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Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and therefore cannot prescribe, treat, or diagnose. I’m a mom and health coach sharing my knowledge and experiences for educational purposes. This does not take the place of any professional medical advice.
As a first-time mom, I was introduced to the “I Love You” technique by our family chiropractor, and it’s the closest thing to magic when it comes to soothing an infant’s tummy troubles.
Nurturing healthy digestion from the start can be a game changer. While dietary considerations and proper feeding techniques play a significant role, the ‘I Love You’ massage technique focuses on comforting touch to offer immediate relief to a fussy baby.
The “I Love You” baby massage — named after the hand motions that make up the letters I, L and U — corresponds to the path of the large intestine.
Here’s how you do it: Rub unscented lotion or oil between your palms until it warms up. Gently massage your baby’s belly to prepare them for a soothing experience.
- Start with an ‘I’ – With your right hand, gently stroke a line down the left side of the baby’s belly to form the letter I .
- Move to an ‘L’ – Building on the previous motion, gently stroke a straight line above the baby’s belly button from baby’s right side to the left. Then, stroke down the left side of the baby’s belly, like we did in step 1, forming the shape of an L.
- Finish with a ‘U’ – Finally, build on the previous two movements. Begin this time on the right side of baby near the hip. Stroke upwards towards the ribcage, then glide across the top of the belly from baby’s right side to the left, and finally, gently massage down the left side of the baby’s belly.
With each step, you’re encouraging movement through the large intestine (aka the colon).
Following these steps usually results in a noticeable change in baby’s behavior. Don’t be alarmed if they pass gas or even poop shortly after—it’s a clear sign that the massage is working! You may even hear air bubbles clearing during the massage.
In the repetition of these gentle motions, a language of care and understanding is shared between you and your little one, strengthening the unbreakable bond of love and trust. This simple, loving routine feels like a silent conversation, a tender way to communicate, “I’m here, and I’m helping you feel better.”
The ‘I Love You’ baby massage technique is a true gem for new moms. It’s a simple and cost-free way to ease your little one’s tummy troubles. With it, parents are empowered to bring comfort to their child with their skills and loving touch.
Stay patient, stay perceptive, and remember – this too, shall pass. After all, love is as much in the details as it is in the grand gestures, and in the daily practice of the ‘I Love You’ massage, there is an abundance of love with every stroke.
Looking for more tips? Join my Facebook group for free, or dive right into my online course (Thriving Momma Blueprint)!