by Aris Gionis
ba massage – Article by james william
Have you been heard about baby massage? Infant massage, also referred to as baby massage, has been practiced for centuries in other parts of world but has now gained popularity in the West.Baby massage is the process of rubbing and stroking baby’s muscles and extremities in a way specifically designed for them. Baby massage is now available in most hospitals and clinics in the UK but the obvious choice to massage the baby is the mother, father, grandparent, or guardian. Although medical care specialists like nurses can also perform baby massage if they are confined in the hospital.The art of baby or infant massage can bring about tremendous benefits like improved sleeping habits, better digestion and even improved growth. For example, studies have indicated that by carrying out massage for about three times a day over 10 days then babies had greater weight gain. In addition they were observed as being more active and alert. With all of the benefits you may sincerely be wondering about what is involved in the art of baby massage.Do not answer the telephone during a baby massage and if you can turn on the answer phone or pull out the telephone plug altogether. No television or background music is preferred unless they have become acceptable to both you and your baby; look out for visual clues if sounds or music relax or annoy your baby accordingly.Try and make the baby massage time just for the two of you and avoid having other people around during this time. If other people are around, talking or moving about the room it will distract your baby or yourself.Massage has been practiced for centuries in many cultures, and nowadays in parts of India, Pakistan, some African countries and the West Indies, massage is part of a baby’s daily life. Babies are massaged almost as soon as they are born, often initially by their grandmothers. The mother takes over the daily ritual when she feels fit. The practice of massage continues throughout life, and children and adults are frequently massaged. Massage creates a strong and loving link between mother, father and baby. The London obstetrician Yehudi Gordon states that ‘massage helps parents communicate with their baby, thereby strengthening the bonding process’.Besides calming and comforting a baby, massages can help with a baby’s stomach and gas pains as well as colic. This is a natural way to help relieve your baby of many ailments. Gently rub the abdominal area in a circular motion. Don?t push to hard, just gently enough to the touch of your skin. There are other physical benefits of a baby massage. It improves circulation, helps with digestion and stimulates the baby?s neurological system. Your baby will not only enjoy a sweet massage from you but profit from it as well.Relatively new in the West, therapeutic baby massage is becoming increasingly popular and is taught to parent and baby groups via a worldwide network of baby massage instructors.Baby massage courses consist of a series of weekly group classes. Parents/carers are taught specific massaging routines in small groups of six or seven parents and their babies. This is followed by a general discussion. Read about parenting tips and also read about after episiotomy and postnatal depression
