Baby Massage - Part 1
Many cultures have used massage as part of caring for their baby’s
for hundreds of years, and research shows it may have many advantages.
Through massage, you can learn and respond to body language of your
baby. It is also a wonderful way to make your baby feel protected and
safe by showing them that you love them and you give them your full
attention. There is not a unique way to massage your baby, from the
moment you know how to do it safely, your baby and you will discover
what is best way to connect with each other. However, it is important to
remember that massage is something you do with your baby, rather than to
your baby.
In reality, massage for your baby starts in the mother's womb and
intensifies during birth. The strong contraction of the uterus massage’s
the baby and stimulates their bodies facilitating the movement and
development of muscles for life outside the womb. The vernix caseosa,
the fatty white substance covering the skin of the baby, moisturizes and
protects the baby in the mother's womb. It is rich in vitamin K and is
considered the "best massage oil." Some tribal cultures leave the vernix
on the newborn for two or three days before washing the baby by hand
using only hot water. A natural oil is then applied to moisturize the
skin; some hospitals recognize the benefits of vernix and do not removed
it immediately. It is believed that leaving it for a little reduces the
incidence of the baby to develop skin infections.
The massage can be done by both the mother and father and provides a
unique opportunity to link with the newborn in its first months you will
have a lot of physical contact with the child. Whenever possible, do
caress the baby with light massage with or without oil or lotion. It is
a natural instinct to rub a baby and they appreciate it. In the bath,
use a natural soap or a mixture of oils.
The benefits of baby massage
Baby massage provides a perfect opportunity to share moments of
intimacy, direct physical contact and positive interaction. It helps you
build confidence to one another; the physical and emotional benefits for
your baby are numerous.
The massaging of baby:
- Promotes coordination of muscles
- Promotes sleep
- Relieves pain
- Soothes irritation and inflammation
- Stimulates the baby’s immune system
- Facilitates digestion
- Promotes intestinal functions
- Nourishes the skin
- Cleans the skin
- Improves flexibility
- Increases emotional security
- And it just plain feels good, for the baby and parent.
Do not massage your baby if:
- They are sick
- They are asleep
- Clearly suffers pain
- Have just eaten
just received a vaccination (wait two days for any reaction, and then
avoid massaging the site of injection for one week)
if there is any kind of outbreak of skin problems
Some homeopathic medicines should not be used with essential oils for
aromatherapy. Check with your doctor. A natural base oil can be used
alone.
Create a harmonious environment in which the baby is massaged.
- Always wash your hands
- Cut long nails in order not to hurt baby
- Remove jewellery!
- Create a comfortable environment
- Place your baby on a soft, fresh and clean surface
- Exhale slowly and then more deeply than you have inspired.
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