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A Mother's Instinct............ Caring By Nature!

Why Baby Massage can make a World of Difference to your Baby

Baby Massage has been a part of family life for many generations in many cultures. In India just after birth a cleansing massage is carried out with a soft wheat dough ball which is dipped into almond oil and turmeric. This continues for six days before bath time. This is said to promote healthy heart activity and a strong immune system. Africans massage plentiful supplies of coconut oil and grass roots to protect their baby’s skins from drying out and to cure stomach ache and diarrhea. Massage after bath is a daily routine for babies from Maori tribes and Hawaiians. Touch in all these cultures is considered to be healthy for the baby physically and the emotional and spiritual benefits stay with them for the rest of their lives.

Since the late 1990’s infant massage in Australia has become very popular with more emphasis placed on physical bonding and attachment between the parent and the baby. More and more professionals are now realising the importance of infant massage that was practiced by our ancestors, but was gradually lost due to busy parents and the lack of energy and time they had.  Families are now being helped by many health professionals to renew this valuable tradition.

Infant massage refers to massage therapy as specifically applied to infants. It is a blend of Indian, Swedish and Reflexology-style movements with some gentle yoga-style exercises. In most cases, oil or lotion is used. Grapeseed Oil is suitable for Infant massage as it has nourishing and moisturising properties for baby skin.  It does not have a greasy residue which makes it perfect for baby massage. Various strokes are used in Infant massage to benefit baby’s emotional and physical well being.  Infant Massage enhances bonding between parents, helps baby feel safe, loved and secure, aids in sleep and digestion, increases blood circulation, boosts the immune system and calms the nervous system.  It helps tone muscles, relieves discomfort in colic, constipation, reflux, congestion and teething while building self esteem and confidence.  Infant Massage encourages movement, flexibility and coordination.(Find a free download of our Infant Massage Poster at the top of this page)

Generally all babies would benefit from Infant Massage including healthy babies, colic prone babies, premature babies as well as those who are disabled and with special requirements.

It is also perfect for mothers suffering from post-natal depression (PND). Having a baby is a life changing experience. Adapting and adjusting to this change brings with it its own problems and the day to day stress of a new baby can make some women more likely to experience depression at this time. According to the Beyond Blue organization, which specialises in assisting with depression, baby blues become apparent between three and ten days after giving birth.  This is mainly due to changes in the mother's hormone levels and can still be quite overwhelming for many women. This usually disappears within a few days with no treatment other than support.  PND is much more severe, it may start gradually or begin suddenly. This affects almost 16 percent of Australian women from one month to one year of having a baby. There are many treatments for PND, the earlier you seek help the faster you can recover. Alternative therapies can be effective such as physical exercise, getting enough sleep, Yoga, Acupuncture, Aromatherapy and Massage therapy.  Infant Massage can help PND mothers to receive the flow on benefits of this enjoyable therapy as it stimulates communication between baby and mother.  It will help them become more confident and effective in their new role and will give them skills to comfort, calm and relax baby when stressed.

You may start massaging babies as soon as possible, as massage can help to provide a smooth transition from the womb to the outside world.  The  birth experience can be overwhelming for babies if they are not comforted, hugged, or touched often leaving a gap from the safety and security of the womb.  Infant Massage will nurture the bonding between mother and baby and help babies develop a relaxed and loving personality in their new environment.  Every baby should enjoy massage regularly as touch is the most important of all the senses and is vital as food and water to the infant.  Thankfully, to touch and protect your baby is a spontaneous reaction for most parents, stroking with their fingertips when first born then later stroking with the full hand.   This is a priceless gift to influence a child’s life with confidence and trust, and to stimulate early learning and increase baby’s awareness and attentiveness.   On the other hand, parents can transfer anxiety and tension to their babies through the same sense of touch.  Parents will agree it is wise to develop and create a relaxed relationship with the baby through the sense of touch for its lifelong benefits.

Infant massage should be a pleasant experience for the parent/grandparent and the baby. Whilst it may not come naturally it can be learned. The classes are set out to build parents’ confidence and self esteem, establish loving communication and understanding their baby’s cues, whilst strengthening the bond between them and baby, creates a calm and relaxed atmosphere.  We encourage busy and working parents to spend quality time with their baby. We would like to also recommend the importance of interaction of the fathers, this is a great opportunity for bonding between baby and father.

Baby Massage Oil

Caring by Nature’s non greasy Baby Body Luxurious Massage Oil contains an unique 100% pure essential oil blend of French Lavender, German Chamomile, Mandarin and Neroli.  Michelle has specifically chosen these oils for their calming, soothing and skin healing properties. In order to use essential oils safely and effectively for babies it is important to use the correct quantity which Michelle our Aromatherapist, has already formulated, blending a safe and minimal amount of essential oils to use in baby massage and ideal for the whole family. Our Grapeseed oil combined with Evening Primrose oil, Jojoba, Calendula and Vitamin E will be sure to relax and pamper your baby. Mineral oil free, it contains no nut based oils.