How a simple tummy-rub can change babies' lives

[GeoWilliam750]

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20210923-the-surprising-benefits-of-baby-massage


"Baby massage has been practiced in South Asia for centuries. Now scientists are discovering its life-saving potential.

"On a cool October evening, Renu Saxena brought her newborn daughter home from hospital in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru. It struck her just how fragile her baby was, her tiny veins glowing through her translucent skin. She had been born early, at 36 weeks, and weighed only 2.4kg (5.3lbs). Saxena’s family urged her to immediately start an age-old Indian remedy for helping newborns thrive: daily baby massage. But her doctors were more cautious, and suggested she wait until the baby had put on more weight before starting massages.

"Saxena struck a compromise, and decided to hold off for two weeks. During that time, her daughter gained hardly any weight, less than 100g (3.5oz) a week, and slept fitfully. It was only when Saxena hired a retired neonatal nurse, and learned the art of traditional baby massage from her, that things took a turn for the better. Her daughter not only began to sleep well, she also put on more weight.

"Far from an isolated success, Saxena’s experience is backed by a growing body of evidence on the surprising benefits of South Asian baby massage, including for premature babies. Studies have shown that these oil massages, when done properly, can boost babies’ weight gain prevent bacterial infections, and cut infant mortality by up to 50%. Parents interested in the technique should however discuss it with their healthcare provider first, to ensure it is safe and suitable for their child."

[SunSeeker]

1. Massage is pretty good for adults too. nt

[zuul]

2. Baby massage was a thing when my daughter was born in the 80s.

She was full term and a nice healthy weight. She was also a happy, sweet, smart little thing who never gave me any trouble.

As an adult, she’s probably one of the most well-adjusted people I know.

Wonder if the early massages had anything to do with it.

[Alice Kramden]

3. Love this

And I believe even self-massage has direct benefits for us

[Richluu]

4. I massaged both my babies

They loved it. I used warm sesame oil as Ayurveda recommends. So good for them. It made my babies so happy and was great bonding.

[Richluu]

5. And, yes. Great for adults too

Before your shower. You have to cure the oil, warmed to where water bounces off but not boiling, then cooled. You can buy it all ready cured at mapi.com

[Richluu]

6. Make clockwise circles

On body trunk and joints. (So good for joints!) Rub straight back and forth on limbs.

[BComplex]

7. I'd never heard of this kind of baby massage. Great article!