Contraindications of Massage and Yoga

When NOT to practise with your baby

There may be times when it is safest NOT to give your baby a massage or practise yoga:

For a period of 24-48 hours following any inoculations.

Or if your child has:

• Fever or high temperature

• Sickness or diarrhoea

• An Acute infection

• A contagious disease

• Any undiagnosed lumps or bumps

• A Serious skin complaint

• Any inflammation

• Recent haemorrhage

• Jaundice

• Meningitis

• Childhood Leukaemia

• Brittle Bones

When to DO Massage & Yoga

To continue your practice at home try to find baby’s ‘quiet alert’ state. It is when they’re not displaying signs of hunger or being tired, it is whilst they’re not upset and happy.

Cues to look out for are:

• Big belly breathing

• Eye contact

• Cooing

• Smiling

• Relaxed arms

When not to practise:

If your baby:

• Does not want to make eye contact

• Is shallow breathing

• Yawning

• Eyes are dropping

• Looks worried

• Is crying

Now may not be the right time to do this activity with your baby. It usually means that they have another need that they need to be met at that time. Do what you need to do to make them feel better & come back to this later.