BABY MASSAGE

A. BACKGROUND
Baby massage is an ancient practice used primarily in Asian and Pacific
Island cultures because touch in these cultures is considered healthful both
physically and spiritually. For example, the inclusion of baby massage into
regular bath time is typical of the Maoris and Hawaiians. With the introduction of
baby massage in the West in the late 1970s, it was tested to prove or disprove its
efficacy. Dr. Frederick Leboyer, a French physician who advocated
natural childbirth , supported the interest in baby massage with the publication of
his photojournalistic book on the Indian art of baby massage. He believed that
touch is the child's first language and that understanding spoken language
comes long after understanding touch.
Baby massage was introduced formally into the United States in 1978
when Vimala Schneider McClure, a yoga practitioner who served in an
orphanage in Northern India, developed a training program for instructors at the
request of childbirth educators. An early research study by R. Rice in 1976 had
shown that premature babies who were massaged surged ahead in weight gain
and neurological development over those who were not massaged. McClure's
practice in India, her knowledge of Swedish massage and reflexology along with
her knowledge of yoga postures, which she had already adapted for babies,
served to make her the foremost authority on baby massage. The International
Association of Baby Massage (IAIM) had its origins in 1980 and was

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incorporated in 1986 by McClure and her original seven trainers. As of 2004,

there were over 30 countries that have chapters of IAIM and over 15,000 certified
instructors have been trained in the United States.
Various techniques are used in baby massage, with the different strokes
specific to a particular therapy. Special handling is used for treating a baby with
gas and colic. Some of the strokes are known as Indian milking, which is a gentle
stroking of the child's legs; and the twist and squeeze stroke, a gentle squeeze of
the muscles in the thigh and calf. The light strokes often employed in regular
Swedish massage are applied at the end of a massage. The procedure is not
unlike certain forms of adult massage, but with extra care taken for the fragility of
the baby.
There are also specific Chinese techniques of pediatric massage,
including massage of children with special needs. In China, these forms of
massage can be given by medical professionals, but parents are often taught
how to do the simpler forms for home treatment of their children.

B. DEFINITION
Baby massage is the process of rubbing an baby's muscles and stroking
the baby in a manner specifically designed for them. Other definition by dr. Roesli
Utami Sp.A that infant massage is the art of health care in infants with touch
therapy with certain techniques that the health benefits and treatment is
achieved. Long before babies are able to speak, or even respond to sounds and
sights, they communicate with the world around them through touch. The power

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of touch to soothe and heal is instinctive. If a baby cries, for example, we may
cuddle them or rub their back. Massaging your baby is an extension of this
natural impulse.
Although there are professionally trained and certified baby massage
therapists, the obvious first choice to massage the baby is the mother, father,
grandparent, or guardian. Equally important are the people who care for children
outside the home such as, nurses on neonatal intensive care units (NICU) that
work with premature babies and those who work with the disabled. The benefits
derived from massage are applicable and advantageous for all of these groups.
C. PURPOSE
The soothing strokes of your hands stimulate the production of the feelgood hormone oxytocin in you, your baby and even your partner, if he's watching.
Oxytocin is the hormone that gives you that warm, loving feeling when you youre
your baby close or breastfeed her.
Other than that baby massage will also improve the working of the
neurotransmitter serotonin, which has the function of glucocorticoid binding and
produce immunoglobulins.

D. BENEFIT
Baby massage provides many benefits for the baby. A caring touch is
good for everyone, but especially for babys who are new to the world and need
the reassurance of someone special being there for them. However, there are
some major benefits for the massage givers as well. They gain an increased
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awareness of the baby and his or her needs while enhancing the
bonding process between care giver and baby.
Research from experiments conducted at the Touch Research Institutes
at the University of Miami School of Medicine and Nova Southeastern University
has been cited for the clinical benefits massage has on babys and children.
Touch therapy triggers many physiological changes that help babys and children
grow and develop.
Studies have shown that baby massage alleviates the stress that
newborns experience as a result of the enormous change that birth creates. They
have just spent nine months in a home that fed them; kept them warm; brought
them the oxygen they needed; took care of waste products; and provided a
gentle rocking motion to soothe them. Now, the outside world has taken over,
and things are not as simple as they were. Massage enables a smoother
transition from the comfortable womb to that of humankind.
The benefits of massage for the baby include:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

It helps baby learn to relax.

