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Simple Infant Massage
Massaging your baby is a very special way to let your baby know he or she is
safe, loved, and understood. A daily massage lays the foundation for a lifetime
of self esteem for your baby, and good communication between the two of you.
When we touch, we are touched; and when we pay attention in a soft and easy way,
we begin to make little miracles happen ...we learn to love.
The following describes "how to" touch your newborn baby in a nurturing, gentle
way that satisfies your baby's need to be touched. The strokes are so simple
that a young child could learn them, and any member of the family can share in
this experience. If you are gentle, and go slowly, you will do these strokes
perfectly the first time. "
-excerpt from: Baby's First Massage: Gentle Touch for Your Newborn”
by Teresa
Kirkpatrick Ramsey, BSN
Getting Started…
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You will need an oil as a lubricant and a soft pillow or blanket to support your
baby. Wrap your baby in a lightweight blanket during the massage for warmth and
a sense of security If your baby is cold, do the strokes over the top of his or
her clothing without any lubricant.
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Always keep one hand on your baby's body while you do the strokes. Your baby
will feel more secure.
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If your baby starts crying or fussing, stop stroking and try to calm your baby.
When your baby is calm, continue the massage.
Step 1: Begin with the Legs
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Remove one of your baby's legs from the blanket and clothing. Leave the rest of
your baby covered. Warm a few drops of oil in your palms.
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With one hand, hold your baby's foot, resting your thumb on the sole and
supporting the ankle with your fingers. Use your other thumb and index finger to
make a circle around your baby's upper leg. Then, using a back and forth rocking
motion, move down the leg.
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Cover this leg back up with the blanket, and repeat the above on the other leg.
Step 2: The Abdomen
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Warm a few drops of oil in your hands and rub two fingers gently around the area
of the cord. (Avoid getting oil on the cord). Pressing down with the pads of
your fingers about 1/2 inch, and keeping your fingers under the baby's ribs,
move your fingers in the shape of a capital "I", and an upside-down "L" and "U."
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Repeat
the three strokes at least four times.
Step 3: The Mouth
Step 4: The Arms
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As with the legs, remove one of your baby's arms from the blanket and clothing,
leaving the other one covered.
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Hold your baby's palm with one hand while you use the other hand to do this
gentle stroking. With your thumb and index finger, circle your baby's arm close
to the shoulder. Move down the arm to the wrist, rocking your hand back and
forth.
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Cover
this arm back up, and repeat the above on the other arm.
Step 5: The Scalp
Step 6: The Back
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Place your baby in a comfortable position on his or her stomach keeping the legs
covered, remove the blanket and any clothing from the back area. Warm a few
drops of oil in your palms.
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Gently lay your hands on your baby's back for a few seconds,
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covering as much area as you can. Then, using two or three fingers. gently
stroke your baby's back from the shoulders to the buttocks. Finally, starting at
the neck, make gentle small circles down the spine. When you're finished, cover
your baby back up to keep him or her warm.
Repeat a stroke
several times in each area. Apply gentle pressure, using the pads of your
fingers, gliding over your babyt skin without pulling on it.
Remember: there is
no "perfect" way to massage a baby. The important thing is to touch and stroke
your baby so he or she call feel your love and calming influence.
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