Babymassageexpert’s Weblog

How massage can help a baby with colic.

by Gayle Berry of Blossom & Berry Baby Massage and Baby Yoga

Having a baby who is suffering with colic can be very hard to deal with. It is not clear exactly what causes colic and there are varying degrees of discomfort. It is thought that a baby suffering with colic opposed to bad wind would show the following signs;

Hard Tummy

Lack of Eye Contact

Prolonged crying at a similar time everyday (Usually teatime 4-9pm)

A slight blue tinge to the lips

Difficulty in passing wind

Drawing legs up to the chest.

It can be very uncomfortable for baby and distressing as a parent to watch. My daugther suffered form it and it was the feeling of helplessness which caused the most harm. What can you do when your child is in pain and you can’t seem to settle them.

For me the answer was baby massage (and now as I have learnt in baby yoga for many). Massaging the tummy helps to reduce the build of wind, release wind held in the tummy, soothe tummy ache and encouarge the development of the digestive system.

Some hints to help

Find a local baby massage class where you can learn techniques to help reduce and improve wind. Not only is this a great way to learn but it helps to have the support of other parents around you. There will be someone else experiencing the same thing as you are. Try searching on www.blossomandberry.com/directory.html  for a class near you.

If you can’t get to a class then try to learn some techniques at home. There are many excellent books on baby massage. You could also try using the Blossom & Berry Baby Massage Body Suit which will show you exactly where to massage to relieve colic and also congestion on the chest. Our shop is full of books, CDs and resources

If you need to start right away; Make sure you baby is healthly and well, not suffering from any serious medical condition, on any medication or experiencing any ill health such as vomiting or diarheoa. Also wait 48-72 hours after immunisation.

Use a vegetable based carrier oil and try some simple massage strokes working gently and softly from the top of the tummy to the bottom. You could also make some gentle clockwise circle on the tummy following the path of digestion. The rule is to work with strokes from top to bottom and clockwise on the tummy to expel wind. Also try these my rubbing the baby’s back in the tummy is too tender.

It is always better to visit or speak to an instructor in person on over the phone if you can. Blossom & Berry have a natural soothe, settle and sleep program to help support parents of colicky babies. Have a look at our website www.blossomandberry.com/sleep.html for more details.

Baby Yoga is also fantastic for easing wind and certain essential oils suitable for babies may be helpful

Colic usually passes after 12 weeks and it is very common. Talk to your health visitor if you are worried.

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I hope you find some of the information in this blog useful to introduce baby massage. It is never too late to introduce massage with your child and discover its many benefits.