Baby Massage

"Massage is a lovely way for you to express your love and care for your baby. Massage can soothe your baby and aid sleep as well as being a great way for you and your partner to bond with your baby. Massage has many added benefits, including aiding digestion, improving circulation and easing teething pain".

A month ago or so me and L have attended a 5 week course run by one of the local children centres. We had to miss the very 1st class because of my back problems (as I couldn't pick L up, basically couldn't do anything without a help), but as it is the only class in our area I couldn't miss the opportunity. We paid £15 for 5 weeks , normally you would have to pay £45 for one private session, as well as we were picked up by a minibus who took us there and back for free.

Each session started with mums picking up babies and giving them cuddles and kisses, followed by singing "The more we get together song". Then we sang "If you happy and you know it", "Head, shoulders, knees and toes" whilst showing or pointing to baby at her body parts.

Whilst babies were in a good, smiley mood we put them onto a changing mat, undressed them and started massaging with oil.

During massage we concentrated on baby's tummy, legs, toes, arms, hands.

After massaging we did something which I didn't expect it to be, it was a fun, sensory way of interacting with your baby. We had all sorts of toys and things which we can find in our house and introduced them to babies.

At the very end of the session we put babies in the circle, and sang "Twinkle, twinkle" whilst holding a "parachute" or blanket with stars. At this point some of them were asleep giving mums a chance to complete a scrap book with fun stickers and photos from previous session.

I really enjoyed these session, L was a bit fussy in last 2, but we both learnt so much.

Little L is 3 months

Oh where do I start.

L changed so much! She is still my little baby and since last weigh in put only 400 grams in a month.

We have finished a 5 weeks course of baby massage. The most successful session so far was the first one. As I feed her every 2 hours it is sometimes impossible to fit in activities or to make sure she won't be grumpy. Last session was yesterday and the whole session I was rocking her to sleep as she got tired while we were waiting for other mums to come.
L definitely started teething, at first I wasn't sure and didn't want to give her any medications till I'm certain. But as all signs are there- dribbling, fists in her mouth, chewing on toys and of course fussiness I started giving her Dentinox. I didn't work out yet if it helps, but she seems to enjoy licking it from my finger.

L also started to lift herself up by herself or whilst holding on to my fingers. 
Few days ago she tried to kiss me, it was more of a smothering her dribble kiss, but it was the best first mummy and daughter kiss.

I swear L talks!! On Saturday she was smiling at me and answering "Yeah" when  I asked her about things she did with grandparents, yesterday my husband asked her something and she said "Yeah" again!!

L has blocked tear duct for few weeks now, some days her eye will be teary with a crust on her eyelashes or a gooey stuff inside the eye.
On Saturday we had to call 111 and then to book an appointment in out of hours clinic to see a doctor as her belly button had a dry crust as well and looked fairly inflamed/infected. I panicked as I thought that it's my fault somehow, that maybe it's connected to her infected eye. Thankfully it is nothing to worry about and now we have a cream for her belly button and drops for eyes.

In couple of weeks we are going away for 3 nights, it's L's first local holiday. Apart from her first holiday last month she have been to the airport, shop, county park for the first time as well. We also used baby carrier for the first time. She likes to look around, very excited about new things, so carrier comes in handy and L doesn't mind it.

Clothing wise L just moved from sleepsuits size 0-3 months to 3-6 months as her legs and feet are getting longer. 

Routine wise during the day she can sleep till 8 am or 10 am then feed, play, sleep. She constantly wants to be picked up, I think I gave up and just let us go with a flow rather than being strict hence L is always in my arms. She is more fussy at night, she turns her head on a side and cries in this position which worries me a lot and I constantly try to check if she is breathing ok.

I'm more confident as a mum, but yet a worrier. Last month I had severe back pain, I couldn't pick L up, couldn't actually sleep, sit, walk, it was incredibly painful. As I'm 24/7 with L I needed a quick fix, thankfully my sister recommended a local osteopath. Straight after an appointment I felt much better, but after lifting L in a pram my pain was back. I had to cut out on heavy lifting and it seems to work. Hopefully it is sorted permanently! 

There is something else that upsets me- hair loss.. Other mums say it's normal, but I feel so upset about it. I have tried coconut oil on my hair they are definitely more silky, will just have to see if it helps with hair loss.

That's it for now.. And I'm looking forward what new 3rd month brings!