Massaging & Bathing
 

Massaging is a rewarding exercise. It not only increases the bonding between the baby and mother, but helps in improving her blood circulation and helps her gain weight and sleep better as well.
        Give her a massage before her bath. Do not massage her for 1 hour after her feed. Otherwise she might throw it all up.
        Heat some coconut or mustard oil. Let it cool until it is just warm to be applied.
        Sit on a wooden plank (that is raised about 4-6 inches above the ground) tuck in your clothes between your thighs and stretch your legs straight.
        Place her gently in the 'dip' created between your legs. Thereby her neck is well supported and she cannot roll off.
        Now take the oil in your fingers and apply all over her, front first and then back.
        Massage with gentle circular motion. You would know if she is enjoying by her reaction to your massage.

Bathing your baby:
        There are at least two ways in which you may bathe her. The first is the Traditional Indian method and the second is Bathing your baby in a bathtub
        Either way, keep these ready - her towel, enough warm water in a bucket or tub, her soap and shampoo. After massaging your baby, bring her for the bath.

Traditional Indian Method:
            You need to keep ready a wooden plank raised about 4-6 inches from the ground to sit on. There should be no breeze or air blowing at her bath place. She might catch a cold otherwise. It helps to have a second person to help you with the things as you handle her until you get used to the activity. In India, this should not be a problem.
            Sit on a wooden plank (that is raised about 4-6 inches above the ground) tuck in your clothes between your thighs and stretch your legs straight.
           Place her gently with her head towards you in the 'dip' created between your legs. Thereby her neck is well supported and she cannot roll off.
          Now pour warm water all over her gently and without splashing.
          Apply soap all over her and gently massage. Turn her over gently with her facing down and apply soap.
          No need to apply soap on her face. Simply wipe off with your wet hand. Make sure that the crevice between her buttocks is washed.  To shampoo her, place her facing down on your legs.
Wet her hair with a little water. Apply baby shampoo very gently.
Now holding her head in position (facing down) pour water quickly to wash off the shampoo. After a few seconds, pour some more water quickly to wash off remaining shampoo.

Bathing your baby in a bathtub:
          The baby bathtub is half full with warm water. Now, with your baby's neck and head supported on the inside of your elbow hold her along the length of your arm.
          With her head carefully held, gently lower her into the water and wet her. Take her out and apply soap all over her.  Again lower her into water and wash off the soap. No need to apply soap on her face. Simply wipe off with your wet hand. Make sure that the crevice between her buttocks is washed. To shampoo, wet her hair with a little water and apply baby shampoo. With water in your cupped palms, wash off the shampoo, pushing the water and shampoo to flow down her back. Repeat until all of it is washed off.

         After the bath, wrap her in towel (see how to hold your baby) and take her to her room. Dry her well and feed her.
         She is now very tired after all that business and it is time for her to sleep…In the bed made ready for her, lat her sleep quietly, peacefully…zzzz….