MomsNBabies.com » Premature Babies

How to Massage Your Baby

Sofia S. — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:27:29 +0000

Giving Your Infant A Massage Helps Reduce Crying And Boosts Your Baby’s Development. . .

You’ve probably heard it said that all babies need touch to feel safe and loved. This need for touch begins at the moment of birth and is essential for normal growth and development. In fact, touch is the only one of the five “far senses” we can’t live without.

The types of touch your baby needs include simple caresses and hugs to babywearing and infant massage.

Beginning with the act of birth, a baby’s life can be stressful (think about vaccines, heel sticks and all those diaper changes!)

Massage is one way to give your baby, and you, a calming experience. Plus, you can teach your baby how to relax his or her body when faced with stress.

There Are Many Reasons To Give Your Baby A Massage

• Less Crying – Babies who are touched more usually cry less. “The desire to be close to one another is the same whether you’re a mother in a hut in Africa or a high rise in New York,” says Vimala Schneider McClure, well-known authority on infant massage.

• Smarter - Soothing touch is strongly connected to your baby’s intellectual development.

• More Bonding – Massage brings you closer to your baby and helps you feel more confident as a parent. You get to know your baby’s body language and your baby begins to understand what healthy touch is all about.

• Gas Relief – Your baby should have less gas and burping when massaged on a regular basis. This is especially important for colicky infants.

• Good For Preemies – Massaged premature babies gain more weight and are more active & responsive than premature babies who are not massaged. Their nervous systems also mature faster, so baby’s brain and body communicate better.

• More Cooperative & Compassionate — Studies across various cultures show that in societies where the infants are held, massaged, rocked, breastfed and carried, the children grow up to be less aggressive and violent. In fact, they are more cooperative and compassionate.

I first became interested in infant massage when my son and I took a class with other moms & babies. We both enjoyed the experience so much that I was “hooked” and proceeded to make massage a daily tradition.

Some Tips To Get You Started. . .

1. Choose a warm & quiet place and put on some relaxing music, if you’d like.

2. Gather a soft towel, oil (cold-pressed fruit or canola is best) and a few wet wipes.

3. Lay your baby on the towel and relax & breathe deeply as you remove your baby’s clothing.

4. Oil your palms and rub together to warm them.

5. Show your palms to your baby and ask permission to begin (“It’s time for a massage. May I massage you now?”)

While an official class is a great way to see demonstrations of the actual techniques, it’s also possible to learn from a good book, like Infant Massage: A Handbook for Loving Parents by Vimala Schneider McClure.

Here Are Several Strokes & Gentle Movements From The Book. . .

• “Squeeze and Twist” for baby’s legs: Hold each leg as if you were holding a baseball bat-one hand above the other. Move hands up the leg together while squeezing slightly and turning in opposite directions.

• “Water Wheel” for baby’s stomach: Lightly stroke down the tummy, one hand following the other.

• Technique for hands: Open baby’s hands with your thumbs. Roll each tiny finger between your index finger and thumb. Stroke the top of each hand. Massage each wrist, making small circles all around it.

• “Open Book” for the chest: With both hands together at the center of the chest, push out to the sides, following the rib cage. Almost like you are flattening the pages of a book.

Remember to perform each of the above techniques gently and consciously, as babies are quite delicate! Your strokes should be soft and gentle.

Also, no matter what strokes you use, it’s your whole attitude that’s important. Enjoy this special time with your baby.

By: Linda Thom

About the Author:

Linda Thom is the mother of four children and a big believer in attachment parenting! In addition to infant massage, breastfeeding and babywearing are other ways to stay connected with your baby. For more info and to read about her own experiences, visit her site at http://www.EasyBabySlings.com.

Need Tiny Baby Clothes FAST,this store has it all and more small newborn sized baby clothes

Sofia S. — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:48:59 +0000

This special range of tiny baby clothes for premature and small babies is Amazing. The clothes are all carefully designed for special care and low birth weight babies up to 12lb. These clothes are suitable for early babies to wear in incubators & hot cots,know as neonatal intensive care units. Most contain complete clothing sets including tiny hats, incubator vests, bodysuits & sleep suits and first newborn clothes. Garments offer maximum comfort allow for ease of dressing made for tubes, drips and foot monitors, your baby may have attached to their body, head or nose area. Parents will be so happy to see what they can buy, less to worry about during those extra special first weeks knowing this store has everything for a small newbaby or even poorly newborn babies.

Premature baby clothes offer the very latest in comfort and style These clothes are designed to provide easy nurse access, accommodate monitoring leads and IV tubes, and are constructed with natural “breathing” fabrics, made from 100% stretchy cotton very roomy, allowing for some growth before baby moves up onto the next size.

clothing sets and accessories start at a size 0-2lbs right through in low birth weights up to 12lb’s, giving parents piece of mind to know however small your baby is when they’re born, they will be dressed in the most attractive and admirable baby clothes.

