and muscular tone to help with digestion and circulation,” says Cavanaugh. Cavanaugh has noticed that dads in par- ticular benefit from the experience. “Most moms already have that physical bond with the baby and infant massage is a way for dads to achieve that same intimacy. You can liter- ally feel the bond forming between baby and dad as the massage progresses,” Cavanaugh says. Parents who massage their babies report seeing the benefits. Julie Fischer, a first-time mom living in the South Loop, began using massage soon after her now fifteen-month- old son was born. After a one-on-one instruc- tional session and a group class, Fischer began massaging her son every night after his bath with the help of a “cheat sheet.” Fischer says, “I really enjoy the massage time because it feels like quality time—not just the typical baby chores. Plus, I have noticed that it really helps him sleep.” When Katherine Stevenson of Elmwood Park had her first child, she knew that she wanted to incorporate infant massage into her baby’s routine. Now a busy mother of four, Stevenson recently signed up for an in- fant massage class with the newest addition to her family for some one-on-one calm time with just her baby. “At home,” Stevenson says, “with all that I have going on, I can’t realis- tically have a massage session each day. But I incorporate the basic techniques and con- cepts throughout the day with my children when I am breastfeeding or while they are ly- ing in my lap.” Stevenson notes that, “If noth- ing else, the massage increases the physical bond with my child and gives me an overall awareness of his body.” how to get Started Find a time when your baby is quiet and alert. Choose a location that is cozy and warm. Use a natural, unscented oil such as olive or grape seed oil (avoid nut or mineral oils). Cavana- ugh recommends using something “organic and edible” because little hands and feet quickly find their way into baby’s mouth. Be- fore you get started, take a few deep breaths to relax yourself. While you warm the oil in your hands, talk to your baby and tell him that you are going to give him a massage. Over time, these repeated cues will help the baby know what to expect. Begin with some strokes on the legs and feet because those are the least vulnerable parts of the body. Singing to your baby and trying one of these introductory strokes is a great way to begin. Always be mindful of your baby’s cues. If your baby avoids your gaze or appears stressed, try the massage again an- other time. Milking: Hold the baby’s foot with one hand and grasp the top of the baby’s thigh with the other hand. Stroke from buttock to heel, squeezing the leg in a milking motion holding your hand in a “C” shape. Squeeze and twist: Keeping your hands in a “C” shape, start at your baby’s hip and use both hands to gently squeeze and twist down each leg toward the ankle. Stroke the feet: Stroke the sole of the foot from heel to toe with your thumbs. Stroke the top of the foot toward the ankle. Squeeze the toes: Gently squeeze and tug each toe (also a per- fect time to play “this little piggy went to mar- ket…”). The basic infant massage techniques aren’t just for babies. Reichlin says, “A parent can easily modify the techniques for an older child who is looking for some quality quiet time.” Cavanaugh advises parents to give infant massage a try—and not to worry too much about making the experience perfect. The real benefit to everyone is the bonding time. She emphasizes that “the best feedback I get at the end of a class is when a parent says she feels like she knows her baby better now. That sort of honest, from-the-heart connection is what the experience is really all about.” Caitlin Murray Giles is a freelance writer and mother of three living in Wicker Park. Read more about her urban adventures at Wee Windy City (chicagonow.com/blogs/wee- windy-city/). resources inFant massaGe Want to learn more about infant mas- sage and how it can benefit your baby? take a class » breathe bodyworks breathebodyworks.com » Northwestern memorial hospital ww2.nmh.org/listing/search » sisters baby massage sistersbabymassage.com » to find a Certified infant massage in- structor in your area, visit infant massage usa infantmassageusa.org/learn/states/ illinois.shtml Watch an online video » monkeysee—infant massage basics monkeysee.com/play/14131-infant-massage- basics buy an instructional DVD » baby, baby, oh baby babybabyohbaby.com read a book » loving hands: the traditional art of Baby massage, by Frederick Leboyer » Infant massage—revised edi- tion: a handbook for loving Parents, by vimala mcclure mindfulmetropolis.com 23
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