Tummy Troubles: 101

How To Relieve Your Baby's Gas/Constipation With Massage

I’m so honored to share my passion for infant massage with my first This Little Piggy Blog! For those of you who may not be familiar with this amazing practice, I’m happy to catch you up on the incredible benefits and deep-rooted history.

Benefits of Infant Massage

In essence, infant massage is a series of strokes and presses designed to provide a positive touch experience for babies. Why massage though? We hold our babies, we rock them, we put lotion on them after baths- what’s different about a massage? Infant Massage further enhances that touch and helps in a major way in these four areas: sensory stimulation, relief of gas and other gastrointestinal issues, relaxation, and the promotion of bonding and attachment. Touch is the most powerful of all interactions between parent and a child.

Deep-Rooted History of Infant Massage

Infant Massage was formalized in 1976 by Vimala McClure, founder of Infant Massage USA and International. While working at an orphanage in India, Vimala witnessed staff massaging the babies and observed the powerful impact it had on them. Even with the lack of proper nutrition or consistent caregivers, the babies thrived and showed positive attachment signs. As a world advocate for infant massage, Vimala has spoken with mamas from East Africa, South America, and Sweden- places where massage is ingrained in their culture. When asked why they do this, their response is that it comes naturally.

Relieving Tummy Issues

TUMMY TIME! “Totally, sounds good” you're thinking. “I’m on board…but, tell me more about those tummy strokes!” Absolutely! Tummy time, by far, is the most popular request I receive in my group and individual classes. Babies and their bellies work so hard, from digesting breast milk, to formula, to baby foods, and then solids- it’s no wonder! In her pediatric practice, McClures notes that babies’ gastrointestinal systems are immature at birth, and massage provides them the prompting they need to begin functioning effectively. Gas bubbles, constipation, reflux, colic, irritable bowel= no sleep, lots of tears (from parents too- no shame!) and trips to the pediatrician. Some parents even report feeling distanced from their kiddo if his/her irritability gets extreme.

In fact, tummy troubles were the precipitator for my practice. As a former Child Life Specialist in a Center for Neonatal Transitional Care, I worked with a number of babies in a Small Infant Program (i.e. former micro premies) who were struggling with gastro esophageal reflux disease. My head doctor at the time learned about Infant Massage at a Neonatal Conference and thought it was the perfect c ompliment to their medical care. He was right, y’all!

How can infant massage help you and your baby?

First, check with your pediatrician to make sure that Infant Massage is appropriate for your baby. If so, let’s move forward! The basic infant massage sequence for the stomach is Six Strokes/Presses that are designed to relieve gas/constipation, provide relaxation, and move gas and wastes the direction of the colon (that is, clockwise). There are three parts of the colon we work with- the descending, transverse, and ascending colons. Regular practice means regularity.

Will it hurt my baby?

Infant massage is not manipulative the way adult massage is. There is no vigorous kneading. In fact, the pressure for infant massage is like testing a peach at the grocery store.

Babies may have some discomfort as gas/waste is passing through, but this tension will pass and the result will provide relief.

How often should I do the tummy massage?

If you baby is experiencing frequent tummy troubles, try it twice a day for two weeks. If you are practicing other massage (arms, face, legs) take a break from these during those two weeks.

Ready to learn how?

Tummy time, by far, is the most popular request I receive in my group and individual classes. As a Certified Educator of Infant Massage, my role is to teach caregivers how to facilitate this practice!

Classes can take place in your own home, in a community setting, or with some friends for a fun playgroup. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have, and let's get started!