POSTNATAL BODYCARE

Essential oils can be used to help with the common emotional stresses and physical problems arising as a result of the birth.

Use 6 drops of the appropriate essential oils blended in 20ml (4 tsp) of calendula oil for application. Alternatively, use them on their own for inhalation or in the bath.

After a long and exhausting labour, and with a new baby to look after, make sure you get enough sleep. Burn lavender through the night to relax and refresh you.

Birth Wounds
During the birth, the perineum may be bruised and/or torn, and can be very painful afterwards. Using the three perineum oils, gently apply them several times a day. If the area is too painful to touch, use a compress (see previous post).

Breastfeeding Problems
Always apply the appropriate essential oils immediately after each feed, so that they are completely absorbed by your body before the baby's next feed is due.

Insufficient Milk: fennel oil encourages milk production. Fennel will also help to keep the baby's excreta normal and can help to relieve any wind.
Too much milk: 2 drops of peppermint oil with 4 drops of geranium oil can be used in a massage all over the breasts.
Cracked nipples or mastitis: use 2 drops of each essential oil listed opposite.

Emotional Difficulties
After birth, it will take a while before your hormones return to normal. This can be a stressful time as you have a new baby to care for just when you are feeling in need of care yourself. Fatigue, anxiety, despondency and emotional imbalances are common. Essential oils can help before post-natal depression sets in. Blend oils for use by inhalation, in the bath or by application.















Once your baby is born, pamper yourself and invest in some good quality skincare products.






The gentle action of mandarin makes it a
good choice for treating colic and
digestive disorders.
Treating Your Baby
Essential oils can help you and your baby cope with the everyday, minor ailments which many babies are subject to, such as indigestion, colic, constipation and/or diarrhoea, minor infections and nappy rash.

For nappy rash, use 15ml (3 tsp) base lotion with 5ml (1 tsp) calendula oil, mixed with one drop of peppermint and up to three drops of any other selected oils.

Babies can benefit from massage with essential oils. The massage will relax them and can help to strengthen the bond between mother and child. For application to babies, use one drop of essential oil per 5ml(1 tsp) carrier lotion or oil. For sleep problems, try tow to three drops of oil in a vaporizer in the baby's room, or try them on a tissue which is pinned to the baby's clothes or placed inside the pillowcase.