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.