I have included as much detail as possible and there are items that you may wish to discard or add to the list. For obvious reasons it would be better to select darker rather than light clothing. Here’s the 20 essentials.

1. Wash bag
Shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, deodorant, moisturiser, cleaning wipes, lip balm and some make up. Some amount of make up may help you feel more comfortable when visitors arrive.

2. 2 x Sponges
One small sponge for sips of water and sponging your face and a larger one for sponging you down. Some women prefer to take a water spray for cooling down during labor.

3. Towels x 2
Fairly obvious what these are for!

4. Two or three clean nightdresses
Pick a dark colour and select a front opening style.

5. Underwear
Plenty of pairs of dark knickers, socks and your nursing bras. (See the end of this article for a free breastfeeding guide)

6. Dressing Gown and slippers

7. Something to wear during labor
Most opt for a large comfortable t-shirt (better than a hospital gown) and a hair bobble.

8. Ear plugs
May enable you to get some sleep while other babies are crying.

9. Mobile/Money/Phone Card
Obviously, so you can make some calls.

10. Anti-constipation tablets
Constipation is uncomfortable but it will be painful if you have had stitches.

11. Books/Music
Things to keep you occupied in hospital

12. A warm loose fitting cardigan or similar
In case you get cold while in hospital.

13. Camera and film
To take pictures of course!

14. Clothes to wear home
Unfortunately normally still your maternity clothes.

15. Maternity pads
Very thick sanitary towels.

16. Breast pads
You’ll soon discover that breast milk doesn’t just flow at feeding time, especially early on.

17. Rubber ring
Child’s inflatable swimming ring aid. May be more comfortable to sit on if you have stitches.

18. Glucose tablets
For that extra energy

19. A tennis ball in a sock
Can help with alleviating back pain during labor

20. Clothes/Nappies For Your Baby
Sleep suits, vests, scratch mittens, nappies/diapers, nappy/diaper cream, cotton wool and blankets. Make sure your partner has the car seat ready to bring you from his car.

It’s unlikely that you’ll need anything else if use this list. The only other thing to remember to bring with you is your birth plan, which you may wish to also pack in this bag.

Good luck and happy parenting!

Author Description

Thinking about breastfeeding your baby? Do you already breastfeed but have questions?

Visit us now and for a limited time grab our guide free – The Complete Breastfeeding Guide

Get it for free now by visiting us at http://www.notjustbasics.com/breastfeed/guide4

Copyright © by RaiseYourChild.org. All Rights Reserved.

Flowers have symbolized the expression of our emotions for centuries. We offer flowers upon births, deaths, and marriages. We present a large bouquet of roses to someone special. We deliver flowers to those who need cheering up or get well wishes. Dining tables are adorned with fresh cut floral arrangements. It follows, then, that flowers also hold an amazing ability to heal and calm emotionally and physically.

Pregnancy is an amazing, miraculous, and sometimes trying period of a woman’s life. The sheer delight of having a baby is also accompanied by changes – changes in one’s body, changes in how one feels through the nine-month period. There are changes in how others perceive and treat you. One may experience change in their personal (family) relationships, and even changes in how one lives through the day, as the pregnancy term advances.

The subtle yet powerful healing system of Bach Flower Remedies supports emotions, moods and attitudes – turning negative ones into positive ones. This natural support, in turn, strengthens the immune system and allows for a healthier emotional outlook and therefore and healthier turn out for all of our mind, body and spirit(s) life situations.

Dr. Edward Bach, a noted physician, immunologist and avid researcher discovered flower remedies (classified as energy/vibrational medicine) during the 1920′s and 1930′s. He felt that preventative medicine should take precedence over treating symptoms. He knew once harmony and balance was achieved, healing was promoted. Bach® Flower Remedies work according to an individual’s personality type, mood and emotional outlook. Once we achieve balance in mind, body and spirit we become more of “who we are” and live life with more energy, direction and purpose.

The essences are derived from tree blossoms, wild flowers, and waters from the English and Welsh countryside. They are licensed homeopathic remedies governed by the FDA and have been used for over seventy years by physicians, dentists, veterinarians, psychotherapists, chiropractors, and lay people. Flower essences are virtually free of side effects and can be used as a complement to other forms of treatment from infancy through the senior years.

