A lot of other cultures highly value infant massage to help their babies grow. In some eastern cultures, mothers can be reprimanded if they do not give their babies daily massage.

The cranial nerve X, also known as the vagus nerve, has quite a few interesting functions including increasing peristalsis. Peristalsis are wave like contractions of the stomach and intestines that move the food materials along the digestive tract. This means that infant massage stimulates and aids in digestion. The cranial nerve X’s sensory fibers also supply the lungs. Infant massage, along with breast-feeding, is a very fulfilling form of nurturing your child. An advantage of infant massage is that Dad can perform this nurturing act. It aids in digestion, eases tension, relieves colic and spurs growth.

To help the baby’s bowels move, you can try the I Love You technique. With I L U in mind, start at the bottom right hand side of the babies abdomen. Using small, gentle circular motions, gently rub towards the top right forming the letter I. Make sure to stop when you feel the rib cage. Repeat this action then move across the abdomen, but this time immediately above the belly button towards the left hand side, forming the letter L. Repeat this action then go down to the bottom left to form the letter U. Repeat the I Love You massage between 5 and 10 times.

Many hospitals and birthing centers run courses on infant massage that you can attend during your stay. Here are a few tips on the basics of infant massage that will help you get started.

• Make sure the room is warm and that the baby is not near a draft
• Only perform the massage if you feel relaxed and your baby is settled, unless you are giving the massage to relieve pain
• Make sure the baby is on a sturdy surface when performing the massage
• Start with the legs and move up the body
• Use long firm strokes when massaging
• Make sure you don’t put any pressure on the babies abdomen
• You can use cold pressed almond oil. This helps the babies skin and is easily absorbed

If you have any questions about infant massage, check with your family doctor, public health nurse, or natural health practitioner for more information.

Be sure that the room temperature is warm (78 degrees Fahrenheit). Undress the baby completely, if the weather is cold or humid cover the areas of the baby’s body that are not being massaged.

Put the baby on a soft surface so your baby will feel comfortable and secure. Keep some little pillows handy.

Basically the massage flows from the head to the toes. With soft and gentle touches you will work on the head, face, shoulders, arms, chest, stomach and legs.

While you massage your baby look tenderly at him/her. Doing this you stimulate all the senses of the baby and establish a more intense visual and tactile communication. Feel free to speak to your baby, do not inhibit yourself.

Remember that your touches should be tender do not make mechanic motions. Try to be flexible by not keeping a rigid routine.

If the baby wants to change position let them do so. Do not force your baby to keep a position; you can go back to these areas later on.