We can do some simple massage techniques to help our babies with any digestive issues. This might be colic, constipation, excessive wind, or tummy troubles in general. The aim is to create movement in your baby's middle, encouraging internal movement to keep the digestive system moving. Often these techniques can give instant relief. They're also a very important preventative measure so do them regularly for your baby to get the most from them.
Tummy spirals: When you are doing tummy spirals, always make sure you are moving your hands in a clockwise, circular motion, as this is the line of digestion and you want to move everything down and out of the intestine, not back up. Start around the belly button and spiral out to the edge of the balloon of the belly. Progress from one finger gently tickling, to the whole palm gently pressing. Hold the tummy to finish. The warmth of your hands are very soothing and can feel very calming.
Toes to nose: Start with the soles of the feet together under her bottom. Holding this shape, rock the feet from under the bottom to up to as far towards the nose as comfortable, before returning to the starting position. Rocking from bottom to top is really great at shifting stubborn wind.
Twists: Straighten your baby's legs or bend her knees and rock the hips from side to side, aiming to keep her top half flat on the floor. This really squeezes the digestive system, helping constipation in particular.
Jumping: Move your baby's legs together in and out in a rhythmic manner. This can be a very proactive way of releasing wind immediately.
Thumb circles: Massage the palms of your baby's hands and/or the soles of her feet. Pick whichever is most comfortable for your baby. This particular massage can be used during feeding to soothe the digestive system and calm your baby. It can encourage less wind being taken down during the feed and therefore less wind later on.
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