Flower essences are typically taken under the tongue – four drops, four times daily. They can be sipped in a beverage or even placed on the pulse points (wrists, ears, knees, and ankles). Some place twenty drops into their bath water, while others place drops of flower essences into an atomizer and humidify the room with the healing essences, to set (or correct) the mood in the room.

Consider discussing your options in taking flower remedies before, during and after your pregnancy with a registered flower practitioner. It could be important, in addition, to discuss the correct flower remedies available for your partner, other children, and the new baby, too. Mimulus is a wonderful remedy for the period of time you are afraid -of the birth, the pain, concern for the baby, or fear of being a good parent. Elm is helpful for those times when this new state of your life has brought on feelings of being overwhelmed. Walnut is certainly helpful for protection from others’ influence, and to help ease in the transition of pregnancy to birth to motherhood. Interestingly, Impatiens offers patience for the exciting period of time when the baby is about due, and you “just can’t wait”! Use Olive for the extreme fatigue related to the energy used during gestation, and is especially helpful (with Rescue Remedy®) for the exhausting period related to the birth process itself.

Crab Apple is especially useful on stretch marks, and for those times when you are uncomfortable or not so accepting of the changes to your body during the pregnancy. Be aware that Rescue Remedy Cream is wonderful to use on stretch marks, as well as hurting nipples from nursing and even a great help on diaper rash!

Discussing all your healthy options with a registered Bach practitioner encourages individuals to identify feelings, commit to smoother change, and allow a wonderful process to be natural and peace filled The practitioner will familiarize you with the flowers, discuss events and attitudes you may be facing, and help formulate a combination of essences that will help lessen negative feelings, and improve the hidden strength within in you to be and experience what is meant for you in order to have a happy and fulfilling life. Certainly, when discussing issues with another, one finds relief and new direction in putting problems into perspective, and gaining insight and inspiration to heal, grow and change.

Flowers – what a wonderful way to find your balance!

About the Author

Mary Ann Dittmeier is a Bach Foundation Registered Practitioner and President and Founder of FIND YOUR BALANCE, INC. Mary Ann offers consultations, workshops and lectures by appointment. Phone consults available on a limited basis. Mail orders on all Bach Flower Essences¨ and literature, no minimum order requirement and no shipping! Call 631-475-8308.

Copyright © by RaiseYourChild.org. All Rights Reserved.

As newborn babies grow, these are the various stages of development those they go through:

1-4 Months
• At this age, the baby’s average length is 50.8 – 68.6 cm, with a growth rate of about 2.54 cm per month.
• The average weight is .7.9 – 16 lb and the growth rate is about 0.24 – 0.48 lb per week.
• The baby breathes using the abdominal muscles.
• The legs may be slightly bowed.
• The baby’s eyes begin to move in unison with each other.
• While sucking reflexes are developed, swallowing is not perfect, which is why babies drool.
• The baby can grasp things with the entire hand.
• The baby’s movements are jerky, random, and uncoordinated.

4-8 Months
• At this age, the babies’ average length is 69.8 – 73.7 cm, with a growth rate of 1.3 cm per month.
• The weight gain rate is about one lb per month.
• The breathing continues to be abdominal.
• Teeth begin to appear, with the lower and upper incisors sprouting first.
• The bowing of the legs gradually disappears.
• Baby fat becomes visible on the thighs, arms, and neck.
• The true color of the eyes becomes established.
• The blinking reflex develops.
• The swallowing reflex becomes increasingly voluntary.
• The baby can use the finger and thumb grip to pick up objects.
• At this age, the baby develops the ability to transfer things from one hand to the other.
• The baby develops the tendency to put things in the mouth.
• At this age, the baby can sit without help using the arms for support.

