Stomach

By now your hands are nice and warm so ready to massage your baby’s belly. If you are starting with this massage, then you can use a warm towel or blanket under the baby.

This area, although labeled the stomach area, is really all about the digestive system. A massage in the abdominal area, reeducates the muscles that control bowel movements and reduces the symptoms of constipation and generalized pelvic and abdominal pain. Additionally, it seems to relieve painful gas. Not only does it provide relaxation and stress relief, but real physiological effects and can become a key part of your communication with your baby. 

Emphasis is on the colon area and is the reason we move clockwise on baby’s belly and why we move down along the left side. This massage will move the gases and bowels and relieve cramps. Please note to not perform the clockwise motion to the left side when there is diarrhea present (the body is already eliminating too much in this case).

Take a look at your cue card for step-by-step details!