Tummy massage for gas

Unlike other types of infant massage, this one has very specific hand movements and a very specific purpose. To gently stimulate peristalsis, to encourage motility of intestinal contents (BM and gas),  to provide a “cueing sound”, and finally to offer something for baby to strain against.

Here’s how to do my very specific “Tummy Massage for Gas”

• Hand-Over-Hand on the Lower Belly: Gently stroke your baby’s tummy from top to bottom using first one hand, then the other, like a paddlewheel. As the belly first tenses, then gradually relaxes, press your hand deeper using a scooping motion.
• Whoosh! Add your ‘whooshing” sounds during the which soon baby will recognize signals relief or relaxation.
• Straight Across: Now stroke from YOUR left to YOUR right – straight across, gentle but moderate pressure, just at or below the belly button.
• Now, Across and Down: Continue the Straight Across stroke, but now ADD the downward stroke, now moving across and down, ending inside the baby’s thigh crease. It’s like a sideways “L” or “7”.
• Legs Up and Hold’em In Place: Flex baby at the hips and knees toward the tummy, gently press and hold in place, counting slowly to twenty. Repeat the entire sequence two or three times.
  (video coming soon)

Many babies will pass gas during the exercise or have a BM a few minutes later – success and relief for everyone!