8-12 Months
• At this age, babies usually achieve almost one and half times the length at birth.
• The average weight is 21.12 lb, which increases by about one lb per month.
• The baby continues to use abdominal muscles for breathing.
• The baby shows cephalocaudal development where the arms and hands grow faster than the feet and legs.
• The legs may still appear somewhat bowed.
• Baby fat continues to develop on the body.
• Both eyes can now function in unison and the child can see objects that are15 to 20 feet away.
• The baby reaches out to take objects with one hand.
• The child examines new things by using a finger to poke and press.
• The child starts to balance things in a pile or put things inside other things.
• At this age, the child starts trying to stand.
• The child also starts crawling, using the hands.

About the Author

P. Banas provides recommendations on planning a baby, pregnancy, parenting and child development stages for dads and single dads.

Copyright © by RaiseYourChild.org. All Rights Reserved.

One sound will you will begin to hear is your baby’s cry. In the beginning, your newborn’s cries may seem like a foreign language to you. But before you know it, you will learn your baby’s unique language and be able to provide your little one with the care they need.

How Does My Baby Communicate?

As any new parent soon learns, your baby is born with the ability to cry, which is one distinct way they’ll communicate with you. Your baby’s cries generally tell you that something is wrong in their world. They may have a wet diaper, hungry tummy, cold toes, need a hug or cuddle, become tired or bored. Really, your baby may cry for just about any reason. It will take some time, but soon you’ll be able to recognize which need your baby is expressing and respond accordingly.

When your baby is beginning to explore their new world, they may also cry because they become overwhelmed by all of the many new sights and sounds they encounter. Sometimes your baby may cry for no apparent reason at all. Crying can also be a way that your baby shuts out stimuli when they become overloaded.

Soon you’ll discover that crying is your baby’s main method of communication, but your little one is also capable of other, more subtle forms of communicating as well. Learning to recognize these cues, and other means of communication, is both exciting and rewarding. And knowing how your baby communicates can strengthen your bond with your baby.

How Can I Communicate with my Baby?

Within a few days after birth, your newborn will become accustomed to seeing you and will begin to focus on your face. Babies watch our faces and often mimic the expressions we make. As you are stimulating baby’s sense of sight, it is also important to stimulate your baby’s senses of touch and hearing. Your newborn will be curious about the many noises they hear, but none more than the voice. So it is important to talk to your baby whenever you have the chance. Even though your baby doesn’t understand the words you are saying, your baby surely understands the tone and intent behind those words. Your calm and reassuring voice is what your baby needs to hear to feel safe and secure.

Stimulating baby’s sense of touch begins the moment they’re born and continues throughout their lifetime. With almost every touch your newborn is learning about life, so it is important to provide your little one with many hugs, kisses and cuddles. Through the use of nurturing touch, you are communicating your love and attention for your baby.

Communicating with a baby is really a matter of taking the time to learn what your newborn is saying and meeting their needs. Always respond to your newborn’s cries. You can not spoil your baby by responding to their needs immediately. Your quick response will communicate to your baby that they are important, you are listening to what they are saying and of course, above all, they are worthy of your love and attention.

About The Author

Copyright © 2007 Liddle Kidz™ Infant and Children’s Pediatric Massage
Looking for expert advice for bringing home baby and improving your family’s bond? Find answers to all your questions about infant massage instruction training, massage for children and pediatric massage therapy at http://www.liddlekidz.com . Infant Massage Instructor Trainer, Tina Allen, founder of leading children’s health and nurturing touch organization Liddle Kidz™, shares over ten years of expertise working with children and families.

Copyright © by RaiseYourChild.org. All Rights Reserved.

Changing diapers is often one of the biggest challenges for first time parents. Here are some helpful baby diaper changing tips to make you feel like a pro in no time.

A baby’s skin is incredibly sensitive. Especially in the early days when you are changing diapers very frequently, the last thing you want your baby to get is a nasty diaper rash. Therefore, many pediatricians recommend that you use simple disposable cotton squares dipped in water to wipe your baby’s bottom instead of commercial baby wipes.

Always make sure you dry your baby’s bottom with a tissue after wiping.

FOR GIRLS

Never wipe from the rectum forward, because this can easily bring fecal bacteria into the urethra and vaginal area. Instead, wipe front-to-back (just as girls and women do after using the toilet to prevent bladder infections). Also, separate the labia and cleanse lightly to remove and clean all matter. Do not scrub as this will irritate your baby’s delicate parts.