It improves immune system.
It promotes bonding and communication.
It promotes positive body image.
It decreases the production of stress hormones.
It promotes sounder and longer sleep.
It helps to regulate digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems.
It helps relieve discomfort from gas and colic , congestion, and teething.

The benefits of massage for parents include:

1. It improves parent-baby communication.

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2. It helps parents to understand and respond appropriately to baby's

nonverbal cues.
3. It eases stress of parent who must be separated from child during the
day.
4. It promotes feelings of competence and confidence in caring for baby.
5. It provides a special focused time that helps deepen bonding.
6. It increases parents' ability to help child relax in times of stress.
7. It is fun and relaxing for parents to massage their children.
8. There are additional benefits that can be derived from baby massage to
elicit positive outcomes for premature babys and disadvantaged mothers.
They include:
9. Cross-cultural studies show that babies who are held, massaged, carried,
rocked, and breast fed grow into less aggressive and violent adults who
demonstrate a greater degree of compassion and cooperation.
10. Recent research demonstrates benefits for premature babys, children
with asthma , diabetes, and certain skin disorders.
11. Mothers with postpartum depression have shown improvement after
starting baby massage.
12. Teenage mothers have shown improved bonding behavior and
interactions with their babies.

E. TIME AND PLACE

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Try to pick a time when your baby is between feeds. Then she won't be
too hungry or too full. It's also best not to start just before her nap. Massaging
your baby too soon after a feeding might cause your baby to vomit so wait at
least 45 minutes after a feeding. A good time to massage your baby is when she
is awake, but settled.
Also pay close attention to your baby's mood. If your baby has a steady
gaze and appears calm and content, he or she might enjoy a massage. If your
baby turns his or her head away from you or becomes stiff in your arms, it might
not be the best time for a massage. You'll get to know when your baby is most
content to have a massage.
You may like to make it part of your baby's bedtime routine, perhaps
after a bath and before a bedtime feed. A massage before bedtime will help your
baby to wind down after the stimulation of the day and become calm, ready for
sleep.
The best place to give your baby a massage is preferably somewhere you
and your baby can relax without other distractions. Somewhere warm , calm and
reassuring environment with natural daylight or subdued lighting.
Parents must routine asking babys permission before a massage, using
specific words and actions that baby will very soon come to recognize. Babies
quickly learn that these words and actions are followed by a wonderful
experience and will respond positively. If baby is not ready for massage they will
let you know.
F. PRECAUTIONS

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It is necessary to use caution when performing baby massage in order

not to injure the baby. Strokes are made with the greatest delicacy, and
appropriate techniques are taught by licensed massage therapists to ensure that
the baby is treated with accepted physical touch. Anyone who is unfamiliar with
handling a baby should receive appropriate instruction before beginning baby
massage.
G. RISKS
No adverse side effects have been reported when baby massage is done
properly after careful instruction, or by a licensed massage therapist who
specializes in baby care.
H. PREPARATION
It is good to get a baby into a routine for massage. It is important to find a
good room for baby massage in your home where you and your baby will be
comfortable and undisturbed. Make sure the room is warm (around 24 degrees
C) with no draughts because the baby's clothes will be removed and babys have
a difficult time regulating their body temperature. Lay your baby down on a towel
or folded sheet, perhaps with a changing mat underneath. You may prefer to
keep your baby's vest on if it is a little cool. Or let her enjoy being completely
naked for a change. It is preferable to have the room not be too bright with
electrical light or sunlight shining on the baby's face.
As this is a special time for you and your baby, make sure there aren't
any distractions in the room. If you have a pet, put it in another room, and turn off

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your mobile phone. You may even like to play some relaxing music, turned low
enough so that your baby can hear your voice.
Have everything that you'll need to hand, including:
Before you get started, make sure you have the following gear nearby:
1. A comfortable flat surface covered by a blanket or a mat

