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Baby News
Birth congratulations go to Rachell C on the birth of baby Jake Luca born 5th August 2011.
Welcome to Yannick who was born on Monday 6th February 2012 and well done mum Petra!
Congratulations to Judith H on the birth of baby William John born 9th February 2012.
Baby Massage - Infant Massage is a parent tradition within many ancient cultures that has been re-discovered and adapted to the western world. It is one of the most natural and pleasant method of providing this early nurturing contact and is a great way to bond with baby.
In massage an infant describes a child aged from birth to approx. 4-5 years.
Research into this field is finding that massage may promote better sleeping, relieve colic, and perhaps even enhance an infant's immune system, motor skills, and intellectual development. In the USA, recent research carried out by The University of Miami School of Medicine reports the importance of a secure environment and nurturing touch in the healthy growth, development and maturation of children. Numerous other studies have also shown the many developmental benefits of positive contact as part of baby’s early life.
Baby massage can be relaxing for new parents and their babies. Babies will usually pick up on stress, so taking time out for massage teaches a baby how to relax, and in turn assists new mothers to relax too. Massage has many physical benefits and for babies it can play a vital role in circulation, digestion and growth. Using simple techniques massage can ease the symptoms of colds, colic (a problem normally only encountered in babies under 3-4 months) and teething and can help babies who are premature and also those with disabilities, improving muscle tone and stimulating growth hormones.
Bonding with a baby can take time and doesn't always happen easily so the bonding experience can be encouraged through touch and spending quality time together and through eye-to-eye contact with the baby. Baby massage can play a vital role in this process particularly if a mother has struggled due to postnatal depression, an early baby or medical problems. It is also a great thing for fathers to learn too in terms of bonding, especially if new mothers are breast feeding, fathers often can left out so learning to massage the baby can help to bring the whole family together.
What do the health professionals say?
Some health professionals feel that massage should not be carried out on newborn babies, or at least mothers should wait until the baby has had their first full course of immunisations (at around 3-4 months). Conversely, others feel that massage should be started as soon as possible, as it can help to provide a smooth transition from the womb to the outside world and that massage is particularly beneficial to premature babies.
When is a Child too old for Infant Massage?
Some babies go off massage when they start to crawl and just get too wriggly. Some children are willing to start again when they are a little older, and by then they may be old enough to respond and say which strokes they like best. Some say that the best time to quit is when they are old enough to give a massage themselves!!
Baby Massage & Postnatal Depression
The study 'Massage and mother baby interaction with depressed mothers', carried out by Foetal and Neonatal Stress Research Group, considered whether mothers suffering from postnatal depression would benefit from attending baby massage classes (mothers with postnatal depression are known to have a worse relationship with their babies). A group who attended five massage classes was compared with a similar group who attended a support group. At the end of the test period the massage group had significantly less depression and very significantly better interaction with their babies, than the control group. This is the first time that a method has been found for improving the relationship between a depressed mother and her baby.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Some contraindications can mean avoiding an area, localised cuts for example and some may require the permission of a GP/Consultant/Midwife to allow massage to be given.
General contraindications are:
The child is non-responsive
The child has just been fed
The child is showing signs of fever
The child is under the care of GP/Consultant
The child is generally unwell
The child has recently received an immunisation, particularly injection form (min. 48 hrs)
Any cuts, bruises or abrasions are apparent
Sever nappy rash, burn, recent scarring
Umbilical hernia
Recent operations
Sprains, strains or fractures
‘Clicky hips’ (Avoid certain movements)
Skin infections, disorders or sensitivity
Oedema present
Any sort of ‘spastic’ condition
If the child suffers with any kind of digestive disorder
If the child suffers with epilepsy or diabetes
If the child has any allergies, particularly nuts (Avoid nut based oils)
There could also be the possibility of the parent/carer being stressed, ill or unable to safely conduct the massage.
If mothers have any concerns about massaging their babies, they, especially if the baby is sick, they should be advised to consult an appropriate health professional.
There are many benefits associated with Baby Massage both for the child and the parents.
BENEFITS & EFFECTS
Benefits of Baby/Infant Massage for the Child
• Studies have suggested that physical contact is good for babies, improving their breathing, circulation, digestion and growth.
• Stimulates brain development and provides a good source of sensory and muscle stimulation, which is beneficial to all babies, but may be particularly good for babies with special needs, such as developmental disabilities and Down's syndrome.
