7.0 - Baby’s massage – A Moment of Tenderness and Bonding

(7.0) Baby’s massage – A Moment of Tenderness and Bonding

by Mustela.com

(7.1) Introduction

In the womb, baby is exposed to sensory stimulations coming from the breathing and the moving of his mother during the day.

Today, most health care professionals agree that baby’s massage is a natural activity, which can help him in his self-discovery and exploration of the world. One demonstration of this is that some specialists give massage to accelerate the progress and development of the child.

But for you who just feel like massaging your baby, it is neither a therapeutic gesture nor a tradition. As explained in this brochure, massaging baby can bring you a moment of happy bonding. I wish it to be as beneficial to you as to your baby.

Valentine Marchac, Pediatrician, Necker Hospital, Paris, France.

(7.2) Why massage your baby?

A tradition in Africa, South America and India, the practice of massage is more recent in the western world. In the 70’s, some specialists have showed the importance of early contacts with the mother for the motor development of the baby. Since then, massage has become more popular with mothers who find it ideal to establish an additional communication with their youngster. Giving a massage to a baby is an act of tenderness as essential for his psychological and motor development as his emotional pleasure. Not only a trend, it represents the opportunity to build a real relationship with baby.

(7.3) Why this brochure?

Written with the help of a psychologist*, specializing in the mother/baby relationship, this brochure will help you discover the numerous advantages of a massage: for your baby, for you and for the quality of your relationship with him. You will also find some practical advice, easy to follow, as well as some basic precautions, to make each moment of the massage a moment of shared happiness.

*Mrs. Hubin-Gayte, child psychologist, researcher in maternity

(7.4) Baby shows great sensitivity

Touch is the only fully developed sense in the newborn. The first tool of communication, it establishes immediate contact with the new world around him. This tactile sensibility, acquired during pregnancy, is the true ‘prehistory’ of his emotional relationship with his mother. From birth, this immediate contact helps create a privileged dialogue between mother and child. All the depth of their emotions comes directly from this natural physical contact.

Practical Questions: At what age can a mother give a massage to her baby?

In general, you can start as soon as the umbilical cord has healed right up until the time when your baby becomes more active and experiences difficulty staying immobile for an extended period of time (around 1 year old). However, if your baby agrees, nothing forbids you from continuing beyond that stage.

(7.5) He progressively discovers the ‘the world’

At birth, baby is not aware of his body. He does not know that he is an individual distinct from his mother. In the first weeks, he learns the difference between the world and himself. “The world’ is for him the same as his mother. It is she, by washing him, carrying him and caring for him, who is going to help him build the consciousness of his body. Massage really helps this awakening to individuality.

Precautions: What is the ideal place?

• Bed, sofa, mat directly on the floor… The important point is that you are comfortable and that baby is safe.
• Choose a quiet, warm place (at least 77°F) with diffused light.
• Unplug the phone so as not to be disturbed.

(7.6) You are key to his development

Between the world and baby, his mother comes before all. This privileged relationship favors the development of the little one but also helps dissipate his anxiety and start the first months more peacefully.

Giving him a massage shows him the softness and carefulness of the maternal presence which helps him gain confidence in himself. The physical closeness enables the reassuring maternal presence. As he approaches his first birthday, it will be easier to build his independence.

Massage: a constructive experience for baby

Practical Questions: What time of the day?

The moment when you AND your baby are available. This can happen after the bath or at a time of the day when both are relaxed. Avoid giving a massage after a meal or when baby is sick, tired or fussy.

How long should it last?

Here again, there are no set rules. As long as baby seems to enjoy it and that you are in harmony… A few minutes can be enough. Avoid extended sessions (more than 10 minutes), as your baby could get cold.

Precautions: For yourself

• A massage should not be given with cold hands. In winter, rub your hands together to warm them up or put them under warm water to bring them to the temperature of your baby’s skin.
• Also make sure to remove your jewelry and to cut your nails short.

(7.7) Massage your baby to get to know him

The mother/baby relationship is not only instinctive but also grows with time. The physical contacts evolve during the first weeks. At first, even though it is natural to kiss and cuddle your baby, contacts are primarily ‘utilitarian’ (bathing, dressing, nursing). After a while, mothers have more confidence to use their whole hand: fingers AND palm. A time for discovery is necessary to establish a reciprocal trust. The massage is a privileged time which enables this adaptation.

Practical Questions: How often can you give a massage?

There are no rules or obligations as it should be a moment of happiness and freedom. You can perfectly well go several days between massages, if he is fussy or if your schedule is too busy. And fathers too can share the experience of massage with their babies.

(7.8) Massage is an exchange

Giving a massage is a reciprocal exchange allowing mother and baby to feel good together.A baby is born with the innate need to re-establish the proximity with his mother. A massage helps him feel loved and confident. The physical contact and the cuddles allow the mother to communicate physically and emotionally with her baby. While helping to relax him and to exchange emotions, she feels the rewarding pleasure of reassuring her baby.

Massage: a constructive relationship for the happiness of mother AND baby

Precautions: For baby’s comfort

• Make sure especially that baby’s feet are not cold
• Stop the massage at the first sign of discomfort
• Speak to your baby to put him at ease. For example, explain the movements you are making.
• Wrap him in a towel once the massage is finished and wait a few minutes before lifting him up.

(7.9) A few simple movements

Massaging your baby is an intense moment of exchange and bonding. There is no good or bad technique as the most important thing is to use gentle and tender gestures. As you watch for his reaction, you will soon know what he likes.

Following are a few examples of simple movements:

1)   Baby is on his belly: Gently massage his shoulders starting from the neck. Massage down his back from top to bottom with small strokes. Gently massage the legs from the thigh down to the calf, without forgetting the feet.

2)   Baby is on his back: Massage chest and stomach clockwise in gentle circles. Gently massage arms including the hands and fingers.

3)   Finish with the face: from forehead to temples using fingertips. Then, from the tip of the chin passing along the jawline up to the ears.

Postpone the massage on occasions when the baby’s skin shows signs of surface discomfort.

“A massage is shared with baby, not given to baby”

Precautions

The movements: They must be gentle, especially in the beginning. Avoid the muscled manipulations used in sport massage!

The product: It is very important to use a product which:

• Respects the fragile skin of baby (no essential oil, for example)
• Facilitates the massage without being too greasy
• Is hypoallergenic