Debbie Page, RN, IBCLC, CEIM offers Infant Massage instruction for Parents:
Debbie Page teaches a 4 class series of Infant Massage USA at The New Born Baby in Sterling, MA.
MASSAGING YOUR BABY
by Vimala McClure
The gentle art of infant massage has been part of baby care-giving traditions for generations. Many of the family customs of our ancestors are returning to our lives as modern science rediscovers their importance and their contribution to our infants well being and that of our families.
The benefits of infant massage are more far-reaching than they may at first seem. For an infant, massage is much more than a relaxing experience or a type of physical therapy. It helps the baby's internal functions work smoothly, releases tension, and helps your baby to feel securely loved and cherished, a benefit that will remain with your baby for life.
Research continues to prove the extensive benefits of infant massage for babies in every type of situation. Tiffany M. Field, PhD, at the University Of Miami School Of Medicine, has done much to validate the benefits of infant massage, proving its positive impact on healthy babies and those with a host of life-threatening conditions. Dr. Stephen Berman, President of the American Academy of Pediatrics, wrote the preface to Infant Massage: a Handbook for Loving Parents, and fully endorses the routine I developed.
HOW TO BEGIN
Infant Massage: a Handbook for Loving Parents (2000 edition) contains many illustrated pages on this subject to help you what you need to know to make your massage experience the best it can be. Here's a brief description of how to begin massaging your baby. The book and/or a class can help you learn much more.
- Massage in a warm place. Often babies fuss because it is too cool. You can massage at a changing table, on a bed, or on a carpeted floor. You can sit cross-legged using supports if you need them for your back. Lay the baby on your blanket with his or her head on the pillow. Your baby should be very close to you for good eye contact and a sense of warmth and security.
- Remove your baby's clothing and cover your baby with a soft towel or diaper. Remove your bottle of massage oil. Use an all natural massage oil, a food-based substance that will not harm your babys delicate lymphatic system when absorbed through the skin. Before massaging, you will put a small amount in your palm and swish the oil between your hands to warm it and cover your hands. The feeling should be smooth but not slippery. The swishing noise will be a cue to baby that he or she is about to receive a massage.
- Relax deeply and bring your attention to your baby. Another special cue is to ask your baby, ‘May I massage you now?' while showing your palms to your baby. The baby will alert to the cues of the word massage, the sound of the oil swishing between your palms, and your question. Keep in mind that the first time, most babies fuss a little; it is a new experience and therefore a little stressful. The next time you massage, the experience will be more familiar and fussing will diminish. In addition, you will more easily read your baby's cues as to whether he/she wishes to be massaged now or not (see book for more detail on this subject).
Infant Massage: a Handbook for Loving Parents can be purchased through http://www.thenewbornbabyboutique.com/