FOR BOYS

Plan to get squirted. Your boy will probably also wet his own clothes and maybe even squirt himself in the face occasionally. When you get skillful at diapering, you’ll be able to hold a wad of toilet tissue or a clean diaper over his penis with one hand while washing/drying with the other hand.

Keep in mind that your baby’s urine is only water and is sterile when it first comes out. So having a sense of humor about changing your baby boy’s diapers will go a long way in the beginning until you master this very necessary skill.

Some parents prefer to point the penis down as they put on a fresh diaper. Otherwise, boys tend to pee up and the urine may go out the top of the diaper. It is definitely best to point the penis down until the umbilical cord falls off. Keeping the umbilical cord dry is optimal.

Make sure to clean under the scrotum, where fecal matter can become hidden. If your baby boy has not been circumcised, his foreskin will not yet retract so don’t try to make it do so – just wash it with a cotton pad.

If the newborn has just been circumcised, you probably would have received instruction in circumcision care. Some procedures involve a plastic ring that gets no special care, or just a dab of petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment. Other procedures involve a gauze pad that will need to be removed at each diaper change. Dab at the circumcision with a clean, wet cotton ball. You may have been instructed to apply petroleum jelly to the wound or to a new gauze pad. If this is so, then re-wrap the wound. (Look out for discharge or odor and call the doctor if it ever appears to be infected.)

Cloth Diaper Changing Tips:

1. Traditional cloth diapers need pins (or diaper covers). If you keep the pins stuck in a bar of soap, they’ll slide through cloth diapers more easily.

2. Put two fingers of your left hand (if you’re right-handed) between the diaper and the baby so if the pin sticks someone, it’s you.

3. Beware of the possibility of pins unpinning and sticking your baby. Make sure you’re not using a “kite” fold that has a pin in the middle over the genital area or stomach, which could be damaged by a loose pin. This should not happen, however, if you are using diaper pins – because they have a safety latch. Never use ordinary safety pins for securing your baby’s diapers.)

4. If the cloth diapers you bought or were given are not pre-folded, but instead are the large cloth rectangle diapers, you have several options for how to fold them of your choice.

About the Author

Deborah Torres Patel is an internationally acclaimed expert on self-expression and the fine arts of voice & communication for adults. As a mother she is passionate about parenting. Deborah designs & delivers educational multimedia content & programs for pregnant women, mothers & children ages 0-3 years old. Find more safe baby handling tips & parenting articles at http://www.1sttimemom.com

Copyright © by RaiseYourChild.org. All Rights Reserved.

A frequent topic of discussion among baby boomers is whether to save for retirement or pay for their kids’ college education.

You worked hard to raise your kids. You made sure that they had the right clothes, the cool shoes, and all the other “chachkas” they needed to fit in. You hope you did all the right things. Now, as your kids prepare to head off to college, you find yourself looking at anywhere from $20,000 to $45,000 a year (per kid) for tuition, room and board. Do you cash out your 401K to pay for their college? Or do you ask them to take out a loan?

The CuteKid Photo Contest Easily Submit Your Baby Photos Win College Tuition, Prizes, & More www.TheCuteKid.com

Part of the problem has to do with the fact that many Americans have negative savings. Not only did they fail to plan for their retirement, they also didn’t put away money for their children’s college, and they have no little or no personal savings. Another part has to do with the escalating cost of higher education.

It used to be that only those who went on to years of graduate school ended up with hefty student loans to pay off. However, it is not uncommon for today’s kids to graduate from college with a bachelor’s degree and a hundred thousand dollars of debt. This debt sits like a huge anchor on our children as they struggle to make the transition to fully independent adults.

For example, young adults in a serious relationship or engaged to be married must now consider how they will pay for their combined astronomical debt. And couples that have already married face a similar dilemma — if only one partner has a loan, should they be paying off that bill together?

There are no right or wrong answers for these issues, and every family has a different set of circumstances. However, the decisions you make will have far-reaching consequences for your lives and the lives of your children.

Think “In-State”

By no means do I claim to be an expert in this area, but my husband and I have embarked on a strategy that seems to be working well for our children and us.

