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Holistic Aromatherapy for Mom and Baby
Certainly the varied levels of progesterone and estrogen during pregnancy are partially to blame. But it's no secret that along with the great anticipation of a new baby's arrival comes an anxiety of what lies ahead. This intense inner transformation is like riding a roller coaster of emotions. Ups and downs become usual and uneasy -- not only for you as the mother-to-be, but also for the people around you, including baby. Doctors and scientists have confirmed that the mother's emotional state considerably influences the health of her child. If a mother is overly stressed or anxious, it's been shown to affect her baby's birth weight, and could in fact be causing stress to the child as well. Which is why it's important for expectant moms to focus on maintaining a healthy state-of-mind. Using natural remedies-like aromatherapy, flower essences, homeopathy or herbs-can ease many of the stresses, discomforts and ailments associated with pregnancy. If you are interested in exploring these kinds of alternatives during pregnancy, I encourage you to find a certified holistic practitioner or homeopathic doctor in your area. Since there are many herbs that should be altogether avoided during pregnancy, it is best to incorporate natural remedies into your life in consultation with a specialist and after your first trimester. The following recipes are safe, enjoyable and easy enough to blend right at home, and will certainly make a difference in the way you feel. Combine these remedies, along with other activities you enjoy, such as walking, massage, reading, etc. Not only will your baby benefit from your uplifted spirits, but daddy will too! ************************** Aromatic Blend to Ease Fears ************************** It's not uncommon to have fears about pregnancy. You may wonder whether you are progressing normally, whether the baby is healthy, etc. Use this blend to bring comfort and reassurance when you feel you need it most. In a 10-ml bottle, pour the essential oils and then add organic vegetable oil to fill. ·1 drop Roman Chamomile ·1 drop Neroli Massage the solar plexus. Pour a few drops of this aromatic blend into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply. Add several drops to your unscented lotion and massage on your body to soothe and moisturize dry skin and treat stretch marks. ************************** Blend to Ease Anxiety, Nervousness ************************** As the big day draws near, feelings of anxiety and nervousness about the labor and delivery are prominent. Use this blend to clear your mind and bring you peace. In a 10-ml bottle, pour the essential oils and then add organic vegetable oil to fill. ·3 drops Lavender ·1 drop Neroli Massage the solar plexus. Pour a few drops of this aromatic blend into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply. Add several drops to your unscented lotion and massage on your body to soothe and moisturize dry skin and treat stretch marks. Massage also the temples, neck and forehead if you suffer from insomnia. ************************** Blend to Bond with Your Baby ************************** This blend quiets the mind and spirit, allowing mom to feel more in-tune with her baby. It is a wonderful blend for meditation, which can help bring a connection with the child. In a 10-ml bottle, pour the essential oils and then add organic vegetable oil to fill. ·1 drop Rosewood ·1 drop Lavender ·1 drop Neroli In the evening, set up a tranquil place to light candles and meditate. Massage your abdomen, sacrum and heart chakra. Pour a few drops of this aromatic blend into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply. Placing your hands on your belly, tune in to the baby's heartbeat, talk to the baby, open yourself to the many sensations your baby is experiencing. The purpose is to FEEL and let love embrace you. *After the second trimester, replace the Rosewood in this blend with 2 drops of Rose Otto, which will help ease the fears and anxiety of the third trimester. Rose helps to calm your emotions and increases tranquility. ************************** Blend for Emotional Comfort ************************** One moment you may feel overjoyed, while the next moment you feel uncertain. It's no wonder pregnant women often feel so frazzled and sensitive. Use this blend to enjoy more of the nurturing comfort you crave. In a 10-ml bottle, pour the essential oils and then add organic vegetable oil to fill. ·2 drops Bergamot ·2 drops Orange ·1 drop Neroli Massage the solar plexus, abdomen and heart chakra. Pour a few drops of this aromatic blend into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply. Add several drops to your unscented lotion and massage on your body to soothe and moisturize dry skin and treat stretch marks. *After the second trimester, replace the Neroli in this blend for the Rose essential oil (see above). ************************** Blend to Bring Security ************************** In the midst of the life-transforming state of pregnancy, we all need to feel grounded and secure. Use the following blend to bring you more confidence and security. In a 10-ml bottle, pour the essential oils and then add organic vegetable oil to fill. ·1 drop Neroli ·1 drop Roman Chamomile ·2 drops Bergamot Massage the solar plexus and the heart chakra. Pour a few drops of this aromatic blend into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply. Add several drops to your unscented lotion and massage on your body to soothe and moisturize dry skin and treat stretch marks. ************************** Blend to Feel More Loved ************************** As your pregnant body evolves, it's not uncommon to feel unattractive, uncomfortable and sometimes unloved. This blend will bring you comfort and tranquility to help you feel loved and nurtured. ·1 drops Rosewood ·2 drops Bergamot ·2 drops Lavender Massage the solar plexus, abdomen and heart chakra. Pour a few drops of this aromatic blend into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply. Add several drops to your unscented lotion and massage on your body to soothe and moisturize dry skin and treat stretch marks. *After the second trimester, replace the rosewood in this blend for the Rose essential oil (see above). `````````````````````````` Visit Aromalchemy to purchase or read more about the essential oils used in these blends.`````````````````````````` In Good Health, Francoise Rapp This article was originally published by Françoise Rapp in "The Arom'Alchemy Newsletter," a weekly ezine dedicated to healthy mind, body and soul through the use of aromatherapy. To subscribe, visit Aromalchemy Subscription.
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