Good, basic links for baby massage

Baby massage has many great benefits, including sense of wellbeing and helping with illnesses/afflictions. It has even shown, in older children, to positively benefit conditions like asthma and ADHD.

Here some basic instruction on baby massage


http://www.makewayforbaby.com/massages.htm


An interesting short excerpt about ayurvedic baby massage


http://www.sanatansociety.org/ayurvedic_massage/ayurvedic_baby_massage.htm


(Incidentally, it mentions that at one month old you may begin using hands for massage (they use a soft dough ball from newborn to that time)

A good link of Questions and Answers for baby massage. Here’s an example for colic:

Gena: Is massage helpful with a colicky baby?

Diana: Absolutely, research has shown that colic and constipation is greatly reduced by massage. Babies that appear to be experiencing colic can benefit by having their tummies and legs rubbed. Following the direction of the intestinal tract, rub in a circular clockwise direction to encourage elimination and relaxation for your infant. Some stretches will help by pressing the knees into the tummy.


http://www.storknet.com/guests/babymassage.htm



Personally, I have just been doing a general full body stroking from the head, over the whole body and down the legs. I also do circular on the tummy. My son is 6 months old now and he expects a short massage when I change his diaper!

I also have an older cousin that told me she has been doing massage on her son since he was and infant (she had a professional teach her). She didn't realize at the time that he had slight autism but agrees that massage has helped him tremendously.

We all need touch and it helps when we can offer it to our loved ones, especially with our children. It will help them grow up feeling safe, loved and feeling positive about their body.

Lori Tweet