Having four kids puts a real burden on any family’s finances. Having those kids very close in age is a recipe for financial disaster. As young parents, we couldn’t afford to save money for our kids’ college education, so we gambled on the idea that maybe two out of them would earn a scholarship of some sort.

By 8th grade, however, it became painfully evident that the scholarship strategy was not likely to pan out. Our kids were all loveable and smart, yet none had the innate drive, determination or IQ to attend Harvard or even a state college on a scholarship. As a result, we had to make some tough choices, and make them relatively quickly.

After studying our lifestyle and finances, we determined that with some sacrifices on our part and some help from our kids, we could put them through college without them having to obtain huge loans and mortgage their future. However, this required adopting some fairly stringent rules in regards to where they could attend college.

We started by explaining to our children that who they wanted to be and what they wanted to study was their choice. However, since mom and dad would be paying for the college education, the choice of school was ours.

Based on this rule, out-of-state schools were out of the question. We saw no reason to pay $30K a year more so our children could ski the Colorado Mountains. State schools in California were widely available and much more affordable.

Another option was to graduate high school at age 16 by taking a proficiency test and attend community college for two years. This would save at least $20K a year in tuition (even at a state school), and give them the ability to easily transfer to any state university of their choice. If they got accepted at a good university right after high school, we would have no problem paying the bill. Otherwise, it made more sense to attend community college for two years and then transfer rather than attend a mediocre college right out of high school.

Responsible Choices

The results are as follows.

Our oldest daughter applied and was accepted to UC Irvine right out of high school. She lived on campus for the first year and commuted the second year. For her third year, she transferred to UC San Diego, and will be a junior next year in her hometown. Our middle daughter, who recently turned 18, took the proficiency test at 16, completed her AA in a community college, and received an acceptance letter from all of the schools she applied to.

The fact is, in-state schools cost half as much as out-of-state. If you can’t afford the higher tuition and extra room, board and travel expenses, it is prudent to encourage your child to apply to a school nearby. Unless money isn’t an issue, it doesn’t make sense to send your kids out of state just because their friends are going along for the ride. Plus, the transition will be less stressful on their bodies and souls.

The moral of the story?

Our job is to raise responsible adults and show them how to live their lives to the fullest while being practical at the same time. While our children’s education is extremely important, attending their party school of choice is not. If your financial situation doesn’t allow you to put your kids through school, help them make the right choices by choosing affordable yet credible schools while borrowing as little money as possible. Help them make responsible choices so they don’t begin their journey into adulthood burdened with a mountain of debt.

And while we’re at it, let’s all do a better job of planning for our retirement. After all, we want to be an asset and not a liability to our kids.

For my husband and I, it’s two down and two to go. Good luck with your own children!

About The Author

Yana Berlin is the founder and CEO of www.fabulously40.com, devoted to the celebration of all things, primarily women and the challenges and joys they face juggling their careers, children, relationships, and life’s other issues. Fabulously 40.com is a social network for women that catalyzes its members to celebrate and embrace their life. Since launching www.fabulously40.com. Join us as we embark on our journey to the best times of our lives at www.fabulously40.com.

Copyright © by RaiseYourChild.org. All Rights Reserved.

When it comes to inducing labor, there are many old-wives tales and folk remedies that people will recommend, however not all of these methods are safe, neither are they all effective. When people recommend methods for inducing labor you should always ask your health care provider if the method is safe as well as effective. In fact, some recommendations may not only be effective but they may also endanger the health of your baby. You should never undergo any remedy to induce labor before checking with your health care provider.

One very popular remedy that is recommended is to use for inducing labor is Blue or Black Cohosh. However, there is scientific proof to show that Blue and Black Cohosh increases the risk of bleeding and may have many potential consequences for those who use it. Unless your health care provider advises you to use these herbs and monitors your use, you should avoid using them. Maternity Acupressure is a much better and safer alternative. It does not promote or increase the chance of bleeding, and is highly effective.

Maternity Acupressure is a great alternative to these methods since it doesn’t include negative side effects or pose potential harm to the unborn baby. Acupressure for labor is also simple to perform, and it isn’t hard to have your partner perform acupressure. Your partner simply applies pressure to sensitive pressure points with his or her thumbs. This is an ideal treatment that can be used in the comfort and privacy of your own home and doesn’t require any additional equipment, supplements, or devices.

