Play ideas and activities
Mirimiri — massage
Stages: Pregnancy
Why do it?
Massaging mum’s belly is relaxing for her and the unborn baby. Managing stress is very important for mum and for baby.
Baby’s sense of touch is the first sense to develop. Baby feels it when mum strokes her puku. Massaging mum’s puku is a way of communicating with baby before birth.
Massage is a way of responding to baby’s movements in the womb.
How to do it
Massage can be done with or without massage oil.
Mum can rub her puku through her clothes.
When baby moves, mum or dad can gently rub the place where baby is moving — you’re responding to baby. Baby may then respond to you. You’re playing together.