Baby Massage

WHAT IS BABY MASSAGE?

Baby massage offers a unique way to communicate with your newborn, and in a way that he or she will recognize from the time in your uterus. Massage contain ues that intimate physical bond from when he or she was constantly massage by the amniotic fluid. Soft, loving, rhyth­mic massage can help give the infant a secure and positive attitude to life outside the womb.

Most cultures have developed some form of baby massage. Mothers all over the world have intuitively understood the infant's need for touch and intimate phys­ical contact. Baby massage is still wide­spread in countries like Russia and India. In some areas of India, the art of massage is being handed down from mother to daughter as a natural part of the art of car­ing for a child.

THE 3 BIGGEST ADVANTAGES OF BABY MASSAGE

1.    Daily baby massage contributes to the development of a warm, intimate rela­tionship between parents and child. Almost all of the elements of "parent bonding" are found in massage and can strengthen this important bond. Through massage, you become familiar with your child's "body language" and can closely follow his or her physical and psychological development. (See Chapters 12 and 13 for more about your child's development.)

2.    Massage strengthens and regulates the circulation of the blood, breathing, and digestion. Gassy stomach is com­mon in infants, and can often be released by a light "colic massage" (see below). Colic pains can be reduced, and often completely disap­pear, by regular massage.

3. Massage releases tensions. As a result of scientific research, we know today that infants are influenced by their mother's physical and emotional con­dition during the pregnancy. The birth itself can be a difficult process for the child. The transition to a new and unknown world isn't easy, either, and the amount of knowledge the baby must acquire during the first year can also be a strain. Through baby massage, both positive and neg­ative experiences can be released. Stress may be expressed by being tearful and irritable. It can then be good to cry in a parent's arms, and a long nap often follows.

Baby massage isn't difficult to do, and some groups arrange classes for parents and infants. Learning baby massage through books — especially books with pictures — is still the easiest alternative for many people.

HOW TO GIVE THE MASSAGE

Baby massage can be started right after birth. A massage should be enjoyed, and not forced upon the baby.

Choose a warm room where the temper­ature is at least 75°F, and where you and your baby won't be disturbed. Put the baby in front of you, either on the bed, on a table, or on a mat on the floor. Make sure you are sitting comfortably, and try to relax before you start. Talk to your baby about the massage.

Use a natural oil (such as almond or olive) or a lubricating cream to make your fingers glide over the baby's body without pulling his or her skin. Don't use adult massage oils, which can irritate a baby's skin. Put a little of the oil or cream into the palm of your hand until it's warm.

The massage can now begin. Be gentle and pay attention to how your baby responds to your touch.