THE MASSAGE ROUTINE - GETTING STARTED

The Massage Routine
The coming posts give parents a step-by-step massage routine to follow with their baby once they are ready to experience the full massage.

Each post covers the strokes for one body area and allows you to learn and practise these strokes during the following week. If time permits, try to practise the massage strokes on a daily basis at a time that is suitable for both you and your baby. This will help you feel comfortable with the strokes and help your baby to become accustomed to the new strokes too. Each stroke has been given a suitable name to help you remember the full routine.

Try to follow the posts for the massage routine in the order given.. Starting with the legs allows your baby to become accustomed to the massage strokes, on what could be considered the least sensitive part of their body. The rest of the routine naturally follows up the front of the body and then on to the back.

Each week, start with the strokes for the new body area and the consolidate the body area(s) that have been learnt the previous week(s). This allows you to learn the new strokes first before moving on to and practising the previously learnt ones, should your baby be too tired to carry on. If you always started the massage with the legs, whilst working through the learning programme, then you might find it very difficult to progress to the new strokes if your baby becomes tired.

The Learning Programme
Week 1 - Legs
Week 2 - Stomach and Legs
Week 3 - Chest, Legs and Stomach
Week 4 - Back, Legs, Stomach and Chest
Week 5 - Head and Face, Legs, Stomach, Chest and Back
Week 6 - The full Routine: Legs, Stomach, Chest, Head and Face, Back

Each post will contain:

• step-by-step instructions accompanied with line drawings to guide you through the routine
• hints and tips on safety during massage
• suggested nursery rhymes that enhance the enjoyment of each stroke
• alternative positions
• benefits for the baby

The Reasons Behind The Sequencing Of Strokes

Legs
To the untrained eye the leg sequence will appear to jump from one leg to the other and back again without good reason. However, there is indeed a very good reason for this. A baby's concentration span is very limited an although they may say 'Yes' to massage to begin with, within a few minutes of starting the massage this may change. If only one leg has received massage then the baby may feel slightly imbalanced as the massaged leg will feel relaxed whilst the other will still be carrying some tension. The sequence in later post prevents this happening should the massage be cut short for whatever reason.

Back/Head And Face
Young babies often assume that 'food' is on offer when their face is touched due to the rooting reflex. As they develop and settle into a feeding pattern this becomes less frequent, so by leaving the head and face sequence until Week 5, this allows for the younger baby to progress to this stage.

Getting Started

• Choose a time when your baby is happy to be massaged.
• Prepare the room: remember
  - subdued lighting
  - warm room
  - no overpowering fragrances
  - quiet space
• Collect equipment, e.g. oil, wipes, towels, etc.
• Have this post to hand to learn the routine
• CD player and relaxing music
• Remove sharp jewellery and wash hands
• Be mindful of your own comfort and use the alternative positions that are recommended

Applying The Oil

Patch-testing the oil
As a precaution, it is always preferable to do a patch-test first to check that the baby does not have an allergic reaction to the oil you have chosen.

• Rub a small amount of oil on the inside of your baby's wrist.
• Leave for 15 minutes.
• If there is no reaction, use this oil for the massage.
• If skin becomes inflammed and irritated, wash the area thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.
• DO NOT use an oil that causes an reaction.

Using Oil During Massage

• Warm the oil to room temperature for a short time before the massage session.
• There needs to be enough oil to lubricate the whole area to be massaged.
• Put the oil in the palm of one hand.
• Rub your hands together to warm the oil.
• On the first application it may be necessary to apply a little more as some of the oil may be absorbed by your hands if you have particularly dry skin.
• Apply the warmed oil gently to the area to be massaged.
• If, during the massage, there is an reaction from using any oil that you have already patch-tested, cease use immediately and wash the affected area with warm water. Pat the area dry and leave uncovered. Seek medical assistance if the irritation does not subside. After selecting an alternative oil for future sessions, patch-test again but leave on for a longer period of time.

Gauging The Correct Pressure
There is no right or wrong pressure when massaging; every baby is different. Some babies quite like a vigorous massage whilst others would find this far too stimulating and would probably start to cry and show negative cues. However, even for babies that do not like a very firm touch, it is important that your touch is firm enough not to tickle them. Tickling can be far too stimulating and unpleasant for a young baby.