In addition, acupressure during childbirth has been shown to help reduce the pain and duration of labor significantly. There is no other method that can be used as safely throughout the early, middle, and later stages of delivery. The father of the baby can assist greatly throughout the labor and delivery by applying Maternity Acupressure techniques to specific locations. Not only will the mother benefit by this natural means of inducing labor, but she will also enjoy great relaxation as well.

One of the best benefits of using Maternity Acupressure to induce labor is the fact that it is so simple to do. Your partner can easily learn how to apply pressure to the specific points and can help mom through the stages of labor easily, simply, and effectively. Another great aspect of this method is that acupressure won’t hyper stimulate your body. The body will only receive as much as is needed. For couples that are seeking for a normal childbirth and a way for the father to be actively involved in to the birth of his baby, Maternity Acupressure is an invaluable tool.

About the Author

Copyright © by RaiseYourChild.org. All Rights Reserved.

Mixing breast and bottled milk

Some experts believe that mixing breast milk feeding with bottled milk feeding can lead to baby sleep problems. When a baby breast-feeds, the womans brain signals the breast to create more milk to prepare for the next feed. When you feed your baby bottled milk, your body will begin to produce less milk because of the less frequent feeding.

If you happen to breast-feed near babies bedtime, he or she may not get a full meal from the breast milk and their sleep will become interrupted because they will soon need another feeding.

Giving your baby food to sleep

It is believed that feeding your baby before sleep can also disrupt sleep. Your baby will eventually become dependent on being fed just before going to sleep and will expect it. The baby will then always want food at bedtime to fall asleep.

A good idea is to feed your baby a little earlier in the night instead of bedtime. Your baby will then learn to fall asleep on it’s own.

Mom’s diet

Everything a mother eats will effect the quality of her breast-milk. Mothers need to make sure they eat enough food and calories daily so that their milk is full of nutrients and energy for the newborn. When a baby feels full from the milk it can sleep longer and better.

Mothers need to eat more healthier foods when breast-feeding and they also need to make sure they get plenty of water and fluids.

Making a routine

If your baby sleeps in till late in the morning because they were up all night, consider waking them up earlier in the morning to condition them to get the sleep they need at night – when everyone else sleeps.

Newborns will sleep most of the day however you need to try to keep them awake between 4-5 hours before your bedtime so they will be tired and sleep longer during your sleep time. If you feed your baby before putting them to bed, they will sleep longer and be more restful.

When your baby wakes in the night feed and change them and then put them back in their own crib. It is not recommended to put them in bed with you as they will grow to expect it and you will never be able to sleep without them. It is also not safe to keep your baby in bed with you as you could roll over on top of them in your sleep, or they could suffocate on your pillows.

About the Author

Remarkable results were also found with normal infants. Massaged infants showed less stress, were more alert, were easier to soothe and had better sleep patterns. Stress hormones cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine significantly decreased. Serotonin (a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep and appetite) significantly increased with massage therapy. (Low levels of serotonin are associated with many disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and sudden infant death syndrome. Cortisol, epinephrine, norepinephrine and serotonin are often targeted in drug therapy.)

Statistics for children and adolescents were equally compelling. Symptoms of ADD and ADHD (a frequently diagnosed disorder in school-age children) significantly diminished. After receiving a 15 minute massage for 10 consecutive school days, the percentage of time on task increased from 43% to 77%. Scores on the Conner’s Scale (a frequently used assessment for diagnosis) decreased from 28.0 to 11.3. Dr. Field remarked, “…adolescents were less depressed and less anxious than they had been and their stress hormones (cortisol and norepinephrine) had decreased. They also developed better organized sleep patterns and showed more appropriate behavior after massage therapy. Long term effects reported by teachers included more time on task and lower Conners Hyperactivity scores.

