by 3 people |
Massaging your Baby!
An Introduction.
Benefits of Infant Massage.
PHYSICAL BENEFITS
* Improves quality of sleep - by soothing the nervous system.
* Tones digestive system - special techniques relieve wind, constipation and colic.
* Strengthens the immune system.
* Stimulates circulatory and lymphatic system.
* Touch Relaxation - a conditioned relaxation response, is of immense benefit to relax an anxious child.
* Reduces muscle tension.
* Strengthens nervous system and aids neurological development.
* Gentle exercises encourage the development of flexibility and co-ordination
EMOTIONAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS
* Strengthens bonding - particularly good for those with interrupted bonding through prematurity, medical problems, adoption and fostering.
* Establishes close, loving communication which provides security and stability for the child.
* Decreases stress and tension for both parent and child.
* Provides opportunity for fathers to spend quality time with their children.
* Develops mutual trust and respect.
* Increases parental confidence and self esteem.
* Helps parent to understand child's non-verbal communication and behavioral cues.
LONG TERM BENEFITS
* Maintains a strong bond between parent and child.
* Decreases hyperactivity - encourages calmness.
* Allows for daily relaxation sessions for both parent and child.
* Teaches a child the difference between "good" and "bad" touch.
* Stress in adult life will be understood and manageable.
* Benefits flow on to the next generation as parents tend to parent as they themselves were parented.
OTHER BENEFITS
* Massage can be adapted for use with children of all ages.
* Techiniques can be specifically adapted for babies and children with special needs.
Why do babies cry?
Colic can be defined as uncontrollable, extended crying (more than three hours a day, three to four days a week) in babies who are otherwise healthy and well-fed. Usually crying is worse at night. Babies may lift their head, draw their legs up to their abdomen, pass gas and become red-faced. Poor sleep habits is also a common cause for colic.
Infant massage is a great way to help colicky babies. There are special techniques and holds to relieve colic.
SOME WAYS TO HELP THE COLICKY BABY
* Colic massage routine
* Exercises - let baby kick on the floor
* Warm baths - with massage in bath
* Lying prone on heat pack on knees - bouncing and patting
* Rhythmic movement and sound
* Change of scenery - go for a walk
* Change of carer - give yourself a break
* Reduce environmental stimulation
* Wrap baby snugly in a warm blanket
* Walk with baby using a baby carrier
* Posture feeding
HOLDS FOR COLIC
1. Knees to stomach
2. Football hold and rhythmic rock and pat
3. Baby vertical against parents chest and facing out. Cross arms/cross legs and feet.
4. Chinese buttock stroking.Twenty one slow clockwise circles over opposite buttock then twenty one anti-clockwise circles of nearest buttock.
Should babies be allowed to cry?
Infant Massage is Universal!
Books on Infant Massage
Infant Massage--Revised Edition: A Handbook for Loving Parents
This is one good book which describes the massage sequence in detail. A must-read book for any parent who would like to massage their baby and to help realise that babies not only need physical care but emotional and spiritual care as well. The colic routine is described in detail and is easy to follow. It also has chapters for teens, dads and adoptive parents.
Release Date: 10/31/2000
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Amazon Price: $11.56 (as of 11/11/2009) 
List Price: $17.00
Used Price: $0.01
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Loving Hands: The Traditional Art of Baby Massage
Baby massage is a practice begun in India, and simply stated, involves sitting with the baby on your lap and massaging "it" gently with oil. There is very little text in this book - it's mostly photographs, of a beautiful young Indian mother, sitting on the ground with her baby on her outstretched legs. The photographs are sequential and show the various moves - gently tugging at opposite arms and legs, rubbing circular motions on the torso, massaging tiny hands and feet, and so on.
Written by a professional obstetrician, it is a remarkable and heartfelt presentation of infant massage techniques. Nothing compares to this book. It is beautiful and really helpful for both mother and child.
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Amazon Price: $12.89 (as of 11/11/2009)
List Price: $18.95
Used Price: $3.89
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Baby Massage: Soothing Strokes for Healthy Growth
Suzanne's book teaches us how to connect with our babies through compassionate touch. She explains to us and shows us how to have experiences that contribute to the physical, social, and emotional development of our little ones. This is a MUST HAVE for couples thinking about conceiving, those who are pregnant, and anyone who is responsible for nurturing and caring for babies.
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Amazon Price: $4.38 (as of 11/11/2009)
List Price: $10.95
Used Price: $4.91
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Baby Massage: The Calming Power of Touch
A really enjoyable book with informative pictures and simple explanations. Every stroke has a photo and a detailed description making it easy to follow.
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Amazon Price: $10.20 (as of 11/11/2009)
List Price: $15.00
Used Price: $3.38
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Baby Massage: A Practical Guide to Massage and Movement for Babies and Infants
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List Price: $17.95
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DVDs on Infant Massage
Baby Massage Therapy: Newborns, Infants & Toddlers version 2.0
A pretty good video which gives you hands on feeling. The demo on an active child is very practical. The instructions calm both baby and the massager. The strokes are demonstrated from different angles and are easy to follow. A highly recommended DVD.
Release Date: 10/01/2003
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Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 11/11/2009)
List Price: $21.95
Used Price: $13.19
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Baby Tata; Infant Massage, Exercise, and Play DVD
The DVD contains an intro, a 22 minute routine and a 10 minute routine, which gives you the option of a longer or shorter massage. Both routines are accompanied by videos and voice-over guides, with music in the background. After a stroke is explained, the screen displays cartoon while you repeat the stroke, and captivates your bub's attention.
Release Date: 01/03/2005
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Amazon Price: (as of 11/11/2009)
List Price: $20.00
Used Price: $22.47
It's Baby Time! Infant massage, exercise and play
A good idea for beginners rather than the experienced masseurs. The sing-along songs are great and baby can watch the video while you massage her. Massage routines for colic, nasal congestion and constipation are explained in detail.
Release Date: 09/09/2005
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Amazon Price: $19.95 (as of 11/11/2009)
List Price: $19.95
Used Price: $16.69
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Infant Massage Lessons for Dads (2004)
The DVD starts with a brief introduction,detailing all the items you will need for the session, and 3 dads complete the massage session with their infants. There is also an extra interview that explains the benefits of continuing massage as your children grow older. This is an easy way for dads to get started on infant massage and to bond with their babies.
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Used Price: $13.99
Infant Massage: Power of Touch
The question and answer section is really helpful.
Release Date: 11/04/2003
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Amazon Price: $13.49 (as of 11/11/2009)
List Price: $14.99
Used Price: $10.99
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Your feedback is valuable!
Feel free to ask me any questions regarding infant massage.
alovingsoul wrote...
I think your lens is very good and I'm giving it a 5 star rating. Drop by my lenses and let me know what you think.
Posted June 12, 2007
peterobot wrote...
My four children were all brought up having baby massages, both of us actively doing it. It is a great time for bonding and soothes both parent and child. I throughly recommend it. Top marks!
Peter
Posted June 12, 2007
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