Tummy Troubles in Newborns: How Infant Massage Can Help Support Digestion and Comfort
Those first few months with a new baby are magical—but let’s be real, they can also be messy, gassy, and overwhelming, especially when your little one is struggling with digestion. From colic and reflux to constipation and general tummy discomfort, digestive concerns in newborns are more common than many parents realize.
At Same Stars Wellness, we know that nothing is harder than watching your baby cry in discomfort and feeling unsure of how to help. That’s why we’re so passionate about supporting families during this sensitive time—and why we’re proud to offer infant massage led by therapists who specialize in newborn care and development.
Let’s talk about why newborn digestion can be so tricky—and how infant massage can make a real difference.
The Newborn Digestive System: Still a Work in Progress
Newborns are born with developing digestive systems that are still learning how to break down milk, move gas, and pass stool efficiently. Some of the most common digestion-related challenges we see in clinic include:
Colic or excessive crying
Gas and bloating
Reflux or spit-up
Constipation or difficulty passing stool
Feeding-related discomfort or fussiness
In many cases, these symptoms are a result of immaturity in the gut and nervous system—and the good news is, there are ways to help.
How Infant Massage Can Support Digestion
Massage therapy for babies isn’t just about bonding (though that’s a huge bonus!). When performed by a therapist with advanced training in infant massage and pediatric development, massage can have real physiological benefits—including helping the digestive system work more effectively.
Some of the benefits of infant massage for digestion include:
💛 Encouraging peristalsis: Gentle abdominal massage can help stimulate the natural wave-like motion of the intestines, helping gas and stool move more easily.
💛 Easing gas and bloating: Specific massage techniques around the abdomen can reduce trapped gas, which is often the culprit behind tummy pain and crying.
💛 Soothing the nervous system: Massage activates the parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest” state), which supports both relaxation and better digestive function.
💛 Improving sleep and feeding routines: A comfortable baby is a better feeder and sleeper, which in turn supports more regular digestion.
💛 Empowering parents with tools: Our therapists don’t just work on babies—they work with families. You’ll learn techniques you can use at home to support your baby’s digestion, comfort, and overall wellbeing.
Why Choose a Therapist Trained in Infant Massage?
Newborns are not just small adults—they have specific needs, rhythms, and developmental milestones that require specialized care. That’s why our infant massage services are led by therapists with advanced training and deep experience working with babies and families.
Whether your baby is experiencing colic, constipation, or just seems a little uncomfortable after feeds, our approach is always gentle, personalized, and rooted in evidence-based care. Our therapists understand the unique needs of newborns and are here to support both baby and caregiver through nurturing touch, helpful techniques, and compassionate guidance.
We believe that every parent deserves to feel empowered, and every little body deserves to feel at ease
You’re Not Alone—We’re Here for You
Every appointment at Same Stars Wellness starts with a conversation. We want to understand your unique health story, your goals, and what you need most. Whether you’re newly diagnosed with arthritis or have been managing it for years, our therapists will work with you to develop a Personalized, Supportive, and Focused Care Strategy that helps you feel more mobile, more comfortable, and more in control of your wellness.
Book Your Appointment
The early days of parenting can feel like a blur of feeding, snuggles, and figuring things out as you go—especially when your little one is having tummy troubles. If you’re feeling unsure of what’s normal or how to help, that’s okay. You’re doing great, and we’re here to support you.
Our infant massage offerings are designed to be calming, informative, and helpful—for both babies and their grown-ups. Whether you’re looking for gentle ways to ease digestion or just want to connect with someone who gets it, we’re here for you.
To book or ask questions, you can head to the link below, give us a call at 403-452-6783, or send us a quick DM. We’d love to help you and your little one feel more at ease.
