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The Gifts of a Newborn Massage
Author: Stef Daniel
Your baby is probably so tiny that you are afraid to touch them – let alone give them a massage. However, research shows that infant massage can help to relieve colic and fussiness, stomach pains, strengthen the immune system, and help eliminate infant stress. Not to mention it is a great way to bond with your baby through the sense of touch. Interestingly enough, if you have ever seen an animal being born, the mama’s always begin their life with a thorough licking massage to stimulate their newborn into movement and life. The same is true for humans.
The best way to give your baby a massage is to choose a hypoallergenic lotion or oil specifically made for infants. Rub it in your hands so that it is warm and start massaging your baby. If your baby is alert, simply cradle them in your lap and start with their feet, making sure to gently rub each and every toe. Also, stimulating the balls of their feet is important for immune health. Move your hands slowly up each leg, making sure to stop at every inch for a few seconds. When you get to the muscle tissues, use both hands on one leg and rub as gently and thoroughly as possible in circular motions. Don’t forget the hips! Many newborns have sore or injured hips from birth, so this is an especially important area.
Tummy massage is next. This is a great trick for helping to soothe your baby or during times of colic. To be most effective, start at the rib cage with your fingers and swipe downward gently. This helps to move any gas that may be trapped in their abdomen. (Avoid tummy massage directly after feeding.) Make sure your hands are lubricated and warm and begin making soft circular motions over the mass of their tummy. Wrap your hands around their back to reach the kidney section as well. And don’t forget to rub around the navel in a circular motion too. If you are massaging because your baby is gassy, then lift their legs up, knees bent toward their stomach, which may help to push out any pent up intestinal air.
The same procedure should be done on their arms, neck, and back. Try to make sure that you reach all the trigger points on your baby, located around the clavicle and under the arm, which helps to strengthen the immune system and release any toxins from your baby’s system. When you are ready to do their back, you can either hold them against you as if you are hugging them or lay them on your lap. Remember not to leave your baby face down.
Perhaps one of the most special massage points on an infant, or any child for that matter – is the face. Use the tips of your fingers to draw around their eyebrows and temples. Move toward the back of the ears and down the tender base of the cervical spine. Stroke their cheeks in outward motions. You can also gently rub their head, being careful of the fontanels. More than likely, your infant will fall asleep.
Massaging an infant is not difficult and isn’t something that you should be afraid of. As long as you use very gentle strokes and don’t exert too much pressure, it will be something that they look forward to. It is also a great thing to do each and every night after they have had their bath to prepare them for bedtime.