The huge selection of baby clothing for newborn includes rompers, bodysuits and all in ones. The extensive ranges are practical yet fashionable outfits that are perfect for premature and tiny babies to start wearing at the hospital and ready to go home.

Premature baby clothes especially essentials and assessories such as warm coats and tights aren’t easy to locate. Not all shops that stock baby clothes stock premature baby clothes, baby speciality shops do have premature baby clothes but are often limited for choice. few online shops are dedicated to premature baby clothing.

You are sure to quickly find perfect tiny baby clothes for your premature baby,at the tiny baby clothes online shop by brands Nanny Nicu have exactly what you need for special care units and the cheekychums online superstore have all the essentials items you may miss out on in teeny tiny baby sizes. Order every item online quickly leaving you free to spend quality time with number one priority you and your new beautiful baby.

vist this store direct and all the other sites associated with this unique specialist superstore at http://www.tiny-baby-clothes.co.uk or http://cheekychumsonline.co.uk

By: Sheila Sudlow Of Cheeky Chums

About the Author:

Qualified Baby and Early Years specialist.T.D.L.B D32+D33 Assessor.Owner of Cheeky Chums

Gifting Secrets – Baby Bouquets are in high demand!

Sofia S. — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:42:16 +0000

They are adorable and, from afar, they look like pretty flowers, sometimes held by a soft, stuffed giraffe, monkey or teddy bear. They are adorable and decorative blooms that, when viewed in close-up, reveal that they are not really products of nature.

Baby bouquets are not made from flowers, but are merely a compilation of quality baby clothes carefully wrapped to look like blooms.

Baby bouquets can be:

• Wonderful baby shower centerpieces

• Taken to hospitals were fresh flowers and live plants are not allowed

• A wonderful and impressive gift to celebrate the birth of a baby

• Delivered as a birthday gift for an expecting mother

• Presented at a christening or baptism

• Unique surprise gifts at any time during pregnancy or shortly after a delivery

As adorable and fun as baby bouquets look, they also are very practical. Most bouquets are assembled bearing a layette in mind, an assortment of matching ensembles. They can contain socks, singlets, bibs, bodysuits, jumpsuits, pants, beanies, shirts, onesies, diapers, and much more.

Blooms can come in a variety of colors. Blue for boys and pink for girls are favorites, but gender-neutral yellow, green and white are also quite popular gifts for parents who plan to have more children in the future. Newborns usually outgrow their clothes so fast the garments can be reused multiple times over.

Similar to real flower arrangements, baby bouquets vary in price, and come in a wide range of assortments and themes. The ‘Earlybirds Flowerbox’ is designed for premature babies who need special attention, while the ‘Playtime Bouquet’ contains more coordinated clothing for an active baby. If parents are expecting twins or triplets, specialized companies will also carry bouquets that will have at least one outfit for each child. Other bestsellers are ‘winter warmers’ and ‘cuddle wrap’ gift boxes.

Sophisticated layette bouquets include a mixture of quality clothes, some of which are made entirely of organic baby clothing. The attractively designed arrangements are presented in tin cans, arranged in a box, decorative ceramic bowl, or wicker basket, and can be held by an adorable, and machine washable, elephant toy or doll. The possibilities are endless! Finding the ideal baby bouquet for a sister, friend, coworker or neighbor is easy. If you cannot find the perfect bloom assembly at a local brick-and-mortar store, you can always check out the successful baby gift businesses online. With the entire world at your fingertips you are bound to find that sweet surprise you are looking for!

Buying a gift on the Internet is a little different from real-world transactions. Before placing your order verify the following:

• What payment options are available?

• Do they ship to your location?

• What are the shipping charges? Some companies offer free shipping.

• When and how quickly they deliver?

• Do they offer a warrantee and what is their return policy?

• How can they be contacted in case there is a problem with the order?

Baby bouquets are original gifts, greatly appreciated by new moms and dads. They will bring you many valued oohhs and aahhhs, but most of all, will give you the joy of knowing that you helped give a new baby a great start in life.

By: andrewwilliam

About the Author:

Baby Buds is Australia’s leading online baby shop for baby gifts. baby buds has baby gifts, baby clothes, and baby toys.

3d.Baby’s Nervous System Immaturity

Sofia S. — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 08:50:27 +0000

<—– 3. Possible Causes

This theory states that when a baby’s nervous system is
not fully matured, it can cause the baby to feel overwhelmed, and as a result
the baby cries. I was thoroughly intrigued by this theory. It made a lot of
sense to me. Babies have been in the womb for nine months with minimal
stimulation. Once born, they are faced with new sounds, smells, sights, and
touch. I could only imagine how overstimulating this could be for a newborn.