2. A small amount of baby oil (olive oil works well, or an emollient cream)

3. Tissues or paper towels to wipe up excess oil

4. Clothes to dress your baby in afterwards

5. A toy, if it's calming for your little one

6. Low lights

7. Soft music

If you choose to use oil, select one that's odorless and edible just in
case your baby gets some in his or her mouth. If your baby has sensitive skin or
allergies, test the oil first by applying a small amount to a patch of your baby's
skin and watching for a reaction.
Using oil or cream will make it easier for your hands to glide over your
baby's skin and may be more relaxing for your baby. You can use either coldpressed fruit or vegetable oil. It's up to you whether you use a baby moisturizer

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or, if your baby has dry skin or eczema, a medical emollient, vegetable oil, or
baby mineral oil for massage.
Vegetable oils that are high in linoleic acid, such as safflower oil, are
kinder to your baby's skin than oils high in oleic acid, such as olive oil. Research
has shown that babies prefer to be massaged with oil such as a vegetable or
plant oil. The two oils preferred by most massage therapists are grape seed oil
and sweet almond oil. A caregiver can try both and see which is the most
desirable.
Whichever oil or cream you use, it's best to dab a little on your baby's skin
first, just in case she has a reaction. Do this patch test the day before you intend
to start massaging your baby.
However, there are some oils or creams that it's definitely best not to use.
These are:
1. Mustard oil, because it has a toxic effect on the skin barrier, causing

irritation and potential damage to delicate baby skin.

2. Unrefined peanut oil, because the proteins it contains may sensitive your

baby to an allergic reaction to peanuts, or cause a reaction on your

baby's skin. It's safest to avoid refined peanut oil, too. Although there's no
evidence that it's likely to cause a problem, there is always the risk that
it's been contaminated with unrefined peanut oil.
3. Aqueous cream, because it contains a harsh detergent called sodium

lauryl sulfate, which may irritate your baby's skin and damage the skin
barrier.

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4. If your baby has eczema, it is best to use her prescribed cream or

emollient during the massage.

Infant massage involves a little preparation and some basic techniques.
To get started:
1. Create a calm atmosphere

If possible, do the massage in a warm, quiet place indoors or outdoors.

Remove your jewelry. Sit comfortably on the floor or a bed or stand in front of
the changing table and position your baby on a blanket or towel in front of
you. Place your baby on his or her back so that you can maintain eye
contact. As you undress your baby, tell him or her it's massage time.
2. Control your touch.

When you first start massaging your baby, use a gentle touch. Avoid tickling
your baby, however, which might irritate him or her. As your baby grows, use
a firmer touch.
3. Slowly stroke and knead each part of your baby's body

You might start by placing your baby on his or her stomach and spending one
minute each rubbing different areas, including your baby's head, neck,
shoulders, upper back, waist, thighs, feet and hands. Next, place your baby
on his or her back and spend one minute each extending and flexing your
baby's arms and legs, and then both legs at the same time. Finally, with your
baby either on his or her back or stomach, repeat the rubbing motions for
another five minutes.
4. Stay relaxed.

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Talk to your baby throughout the massage. You might sing or tell a story. Try
repeating your baby's name and the word "relax" as you help him or her
release tension.
5. Watch how your baby responds.

If your baby jiggles his or her arms and seems happy, he or she is likely
enjoying the massage and you can continue. If your baby turns his or her
head away from you or appears restless or unhappy, stop the massage and
try again later.

I.

PRACTICE BABY MASSAGE

For the first few times, you may just want to massage your baby's legs
until she gets used to the sensation. It's a good place to begin because your
baby is used to having her legs touched during nappy changes. Then try to follow
a routine pattern, perhaps massaging your baby's legs before her arms, hands
and body. Your baby will appreciate a routine. She'll find it comforting to know
what's coming next.

Legs, Feet, Soles, and Toes

1. Lift one of her legs by the ankle and relax it by lightly tapping the upper thigh.
2. Hold her ankle with one hand and hold your other hand in a C-shape, thumb
down, around your baby's upper thigh. Stroke from her thigh down to her
foot.

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3. With your hands grasping the leg at the thigh, one right above the other,
stroke down from hip to foot with both hands rotating in opposite directions,
as if you were wringing a towel.
4. On the sole of her foot, use a thumb-over-thumb motion to massage from
heel to toes.
5. Use your whole hand to stroke the bottom of her foot from heel to toes.
6.

