Moms at our Baby Basics program learned the importance of Infant Massage and how to help our babies at home.
Last Thursday, at the momstown Kitchener-Waterloo Baby Basics program we welcomed guest speaker, Michelle, RMT. She talked to us about the benefits of massage for mamas such as pain relief, increased circulation and even reducing headaches! We all agreed that feeding babies (i.e. sitting in the same position for extended periods of time) causes most of us muscle pain and massage would be beneficial.
Michelle then discussed how massage can be beneficial for infants. She talked about the benefits to the gastrointestinal system, increased circulation and bonding. Looking into a babies eyes as you massage them can help create a close bond! Michelle suggested including massage as part of your bedtime routine as it can help relax infants to help get them to sleep.
Michelle then walked us through a basic massage routine. Started with the chest and stomach area, moving to arms next. She made sure to remind us to always finish each extremity with a motion toward the heart in order to increase circulation. Michelle then showed us how to massage the legs, followed by having us turn our babies onto their stomachs for some “tummy time” as we massaged their backs. She finished the routine with some gentle head massage.
All the babies participating in massages by their moms seemed to enjoy it. Michelle also left us a gift card for one lucky winner. Congratulations to Kristen who is the lucky winner! Enjoy your massage!
