Infant Massage

The Therapy of a Loving Touch

By Kelly Lott, Certified Massage Therapist

Massage is great for baby, too! After your baby is born, consider infant massage to strengthen the bond between you and your baby. Massage is known to contribute to the development of secure, self-confident children. Research supports the fact that a loving, nurturing touch is necessary for the proper physical and psychological development of children. Dr. Tiffany Field, director of the Touch Research Center at the University of Miami, reports that: "...[M]assaged infants are more active, gain weight faster and become more efficient. It's amazing how much information is communicable in a touch..."

Is your little one gassy or spitting up a lot after feedings? Try this massage technique: Before your baby eats, massage the entire stomach area, lightly yet firmly, in a clockwise direction. Always use an edible oil, as the baby's fingers will probably go into the mouth. Corn, vegetable or virgin olive oils are great. Do not use mineral oils.

Facing the baby, start massaging with your fingertips from left to right. You can use circular motions, or rainbow-shape strokes. This helps the digestion, and helps to pass the gas. Don't massage counterclockwise; this can cause constipation. Moving the gas can be painful, so be sure to massage slowly. This should help keep the food down, and with less discomfort. You can do this for a few minutes before each meal, and doing it before bed makes for a better night's sleep!

If you have a situation where your baby is inconsolable, extremely fussy and can't be comforted, try massaging your baby's feet. Use edible oil, warm your hands together and slowly massage one foot at a time. If you massage too fast, this can overstimulate and cause further fussiness. Talk or sing slowly and with a lowered voice. Also try gently holding their feet in your hands, and sing.

Slowly massaging the baby's head is also very comforting. No need for oil, just the palm of your hand in gentle circular motions.

Infant massage and movement provide the following benefits to infants and parents:

• support of the bonding process
• release of muscular tension created by motor skills acquisition
• may calm anxious babies and relieve symptoms of colic
• contributes to brain and motor development, self-esteem and pleasure in their bodies
• supports learning appropriate posture and movement patterns

Want to see more?

• To Have and to Hold: Cradling and Loving Your Newborn
• Bubble Trouble: How to Control Baby's Gas
• The Crying Game: Soothing Your Newborn
• Talk about it!