Aromatherapy For Babies And Mothers During Pregnancy

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Only the mildest most gentle oils such as Neroli, tangerine or mandarin are suitable at 1% dilution.

Apply very light pressure over the lower back in the first 4 months because all the nerves that supply the uterus emerge from the spinal cord and too much stimulation might just possibly cause a miscarriage.

Firmer pressure can be applied after the first 4 months.

A massage can help:

• Release stress and stress related problems
  
• Help circulation
  
• Introduce father to partners new body
• Reduce or alleviate stretch marks 
• Reduce headaches
  
• Reduce muscular aches, pains and tensions 
• Increase the pleasure of pregnancy
• Relieve fatigue 
• Relieve constipation

Safe Oils During Pregnancy

These can be used during the first four months:

Mandarin                 Neroli               Tangerine

Use These During Later Stage Of Pregnancy

Oils At Birth

Jasmine         Clary Sage        Marjoram        Lavender

Check the complete list of pure, unadulterated essential oils.

Click here to find out why we recommend Starwest for your essential oil supplies.

Avoid Treatment If..

• Vaginal bleeding
  
• Previous miscarriage
  
• History of birth problems 
  
• If in doubt
  

Essential Oils To Avoid During Pregnancy

Also avoid any oils described as emmenagogue (may induce menstruation) or to which you are sensitive.

Stretch Marks

Prevention is better than cure. Massage your abdomen every day with cream or a couple of the following oils diluted in a carrier oil (new page).

Neroli                Tangerine               Mandarin              Lavender

A good base oil to include is Jojoba.

Massage morning and night specially after the fifth month.

Avoid nipples and breast during the treatment.

Child Birth And After

Lavender and Jasmine are very helpful when labour starts.

Both these oils ease the pain of contractions and makes them  stronger and more effective. This makes for a shorter, less exhaustive labour.

These oils may also be gently massaged on the abdomen during childbirth.

Jasmine is good after the baby is born to expel the placenta. Massage in the tummy with firm pressure.

Post Natal Depression

In the immediate post-natal depression and the months that follow, it is easy for poor mum to be overlooked while all the attention is focused on the baby.

It is therefore not surprising that new mothers can get depressed, exhausted and weepy with all the new responsibilities, broken nights and fatigue. What could be nicer than an aromatherapy massage, to ease aches and pains, lift any depression, reduce fatigue and make her feel pampered!

A bottle of essential oil of rose or jasmine may be more appreciated than a present or flowers.

The following oils are helpful in case of post-natal depression.

They, preferably, should be nebulized in a proper diffuser or used in a bath or massage.

Morning Sickness

A dilution of Lemon essential oil mixed at 3% with sweet almond oil can be massaged on the solar plexus.

Drink fennel tea.

Aromatherapy For Babies

Aromatherapy For Babies is wonderful. Babies respond with delight to all sorts of touch, and they adore being massaged. In some cultures, massaging babies right from the moment of birth is the norm and babies thrive on it.

The following gentle oils diluted at .5 to 1% can be safely used on babies up to 4 years old. From 4 to 12 use a dilution of 1.5 to 2%.

Lavender, Neroli, chamomile, tangerine, mandarin and rose are all suitable oils for babies.

You must dilute the essential oils at 1% in a carrier oil (new page) before using them in a bath. Try to control the child in the bath so that they do not swallow any of the oil or rub it into their eyes.

Children over 12 years old can be treated as adults.

Roman chamomile is sometimes called the children oil because it is very soothing and calming. It often helps the little one get to sleep.

Nappy rash can be treated with Camilosan (chamomile cream) or nelson Calendula ointment. These are available in many health food stores.

Minor hurts and pains, cuts, bruises can be treated with lavender or Tea-tree when the child gets older.

Aromatherapy For Babies: Avoid These Oils

Avoid the following essential oils on babies, young children and those with sensitive skin:

Remember to store essential oils away from children.

Further information on pregnancy may be found here.