In another study, computation time and accuracy were positively effected by therapeutic massage. After only one 15 minute massage, student’s accuracy increased from an average of 69% to 89% and time of completion decreased from 250 seconds to 234 seconds. Cortisol and state anxiety levels significantly dropped. Depressed children showed short-term and long-term gains from massage therapy. They were observed as more cooperative, less depressed and less anxious. In addition, sleep patterns significantly improved; time asleep increased from 79.7% to 91.3%. Children with PTSD showed a significant reduction in depression; from 28 to 16 on the CESD Depression scale.

Therapeutic massage also works for immune disorders. Children with cancer showed significant improvement on all blood count measures including white and red blood count, platelet count and hemoglobin level. Also, they were found to be significantly less tactile defensive and less depressed. Many other conditions were positively effected my massage therapy including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, asthma, migraine headaches, dermatitis, bulimia, anorexia, and more.
Practice

Therapeutic massage for infants, children and adolescents differs from adult therapy in many ways: Infant massage is usually taught to parents/guardians and is easy to learn. Massage offers a natural way to connect and bond. Infant massage is taught as an art that comes from the heart and is simply administered with hands. The most important lesson is how to connect, be aware and present through all states (crying, quiet alert, active alert, drowsy and sleeping) and stages of growth.

With children and adolescents, direct instruction may be given to the parent or guardian; however, the older the child, the more common it is to have the therapist perform the massage. The parent/guardian is present at all times and serves a vital role. Through observation and/or participation they learn new ways to connect, communicate and assist their child in the future.
Children should always feel empowered telling them that they are in charge. Parents, guardians and therapist are in control; their role is to guide and assure that the child feels safe and comfortable at all times.

The founding principle of HPMT is: feeling comfort, peace and ease eliminates dis-ease; quieting the mind to a state of stillness heals illness. Perhaps the greatest benefit of HPMT is that it presents a unique opportunity for children, parents and guardians to feel empowered and confident while learning about safe and nurturing touch.

A variety of techniques may be used for children and adolescents.

Reflexology is often a good starting point for many. Pressing and rubbing areas on the feet and hands elicits a healing response which reflexes to specific areas of the body. This technique may feel safer for shy clients. It can also be a useful method of assessment. Emotions such as fear, anxiety and anger are reflected throughout the body as tight muscles and are sometimes stored there as knots.

NMT – neuromuscular technique employs light, sustained pressure with thumb or finger which reduces built-up knots and relieves the symptoms of stress. Compression resets spindle fibers and effects pressure receptors which has a positive neurological effect. It is administered with a flat hand or fist and is applied with medium pressure in a rhythmical way. Kneading relaxes muscles and takes pressure off nerves. It involves lifting, grasping and releasing muscles. Percussion is stimulating at first; however, over time it can have a soothing effect. Using brief, rapid, rhythmic strokes increases circulation and tones the muscles.

At the end of the session, children often report feeling a sense of peace and ease. For some this is a first! They usually feel safer, more grounded and more in touch with themselves and their environment. Parents also report experiencing these same feelings. As the child heals, the family heals.

Other holistic techniques other than massage therapy may be included to enhance each session or they may be used exclusively. Clients can be taught many of these techniques to use between sessions to bring back feelings of peace when needed.

Some of these techniques may include: Reiki is a simple, yet powerful form of healing which means Universal Life Energy. During a session the Reiki practitioner simply sends healing energy by putting his/her hands on or slightly above the client’s body. Reiki is easy to learn especially for children who have an innate sense of healing energy. Reiki may be administered to ones self or others.

Polarity Therapy is a more precise form of energy healing that balances and revitalizes ones energy field. It was developed by Dr. Randolph Stone, a chiropractor who combined the wisdom of acupressure, chiropractic, Ayurvedic and Chinese systems of healing. The practitioner uses light pressure on meridian points to open and clear energy pathways, gently massages shoulders and feet, and clears chakras and auras through Intention using crystals.

EFT- Emotional Freedom Technique combines techniques used in hypnotherapy and acupressure. It works with the body’s bioenergy systems. While reciting positive affirmations, the client is taught to tap certain meridian points which alleviates, and sometimes eliminates, emotional distress.

