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By Martine Divera, RN, CMT, CIMI
Colic, gas and constipation can cause a lot of discomfort for your baby. It can also be heartbreaking for you, as a parent, to see your baby so upset while you're trying to do everything you can to ease the discomfort.
Massage might be helpful for both your baby and you. It can help your baby's digestion, because it stimulates the release of hormones that help with food absorption (and in a young baby, the digestive system is not fully 'matured' yet). Also, certain strokes or movements help with passing gas and certain holds/rhythmic movements may help ease discomfort. For you, doing a massage is a positive interaction with your baby. It might help you feel more confident in calming your baby.
The following is a routine that might help with tummy troubles. It's important to do these strokes/movements on a structural basis. In that way you might get the most relief. Try to do this routine 2 or 3 times a day (even at a moment when your baby doesn't show any problems) and more if needed. Try doing it every time your baby shows any discomfort and you think that's related to feeding/gas.
After feeding, wait 10-20 minutes before starting this routine.
Position your baby at a 45-degree angle. You can use two pillows making a T-shape (one horizontal and one vertical) and put your baby in between the pillows. Take 1 or 2 deep breaths yourself and roll your shoulders for a couple of seconds in order to relax yourself. Put a bit of oil in your hands (grapeseed oil, available in most grocery) and rub your hands against each other to warm the oil.
The first stroke is called "Resting hands":
Put your flat hand (the palm) on her tummy and leave it there for a couple of seconds. Your fingers point to one side. Place your hand on the area below or just a little bit above the navel. Any higher and you're on the stomach and ribs which is uncomfortable. You want to stay on the area where the intestines are.
Next is called "Water Wheel":
Stroke with your flat hand (as positioned in "Resting Hands") down over the tummy to the groin. It's a small movement, because it's a small area. Make sure you keep your hand flat. Do this 6 times.
Then draw the knees up (knees to the tummy/chest) and hold 6-10 seconds. You can also move them up and down slowly in a rhythmic movement.
Next is called "The Sun":
Make circles on your baby's tummy, going in a clockwise direction. Stay on the area beneath the navel and always go clockwise (this is the direction of the digestive system). Do this 6 times.
Draw the knees up again and hold for 6-10 seconds.
Repeat the entire sequence 3 times.
Comfort and hold your baby after the third sequence. If your baby is still experiencing discomfort, you can do another sequence.
Your baby might be crying while you're performing this massage. That is ok and you can keep doing the massage. However, whenever you feel your baby is too upset, just stop the massage and hold your baby.
Sometimes a warm bath after the massage might further promote relaxation.
Usually any kind of gentle rocking/bouncing in a rhythmic way might give some comfort. Some babies like a curled up position (this position relaxes the anal muscles) and some like a little pressure on their tummy, you can for example put your baby on it's tummy on yours (tummy to tummy) or lay your baby on it's tummy on your forearm.
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