Benefits of Baby Massage

By Natalie Burgess 

Infant or baby massage is not a new concept, and has been practised by mothers, on their babies, for many years.  Believed to have originated in
India, regular massage of the infant was part of the daily rhythm of life, with the practise of infant massage being passed down to generation to generation.  Too much of our time, as mothers today, is spent attempting to fit our baby into a timetable and routine.  Allowing yourself to be guided by your baby will facilitate an understanding of your baby as a unique individual and promote bonding and a greater enjoyment of early motherhood. 

Infant massage provides the mother (and father) a wonderful opportunity to simply (and quietly) observe their baby.  As a general guide, the daily cycle for a baby (0-6mnths) will include:

• Feed
• Play (length of time varies dependent on age), active alertness
• Sleep (again length of time will vary)
• Quiet alertness

Quiet Alertness is the time in which a baby is happy to observe their environment and will sit or lay contentedly.  This is the best time for baby massage.  The length of time each baby is happy to be in this quiet alert period is variable, influenced by their unique little personality.  During this time of quiet alertness and massage, a new mother may discover that intuitively responding to her baby’s needs will result in a content and relaxed baby, and a happy, relaxed mother. 

The benefits of infant massage are numerous, and include;

• Relaxation for mother and baby
• Increased sensory awareness for the baby
• Enhanced bonding between mother (and father) and baby
• Reduced discomfort associated with colic, reflux and wind
• Improved sleep and settling patterns

Relaxing touch for mother and baby increases the release of endorphins, the wonderful hormone that promotes feelings of wellbeing, reducing anxiety and stress.  Increased feelings of wellbeing can help alleviate symptoms associated with postnatal depression, a condition that is reportedly suffered by as many as 1 in 4 women in
Australia.   

At birth many women instinctively place their baby immediately to their chest, promoting skin to skin contact with their newborn.  Skin to skin contact is a wonderful form of intimate expression, and enhances bonding of mother and child.  Baby massage encourages ongoing skin to skin contact, benefiting both infant and mother (and father). 

Infant massage teaches babies that touch is a form of expression, and encourages sensory awareness.  It is important to remember that massage is an intimate form of touch, and therefore parents should always be guided by their baby’s cues before and during a massage.  As adults we choose to have a massage, we make the booking and in doing so give permission for the massage therapist to touch us.  Infants communicate in a more subtle fashion, and once cues to interaction are identified, parents will discover that they begin to respond intuitively to their baby’s needs outside of massage time. 

So what are the cues for infant touch and massage?  As a general guide a baby in the quiet alert stage of their daily cycle will provide parents with ‘yes’ or ‘no’ cues to interaction.  Eye contact, smiling, cooing and relaxed body movements all indicate that the infant is happy to interact.  Avoiding eye contact, arching of the back, crying, facial grimacing and jerky body movements are associated with the ‘no’ cue to interaction.   

Infant massage can help to relieve discomfort associated with colic, wind and reflux. Massage increases circulation, and the flow of oxygen and nutrient rich blood to all the muscles and organs, encouraging optimal growth and development.  Many infants are born with an immature lower oesophageal sphincter, the valve at the entrance of the stomach that prevents the regurgitation of gastric contents into the oesophagus.  An immature lower oesophageal  sphincter allows for small amounts of milk feeds to be regurgitated, commonly called posseting.  In some infants the regurgitation can be painful, similar to the discomfort associated with adult heartburn.  Regular massage promotes maturity of the digestive system (and lower oesophageal sphincter).   

Sleep and settling patterns are also improved with the introduction of regular massage.  A parent will discover that they ‘tune’ in to their baby, listening to their baby and being guided directly by their baby’s body language.  A baby who is not over tired or overstimulated will settle to sleep with greater ease, than a baby whose sleep signs have been misunderstood.  Prior to exhibiting the classic tired signs…crying, grimacing, clenched fists…many babies will show self settling signs…soft staring eyes, relaxed face, relaxed hands.   

Regular infant massage will provide many benefits for you and your baby.  Enjoy your baby, cuddle, touch and listen, and be guided by your natural parenting instincts.   

Copyright © Natalie Burgess 2007 - ABN 96 282 733 677

National Premature Birth
Awareness Week

24th - 30th November 2007

National Premature Birth Awareness Week*

Austprem Inc. is a registered non-profit organisation that began in 2000 when a group of parents formed a support group specifically for Australian parents of premature infants and children.

Today there are over 700 members of Austprem Inc., and our website gets around 1000 hits per month. This success story has been achieved through the vision and hard work of dedicated parents who aspire to help other parents through the prem experience.

As a response to the alarming rise in premature births within Australia over the last 10 years, Austprem Inc. has developed the BORN EARLY Campaign. The aim of this Campaign is to reduce the number of premature births through raising awareness and supporting research.

