stimulating the production
of endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers.
Indian techniques in baby massage
IN MANY ASIAN CULTURES, particularly on the Indian sub-continent, baby massage is a traditional part of day-to-day care. Mothers learn the techniques from their own mothers or mothers-in-law. Sometimes,massage begins on the first day of life, but it usually starts when the baby is about five days old,once the umbilical cord stump has fallen off, and continues until the child can walk.Traditionally the oils used are mustard-seed oil in the winter,because it is warming, and coconut oil in the summer because of its cooling properties.There is often no set routine. Mothers start on
the areas their baby likes best and work towards what is least enjoyed. Massage strokes and stretches are very like those shown in Key Techniques. and they have similar benefits.
If you would like to try massaging your baby while sitting in the Indian massage positions, ensure you keep your back straight – support your back against a wall if you need to.Once you are comfortable, place your baby on your lap in either of the positions shown here. Begin with the one that allows you to perform your baby’s favourite strokes, then move on to the other.
ACROSS THE LAP
Use the techniques given for Back of the Baby, performing them with your baby lying across your lap. Once she has learned to turn over, she may not want to spend
as much time on her back, so this position may be preferable.
ALONG THE LAP
With your baby in this position, you can easily massage her arms, hands, chest, abdomen and legs.You can also perform stretches, but you may need to bring her slightly closer to you in order to massage her head and face
WHEN TO MASSAGE YOUR BABY?
Massage is most effective when babies are in the quiet-alert state . Many people like to massage after a bath in a warm room. Respond to your baby’s cues. She is saying ‘yes’ to the massage if she smiles, looks at you and appears happy and relaxed. She is saying ‘no’ if she cries, turns or pulls away, puts a hand over her face or falls asleep.
Patch test to your baby's oil
A patch test allows you to make sure your baby is not allergic to,or her skin irritated by, the oil you choose.Typical adverse reactions are a rash or a red,
inflamed area.
1 Place a little oil on the inside
of your baby’s wrist or ankle.
2 Leave for 20–30 minutes to
allow time for a severe reaction
to show.To eliminate sensitivity
altogether, wait for 12–24 hours.
3 If there is no irritation after
this time, proceed with the
massage. If irritation does occur,
DO NOT use the oil.
inflamed area.
1 Place a little oil on the inside
of your baby’s wrist or ankle.
2 Leave for 20–30 minutes to
allow time for a severe reaction
to show.To eliminate sensitivity
altogether, wait for 12–24 hours.
3 If there is no irritation after
this time, proceed with the
massage. If irritation does occur,
DO NOT use the oil.
How to choose oil for your baby
Use a natural oil, such as sunflower oil or grape-seed oil – these light,low-odour oils are easily absorbed by the skin and help to nurture it. Choose an organic variety if available.Natural oils are less likely than synthetic oils to irritate the skin. In
countries where baby massage is a tradition,the oil used depends on availability. People from African and Asian cultures living in the West tend to use readily available oils that are similar to those used traditionally in their 14 homelands, such as olive oil.
CAUTIONS
❖ Oiling your baby while
massaging him may make him
slippery, so beware of dropping
him when you lift him up after
you finish the massage. Pick him
up in a towel until the oil has
been absorbed by the skin.
❖ If you suspect that your child
may be allergic to nuts or seeds,
make sure you use an oil that
you know to be free of nut or
seed products.
❖ Do not use essential oils
(aromatherapy oils) on babies
unless directed by a trained
aromatherapist.
❖ Do not massage your baby if
he has a temperature.This is
particularly important if you
are unsure of the cause.
❖ If your child has any form of
cancer that is being treated
actively, do not massage him, as
you may spread the disease around
the body. However, if your child
is receiving palliative care, massage
will be beneficial. Check with
your doctor if you are unsure.
countries where baby massage is a tradition,the oil used depends on availability. People from African and Asian cultures living in the West tend to use readily available oils that are similar to those used traditionally in their 14 homelands, such as olive oil.
CAUTIONS
❖ Oiling your baby while
massaging him may make him
slippery, so beware of dropping
him when you lift him up after
you finish the massage. Pick him
up in a towel until the oil has
been absorbed by the skin.
❖ If you suspect that your child
may be allergic to nuts or seeds,
make sure you use an oil that
you know to be free of nut or
seed products.
❖ Do not use essential oils
(aromatherapy oils) on babies
unless directed by a trained
aromatherapist.
❖ Do not massage your baby if
he has a temperature.This is
particularly important if you
are unsure of the cause.
