Baby massage

Baby massage in the West originated when Vimala McLure observed it, as I did, when she worked in an Indian orphanage in 1973. When she went home to the US, she developed the method on her own baby, mixing elements from India, Swedish massage, yoga and some reflexology techniques to create a soothing pattern of movements that cover the baby’s whole body.

She founded the International Association of Infant Massage to promote this unique form of baby care internationally. The basic massage course lasts five weeks, but is flexible. Mothers and babies come along for the exchange of ideas as much as for the massage. The class is ‘baby led’ – which means parents are encouraged to listen closely to what their baby’s want. If the little one doesn’t feel like being massaged that day, they can make it only too clear.

Tolly, however, loved it. At four months, he has relaxed and spread out. The Water Wheel together with the next move called ‘I Love You’ (US origins needless to say) it encourages the digestion to move along.

I glanced at my experienced neighbour to see what she was doing. Startled, I observed that she was holding her daughter, Isabella, upside down by the ankles. Very advanced. She explained it was baby yoga. I didn’t attempt it. We stroked chests in oval shapes following the configuration of the lungs, we ‘Indian milked’ the arms and sang a little song called ‘Tommy Thumb’ to each of the tiny fingers. It’s fine to drop in and out of the action at any time. Backs, bottoms, faces and heads all get the treatment – as long as the baby wants it. Then you run your hands down the baby and thank him for letting you massage him.

Tolly looked pleased and peaceful, so I read that as a positive response. Research has shown many positive benefits, including helping premature babies to thrive and depressed mothers to relate better to their babies. Whatever your motivation, it sure as hell beats putting yet another load into the washing machine.

The International Association of Infant Massage (UK Chapter) has a website with more information or you can contact them at:
I.A.I.M. UK Chapter, 88 Copse Hill, Harlow, Essex, CM19 4PP (tel/fax: 07816 289 788) for a list of baby massage courses in your area.
Maternity hospitals, including Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea in West London, run drop in courses for new mothers.

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