The Healing Touch

Source :      Pubdate : 2013/1/8 10:19:00      Author :

Ever find yourself absent-mindedly stroking the back of your baby's neck and marvelling at its softness? You have a powerful instinct to caress your baby, and not without reason touch is vital to his wellbeing, and that's why baby massage is so good for him.

"Massage has the same benefits for babies as for anyone else," says Sally Cranfield, baby massage teacher. "It induces very deep relaxation and causes the body to release the hormone oxytocin, which has a calming effect. This can help your baby get to sleep, and also to sleep more deeply, so he won't wake so often."

Massage also boosts your baby's immune system and can be used to deal with specific problems, such as colic. "The tradition of baby massage is strong in other cultures, but was lost to ours as baby care became more medicalised," says Sally. "Now we're rediscovering this lovely way of exploring the bond between parent and baby." It's a great way for you to get close to your little one and spend quality time together, and will strengthen the special bond between you.

Tips and techniques

Ideally your baby should be fed, winded and comfortable, and the room should be nice and warm before you undress him for a massage. Have a nappy and a towel handy in case of little accidents, and lay him on a changing mat or a thick, folded towel.

Wind and colic

Massaging your baby's tummy clockwise, in a circular movement centred on his belly button, can ease digestion. Don't press down.

Sleep

With your baby lying on his back, you can stroke his head, chest and tummy to calm him and help him settle to sleep.

Teething

Squeezing and stroking your baby's hands or feet is a good way to soothe the irritability that teething can cause and you can do it anywhere.

The good oil

Grape seed, sweet almond and olive oil are all suitable you'll find them in health food shops or you can just use plain baby oil.

If you like, and provided your baby is over two-months-old, you can add one of the following aromatherapy oils to your base oil, using three drops of essential oil to two tablespoons of base oil.

* Lavender: Soothing, antiseptic and a decongestant

* Eucalyptus: A powerful decongestant, good when your baby has a cold

* Camomile: Calming and soothing, can be helpful in teething.

* Rose otto: Good for dry skin

Hands off!

Massage is suitable for almost all babies, but don't massage him if:

* He's overtired, unwell or has a fever

* He's just been fed it might make him sick

* He has any cuts, bruises or skin complaints, like eczema

* He cries or seems upset by it

* He's had immunisations in the last 48 hours

* He's had surgery or has any broken bones.

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