❖ If your child has any form of
cancer that is being treated
actively, do not massage him, as
you may spread the disease around
the body. However, if your child
is receiving palliative care, massage
will be beneficial. Check with
your doctor if you are unsure.
Baby : preparing for massage
THE BEST TIME to massage your baby is
when he is awake and feeling happy.You
should be feeling calm and relaxed yourself, as
your baby will pick up and be affected by your
mood. Make sure you remove any jewellery
and trim your nails to a suitable length to
avoid scratching his delicate skin. Gather
everything you need around you, so that when
you begin you can concentrate on the strokes,
and on what your baby needs and likes,
making the whole experience as soothing
and pleasurable as possible for both of you.
when he is awake and feeling happy.You
should be feeling calm and relaxed yourself, as
your baby will pick up and be affected by your
mood. Make sure you remove any jewellery
and trim your nails to a suitable length to
avoid scratching his delicate skin. Gather
everything you need around you, so that when
you begin you can concentrate on the strokes,
and on what your baby needs and likes,
making the whole experience as soothing
and pleasurable as possible for both of you.
Research evidence on baby massage
A research study was carried out
in Australia in 1992 with fathers
and their babies to assess the
impact of baby massage on the
father-child relationship.A group
of first-time fathers were shown
how to massage their four-weekold
babies, and asked to continue
for the duration of the study.A
control group of fathers who did
not massage their babies was also
monitored. It was found that at
12 weeks old, babies who were
massaged greeted their fathers
with more eye contact, smiling,
vocalizing and touch than those in
the control group.They showed
more orientating responses to
their fathers, and less avoidance
behaviour.The fathers showed
greater day-to-day involvement
with their infants. Baby massage
allows fathers and babies to enjoy
the skin-to-skin contact that
mothers often experience through
breastfeeding, but fathers often
miss out on. By massaging their
babies, fathers come to
understand their child’s rhythms
and responses, and become more
confident about handling them.
in Australia in 1992 with fathers
and their babies to assess the
impact of baby massage on the
father-child relationship.A group
of first-time fathers were shown
how to massage their four-weekold
babies, and asked to continue
for the duration of the study.A
control group of fathers who did
not massage their babies was also
monitored. It was found that at
12 weeks old, babies who were
massaged greeted their fathers
with more eye contact, smiling,
vocalizing and touch than those in
the control group.They showed
more orientating responses to
their fathers, and less avoidance
behaviour.The fathers showed
greater day-to-day involvement
with their infants. Baby massage
allows fathers and babies to enjoy
the skin-to-skin contact that
mothers often experience through
breastfeeding, but fathers often
miss out on. By massaging their
babies, fathers come to
understand their child’s rhythms
and responses, and become more
confident about handling them.
Benefits of massage for your baby
SECURITY
Positive physical contact between a
parent and child makes the baby
feel loved and valued.This feeling
allows her self-esteem and selfconfidence
to develop.
❖ GENERALWELL-BEING
Research shows that babies who
are touched lovingly become ill
and cry less often than those who
are not. Massage can improve
circulation and also boost the
immune system, as it helps to
move lymph fluid around the body,
which clears harmful substances
from the body. Massage may relieve
pain and the symptoms of some
ailments. It promotes relaxation
and can help soothe a crying infant.
❖ PHYSICAL GROWTH
Massage promotes physical selfawareness,
tones muscles and
makes joints more flexible. In this
way it is especially beneficial for
premature babies (see pages 62–65),
those with low birth-weight and
children with special needs (see
pages 56–59).
❖ SOCIAL SKILLS
Touching your baby teaches her
about communication. Massage
helps you establish a non-verbal communication with your child
that enhances your early relationship
with her, and therefore builds her
self-esteem and sociability.
Positive physical contact between a
parent and child makes the baby
feel loved and valued.This feeling
allows her self-esteem and selfconfidence
to develop.
❖ GENERALWELL-BEING
Research shows that babies who
are touched lovingly become ill
and cry less often than those who
are not. Massage can improve
circulation and also boost the
immune system, as it helps to
move lymph fluid around the body,
which clears harmful substances
from the body. Massage may relieve
pain and the symptoms of some
ailments. It promotes relaxation
and can help soothe a crying infant.
❖ PHYSICAL GROWTH
Massage promotes physical selfawareness,
tones muscles and
makes joints more flexible. In this
way it is especially beneficial for
premature babies (see pages 62–65),
those with low birth-weight and
children with special needs (see
pages 56–59).
❖ SOCIAL SKILLS
Touching your baby teaches her
about communication. Massage
helps you establish a non-verbal communication with your child
that enhances your early relationship
with her, and therefore builds her
self-esteem and sociability.
