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Infant Massage

Infant Massage

Benefits of Infant Massage

Massage has benefits at any age, but for babies it can be extra helpful! The best time to massage your baby is when they are awake, but alert. It doesn’t have to last long to get these benefits. You don’t need much, a comfortable room, something soft to place baby on, and some oil (here are some suggestions to pick out what works for you)!

Improved development 

Massage can improve circulation, improve muscle tone, and provide increased awareness of a baby’s body parts. It’s also a great time to talk to your baby which will help their speech and language.

Improved sleep

Daily massage can help babies build tolerance to handling and different input. This can help them learn to calm and relax their bodies on their own which can help them The relaxation linked to massage can help baby fall asleep on their own. 

Improved digestion

Babies occasionally experience difficulties with pooping or have increased gas. There are specific massage techniques that can help move gas bubbles and poop along. 

Parent and child bonding

Massage is a great way for parents, caregivers, and grandparents to bond with their baby. Babies respond differently to different strokes. It’s a great way for parents to pick up on the babies cues. It’s also a great excuse to get some 1:1 quiet time with baby. What a great way to break up that witching hour!

Improved body awareness

Body awareness helps babies start interacting with their environment. They get input when they recieve massage. This can help improve their awareness of where their body is in their environment. If your baby has a preference for using one side more than the other it can be a great way to help them be more aware of the side they don’t use as much

 

If you would like to learn how to massage your baby , BDI Playhouse offers Infant Massage classes in clinic and virtually. Trained therapists will help you find the best way to ready your baby’s unique cues to get the most out of massage! 

 

 Written By: Andrea Turnell, PT, DPT

 

Engorgement

Breast Engorgement

What is the best way to prevent engorgement while breastfeeding?  Frequent feedings!  Feeding your baby 10-12 times per 24 hours and making sure your breasts are emptied each feed should reduce your risk of experiencing engorgement.  However, if you are experiencing that painful fullness here are a few tips

Strategies to reduce engorgement

Before Breastfeeding

  1. Hand express or pump the breast for 1-3 minutes prior to feeding
  2. If you can get milk to flow use moist warm compresses to increase milk flowing
  3. If you cannot get milk to flow use cold pack on breasts
  4. Warm shower with back to water, taking a “breast bath” in warm water, and/or applying wash cloths that are moist and warm

While Nursing

  1. If the breasts or areola are too swollen for baby to latch pump or and express for 1-3 minutes to soften breast before feeding. 
  2. Apply light to moderate pressure (REVERSE PRESSURE SOFTENING) to move fluid around nipple and to make it more latchable.

Between Feedings

  1. Use cold compresses, over a protective layer of fabric, on your breasts, chest, and under arms to help decrease swelling.
  2. Wear bras that are not too loose and not too tight.

Engorged breasts can make your breastfeeding experience tough.  The best way to treat engorgement is to prevent it!  However, if you are experiencing persistent engorgement and would like additional help, schedule a free screening with one of our lactation counselors.

Written by Jessica Keenan, MA, CCC-SLP/L, CLC

Mom's breastfeeding

Benefits of Breastfeeding

What are the benefits of breastfeeding babies?  Many moms are faced with familial and societal pressure of deciding whether they want to breastfeed or formula feed.   Before making the decision based on others experiences or the latest baby marketing trends, read on to find out how breastfeeding benefits baby, mom and your community!

Benefits of Breastfeeding

Baby

  • Decreases risk of mortality 
  • Reduces risk for asthma, upper respiratory infections, allergies, ear infections
  • Less risk for colic, reflux, gas, diarrhea, constipation, GI pain
  • Decreases risk for obesity, type 1 diabetes, Autism, ADHD
  • Increases intelligence scores
  • Reduces risk for narrow facial development

Mom

  • decreases risk of unwanted shorter pregnancy intervals
  • Satisfies baby’s emotional needs and increases bonding between mother and baby
  • reduces risk of PPD
  • Helps mom to lose ‘baby weight’
  • reduces risk for high blood pressure
  • decreases risk for ovarian and breast cancers
  • increases work attendance due to healthier baby

Community

  • More bonding opportunities for parents/children
  • Higher IQ subgroups
  • Do not have to worry about dangers of manufacturing errors/formula recall
  • Reduced financial strain without costs of formula
  • decreased waste production to make formula
  • reduced health care costs
  • decreased work absenteeism of parents due to infant/toddler illness

When making the decision between breastfeeding and formula feeding, it’s important to consider how it will effect mom, partner, baby, and your community!  Research shows that breastfeeding comes with increased health benefits for both mom and baby, mentally and physically.  Exclusively breastfeeding reduces the workload and financial burden on your partner.  Finally, it reduces the carbon footprint in your community!  Want to learn more?  Join us at our Breastfeeding Basics class!  Already in the thick-of-it and needing some support?  Reach out and schedule a free screen with one of our certified lactation counselors and infant feeding specialists!

Written by: Jessica Keenan, MA, CCC-SLP/L, CLC