I was hesitant to accept this theory as a whole because only some infants are
colicky. If this theory were true, wouldn’t all infants be colicky? What was the
deciding factor? Were the brains of colicky infants less mature than other
infant brains or was something missing in this theory?

I decided that something must be missing. I based this decision on one important
fact. The most immature brain is found in a baby born prematurely. However,
premature babies are no more likely than full-term babies to develop colic.

Breastfeeding Success – New Multi Media Book to Guide Moms to Breastfeeding Success With Baby

Sofia S. — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 04:46:29 +0000

Breastfeeding Advice

When considering or practicing breastfeeding, we are faced with many opinions (often conflicting) as to the ‘proper’ way to breastfeed your baby.

This can be very confusing for new mums and mums-to-be. There are many reasons for this. Some breastfeeding practices are drawn from cultures that don’t mirror the reality of living in a modern world. Baby’s expected weight gain may be based on norms gathered from formula fed babies or unrepresentative samples. And professionals working in the area of infant development often have little or no training around breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding- New Multi Media Book

So Maire Clements’ new book ‘The New Motherly Art of Conscious Breastfeeding’ is a breath of fresh air in the field. Maire has been working with mothers and babies for three decades. As a nurse working with premature babies, an educator and consultant with her own practice she has developed a unique insight into how breastfeeding develops, baby’s skills in relation to breastfeeding (whether full-term of premature) and how to optimise the breastfeeding experience for mom and baby.

Breastfeeding Truths

Maire also recognises something that is often overlooked in the areas of breastfeeding and lactation… Even though breastfeeding is natural, it is still a skill that is learned by a mother and taught to her baby.

Maire has distilled her vast knowledge and experience into the Conscious Breastfeeding system designed especially for modern mums. This book will become essential reading for all professionals in the area of lactation and infant development and parents who know that breastfeeding or nursing is meant to be a joyful, fulfilling experience for all.

Pain Free Breastfeeding

Maire starts from the premise and knowing that breastfeeding should be pain-free and teaches us how to make that a reality. She recognises the important role of the partner in breastfeeding success and so the Conscious Breastfeeding System supports the whole family to thrive in breastfeeding.

Maire is a wonderful example of what we can bring forth into the world when we follow our passion and deep knowing of how life can be. This book has already been a great resource for me as I prepare for my twins.

‘The New Motherly Art of Conscious Breastfeeding’ will serve to empower so many mums and dads….creating a beautiful foundation for your baby and you to connect deeply in a way that supports the whole family.

By: Deirdre Morris

About the Author:

Deirdre Morris, co-host on the Breastfeeding blog talk Radio Show, would like to invite you now to http://www.InspiredBreastfeeding.com to find out more about this unique breastfeeding system designed for you to enjoy a deep, loving bond with your baby, feel rested and experience pain-free success in breastfeeding.

What Are The Pregnancy Complications Post 30

Sofia S. — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 01:37:35 +0000

Apurva Shree posted:

80% of pregnant women face pregnancy complications at some point or the other in their pregnancy term. While most complications can be dealt with, many complications also stay through the entire term of the pregnancy. Read out further to get all the information related to pregnancy complications.

It is common knowledge that women above the age of 30 face more complications than pregnant women younger to them. While it is not easy to conceive after the age of 30, women in this age group should not be disheartened. After the age of 30, correct advice from a good doctor can really lift your spirits.

The 40-Week Pregnancy Period

It takes approximately 40 weeks for a healthy pregnancy to reach full term. Pregnancy ends and birth begins when the membranes of the sac holding the developed fetus and the amniotic fluid ruptures and the vagina contracts in readiness to push the fetus out of the body.

Many women who have crossed the age of 30 deliver before the stipulated 40-week term and give birth to premature babies. Such babies are at a risk of having underdeveloped organs and are susceptible to life threatening infections.

Planning Your Pregnancy Post 30

Consulting a good doctor is the first step one must take while planning pregnancy post 30. Fertility treatment taken under the doctor guidance is the best bet for women above 30, suffering from fertility problems. It is widely acknowledged that unmonitored intake of fertility drugs can cause multiple births and further pregnancy complications; especially in cases of the first pregnancy. So do as your doc says!

The next step to ensure a healthy pregnancy after 30 is to change your lifestyle. Post 30, pregnant women have to eat meals with the right mix of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, rich proteins, and low fat. Consulting a dietitian to draw up a healthy diet plan is a good idea. They will have to avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks. Also mild to moderate exercise will have to be included in the daily routine.

Intake of medication such as Folic acids, Vitamin C tablets, iron tablets, etc., should be taken after consultation with doctor. These can go a long way in helping you to prevent possible pregnancy complications.

Pregnancy is a beautiful experience and one should enjoy the nine months towards motherhood. Keep a pregnancy journal and read pregnancy books to monitor pregnancy week by week development. Enjoy your pregnancy!