tirsdag 2. november 2010

Baby massage - an enjoyable bonding experience for baby and parent

Product name: Baby Massage (www.babymassagewithcaroline.co.uk)

What is it?Baby massage is a set of techniques for bonding with your baby, while helping him/her to relax as well as to stimulate blood circulation and digestion. It is also in some instances used as a way to moderate post-natal depression
Why did it catch my attention?The health visitors in my area sent me an invitation to a short course that they organised and I thought that it sounded like a nice thing to do together with your baby. Because the other mums from my antenatal course also wanted to try we then attended a baby massage course offered by Caroline, who is a qualified baby massage instructor living in our area in West London
How old was my baby when I bought it?He was 2 months when I started, but baby massage is normally recommended from 6-8 weeks, or after the baby has had the first set of immunization (UK rules, conscious the vaccination schemes differ from country to country). For premature babies, baby massage is often done while in hospital in order to stimulate their development and growth
What value does it add for us?We have made some of the relaxing exercises part of the bedtime routine, which has proven to be an efficient way to help my son fall asleep peacefully. With only 2 datapoints it also seems like the anti-congestion exercises are very efficient for my baby! ;-)
What does it replace?It is a complement to other cosy activities that you and your baby can do together and that provide any of the four key benefits of baby massage (a) relaxation (baby and parent), (b) relief (from symptoms like constipation, teething pain and colic), (c) stimulation (of circulation, digestion, muscle development, growth and weight gain) and (d) social interaction
How did my baby respond to it?He seems to enjoy it. I have noticed that most babies in our class often seem to get hungry immediately after the session and then have a good, relaxing sleep afterwards – similar to what tends to happen after a baby swimming session
How much does it cost?Our course instructor offers courses for £55 for five sessions + an extra session for the fathers, or other caregiver who has not had the opportunity to participate during the main course. She does 10% discounts for groups of more than 3 families
Can I see any drawbacks?You need to know your baby well and to be good at reading his/her mood to make sure that the timing of the baby massage session is favorable for him/her, otherwise it can turn out to be a stressful experience for both of you

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