As a part of this Campaign, Austprem Inc. together with Earlybirds, is holding the inaugural National Premature Birth Awareness Week from 24 – 30 November 2007. There are two main foci to the Week. One is a celebration of those babies who have been born early; the other is to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms that may lead to premature birth.

Austprem Inc. has developed a new brochure “Pregnant? It’s probably nothing but it might be something.” The brochure contains a summary of the indications that may lead to premature birth and encourages women to check with their doctor, hospital or health care provider if they are at all concerned. This Campaign is of relevance to EVERY pregnant woman and we hope that you will support this worthwhile initiative. Brochures and more information are available at the website www.bornearly.org.au, or contact info@bornearly.org.au.

The BORN EARLY website http://www.bornearly.org.au, in particular http://www.bornearly.org.au/npbaw, details some event ideas that you or your customers/clients/members or staff could organise for your school or workplace, with your mothers’ group, the “kinder parents”, or with friends and family.

Posters are available for you to print out and display to promote the Week, or to encourage people to attend your event. Banners are also available to download to promote the week at the website. There is also a range of merchandise available for purchase through our online shop, with more to be added shortly.

Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.

We hope that you will support National Premature Birth Awareness Week, by advertising the Born Early campaign widely on your website/forum and help solve the puzzle of premature birth.

From the exquisite, soft and delicate to the practical and versatile comes a unique range of quality baby gifts, baby gift baskets, baby clothes, and various other baby gifts online products. Our online store makes buying the perfect baby gift a breeze with their natural and organic bath and baby care products, Tommee Tippee accessories, gorgeous Emotion and Kids baby clothing and award winning baby toys from Tolo. We as a baby gifts provider caters to every individual’s taste with colour co-ordinated baby gift baskets, packages and hampers designed exclusively for each and every baby and budget.

For instance, The Boy Oh Boy Package is tailored specifically for the newborn baby boy with all products in a soft pale blue shade this gift includes: the innovative Tommee Tippee no spill bottle and orthodontic glow in the dark pacifier. Plus, a delicate 3-pieced Emotion and Kids outfit with matching hat, long sleeved T-shirt and pants and a gorgeous blue bear rattle. These entire beautiful baby gift items are then gift boxed affectionately in a professional manner and with love, and delivered for a phenomenal price to the treasured new member of society and their joyous parents.

Few of our special products for your special new member of family are:

Baby Gift Baskets - Baby Gifts are very important part for every parents in there house and out-house relations. Our baby gift basket is one of those themed gift baskets that are presented containing items that are of value to the recipient. If the budget allow then every parents wants to buy much more gifts for there babies. You can buy baby gifts online with us as we had kept our budjets well in reach. You can also buy the wholesale baby gifts offered by many online shops.

Baby Toys - Baby toys are treasures of childhood. It is very important for any parents that before buy baby toys they should have to be careful about there cost and quality. A very important point should have to remember at the time of buying baby toys that, your baby is comfortable, safe and remains healthy while playing with those toys. With us you can buy those baby toys by which your baby will learn and enjoy his childhood also.

Baby Clothes - Baby clothes are not as expensive as others gifts you buy for your baby, but children grows fast in the first two years. Parents should have to be careful that baby clothes should be comfertable for growing child. When you buy new clothes for your new born baby you should remember that it should be comfertable and shifty too. Checkout our range of baby cloths.

Baby Care Products - Natural baby care products are best for your child. Natural products are soft on the skin and they do not harm baby’s tender skin. Which helps your child from not getting any skin allergy. But, that does not mean that any natural products can be good for your child. There are many types of products that you can purchase for virtually every aspect of your baby’s life and needs that can be natural in origin. Our online range has enough for yours baby’s needs.

 

visit the site http://www.goldenribbon.com.au

 

Pediatricians continue to acknowledge that babies do not always need to start solid foods with bland and pasty commercial infant cereals. Many suggest the goodness of avocado as a first food for baby. It is said that an avocado is so packed with nutrients that it is the only single food that a human could survive on if lost in the jungle!

Babies need carbohydrates, and fats as well as proteins for their growth during the crucial first year and avocados deliver these essential nutrients and many more! An avocado is smooth and creamy when mashed - a perfect food that will be more readily accepted as baby begins solids. A wonderful “good fat” food for baby’s brain and physical development, try an avocado as baby’s first food instead of refined cereals! Avocado may be offered as early as 4 - 6 months old! As you begin to introduce a wide variety of foods, you will find that mashing an avocado and mixing with applesauce, peaches or pears, bananas and even yogurt make a wonderful meal or snack.

Do you doubt the goodness of avocado?

Have a look at the nutrients in one medium avocado:

VITAMINS: (one medium)

Vitamin A - 1230 IU

Vitamin C - 15.9 mg

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) - .2 mg

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) - .25 mg

Niacin - 3.9 mg

Folate - 124.6 mg

Pantothenic Acid - 1.95 mg

Vitamin B6 - .56 mg

Contains some other vitamins in small amounts.