Aromatherapy uses essential oils to improve client’s psychological and physical well-being. The essence of these healing oils easily penetrates the olfactory membranes in the nose sending nerve impulses to the brain which ultimately affects the amygdala, the memory center for fear and trauma. Music is typically played during sessions. It is soothing and healing during therapy and can played between sessions which elicit the same effect. Yoga helps align the body, focus the mind and renew the spirit. Sometimes children like to get into child’s pose or other poses while receiving massage therapy to enhance its effect. Creative visualization creates healthy thoughts and in turn, healthy emotions. Creative visualization along with breathing and centering exercises is fundamental for teaching a child how to take “Time-In.” This helps them alleviate the need for a “time out.” Time In empowers; time out alienates.

Choosing a Practitioner
The first thing to look for in a Holistic Pediatric Massage Therapist is completion of a reputable program and license to practice in the state where service is provided. Of equal importance, though, is specialized training along with extensive and successful experience working with children. The ability to communicate with children is key. In this respect, someone with a background in childcare, education, special education and/or crisis intervention is ideal. The qualifying opinion that matters most, though, is your child’s. For this reason, an initial consultation that is child-centered and child-directed is critical. Children have an innate sense about who and what feels right and may help them. The interview process is usually brief. More often than not, children will ask to preview a session by “sampling” various techniques. The child has final approval on whether or not to book a future session.

Testimonials
Parents, caregivers, therapists and doctors have seen the benefits of Holistic Pediatric Massage Therapy. It is safe, effective and educates for a lifetime. Parent comments include…
“I have never seen him so calm. After only 15 minutes he almost fell asleep!”
“For the first time he has been able to face his nightmares… He really looks forward to (his sessions).”
“She is doing better in school and feels better about herself.”

About the Author

Bruce Cote is a licensed massage therapist who specializes in Holistic Pediatric Massage Therapy. He is trained in Touch and Massage for Children with Special Needs, Neonatal Massage, Infant Massage and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention. His is a certified K-8 Classroom Teacher, Polarity Practitioner, Yoga Ed. Instructor and Reiki Master. He offers Holistic Pediatric Massage Therapy, teaches classes in Holistic Healing for Children and Families, and offers training in HPMT for parents, caregivers and massage therapists. For more information call 207 522-7257, e-mail bcote@anewawakening.org or visit www.anewawakening.org.

– end about the author – section

=================== For more Information on Reiki =======================
www.TherapeuticReiki.com

Choosing the wall color is the first and most important step. You can go with pink, blue, stay gender neutral with colors like sage and yellow or mix it up with unique patterns or stripes, anything goes! Remember, you can always add accessories to personalize the room for the gender of the baby after it is born (more on that later!) A good baby store should have tons of variety when it comes to choosing furniture that coordinates the colors of the room. If you choose to find out the gender of your baby, there are eight different designer themed crib bedding collections that can be used for baby boys, like Blake’s Nursery Collection and baby girls, like Taylor’s Classic Nursery and the option to use the classic furniture collections that coordinate with any wall color and bedding that keeps the room gender neutral, like a Bumble Bee Nursery.

Next you will want to decide the locations of the nursery furniture. Keep in mind you will need separate areas for the crib, changing table, dresser(s) and rocker, along with space by the changing table for a laundry hamper and diaper genie. All of our changing tables come equipped with multiple drawers that allow plenty of space and functionality for all of those little on-the-ready products that must always be on hand when changing the baby.

While color choices, crib bedding, and furniture are a large portion of getting the baby’s room ready, it is important to remember that the real way to add a personal and creative touch is to make the nursery a space that is not only inviting, but a peaceful place for baby to have sweet dreams (and a well rested nights sleep for mom and dad!) Find a store that has tons of precious accessories to make baby feel at home. Once you know the baby’s name and gender, you can spell out their name in a wide variety of patterns and colors, using Lily Letters, Large Funky Letters or Black and White Vintage Letters. We also have beautiful wall art, picture frames, blankets, pillows, snuggle friends, nap pillows, and clothing that can all be customized for your own style and preference, not too mention designer diaper bags, like Fleurville and Petunia Pickle Bottom, to take any of these products on-the-go!

If you stick with these ideas and add a few of your own, you will be well on your way to creating the perfect nurturing environment where you will be able to bond with your baby and show off your decorating skills to all of your visitors!