It is well-documented that baby massage can play an instrumental role in aiding relaxation, improving digestion and reducing colic in newborn babies and infants. Research has shown that baby massage is a valuable tool in encouraging weight gain for premature babies.  Baby massage is an ideal way for mommies to bond with their newborns and infants. It can be a great way to get daddies to be involved in caring for their newborns and infants.

The enjoyable workshop saw participants bringing their babies along and it was perfect because baby massage classes aim to increase the bonding between mommies and their babies. By attending a baby massage workshop, mommies can practise the massage techniques on their babies supervised by a trained infant massage instructor.

Catherine brought with her some very informative and interesting handouts which were given out to the class before it started. Catherine began the class by talking about “Tips To Consider Prior To Baby Massage” and she listed several salient points which mothers should follow prior to baby massage.

Before massaging their babies, mothers should be free from work and chores. Catherine encouraged the mommies to take a few deep long breaths to ensure that they are totally relaxed and ready to spend some quality bonding time with their babies.

It is also important to massage newborns and infants in a warm environment because the body temperature of a newborn baby or infant drops rapidly when fully unclothed so it is important to keep a swaddle wrap or a clean towel close by so as to cover the baby after the massage.

Participants were also reminded to avoid harsh lightings and to play a soothing piece of music in the background during the baby massage session. Mommies should attempt to speak softly or sing to their babies during this special bonding session as they caress and stroke them.

Catherine also added that mommies should remove all jewellery and keep their nails short and clean for the baby massage. If mommies have long hair, they should tie it back and if they are wearing a long-sleeve shirt, to roll up their sleeves before baby massage.  Mommies should place one hand on their baby’s skin for the whole session so that the baby can look around and does not need to check if mommy is still there.

It was cautioned during the workshop that mommies should not attempt to massage their babies right after feed or if he or she is having hiccups. Mommies should not massage newborns during bath-time to avoid over-stimulating newborn babies.

For the second part of the class, Catherine incorporated some simple massage techniques. Mommies had a quick introduction to “10 Steps To Basic Infant Massage”.  Mommies were encourage to practise the massage techniques on their babies during the workshop.

Catherine emphasized that it was important to use a therapeutic-grade and high quality range of organic massage oils which have been approved by healthcare professionals.  She introduced to the workshop participants some of the massage oils which Aromababy had formulated according to research and recommendation from healthcare professionals and with guidance from IMA Infant Massage Australia and IAIM International Association of Infant Massage.

For newborn babies, mothers should use suitable massage oils which are cold-pressed, preferably organic or vegetable oils which are petro-chemical free. Oils such as sweet almond or jojoba are ideal but they offer little nourishment to the skin when used on their own. Instead, a pre-blended product which is unscented (no essential oils or added fragrance) and contains a simple mix of additional cold- pressed, naturally nourishing oils such as calendula or evening primrose, would provide additional benefits to moisturize dry, sensitive and fragile skin whilst providing an exceptional medium for a fluid and relaxing massage.

Aromababy’s Newborn Massage oil is 99% certified organic. The product is free from essential oils which neonatal research has shown to be best for newborns. The product is low allergenic and uses pure, certified organic jojoba oil as a base to create the massage oil skin types. Certified gmo-free natural vitamin E is added to increase the moisturising and healing properties, providing additional nourishment especially for babies with notably sensitive skin. This marvellous massage oil is retailing at S$38.90 per bottle.

Another massage oil which comes highly recommended is Aromababy’s Mother & Child Oil. This massage oil fragrance and essential-oil free. It is suitable for expecting mothers during pregnancy and afterward delivery, particularly for mommies with sensitive skin and who do not wish to use essential oils. Mommies can massage this oil onto Baby’s scalp to eliminate cradle cap. The oil can also be massaged onto nipples to help alleviate cracking and soreness associated with early breastfeeding.  The Mother & Baby Massage Oil (125ml) is retailing at S$35.90.

The workshop ended on a high note. Participants left the workshop with a full bottle of Aromababy Massage and Bath oil with added certified organic French lavender and pure rose essential oils. This 100% natural product also contains chamomile healing oil, carrot oil and certified gmo-free natural vitamin E oil. However, pregnant mothers should check with their obstetrician or an expert aroma therapist before using this oil.

For more information on Aromababy products and up-coming workshops, kindly visit www.cadencharles.com.sg.