Written By: Kriti Saraswat | Updated : October 3, 2013 11:06 AM IST
You welcome your little bundle of joy in this world after a wait of nine months. And you wouldn't want to do anything to hamper their health or body. But there are certain traditions in the Indian culture that may not be the best thing for your newborn. One of them is letting a 'maalishwaali bai' or maid massage your baby. This ritual is often followed by many new mums who've been told by elders that it is good for the baby's growth. We speak to Dr Zinal Unadkat, a leading paediatrician, neonatologist and lactation consultant, and Sonali Shivlani, an internationally certified pregnancy, lactation and child nutrition counsellor about the importance of massaging a newborn. (Read:Feeding honey, milk or water can harm your newborn)
Do babies really need massage? How important is this ritual?
Dr Zinal: Massages are a personal decision. But from a scientific point of view, they are not required. It's just a traditional practice in India and in few Asian countries.
Sonali: Babies do not need a massage to improve circulation, build bones or shape the body like making the nose sharper or shaping the legs and making the head rounder. Massage will surely not accomplish such goals. Massage is primarily touch therapy and it's great for bonding. If enjoyable, it can help the baby relax and sleep well.
Can it cause any harm to the baby?
Dr Zinal: When massages are done by aayas who are doing it to earn money, they use a lot of force which eventually leads to the baby crying as it is painful. Also, they roam from house to house and can carry infection in their palm cracks which gets transferred to the baby during the massage. The risk of fracture of fragile bones and dislocation of shoulder joint is also high due to the pressure.
Who should massage the baby?
Dr Zinal: Massages are done for relaxation and feel-good factor. Parents can bond with the newborn during this activity and should do it gently with love.
Sonali: If massage is mainly for the above reasons then it makes sense for the mum, dad or other family members to do it.
What is the correct way to massage a baby?
Dr Zinal: No amount of force or pressure should be used. You don't really need fancy oils or flour to massage the baby. Use your fingers for gentle strokes.
Sonali: There are no right or wrong strokes. As long as the baby appears happy, massage strokes are good.
Till what age should these massages be done?
Sonali: Massages can be done till whatever age the baby is enjoys it. It could be just a few days and if you realise your baby is not too happy then you could discontinue or if you realise your baby loves it, you can do multiple massages daily (depending on your time) and continue well beyond the first year of birth.
(Read:How to get in shape after pregnancy)
