Your baby is rapidly developing and each day, you are getting to know each other a little bit better. Are you looking for ways to further connect with your newborn, spend nice and special moments together, or help relieve some of the mild discomforts he is experiencing? If that is the case, the practice of baby massage or baby yoga might be something for you!
Note: a baby massage or a baby yoga course should never replace a medical consultation. If you have a health-related question, always refer to your doctor first.
Learn about baby massage and baby yoga
- What is a baby massage and what is it good for?
- I have heard about Shantala baby massages – what is it?
- Can a baby tummy massage help reduce gas, colic or constipation?
- How can I learn how to perform a baby massage?
- When should I opt for baby yoga?
- From what age can I start with baby yoga?
- Can I get my consultation with a baby massage or a baby yoga instructor reimbursed by my health insurance?
- Discover our selection of professional instructors and book your consultation immediately!
1. What is a baby massage and what is it good for?
A baby massage is a gentle stroking of your baby’s body with your hands (with or without oil.) Depending on your baby’s needs the massage can be focused on his feet, his face, his stomach or his entire body.
The first and main benefit of the massage is very simple: touching your baby makes it easier for both of you to bond, connect and understand each other. But it might also help support your baby’s digestive system, calm him when he is fussy or relax him before going to sleep.
2. I have heard about Shantala baby massages – what is it?
The Shantala baby massage practice comes from India where massaging one’s baby is an integral part of the baby daily routine. The art of Shantala baby massage was brought to Europe by French obstetrician Frédérick Leboyer 50 years ago. This ancient massage technique consists of slow and harmonic movements on your baby’s skin. Just like other baby massage forms, it helps increase bonding and stimulate various parts of the body.
3. Can a baby tummy massage help reduce gas, colic or constipation?
If your baby is experiencing digestive discomfort, you might be looking for natural solutions to soothe him, relax him and relieve him from his symptoms. Research suggests that a baby tummy massage can help reduce wind, colic and constipation in infants, especially if you perform an abdominal massage on a daily basis. It is often recommended to perform a baby tummy massage when baby is quiet but alert, and hasn’t just eaten.
4. How can I learn how to perform a baby massage?
It is very easy to find videos on how to massage your baby online. Nevertheless:
- They might not be relevant to your own needs and your baby’s
- You might not be able to ask your own questions to the teacher
- It is often difficult to verify the seriousness of these videos
The best way to learn the right movements is to follow a (shantala) baby massage training performed by a qualified infant massage instructor – doulas, baby yoga teachers, and other perinatal experts can often offer this type of training.
5. When should I opt for baby yoga?
The benefits of a baby yoga class are similar to the ones of a massage for your baby as these two activities are commonly used to calm and relax babies and enhance communication with one another. However the parent will be more active in a baby yoga class since the lesson often includes exercises for both babies and caregivers. If you are a mum having recently given birth, it can also be a good way to ease back into exercise.
6. From what age can I start with baby yoga?
Always discuss with your yoga teacher from what age you can bring your baby to their practice. Most of them offer classes for babies from 6 weeks of age. But some might recommend you to wait a little longer (until your baby can hold his head alone for example.) A baby tummy massage or full body massage, however, can usually be performed from 2 weeks of age - please discuss with the professional you have chosen for which age group the instructed massage technique can be used.
7. Can I get my consultation with a baby massage or a baby yoga instructor reimbursed by my health insurance?
Always contact your health insurance before booking an appointment if you would like to know if the consultation costs will be covered. This will depend on the insurance company you have chosen and the coverage you have selected.
Discover our selection of professional instructors and book your consultation immediately!
Want to book an appointment now? Browse through our selected network of recommended baby massage, shantala baby massage and baby yoga teachers, select the one who most closely meets your needs and plan an appointment whenever suitable. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to our team at hello@parentally.nl. Help is just around the corner!
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