No, baby massage isn’t a new-age spa treatment for silver-spoon fed babies. It is in fact commonplace in many cultures and has been for hundreds of years.
Around The World
In India, after birth, a cleansing massage is done with a soft wheat-dough ball and a little almond oil. It continues for six days to enhance the circulatory system, helps in the expulsion of toxins and aids the digestive system of the baby.
Baby massage has a history of over a few hundred years in China. It is a highly specialized practice. It is used to treat baby colic diarrhea, constipation and many other baby illnesses without any medication or needles. A baby’s acupressure points are different from adults making massage very effective.
In Polynesia babies are massaged every evening after their shower with coconut oil to alleviate growing pains.
Here In Singapore
Health care officials recognize the importance of massage and baby massage classes are now being held for new parents at most hospitals in Singapore.
On May 8th KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital together with Johnson & Johnson organised a baby massage-a-thon to promote the benefits of baby massage. A total of 408 babies were massaged in the 6 hour session. Babies are growing at such an incredible rate that their tiny little bodies can ache from all that stretching. A growing and a gentle smooth oil rub can be just what they need and 408 babies were very happy.
The Benefits Are Numerous
Very high on the list is that it will help them sleep better, and who doesn’t want just a little more sleep at night. It releases the tension from daily stresses. Yes, it is said that babies feel stress from their surroundings and from growing. Massage also comforts babies with love and the human touch. Everyone enjoys a gentle massage.
Scientifically, massaging induces the hormone serotonin in the body, a substance that regulates functions such as appetite, sleep, memory and learning, temperature regulation, mood, behaviour, cardiovascular function, muscle contraction, endocrine regulation and depression.
It is even more amazing to know that pre-term infants who were given daily 15-minute massages grew and gained weight 47 percent faster than those who did not receive massages. They were also discharged from the hospital five to six days earlier than other babies.
Touch improves social development. Studies show that children, who were massaged when they were four weeks old, and thereafter, showed more responsiveness in a 12-week home observation. These infants greeted their parents with more eye contact, smiles, vocalising, reach and orienting responses.
A 15-minute massage reduces an infant’s irritability, improves his learning and accelerates development. Among children who were given the massage, sleep problems were reduced by 33 percent to 100 percent. That’s a huge amount if you aren’t getting enough sleep.
Just How Do You Do It?
Well, if you are keen to get a book there are several to choose from. Your Baby’s First Year by Johnson and Johnson and The New Babycare Book: A Practical Guide to the First 3 Yearsby Dr. Miriam Stoppard contain chapters on baby massage with nice graphics and detailed directions. Chinese Massage for Infants and Children by Kyle Cline is very informative of the children’s pressure points and Qi and has very good drawings to follow. These can be found at Kinokuniya or most bookstores in Singapore.
A massage therapist or doctor will advise you if you are concerned about doing something wrong and most importantly remember how tiny those little bodies are. Close your eyes and press your eyelids. The pressure you should use is the same as pressing your eyelids without any discomfort.
What Oils Can You Use On Baby’s Skin?
The oils are best simple and wholesome without fragrance. Baby oil, olive oil for the skin or most non-fragrant oil will do. Try a bit on the skin if it is new to your baby to make sure there isn’t an allergic reaction. It is rare to be allergic to non fragrant oils. Take your cues from your child. So long as they are happy and smiling, then you are doing something right.
Your child may never forget the smell of the oil you use even though they may not know why and you will cherish the time that spent. Last but not least, it is a calm and beautiful way to ease out of the day and spend time with your amazing baby.
Benefits For Infants
– Improves immune system
– Promotes sounder sleep
– Promotes bonding
– Helps regulate digestive, respiratory and circulatory systems
– Helps relieve discomfort from gas and colic
– Decreases production of stress hormones
Benefits For Parents
– Deepens parental bonds
– Promotes confidence in caring for child
– Improves parent-infant communication
– Eases separation stress of parent after being away at work
– A fun and relaxing activity for parents
Parkway Hospitals and Thomson Medical Centre offer Baby Massage courses for new parents; just ask at the reception. House of Citra Bodyline offers traditional postnatal and baby massages, while Birth & Beyond offers personalized baby massage courses for parents.
