Mamma’s! Do you enjoy a good massage? I sure do and I am positive your baby will as well. Infant massage therapy has been traditionally used globally across many cultures as a way for parents to calm, soothe, and stimulate babies. It is also seen as a positive way for parents to be able to bond with their newborn to promote infant attachment.

There are many health benefits providing your baby with a massage. Research suggests that infant massage may encourage bonding between you and your baby, helps with reducing crying, as well as help with supporting your baby with relaxation and sleep and much more. Who wouldn’t want to relaxed baby?

You’re probably wondering how in the world do I massage my baby? I know you have a lot on your plate but here are a few techniques to get you started:

1.   Create a warm and calm environment.  Engage your baby by letting them know it is massage time as you undress them down to their diaper. Sit comfortably on the floor/bed or stand in front of the change table and position your baby on a blanket or towel in front of you. Place your baby on his or her back so that you can continue to maintain eye contact with your little one.

2.  Gently and slowly stroke and knead each part of your baby's body section by section (you may choose to use an oil while massaging your baby).

• Start from their head by gently massaging their scalp with your fingertips avoiding their soft spot

• Massage your baby’s ears between your thumb and index finger

• Place your thumbs between your baby’s eyebrows and stroke outward

• Place both hands on your baby's chest and stroke outward from their sternum to their shoulders

• Hold their wrist/ankle with one hand and hold your other hand in a C-shape around baby's upper arm/thigh; stroke from their shoulder/thigh down to their wrist/ankle

• To massage your baby’s back turn them over onto their tummy horizontally in front of you, or lay them across your outstretched legs

• With both of your hands-on baby's back, move each hand back and forth (keeping them going in opposite directions) from the base of the neck to their buttocks.

3.     Remain relaxed throughout the massage and follow your baby cues.

Sounds easy enough, right? But when in doubt remember to stroke your baby in a gentle but firm manner (avoid tickling), introduce massage time into your baby’s daily routine as tolerated, and always follow your baby’s cues when to stop. Infant care may not always be this easy peasy lemon squeezey. Feel free to reach out to me at daisydoulabirthservices@gmail.com for virtual or telephone support.

Ciao!

Sadhna

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