When Not to Massage

When Massage is Not Appropriate

Baby massage is a very gentle, safe, natural technique to teach parents and
baby professionals and contraindications are extremely rare. However,
there are times when massage isn’t appropriate and it’s important that we are aware of this.
If the baby has any underlying medical issues then parents should be advised to seek advice from their GP or health visitor before undertaking baby massage classes. This is specifically important for babies with congenital heart or muscle tone conditions. It is very rare that a health professional advises against baby massage as the therapeutic benefits are vast, but for insurance purposes, we must advise parents to seek advice. This is explored in detail later on in your training.

Massage should be avoided

• For 48 hours after immunisations. Vaccines are live antibodies carried within the blood, when we massage babies we increase the blood flow and circulation and this may make the vaccine disperse around their body at an unnatural rate. You should also avoid the site of immunisation for 72 hours as the area may be sore to touch.
• If the baby has an infection or temperature. Massage increases circulation and therefore increases temperature!
• If they have diarrhoea or sickness
• If they have undiagnosed lumps or bumps
• If they have skin complaints/ broken skin
• Jaundice
• Meningitis
• Leukaemia
• Brittle bones

Areas to Avoid

• Front of the neck and the throat
• Eye area
• Back of the neck
• Directly on the spine
• Front of the elbow, back of the knee
• Groin
• Skull