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Tips on massaging technique : Babies seem really small and fragile, but there is no need to handle them gingerly as if they were made of porcelain. Touch your baby firmly. This will communicate a feeling of strength and confidence to her. All your strokes should be long, slow and rhythmic. The idea is that the experience should be comfortable and stimulating at the same time.
Is there a particular order of massaging the baby’s body : Experts suggest that it helps to first start with the legs and feet. Then move on to the stomach and torso of the baby, follow it up with massaging the arms and hand, then massage the baby’s face. Finally turn the baby over (or make the baby sit, if she has learnt to sit) and massage the baby’s back. You can end this massage routine by gently exercising the baby’s arms and legs.
Tips for massaging arms and legs : Use your thumbs, one after another to push the bottom of the foot from heel to toe. Then squeeze each toe. Pull back gently on the balls of the foot and then press the bottom of the foot with your thumbs. Use your thumbs to push the top of the foot toward the ankle and make small circles around the ankle with your thumbs.
Various Techniques for massaging Legs and Feet
Milking Technique:
“Milk” the leg with the inside edge of each hand, one following the other. The movement will be from the buttock up the leg to the foot.
“Squeeze and twist” Technique:
This will involve moving your hands together up the leg, turning in opposite directions, and squeezing slightly.
“Swedish milking” Technique:
This technique involves milking the leg from ankle to hip.
Rolling technique:
Roll the leg between your hands from knee to ankle.
Massaging the Stomach : Massaging the stomach helps relieve gas and constipation. Stroke the baby’s stomach, one hand following the other, as if you were scooping sand toward yourself. Repeat this exercise, grasping the baby’s legs by the ankle with your left hand and massaging the stomach with your right hand. Flatten your thumbs near the baby’s navel and push out to the sides. Walk your fingertips across the baby’s stomach from left to right.
Massaging the Chest : Place both your hands together in the middle of the chest and push out to the sides, following the ribcage. Without lifting the hands from the body, bring them in a heart shaped motion to the centre again.
Massaging Arms and Hands : Adapt the milking techniques used on the legs to the arms. Indian milking would involve beginning at the shoulders and moving outwards towards the hands, whereas Swedish milking would mean the opposite motion. Squeeze and twist the baby’s arms. Roll each finger between your index finger and thumb. Stroke the top of the hand. Massage the wrist, making small circles all around. Shake the arm gently and pat it all over. |
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