Prenatal massage has been found to have dozens of benefits for new mothers. Some even say that it’s beneficial for the baby as well. But experts warn that there are indeed risks for pregnant women who participate in massage, depending on various conditions.
Here are a few things to keep in mind before attending a prenatal massage session.
Prenatal pregnancy can stimulate the uterus. While this sounds benign, or perhaps even beneficial, it can be harmful. Read the rest of this entry »
Though celebrities are known to jump aboard the trend wagon each time it makes it way around the station, baby massage isn’t exactly a trend. Yes, it has been gaining popularity across the globe, but it’s also been practiced for centuries. Still, many celebrity moms and dads are turning to the benefits of baby massage for their little ones. Here are just a few of them.
Presenter of the UK’s TV show The Biggest Loser and English journalist, Kate Garraway knows that baby massage can help little ones fall asleep easier. Perhaps that’s why she takes her three-month-old son, Billy, to a baby massage class.
Lots of celebrity moms have been spotted buying clothing specially made for massaging babies. Actress Sarah Jessica Parker of Sex and the City, Kelly Ripa of Regis and Kelly, actress Cynthia Nixon of Sex and the City, and actress Lauren Holly of NCIS have all been spotted with such accessories for their wee ones.
Actress Gwyneth Paltrow of Emma and Shakespeare in Love fame is known for her natural parenting style. This style likely includes baby massage, as she has been known to purchase all natural baby massage oils.
Mariska Hargitay of Law and Order: Special Victims Unit says that she is a “big believer” of the benefits of baby massage. “There are so many beneficial aspects to it. Number one, it promotes bonding, obviously. And it increases a mom’s confidence and sensitivity to the baby’s cues. It reduces stress. It helps stimulate babies’ development and growth and improves their immune systems — studies prove it. It aids in digestion. There are so many things, it’s just amazing,” she says.
As beneficial as baby massage can be for both baby as well as his or her caregivers, it can also be dangerous if proper precautions are not taken prior to beginning. In order to keep baby safe and healthy, be sure to follow these tips.
Always wash hands before handling baby. This is especially important during flu season to prevent transfer of germs, but should also be done year-round. Read the rest of this entry »
While baby massage seems like a relatively new thing in the West, it’s considered a routine practice in Africa, India, the West Indies, Pakistan, and many other parts of the world.
A way to help strengthen the bond between parents and their children, baby massage often begins with the grandmother teaching the mother how to perform the massage on the infant. It then often continues through adolescence and adulthood. Read the rest of this entry »
It’s always very exciting to welcome a new being into the world. Cuddly blankets, stuffed bears and sweet onesies with trains, princess crowns or frogs on them all come to mind when it’s time to buy a gift for the new mom and her little one.
But how many mothers don’t have enough blankets or onesies? And stuffed animals, of course, are always aplenty when it comes to most children. Read the rest of this entry »
While there are plenty of how-to videos, articles and books about infant massage, some parents may be more comfortable taking a class before performing the ancient art on their little ones. This is perfectly natural, especially for first-time parents; after all, you can’t be too careful when it comes to the care of your baby.
There are many infant massage classes out there for parents. Here are just a few of them. Read the rest of this entry »
During the postpartum period, a massage may be the furthest thing from a new mother’s mind. However, postpartum massage, which can be given as early as right after giving birth, has many benefits that shouldn’t be discounted.
Postpartum massage can help the body completely release the placenta, a natural and more comfortable way of taking care of a task that can be unpleasant.
Massage can also help ward off postpartum depression–or at least ease its symptoms. Read the rest of this entry »
Prenatal massage can offer many benefits to both mom and baby. We already know that it can help lessen or prevent edema, make delivery happen more quickly, help provide increased nutrition to baby, increase muscle tone, reduce stress, and provide many other benefits.
That said, experts warn that prenatal massage should be given and received with caution. Without the proper precautions, prenatal massage can result in complications–such as discomfort in pressure point areas, stretching of uterine ligaments, and other unpleasantness. Read the rest of this entry »
Much has been said about the benefits of baby massage, but the loving hands-on treatment is great for mom, too.
Besides helping a new mom or mommy-to-be relax and reduce her stress level–and what new mother couldn’t use more calm in her life?–massage–known as one of the oldest healing arts on earth–has many health benefits.
You may have known that fatigue, backaches, headaches and leg cramps can all be helped by massage. Read the rest of this entry »
After discovering the many benefits to infant massage, many parents are choosing to start this wonderful, loving practice with their own children. Anyone can perform an infant massage, whether a parent, grandparent, babysitter or other caregiver. Not only is it simple to do, it’s also a warm and gentle way to bond with the baby.
To begin, select a relaxed time when baby is not full, but is also not hungry. Read the rest of this entry »