• Stimulates immune system.
• Relaxes child and helps to decrease stress for parent and baby.
• Encourages infant’s co-ordination.
• Relieves discomfort from constipation, gas, and colic.
• Helps normalize muscle tone and improve blood circulation.
• Helps baby sleep better and, therefore, also parents.
• Babies cry less, as the parent is more responsive to babies’ cues.
• It is fun!
Benefits of Baby/Infant Massage for the Parents
• It is an excellent bonding experience and a good way for parent and baby to get to know each other and to spend quality time together, so promotes bonding and attachment.
• Caregivers report feeling more comfortable and confident in their ability to care for baby.
• Parents can learn to understand and respond to baby’s cues.
• Parents will learn techniques to soothe and comfort their babies.
• Provides an additional avenue for close and nurturing contact.
• Infant Massage is one of the most natural and pleasant methods of providing this important early nurturing and an amazing tool for helping parents become closer to their babies.
Next Baby Massage Course Starts Thursday 8th March 2012.
Please call now to book your place.
Bowen Technique incorporating BabyBowen
Bowen Technique is an excellent therapy to help in the health care of women both during and after pregnancy. During pregnancy the centre of gravity shifts adding stress to the spine. Alot of the problems associated with pregnancy may be directly related to the health of the spine. The Bowen technique very gently relieves alot of the ailments caused by pregnancy.
Common pregnancy pains the mother may experience are:
Backache
Sciatica
Aching legs
Headaches
Fatigue
Nausea / Dizziness
Breathlessness
Heartburn
Decreased energy levels
As the foetus grows the pelvis and spine are particularly vulnerable. The pelvis becomes softer in preparation for birth and can cause stress on the lower back and pelvis. Bowen can help to stabilise the pelvis helping to release the pressure on the spine and the surrounding ligaments and muscles.
The birth process itself can cause lower back and pelvic pain. Post natally whilst the mother is nursing, feeding and caring for the baby this can also put additional strain on the lower back. Almost all the Bowen work can be performed on an expectant mum up until labour begins. Difrectly after birth there are certain moves that can help the body become calm and help the body to return to it's pre pregnancy state.
Price: £30.00
BabyBowen
The birth is one of the most traumatic processes a child will go through. The child is able to have bowen therapy within a day or so after birth. As it is so gentle, the child is barely aware of being treated.
Bowen Therapy can also help treat:
Infant colic
Misalignments in the spine due to labour and has been great for hiccups.
Bowen is so gentle that is can be used to treat babies as young as a few days old to the elderly. It can also help to relax hyperactive children and aid cessation of bed wetting in older children.
Pregnancy Massage - Most people enjoy human touch and particularly during pregnancy a touch can convey comfort, awareness and also help alleviate aches and pains.
All of these are of benefit, especially when you are pregnant.
Benefits of Pregnancy Massage include:
• Tranquil relaxation and stress reduction.
• Relief from muscle cramps and spasms, particularly in the lower back, neck, hips, and legs.
• Increase in blood and lymph circulation, which can reduce swelling.
• Reduces stress on weight-bearing joints.
• Improves outcome of labour and eases labour pain.
• Provides support for the new mother with physical and emotional strains of mothering.
Massage during pregnancy differs from a regular massage in a couple of ways. The biggest way it differs is that the person receiving the massage is pregnant, and therefore knowledge of pregnancy and the anatomy of a pregnant woman are very important. This means that positioning during a massage is critical to the safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby she is carrying. There are also parts of the body that should not be massaged.
Massage is beneficial for almost everyone. Even women carrying multiples babies can benefit greatly from massage.
How does pregnancy massage differ from regular massage?
The mother's body must be properly positioned and supported during the massage, using pillows and padding. Proper positioning ensures comfort and safety for the mother and baby.
What are the benefits of pregnancy massage?
Pregnancy massage can help to reduce stress, decrease swelling in the arms and legs, and can also help to relieve aches and pains in muscles and joints.
It is a popular complementary therapy during pregnancy for back pain, when choices for pain relief, such as medication, are often limited.
Not only can massage be physically beneficial, but the human touch can be comforting and provide emotional support during pregnancy.
Massage therapy has been found to reduce anxiety and depression.
Price: £32.00
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