Whilst massaging your baby it is important, where you can, to keep at least one hand in constant contact with your baby's body. This makes sure that you do not startle them when you place your hand or hands on a part of their body that they are not expecting to be touched. Keeping one hand in contact with them will reassure them and make the massage far more relaxing. Studies show that firm massage can be far more beneficial for babies than a lighter touch.

After Massage And Yoga Advice
After the massage has finished, it is advisable for parents to pay particular notice to the following:

• After the massage and yoga exercise your baby should be offered a drink as they may be thirsty.
• You should also drink after yoga exercises.
• Wash or wipe your hands to remove all residual oil before attempting to move your baby.
• Wipe residual oil from your baby's skin, especially if bathing afterwards.
• Wrap or dress your baby after the massage to ensure they do not become cold.
• Often babies become sleepy after the massage, allow them to sleep or relax.
• Never allow a baby with oiled skin to be exposed to sunlight after a massage, as the oil may cause the skin to burn.

Asking Permission
It is important to ask your baby if they would like a massage before you begin any massage or yoga. This will ensure that your baby feels heard and their feelings are respected.

Indeed, we acknowledge that this may seem rather a strange thing to do. You may feel that you are talking to yourself, knowing that your baby cannot understand yo or reply back. However, week by week you will begin to recognize that your baby does understand and very soon you will be able to detect when the baby is saying 'yes' or 'no' to massage.

Before undressing your baby for massage, ask permission by:

• placing both hands gently on your baby's chest and rubbing gently in a circular motion
• looking into your baby's eyes
• asking your baby in a playful, melodious tone:

'Would you like a massage today (name)'

In the first week of practice your baby may not respond very clearly or even at all to this question as this is new to them too and obviously they do not understand what they are being asked. Because of this you may feel unsure whether to carry on with the massage or not at first, but very soon your baby will let you know, in no uncertain terms, whether they are happy with the massage or not.

With regular massage your baby will come to recognize that this question is the signal for massage and then respond accordingly. If they want a massage they usually become very excited and display many of the positive cues mentioned in the previous post.

The Opening And Closing Sequence
Once your baby has given their consent for massage, the next step is to perform the wonderful opening stokes of the Velvet Cloak. This stroke is done when your baby is still clothed and signals to them that the massage is soon to begin. It also prepares their whole body for the massage. Once you have done this you can then undress your baby ready for the massage.

At the end of the massage session, no matter how much you manage to do, it is always good practice to finish with a Velvet Cloak too. This stroke is perfect for signalling the start and end of a massage session.

Asking permission

• Ask permission before undressing your baby.
• Place your hands lightly on your baby's chest, rub gently in a circular motion and ask permision from your baby to massage them

The Velvet Cloak ( to begin and end all massage sessions)

• Bring both hands to the top of your baby's head.
• Using the flat of your whole hand, lightly stroke dwon the sides of the body to the feet.
• Repeat three times.

Benefits

• This stroke provides a gentle introduction to signal to the baby that massage is about to start or is coming to an end.
• This stroke prepares the whole body for positive touch.

Summary

• Always do a patch-test when using new oil to check you baby does not have an reaction to it.
• Always begin the massage session by asking permission.
• Do the Velvet Cloak over the clothes to let your baby know the massage is about to begin.
• Always start with the new strokes and consolidate the previous weeks' strokes afterwards.
• Once your baby is undressed, it is important to remember to try and keep at least one hand in touch with your baby during the massage so that they feel secure.
• Always finish a massage session with a Velvet Cloak to signal to the baby that the massage is coming to an end.

THE IMPORTANC OF MUSIC, SINGING AND RHYME

Sharing Music With Your Baby
Once born, most babies love to listen to music. They will find certain types of rhythm soothing and comforting, particularly music that reminds them of the sound of a resting heartbeat. This is because, long before birth, babies continually feel the rhythm and hear the sounds from their mother's body, and a couple of months before birth they can also hear the sounds from the outside world, especially the tone of their mother's voice.

