During the post natal classes we will teach mamas some techniques and holds these are below:

Tiger in the tree–

When standing, demonstrate Tiger in the Tree pose with baby lying down the left arm so they are on their left side. This is to run in line with the gut and help digestion. You should explain its benefits. Get them to take a big breath in through the nose and out through the mouth and circle the shoulders to ensure they are relaxed, explaining that if they are relaxed, baby will be too. First, get the parents to gently kneed the tummy from side to side using the hand underneath, the weight of baby makes this a very efficient massage technique. Then practice a gentle swing. Great soothing technique for unsettled babies.

• Baby with back to you left arm across chest head in crook of arm
• Right hand between babies’ knees palm across tummy support equal in arms took in foot roll into hand
• Lie belly forward gently knead tummy side to side with relaxed hand weight of the body adds to efficiency of massage attain deeper contact without pressing in
• Hand spread thumb is on ascending colon fingers on descending colon (both between lower ribs and hips)
• Walk around and pat chest if unsettles (repeat often to establish as a holding position)

Benefits: Relaxes the tummy, relieves birth trauma, and can help bring up wind to relieve colic. So, this is a great position for after a feed or if baby is fractious. However, it is beneficial to practice this daily as babies will find it a comforting hold and relaxation of the tummy is great for little ones. Encourage them to use this regularly at home.

Tummy massage–

Newborns can suffer with colic and constipation in the early days as the digestive system is still immature. It can became a really worrying frustration time for parents. Knowing some helpful techniques can help. Try this simple colic routine.

• Use Touch Relaxation on the tummy, hold both hands on the tummy, reassuring baby with soothing voice.
• ‘Water wheel’ Make paddling strokes down babies’ tummy from just below ribs to lower abdomen, hand after well-oiled hand, repeat for 1-2 minutes.
• Hold babies’ calves bringing knees together, gently taking the knees into babies’ tummy, hold for 5-10 seconds and release by straightening out the legs, stroke babies’ legs, gently bounce to release tension.
• Sun and moon stroke follow left hand making full circle (sun) and right hand making semi-circle (moon) on left hand side of baby’s tummy. Remembering when right hand is above left hand is below, always clockwise motion.
• Hold knees to tummy as before, 5-10 seconds, and release.
• This cycle should be repeated three times, it may take a few days for baby to respond, it is important to continue massage to reap the benefits, this condensed massage can be used during an episode, helping to release trapped wind and help baby’s digestive system function more smoothly.

Leg routine–

Keeping the hips and spine supple. Some gentle mobility stretches and helping the digestive system.

• Start by taking up the fleshy part of the baby’s legs
• Bring the knees together then in towards the tummy gentle pressure
• Turn the knees in a clockwise direction
• March the knees in to tummy
• Stretch both legs long wiggle when stretched (helps the spine)
• Repeat the routine

Sleeplessness –

This technique is used to promote a calming and tranquil sense. We do not suggest parents leave babies to cry it out as this raises the levels of stress hormones. Instead, this technique allows babies to feel secure.

• Lay baby on side stroke top of back or head using relaxed weight of hand
• Stroke length of spine
• Hand on head, hand relaxed across on tummy knead from side to side as baby relaxes induces tranquility
• Withdraw when baby is asleep
• Put baby onto their backs to continue sleeping

Craniosacral technique – Helps fractiousness after a trauma in the birth. This routine begins at the head (cranium) down to the bottom of the back (sacrum). This focuses on baby’s alignment.

1. Lie baby on their back with their head in front of you. With relaxed open hands, gently bring them under baby’s head so they are resting their head in them.
2. Gently position their head so that is in alignment with their spine with their chin tucked to their chest to lengthen the neck and spine. Hold this for one minute.
3. With mum continuing to hold the head, the teacher, their partner or the mums can work in pairs, the other person holds baby legs by the fleshy part between knees and ankles and brings knees to a right angle. 20 seconds
4. Gently shake the legs and pull them through your hands from the thigh to the ankle. (engage baby) 20 seconds

Benefits: Great technique for parents to perform together and get Dad to sing and kiss baby. Aids alignment of spine and neck and releases tension.

Caution: Carry out these moves slowly and gently and watch baby for cues.