Stroke the top of her foot. Gently squeeze and pull each toe.

7.

Massage around her ankle using small circles.

8. Roll her leg between your hands, as if you're rolling dough.

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 Arms, hands, fingers

1. With one hand, hold baby's wrist. Relax her upper arm by tapping it lightly.
2. Hold her wrist with one hand and hold your other hand in a C-shape around
baby's upper arm; stroke from her shoulder down to her wrist.
3. With each hand grasping her arm, one right above the other, stroke down
from shoulder to wrist with both hands rotating in opposite directions, as if
you were gently wringing a towel.
4. Massage her palm, moving thumb over thumb from heel of her hand to her
fingers.
5. Stroke down top of hand from wrist to fingertips. Gently squeeze and pull
each finger.
6. Massage her wrist by moving your fingers in small circles.
7. Roll her arm between both your hands.

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 Tummy

1. Hold your hand so your pinky's edge can move like a paddle across your
baby's belly. Starting at the base of the rib cage, stroke down with one hand,
then the other, in a paddle-wheel-like motion.
2. Massage her abdomen with your fingertips in a circular, clockwise motion.

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3. Do the "I Love U" stroke: Trace the letter I down your baby's left side. Then
trace an inverted L, stroking across the belly along the base of her ribs from
her right side to her left and down. Trace an inverted U, stroking from low on
the baby's right side, up and around the navel, and down the left side.
4. Walk your fingers around her navel, clockwise.
5. Hold knees and feet together and gently press knees up toward her
abdomen. Rotate baby's hips around a few times to the right. (This often
helps expel gas.)
6. Place hand on tummy horizontally and rock your hand from side to side a few
times. Note: Avoid massaging tummy if the cord hasn't completely healed.

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 Chest

1. Place both hands on your baby's chest and stroke outward from her sternum
to her shoulders.
2. Beginning at her sternum, trace a heart shape bringing both hands up to her
shoulders, then down and back together.
3. In a crisscross pattern, stroke diagonally from one side of your baby's hip, up
and over the opposite shoulder, and back down to her hip.

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 Head and Face

1. Cradling your baby's head in both hands, massage the scalp with your
fingertips, as if you're shampooing. (Avoid the fontanel, the soft spot on top of
baby's head.)
2.

Massage her ears between your thumb and index finger.

3. Trace a heart shape on your baby's face, bringing your hands together at the
chin.
4. Place your thumbs between your baby's eyebrows, and stroke out.
5. Again with your thumbs, stroke gently out over baby's closed eyelids.
6. Stroke from the bridge of the nose out over the cheeks.
7. Using your fingertips, massage the jaw in small circles.

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 Back

1. Place baby on tummy horizontally in front of you, or lay her across your
outstretched legs. Keep her hands in front of her, not at her sides.
2. With both of your hands on baby's back, move each hand back and forth
(keeping them going in opposite directions) from the base of the neck to her
buttocks.
3. Hold your baby's buttocks with one hand and use the other to stroke down
from her neck to her buttocks.

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4. Using your fingertips, massage in small circles down one side of baby's spine
and up the other. Avoid pressing on her spine directly.
5. Massage her shoulders with small circular motions.
6. Massage her buttocks with big circular motions.
7. Holding your fingers like a rake, stroke down her back.

REFERENCE

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Bennington, Linda. 2013. Infant Massage. Gale Encyclopedia of Children's Health :

Infancy through Adolescence
http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Baby_massage.aspx
Foster, Jaden. 2014. Massaging Your Baby. United Kingdom : Baby Centre Medical
Advisory Board . http://www.babycentre.co.uk/a1042915/massaging-your-baby
Heath, Alan dr and Bainbridge, Nicki. 2010. Baby Massage : Kekuatan dari
Sentuhan. Jogjakarta : Dian Rakyat
Roesli, Utami dr.SpA. 2011. Pedoman Pijat Bayi. Jakarta : Johnson&Johnson
Zintl, Amy. 2014. How To Massage Your Baby. America : American Baby.
http://www.parents.com/baby/care/newborn/how-to-massage-baby/

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