MINERALS: (one medium)

Potassium - 1204 mg

Phosphorus - 82.4 mg

Magnesium - 78.4 mg

Calcium - 22 mg

Sodium - 20 mg

Iron - 2 mg

Also contains small amounts of selenium, manganese, copper and zinc. USDA-NAL source

“Sodium- and cholesterol- free, avocados contain valuable nutrients including 8% of the recommended Daily Value (DV) for folate; 4% DV for fiber and potassium, 4% DV for vitamin E; and 2% DV for iron. A serving of avocado also contains 81 micrograms of the carotenoid lutein and 19 micrograms of beta-carotene. Per serving, avocados have 3.5 grams of unsaturated fats, which are known to be important for normal growth and development of the central nervous system and brain. “ California Fresh Avocados

Avocados are high in fat!

Yes, avocados are high in fat and calories and we are often told to stay away from them due to this. A medium size avocado contains approximately 700 calories and up to 30 grams of fat - WOW! While avocados are indeed full of fat, infants should not be on a “low fat” diet so disregard any advice to not feed avocados because they are high in fats! If you have any doubts, as always we recommend you consult your pediatrician. The benefits of avocados far outweigh the “risks”. Avocados contain monounsaturated fats which are said to lower “bad” cholesterol and also aid in maintaining a healthy heart. Also high in fiber, avocados are great aids in reducing the risks of cancer and heart attack.

Just how does one select the perfect avocado for baby’s first solid food?

When selecting an Avocado, you want a dark green color with bumpy texture. The fruit should be firm yet yielding when gently pushed. When an avocado is sliced in half, the flesh color should be a green that gently transforms into a buttery yellow around the pit. Avocados are served fresh from their peels! There is no need to cook avocados for baby or adult! Give an avocado a gentle roll around your counter to help separate the meat from the shell before you slice!

If you want to freeze avocados, I suggest peeling and piting then freezing avocados in slices. You may then take out a slice, mash it up and then serve at room temperature. You can also create a bath of:

• 1/2 cup water and * 2 squeezes-drips of lemon juice
• Bathing the slices in mixture will help to retard browning.

**Don’t feed citrus or acidic fruits to a baby before 1 yr esp. if your baby gets rashy from other foods! Using a drip or 2 of lemon juice in a puree or to bathe several avocado slices is not the same as pureeing up a few orange slices and serving them!**

Enjoy some simple avocado baby food “recipes”:

Mashed Avocado - (4)6-8 months old

Peel and pit a ripe avocado

Cut “meat” out and mash with a fork

There should be no need to use a machine as just like bananas, avocados have a very soft consistency and texture. Avocados do not need to be cooked.

Banana-Cado - (4)6-8 months old

Peel and pit a ripe avocado

Cut “meat” out and mash with a fork

Peel and mash 1 banana

Place in a blender or food processor and puree until desired texture is achieved.

Avocados and Bananas do not need to be cooked.

Guacamole for Baby - 8 months (due to wheat germ & Cheerios)

1 ripe avocado

wheat germ or crushed cheerios (optional)

pinch of garlic powder, pepper & basil

Peel and pit a ripe avocado and cut “meat” out and mash with a fork. Mix avocado, wheat germ/cheerios and spice then blend.

Fold in plain whole milk yogurt until a texture good for your baby is achieved. Allow baby to dip toast, soft cooked veggies or even her own fingers in the guac. for a yummy meal accompaniment.

Avocado & Cream Cheese Delight - 8months

Prepare avocado as shown above then blend with Cream Cheese until a semi-smooth mixture is formed.

Add wheat germ or crushed cheerios and shape into little balls or spread on toast or crackers or blend with cereals.

Avocado Fruit Salad - 6-8 months

3 or 4 ripe avocados

3 or 4 ripe bananas

3 or 4 Pears (steamed)

A couple of dollops Yogurt (for 8 months +)

Peel, deseed and slice fruits as needed.

Place in a blender or food processor and puree until desired texture is achieved

Add a couple of dollops of Yogurt if desired

*Use diced fruits as a Baby Finger Food snack for older infants and toddlers - drizzle the Plain Yogurt over the fruits.

Here are a few great foods to mix with avocados for baby:

Bananas

Peaches

Pears

Apples

Summer Squash - Zucchini, Yellow (Crooked Neck)

Chicken

Rice

Yogurt

Always consult your baby’s pediatrician prior to introducing solid foods. Generalities may not apply to your baby’s particular circumstances and your baby may require the iron fortification of commercial cereals!

 About the Author:  Maggie Meade, a WAHM with 3 boys, is editor/owner of WholesomeBabyFood.com a popular website dedicated to helping parents navigate through the solid food/weaning stages with natural homemade baby food.