Being a baby can be quite stressful. Think of it from their point of view.
One minute they are tucked snugly away in the womb, not having to wonder where their next meal is coming from, the temperature is always comfortable, and being constantly caressed and rocked by your carrier.
Next minute they are out in this big wide world, screaming for their food.
And when the food comes, it can be a bit of a shock to the digestive system, often sending their tiny tummies into a bunch of knots. And if that’s not enough, each day brings with it many frustrations in the form of new experiences as they try to reach each developmental milestone.
Being parents for the first time can also be a dramatic adjustment to your lifestyle.
Massage can help you and your baby handle these changes in more effective ways, resulting in a stronger relationship between you.
Through the art of nurturing touch, parents can learn to support, communicate, love and understand their child. Some of the most intimate and deeply communicative moments between you and your baby can be experienced as you silently stroke your baby’s back, smooth away the tension in their belly or caress your hands around their tiny feet.
Your child internalises this support which then leads to a more emotionally balanced and grounded child.
There are some times, throughout the day when massage will not be tolerated by your baby in a positive way. These include, when baby is drowsy and wanting to go to sleep, crying for food or from discomfort, or is already on sensory overload from a big day out shopping or visiting. At these times
your baby may show this to you in many different ways, such as turning away from you, arching their back, stiff or jerky body movements, a change in skin colour, frowning, or simply having a good old “letting go” cry.
Times when baby is more acceptable to receive your soothing massage are when they are relaxed and smiling, looking at you, reaching out their arms and, preferably for massaging the tummy, 45 minutes after a feed. If you are the parent of a baby with special needs, your child may communicate his/her needs differently from other babies. Giving a focused massage allows you to learn more about your baby’s unique signals. Massage may also help your baby cope with the physical stresses or disabilities he or she may have to live with.
Baby massage groups are an enjoyable way of helping both parents and baby to
undergo this complex process of
adjustment, when a new baby joins
the family.
The benefits for baby may include improved sleep/wake states, improved digestion and elimination; it can help strengthen the immune system, soothe and calm emotional traumas or pain, and encourages healthy development.
The overwhelming evidence I have experienced is that parents need to give loving touch to their newborn and can clearly recognise the benefits when they do.
To celebrate Baby Massage Awareness Week (1-7 August), IAIM instructors will be conducting free baby massage info sessions around Australia.
Visit: http://www.bodyconnection.com.au/news-and-events.php
One minute they are tucked snugly away in the womb, not having to wonder where their next meal is coming from, the temperature is always comfortable, and being constantly caressed and rocked by your carrier.
Next minute they are out in this big wide world, screaming for their food.
And when the food comes, it can be a bit of a shock to the digestive system, often sending their tiny tummies into a bunch of knots. And if that’s not enough, each day brings with it many frustrations in the form of new experiences as they try to reach each developmental milestone.
Being parents for the first time can also be a dramatic adjustment to your lifestyle.
Massage can help you and your baby handle these changes in more effective ways, resulting in a stronger relationship between you.
Through the art of nurturing touch, parents can learn to support, communicate, love and understand their child. Some of the most intimate and deeply communicative moments between you and your baby can be experienced as you silently stroke your baby’s back, smooth away the tension in their belly or caress your hands around their tiny feet.
Your child internalises this support which then leads to a more emotionally balanced and grounded child.
There are some times, throughout the day when massage will not be tolerated by your baby in a positive way. These include, when baby is drowsy and wanting to go to sleep, crying for food or from discomfort, or is already on sensory overload from a big day out shopping or visiting. At these times
your baby may show this to you in many different ways, such as turning away from you, arching their back, stiff or jerky body movements, a change in skin colour, frowning, or simply having a good old “letting go” cry.
Times when baby is more acceptable to receive your soothing massage are when they are relaxed and smiling, looking at you, reaching out their arms and, preferably for massaging the tummy, 45 minutes after a feed. If you are the parent of a baby with special needs, your child may communicate his/her needs differently from other babies. Giving a focused massage allows you to learn more about your baby’s unique signals. Massage may also help your baby cope with the physical stresses or disabilities he or she may have to live with.
Baby massage groups are an enjoyable way of helping both parents and baby to
undergo this complex process of
adjustment, when a new baby joins
the family.
The benefits for baby may include improved sleep/wake states, improved digestion and elimination; it can help strengthen the immune system, soothe and calm emotional traumas or pain, and encourages healthy development.
The overwhelming evidence I have experienced is that parents need to give loving touch to their newborn and can clearly recognise the benefits when they do.
To celebrate Baby Massage Awareness Week (1-7 August), IAIM instructors will be conducting free baby massage info sessions around Australia.
Visit: http://www.bodyconnection.com.au/news-and-events.php
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