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Fortunately, what's good for the mum is usually good for the baby too. Massaging your baby can help you to
learn and respond to your baby's body language. It's also a wonderful way to make your baby feel loved,
safe and secure.
massage for mums
Massage provides relaxation during and after pregnancy. As well as increasing circulation, it can reduce
swelling, muscle discomfort, back pain and stress on weight-bearing joints. But massage during pregnancy
differs from a regular massage.
Knowledge of a pregnant woman's anatomy is very important. Positioning during a massage is critical to the
safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby. There are also parts of the body that should not be
massaged. When looking for a pregnancy or post-natal massage therapist, make sure that they are certified
in pregnancy massage.
baby massage
With the right guidance, you can safely massage your own baby from birth. It provides relaxation, tactile
stimulation and, in some instances, improves sleeping patterns. Massage can also give relief from trapped
wind, colic and constipation. Perhaps the biggest advantage of baby massage is the enhanced communication
between parent and baby, which helps with the attachment and bonding process.
To get started, you will need:
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Some massage oil - A simple, unfragranced oil like pure almond, olive or vegetable oil is best.
If in doubt seek advice before purchase.
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A warm room - As babies cannot regulate their body temperature as easily as adults, you need to
ensure the room is heated and free from draughts. Close all windows and doors, and bring in an additional
heater if necessary.
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A comfortable surface - Your baby needs to lie on something soft, warm and well-cushioned - preferably
a surface that can cope with any accidents, as he or she will be without a nappy. Have some spare nappies
nearby, as well as somewhere to keep the massage oil.
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Uninterrupted time - A good time to massage your baby is after a bath when your body will be
relaxed and comfortable. It is not advisable to massage your baby too soon before or after a feed,
when the baby may be distracted, or when he or she is tired and wants to sleep. Remember to
pick a time when you are relaxed too and can concentrate whole-heartedly on the massage, as
your baby will pick up on your mood if your are stressed.
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Some baby massage techniques include:
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Open Book (Used on chest, back and forehead) - Place your hands together palm to palm, in a
'praying' gesture, with your fingertips pointing towards the baby's head, your thumbs uppermost.
Now imagine that your hands are a closed book, and your thumbs are the spine. Place your little
fingers (they are the edges of the pages) against the baby's skin and 'open' the book by spreading
your hands, until your thumbs - still touching each other - reach the baby's body. Separate your
hands and continue to move them outward across your baby in one smooth motion.
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Milking (Used on arms and legs) - Starting at the top of the limb and squeezing gently, move your
hand down to the wrist or ankle. Imagine that you are milking a cow. As one hand reaches the wrist
or ankle, start at the top with the other hand so that there is a continuous stroking effect.
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Rolling (Used on arms and legs) - Place your non-writing hand under the limb and your main hand above.
Roll the limb between the hands - you'll probably find you do this by moving your main hand rapidly
and your other hand hardly moves at all. Then move gradually down the limb.
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general tips
Start gently, taking the time to see what your baby responds to. If your baby is disinterested or seems
uncomfortable, simply try again later or seek advice. Keep strokes light, not probing. If you are unsure
of the correct pressure to use, do the eyelid test: close your eyes and press on your eyelid with
increasing pressure, stopping before it becomes uncomfortable. This is the right pressure to use on a
young baby (0-3months) but you may use a slightly firmer stroke on an older baby.
Always massage your baby from your right to left. This follows the flow of the digestive system, so that
you are working with the baby's organs - not against them. Use your writing hand for the major part of the
strokes. And, above all, remember to relax and have fun with your baby.
Have your say:
If you've got any relaxation tips, whether they're for pregnant mums, babies
or toddlers, we'd love to hear from you.
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