Right now, Nayul feeds every 3 hours. Even if there's plenty of time before the next feeding, if she fusses, I change her diaper and give her a dry massage. Most YouTube videos and blogs suggest using oil for massages, but I think using oil every time during diaper changes may not be easily absorbed and managed for the skin. So when I change her diaper, I sanitize my hands, warm up my palms, and gently press on her belly and legs. After a bath, I use a separate moisturizing lotion for a full-body massage.
Newborn Baby Massage
Benefits of Newborn Massage:
👉 Emotional stability and sleep enhancement
👉 Improved digestion and focus
👉 Stimulation of nerve cells from skin touch
👉 Enhanced sensory development and bonding
At 35 days old, Nayul doesn't receive the usual massage; instead, it's a gentle stimulation tailored for newborns. As she reaches 50 days, 100 days, and her first birthday, I plan to adjust the massage techniques according to her growth.
Belly Massage:
While the standard method for older children and even adults is to massage the belly in a clockwise motion, Nayul is still small with organs forming. I massage her from top to bottom. As she grows, I'll switch to the clockwise motion, which aligns with the natural movement of the intestines.
Leg Massage:
Starting from the hip joint, I gently pressed the front and back of the thighs. I made sure to be gentle around the joints. Regular massages on these areas can help promote proper posture later on.
For the knee, which is crucial for growth, I gave a very gentle massage, considering the fragile cartilage in babies. Similarly, attention was given to the inner and outer sides of the shin. In adults, these areas are pressed to aid blood circulation, but for now, I'm being gentle with Nayul.
Foot Massage:
The foot is like a miniature map of the body. The bottom relates to the reproductive system, the middle to the digestive system, the top to the respiratory system, and the toes to the head. A good foot massage can be refreshing.
Although I considered focusing on the specific pressure points, I just provided gentle stimulation to each part of Nayul's foot since her organs are still forming.
Additional Massaging & Stretching:
I massaged not just the ankles and foot arches but also the calf and back of the knee. Lastly, I lifted her legs in a "bicycle in the sky" motion to stimulate her stomach and aid digestion. After the complete massage, Nayul had a significant bowel movement two hours later! 😅
Below is the full video of the massage. If you're curious about a dry newborn massage, it might be helpful to watch.
Diary entry from May 9, 2023