Having a baby is a life-changing experience and many challenges face you on the road ahead.
Bonding with your baby is going to be one of the biggest challenges for a new mum.
Massaging your baby has health and wellbeing benefits for you, your baby and your relationship.
In our how-to guide on baby massage, we’ll explain to you the benefits of baby massage, share some tips so you can get started on the basics and yourself and provide information on where to go for more information or classes.
The best of luck to New Mum and Baby!
The Benefits Of Baby Massage
Colic relief
Wind and constipation relief
Improves baby’s sleeping patterns
Helps with Post Natal Depression (for more information on PND click here)
Stimulates weight gain and growth in premature infants
Nurtures bonding between parent and baby
Instils confidence in parents handling of baby
Relaxes both parent and baby
Aids Digestion
Stimulates circulation
Improves skin condition
Increases muscle tone
Spend some time with your baby and reap the benefits of baby massage…
And it’s not just for Mums…
Dads really benefit from learning infant massage too. It helps them to connect and interact with their child on a deeper level than day-to-day contact may allow.
Let’s Get Started…
Make sure the room is warm and quiet. Take off any jewellery that could get in the way and rub your hands with some baby oil. Strip your baby down to his diaper and then lay him facing up on a soft towel or blanket, with a pillow under his head.
Begin by holding your baby’s hands and gently rubbing his palms with your thumbs a few times. When he seems tuned in to you, try some of these soothing techniques to start you off with the basics of baby massage…
Leg Massage
Gently but firmly wrap your hands around your baby’s leg and glide your hands down from thigh to ankle. Do this a few times; then repeat on the other leg.
Neck Massage
Support your infant’s head and upper body with one hand. Place the thumb of your other hand on one side of her neck and your first two fingers on the other side. Then use your fingertips to gently rub your baby’s neck in a circular motion. Repeat these circles a few times.
Colic-Relief Massage
First give your baby a belly massage. Then bend his knees up to his tummy and hold for about 30 seconds before releasing. Repeat a few times. Then place the edge of one hand on your baby’s belly, gliding from the belly button down in a rhythmic pattern, to help release pent-up gas. Repeat if needed.
We could post photos of these cute babies all day!
Did you know that GloHealth members who have chosen the Family Health & Leisure Personalised Package will get a €40 contribution towards a baby massage course . For more information on this package, see GloHealth.ie
