Infant Massage
January 25, 2007
In dealing with colic, many desperate parents have tried every home remedy and some have even used over the counter meds to no avail but there is another option that just might help. Dr. Mom touches on this age old problem.
There is no substitute for a parent's loving touch. Through touch, babies first learn the comfort and security of loving and of being loved. Several studies have shown that massage stimulates nerves, increases blood flow, and strengthens the immune system. Infant massage is also believed to help relieve colic.
The best time to massage your baby is at bath time or bedtime since a massage may help baby fall asleep quickly. Massaging baby whenever he/she is fussy can also help calm baby.
Use these important tips:- Choose a room that is warm and use a padded pillow, blanket, or lay baby on a bed. (Never leave baby unattended on a bed)
- Make sure your hands are clean and warm. Remove jewelry so as not to scratch baby's skin.
- You may choose to use a natural oil to prevent friction and to allow hands and fingers to move over baby's skin smoothly. (Refrain from using mineral oil, nut oils, and scented oils).
- Massage baby slowly for about 15 minutes, keeping baby warm by covering baby's tummy with a blanket while massaging other parts of baby.
- Stop if baby cries. You may try again later when baby is more receptive.
A massage method that is demonstrated in the video is the "I Love You" massage. Make a single "I" shaped stroke with your right hand on the left side of baby's belly. Then, make a backward, sideways "L" going from your left to right. Make an upside down "U," going from your left to right. The idea is to follow the direction of the colon and large intestine, and to move clockwise. This may help relieve colic.
Besides helping relieve colic, infant massage has other benefits such as:- Promotes bonding and communication
- Promotes sounder and longer sleep
- Reduces fussiness
- Improves function of the respiratory, circulatory, digestive, eliminative, nervous, and immune systems
- Gives relief from the discomfort of teething and congestion
- Improves sensory awareness
- Helps baby learn to relax, decreases production of stress hormones
- Provides opportunity to share quality time
- Builds a bond between parents and children
- Helps parents better understand and respond to baby's verbal and nonverbal clues
- Increases parents ability to help relax their child in times of stress
Special Thanks to Deborah de Wet, LMT for her expertise in Infant Massage.
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