Without necessarily realising it, music can affect us in many ways. So often a piece of music or a particular song will conjure up an image, or remind us of a particular time or event that has happened in the past. With the image or memory, we often have a particular feeling come over us, which may make us feel excited or calm, happy or sometimes sad. Music can even affect our breathing and heart rate. The effect music can have on an individual is related to the key in which it is arranged. The keys F and C are considered to be particularly peaceful and can have a calming affect our babies, children and adults.

Music is actually very similar to language, as they are both processed in the same areas of the brain and can contribute to overall brain development. For both music and language to be understood, they require an element of organization, structure, rhythm and a sense of timing; and both have various sound frequencies that make them interesting and gives them intonation and melody.

Using Nursery Rhymes With Your Baby During Massage And Yoga
It is rhythmical aspect of both music and speech that babies may find soothing and comforting. This is why babies enjoy listening to rhymes that are sung, or spoken in a softer, slower and a higher than normal pitched voice. Some parents struggle with 'chatting' to their baby, but find that sometimes talking can be replaced with nursery rhymes that they feel more comfortable using. Babies seem ready to tune in to rhymes sung by their parents and tend to respond enthusiastically to this form of communication. They are able to follow simple rhythms long before they are able to speak.

The massage and yoga sessions will give you the perfect opportunity to introduce some rhymes to your baby. These will help to keep your baby focused on you, as well as giving you both time to share some special moments. You will probably find that your baby will begin to imitate the sounds they hear you make whilst you are singing. When babies do this, it is as if they are chatting or singing along, in their own way. When taking time to sing rhymes and songs to your baby, you will be giving them the opportunity to begin to learn about listening, joining in and the art of turn-taking during conversation.

When you have the opportunity to recite rhymes, your baby will be listening to the sounds and the words. When singing to your baby is coupled with an interesting and enjoyable activity, such as massage or yoga, they are more likely to start to understand the meaning behind the words. For example, your baby will not understand the question 'Would you like a massage today?' However, when accompanied with the gentle stroking on the chest, they will, if massaged regularly, soon come to associate the words with the action and understand that massage is being offered.

Tuning In To Variations In The Voice
From about 2 months of age, a baby is able to process and respond to emotional and tonal variation within a person's voice. How rhymes are sung is important to how well a baby will respond to or appreciate them. For instance, a flat or monotone voice will not attract a baby to the singer, but a soft, higher than usual pitched voice will be more attractive for a baby and easier for them to respond to. The impact is greater if the important words or sounds are stressed and if the rhyme is repeated regularly.

As the voice goes up an octave or so, the developing brain responds by sending a greater number of chemical and electrical impulses along the newly developing neural pathways. This is an indicator as to how important singing t o a baby really is. Which is further enhanced when coupled with play-time - which massage and yoga time can be considered to be. As well as being quite joyful, comforting and fun experience for you and your baby, repeating nursery rhymes so that your baby becomes familiar with them, can actually help with their cognitive development.

Listening To Your Baby
Massage and yoga will give you the opportunity to really watch and listen to your baby, giving you the chance to learn how they communicate with you. The sounds and little noises that babies make are more structured and controlled than is immediately obvious. But, if you take time to listen to your baby and enter a 'conversation' with them, you will soon be able to recognize that your baby responds to your voice in a timed and specific manner.

Babies have a definite musical ability when communicating with their parents, the sounds they utter are in a timed, melodic sequence; and you might even notice that your baby will try to draw you into a 'conversation' themselves. If you do not respond to their first 'call' they will wait an exact, specific length of time, before each subsequent call trying to get your attention again. If you enter into a 'conversation' with your baby, you will notice that they pause for the same amount of time after each time you have spoken before they reply - as if they are politely waiting a few seconds, just to check that you have finished what you were saying!

Summary
Music:

• contributes to brain development
• improves verbal memory
• acts as a springboard for other skills to be developed
• is a powerful tool for supporting learning

Singing:

• improves sound and rhythm recognition
• can help the development of speech and later, written language
• links sounds and visual images that are essential for reading and writing skills

Rhyme:

• is something babies respond positively to
• means that babies soon become familiar with repeated verse