pregnant therapist has questions about baby massage!

[Phae]

Hi,
I'm having a baby in March and although I am qualified in massage, aroma, sports massage etc. I am trying to teach myself baby massage from a book (my level 4 sports massage course put me off college for life- it was so stressful, still makes me shudder and I am also economising)- I figured how different can it be etc. However, I am a bit puzzled by the book stating that you don't massage babies towards the heart as it overstimulates them. Is this true? Do you always massage away from the heart or alternate towards and away? Can anyone shed some light on this for me?
Thanks!
Phae

[angelflower]

Hi Phae,

When ever you massage baby's the rule is to to be relaxed and gentle
The massage routine is the same as an adult really but much more gentle and slow.

Their are great books out their to show moves and contraindications etc. see guild of infant massage etc..

I sing with my son we do the grand old duke of york for strokes up the legs and abdomen and chest etc and round and round the garden for tummy etc.
Make it fun..

ALWAYS massage tummy clockwise ok and use two fingers or palm of hand. this is area that people need knowledge.

When your baby is born do a class it is such a lovely thing to do be a mum for once not therapist.

I know you will find you way without help you have the massage knowledge all ready
love Anglex

[Binah]

I work at an NHS Centre doing aromatherapy and reflexology. Today in the Mothers and Toddlers room there was a group of mothers and their babies in a class learning baby massage - I found it a real joy to stand and watch for about 15 minutes and the babies were all so quiet, not a cry to be heard. The style of massage was very slow and the mum's and teacher were all singing nursery rhymes to the wee ones (Incy Wincy Spider etc).

I have come away from it feeling really inspired to set up my own baby massage group. I have been on a course - a few years ago and I will have to look up my notes, to remind me of instructions. I can remember using a wringing movement for legs and arms as we all practiced on our teddies. The tutor also advised us to be v. careful and not to work on the abdomen (that's from my memory - so I will double check).

Binah
xxx

[angelflower]

Dear Phae

You can work on the Abdomen research show that baby massage can aid a healthy bowl relieve colic and reflux as well as help constipation.

They is a handful of moves its pressure and placement of hands that people need to learn.

anglefower

[lsmorgan]

Which book have you got? There are a couple of strokes which go towards the heart (one on the arms and one on the legs) but literally only one. Think of it as taking the stress away from the body.

But I would seriously get yourself to a class, because infant massage is as much about networking with other parents of babies the same age as yours as it is about the massage. Furthermore, infant massage is not like anything you will have learnt as a massage therapist and I think (as a former infant massage teacher) that you need to be shown by someone who knows what they're doing and can correct you if needs be. Because it's easy to damage little joints if you get it wrong.

Lynne

ps. Binah - I'd re-do your training as it's not current and there will almost certainly have been changes since you did it. Have a look at the Internaional Association of Infant Massage website for course details.

[poppyfields]

I trained with the IAIM in 1999 and have been teaching baby massage since then.

Yes, you massage the abdomen, it helps with the immature digestive system and can benefit colic, constipation, and wind.

a typical massage is
leg then foot,
tummy,
chest
arm and hand
face
back

[Binah]

Hi ismorgan,

I did a CPD course with the IFA about 5 years ago.

I agree with you that it's not current as i trained just before my grandaughter was born and she benefitted from the treatment, it would really lull her to sleep when her poor Mum was feeling exhausted. It is very important to update skills and thanks for the link.

binah
xxx

[lsmorgan]

Definitely agree with you there Binah. CPD's vitally important

Originally Posted by Phae

my level 4 sports massage course put me off college for life- it was so stressful, still makes me shudder and I am also economising

Something occurs to me here Phae. You'd only go to college to study baby massage if you were going to teach it. Learning to massage your baby is something you do along with other parents or carers. The classes I taught consisted of 5 one hour sessions with up to 8 babies and cost £50, although I haven't taught for a couple of years, but the cost will depend on the format of the course your choose and, to an extent, where you live.

Hope that helps

[Phae]

Thanks so much for all the suggestions and info, I have enquired about doing a course when the baby comes as they do them free here in Nottingham. Thanks again!
phae