Baby Massage for Wind/Gas Pain.
Baby massage is well known for providing natural and gentle relief for babies who have wind/gas pain, constipation and general tummy discomfort. Read on to find out how to massage your baby’s tummy safely to help them feel more comfortable and settled.
Wind/gas pain is very common in babies and can cause a lot of upset and anxiety for parents when your gorgeous baby is experiencing awful tummy pain.
Symptoms of wind/gas pain in your baby.
Does your baby start to get wiggly? Bring their knees up to their tummy? Arch their back and become unsettled before letting out an almighty trump?! Yes?! Its likely that your baby is experiencing painful gas!
These are symptoms that I hear a lot from clients who want to know what they can do to make their baby feel more comfortable using natural and gentle methods.
Firstly, excess air is taken in by your baby when feeding (be it breast or bottle) is not optimised. They should have a good latch to the breast or around the teat of the bottle that doesn’t allow air in as they suck. If air is getting in, this can increase their tummy discomfort. If you are unsure about your baby’s latch seek advice from a feeding specialist and get them to check your littles ones feeding technique.
Understanding your baby’s early cues is essential but can often be tricky to identify. If you become familiar with your baby’s early cues for feeding, tiredness etc then you can respond to them before they are crying. Getting in there early helps to meet baby’s needs before it is to late, when they are crying this is the late/last cue they are giving you. Crying means they are taking in excess air which…you guessed it… Is contributing to their wind and gas pain!
How can baby massage help?
Baby Massage is a brilliant way to provide some natural and gentle relief when it comes to common ailments such as wind, gas, constipation and colicky symptoms.
By using safe and effective baby massage strokes suitable for the tummy you gently stimulate the digestive system, help to move trapped wind through and be passed more comfortably. The warmth of your hands along with the gently stimulating massage strokes can help to reduce tension and spasms in the tummy associated with wind and constipation. Massage can also increase the rate at which your baby’s body absorbs nutrients more efficiently supporting their growth and development.
Spending this special one on one time with your baby has many benefits for parents as well as little ones. Regular baby massage can support parents in feeling more confident in handling their baby, getting to understand what their baby likes and doesn’t like through noticing their cues and becoming familiar with their early cues, so that they are able to respond to baby’s needs sooner rather than later.
Research has also shown that both parents and babies are more relaxed after a baby massage session together as it helps to increase feel good hormones such as oxytocin and serotonin supporting positive feelings, emotions and also strengthening the lifelong bond between you and your baby.
Using baby massage safely on the tummy.
Before massaging your baby’s tummy you should always prepare them by checking in with them to see if they are relaxed, awake and happy and also avoid times directly after a feed (imagine having a huge meal and then someone immediately giving you a tummy massage…no thanks!)
Next start by using ‘still touch’. Rub your hands together to get them nice and warm and then lay them gently over your baby’s tummy. Smile at your baby and chat to them using a calm and soothing voice to help them relax.
Once baby is relaxed and happy with touch on their tummy you can begin your massage strokes. If they become unsettled go back to using still touch and build up a positive association with touch to an area your baby associates with discomfort.
Never force a massage if baby becomes unsettled, this will just further reinforce negative associations with this area as well as with the massage strokes. We want baby massage to be something you do WITH your baby not TO your baby! You can learn specialist baby massage strokes for wind/gas pain in babies HERE.
Always massage your baby’s tummy in a CLOCKWISE motion. This is the way our digestive system works and we want to support it and not cause further discomfort.
Finally, let baby lead the way…each baby massage session should be baby led. If you respond to your baby’s needs and cues throughout the massage it will be much more relaxed and enjoyable for you both.
Your baby may only tolerate a couple of minutes to start with but practice with them daily and gradually build it up so that it becomes a daily part of your routine whilst needed. Babies tend to tolerate no more that 20 minutes of massage before they become fed up!
Learn baby massage online.
If you would like to learn how to massage your baby safely from top to toe as well as have access to specialist massage routines for common ailments check out my Online Baby Massage Course HERE to enjoy with your baby from the comfort of your own home and at your own pace. This course covers a full body massage routine designed exclusively for babies from birth onwards. My baby massage routine is broken down into 5 manageable sections with videos teaching the strokes as well as follow along to music sessions for a more relaxing session with your little one! As well as the full body massage routine I have included some specialist massage routines to support with issues such as sleep and teething! Come join me an dlearn how baby massage can support your little one in feeling more calm, comfortable and relaxed.
Or for specific support in managing your baby’s wind, colic or constipation issues naturally with baby massage, yoga and reflexology check out my specialist online course HERE.
Happy Massaging!
CHECK OUT THESE TOP TIPS FOR MANAGING WIND/GAS FOR YOUR BABY.
***Worried about your baby? Seek medical advice.***