Understanding massage for baby
The therapeutic effects of massage on adults have been known for a long time,
but only recently in the West have people realized that children also benefit
from massage. In parts of Africa, Asia and South and Central America, women have
massaged their babies for centuries.The practice is well recognized in the West and
in Britain today; it is even offered in health clinics under the National Health Service.
Baby massage is an integral part of the help we offer our clients at our Healthy Start
Clinics.These crying, sleep, feeding and behaviour clinics were set up to advise and
support parents who have difficulties with early parenting challenges. Inexperienced
parents attending were too nervous to touch their babies.This led to problems, as
infants need plenty of positive touch to feel secure. Others had difficulty
understanding their infants. If a baby cries and his parent does not know how to
‘make it better’ (by removing the cause of distress or providing affection), the baby
tends to cry more.This frustrates the parent, and a pattern is set for a downward
spiral. Some parents cannot cope with an incessantly crying baby, and need effective
ways of coping. Others suffered from postnatal depression, a common condition
that has a profoundly damaging effect on the bonding process between mother and
infant. Often, the relationship is damaged even after the condition is alleviated.
Baby massage seemed to be a practical solution to these problems.Through
massaging their babies, parents gain confidence in handling them.They learn to
watch and interpret their baby’s reaction to touch, which sheds light on the infant’s
natural rhythms, and on what he likes and dislikes, making it easier for the parents
INTRODUCTION
❖
to understand him, and sometimes, to tolerate their own inability to soothe him.
When parents enjoy watching and recognizing their child’s reactions, and respond
to them, the baby reacts back. A positive relationship develops between them.
Parents who consulted us became visibly more affectionate towards their babies, and
their children seemed happier and more self-assured. Parents reported that their
babies were calmer, cried less and slept better since they began to massage them.
Parents of babies who cried a lot, usually colicky babies, claimed that even when
massage did not calm their child, they felt better for trying to do something
positive, which made it easier to cope. In the case of postnatally depressed mothers,
there is emerging research evidence that baby massage has a beneficial role in
developing the relationship between them and their babies.
These encouraging results, and the belief that all families can benefit from massage,
spurred us on to write this book. Massage can strengthen your baby’s muscles and
joints and help relieve the symptoms of some ailments that are common in the early
years of life. But most importantly, it allows you to express your love for your child
through touch, and helps you establish a relationship with him early on in his life.
but only recently in the West have people realized that children also benefit
from massage. In parts of Africa, Asia and South and Central America, women have
massaged their babies for centuries.The practice is well recognized in the West and
in Britain today; it is even offered in health clinics under the National Health Service.
Baby massage is an integral part of the help we offer our clients at our Healthy Start
Clinics.These crying, sleep, feeding and behaviour clinics were set up to advise and
support parents who have difficulties with early parenting challenges. Inexperienced
parents attending were too nervous to touch their babies.This led to problems, as
infants need plenty of positive touch to feel secure. Others had difficulty
understanding their infants. If a baby cries and his parent does not know how to
‘make it better’ (by removing the cause of distress or providing affection), the baby
tends to cry more.This frustrates the parent, and a pattern is set for a downward
spiral. Some parents cannot cope with an incessantly crying baby, and need effective
ways of coping. Others suffered from postnatal depression, a common condition
that has a profoundly damaging effect on the bonding process between mother and
infant. Often, the relationship is damaged even after the condition is alleviated.
Baby massage seemed to be a practical solution to these problems.Through
massaging their babies, parents gain confidence in handling them.They learn to
watch and interpret their baby’s reaction to touch, which sheds light on the infant’s
natural rhythms, and on what he likes and dislikes, making it easier for the parents
INTRODUCTION
❖
to understand him, and sometimes, to tolerate their own inability to soothe him.
When parents enjoy watching and recognizing their child’s reactions, and respond
to them, the baby reacts back. A positive relationship develops between them.
Parents who consulted us became visibly more affectionate towards their babies, and
their children seemed happier and more self-assured. Parents reported that their
babies were calmer, cried less and slept better since they began to massage them.
Parents of babies who cried a lot, usually colicky babies, claimed that even when
massage did not calm their child, they felt better for trying to do something
positive, which made it easier to cope. In the case of postnatally depressed mothers,
there is emerging research evidence that baby massage has a beneficial role in
developing the relationship between them and their babies.
These encouraging results, and the belief that all families can benefit from massage,
spurred us on to write this book. Massage can strengthen your baby’s muscles and
joints and help relieve the symptoms of some ailments that are common in the early
years of life. But most importantly, it allows you to express your love for your child
through touch, and helps you establish a relationship with him early on in his life.
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