Why oil massage for new infants
- smartAamaa
- Jul 8, 2019
- 2 min read
When it comes to a new born, oil is regarded as one of the essential product .Mostly in Nepali culture, oil is considered the most important element for baby"s health and growth.Babies don't understand the mother language neither they can learn by hearing, thus baby massage can help in building the bond with the mother or family member .It is considered a good way to talk to babies by a simple massage every day in sun.
Another belief of why oil massage is important for infants and new mother is they cannot often/regularly bath , preventing them from having cough.Thus, oil massage help to maintain hygiene of the body and skin.
What are the benefits of oil massage?
Babies normally stay still with less movement , they sleep most of the time. Due to excessive sleep, their body may get tired or sometimes exhausted.Some kind of therapy is important to make baby"s body fresh and healthy.Thus , a gentle smooth massage with a good oil can make them energize and make bones stronger. It is even better when babies are given massage till they are two years old .
The routine of baby massage can improve the well being of a new mother is she is going though postnatal depression or any such mental issues.A new mother has to be on postnatal rest and proper care .She is not given any households and office works to perform since she seeks total rest for her body .According to Nepali culture, the term is "Sutkeri" where a new mother has to go through extensive rest and care with routine massages twice a day .Three months after the birth of a baby is considered to be exclusive breast feeding period .Oil massage can restrain the physical wellness of a new mother leading to good bonding with the child.
Which OIL to use?
According to Nepal culture, Mustard oil(तोरी को तेल)) is the best oil to give a baby massage.Mustard oil is the primary cooking oil in most of the Nepali households.Nepali families also use mustard oil to promote healthy growth as well as to cure aches and pains.This oil can be long restored after heating and it"s aroma doesn't fade away even after long period of time.For baby massage, raw mustard oil can be placed on a steel bowl and heated with gentle heat leading to a blissful aroma .Oil bath can be given to a new born with mustard oil twice a day, before noon when it is not too hot and during afternoon after sun set. Most families burn firewood and charcoal and give massage to babies with warmth of the burning charcoal.Other commercial oils like Johnson and Johnson"s baby oil, Dabur oil is also good for baby but mustard oil is considered best.
Tips for baby massage:
Always perform oil bath in the warm sun , donot place baby above the zenith .
Always give good support at legs and backs while doing oil massage.
Give clockwise massage rather than anti clockwise.
Make sure oil is good for baby"s skin , check if there is any allergies.
Stop massaging if baby is irritated or not well.
Remove all dirt on baby"s skin with thin muslin soft cloth dipped into lukewarm water before applying massage.
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