Pregnancy Skincare Advice Blog - Free Tips & tricks

Hi All,
 
I am now on maternity leave, which has allowed me to properly focus on the pending arrival of my baby. There has been the obvious 'nesting' instinct, which has kicked in with vengeance, much to my husband’s amusement, he is now on first name terms with the local Parcel Force deliveryman. I have also been looking into what type of birthing experience I would like.

As a first time mother, it is only natural that I am filled with a sense of sheer excitement at meeting my new baby but also rather anxious anticipating the labour itself, so I wanted to learn some relaxation techniques that could help me remain calm and in control of labor whilst at home and in hospital. I spoke to a girlfriend and new mum about this and she suggested I look at Hypnosis for childbirth. She had practiced it and had found it really helpful so I took her contact and made the call. A week later, Jenny Mearns from The Birth Centre (www.birthcentre.com), was sat on my sofa teaching me the simple breathing techniques that   would help me endure the mammoth task of labour.

The foundations of Hypnosis for childbirth lies in teaching simple but specific self hypnosis, relaxation and breathing techniques to enable you to focus on having a better birth. The techniques taught won't mean you'll be in a trance or a sleep. Rather, you'll be able to chat, and be and in good spirits - totally relaxed, but fully in control. You'll always be aware of what is happening to you, and around you. It will also allow you to discover and experience the joy and magic of birth, rather than the horrific stories friends feel compelled to tell you. Through breathing exercises and visualization you are taught how to remain calm and collected throughout, releasing the natural 'feel-good' chemical oxytocin which helps facilitate birth. I read an article last week on how hypnosis had helped a women release so much Oxytocin she said she had an orgasm during labor - I guess you can only live in hope!

Most importantly, you'll learn how to put yourself back in control of your birth - rather than blindly turning your birthing experience over to your doctor or midwife. In short, Hypnosis for Childbirth allows you to experience birth in an atmosphere of calm relaxation, free of the fear and tension that prevents the birthing muscles of your body from functioning as Nature intended them to.It takes a lot of practice but I’m hopeful it will help me remain calm on the big day. My husband is practicing with me and I have to say I’ve noticed he is a lot less stressed than he was a month ago, I’m not sure if this is the hypnosis or just relief that the nursery is finally finished and I have stopped spending!

With only weeks to go I have also begun perineal massage.  Perineal massage is a technique, which, by encouraging blood flow to the area, increases the elasticity of the perineum for birth. The perineum is the area of skin between your vagina and rectum, which can be cut (episiotomy) or can tear during delivery. The 'From Here to Eternity' supple Perineum massage oil by Blooming Babe is luxurious to use, a lovely combination of olive oil, sunflower oil and sweet almond oil delivers a non-greasy texture which makes massage easier. Its handy 100ml size makes it convenient to pop into a makeup bag, so if you're on the move a lot, you've always got it with you!

Perineal massage has many benefits which all help to reduce trauma during birth.
    * It stimulates the blood supply to the perineum and helps speed the healing process after the birth
    * It helps prepare you for the feeling of pressure and stretching that comes as your baby's head is born
    * It helps to familiarize you with some of the sensations such as tingling or burning so you are less likely to tense up
    * It can help you to relax when you have a vaginal examination

How is it done?
It is advised that you start perineal massage about 4 to 6 weeks before your due date, and while there are different ways to perform it, they generally all follow the same techniques - I got my tips from Baby World:

   1. Wash your hands.
   2. Find a private, comfortable place and sit or lean back in a comfortable position. Some women lie on their side and bring their hand round the back. Use cushions to support your legs.
   3. Using 'From here to Eternity' supple Perineum massage oil, massage a small amount into the area.
   4. Place one or two thumbs (or fingers if you can't reach) about 1 inch (2-3cms) inside your vagina. Press downwards and to the sides at the same time. Gently and firmly keep stretching until you feel a slight burning, tingling or stinging sensation.
   5. Hold the pressure steady at that point with your thumbs for about 2 minutes until the area becomes a little numb and you don't feel the tingling as much.
   6. Keep pressing with your thumbs. Slowly and gently massage back and forth over the lower half of your vagina. Do this for 3-4 minutes. Remember to avoid the urinary opening. You can start with very gentle massage, increasing the pressure as sensitivity is reduced.
   7. As you massage, pull gently outwards (forwards) on the lower part of the vagina with your thumb(s) hooked inside. This helps stretch the skin as the baby's head will stretch it during birth.

You can also ask your partner to perform the massage, especially as you near your due date and become less mobile. Personally, this area has become sacred to me, I know in a few weeks my personal privacy is going to be completely invaded so for now, my perineum and I remain soul mates, no-one except me is going near it!

Take Care
Jo xx

Hi there

As Jo is nearing her D-day, she has also decided to try perineal massage to reduce vaginal tearing or the need for an episiotomy during delivery - see Video of what an Episiotomy is.  My own personal philosophy here is  “an once of prevention is always better than a pound of cure”.  Childbirth is a very personal experience and a time when a woman should be encouraged to make individual choices that feel good to her.  Embarking on delivery with a relaxed mind and body is essential to ensuring a good experience and a positive outcome.  Perineal massage when done correctly is calming and relaxing and empowers a woman with a sense of preparedness and control.  However, some women are put off by the notion of massaging this area, and this is also o.k!  There is no point in engaging in anything that causes you to stress or feel uncomfortable.  Remember!  This is YOUR BODY and YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Perineal massage is safe for both mother and baby.  However, we at Blooming Babe recommend that it should only be done with the advice and guidance of your healthcare provider.  Also, it is important to follow the instructions correctly to in order to avoid the urinary opening causing possible urinary infections.  It is also important to avoid perineal massage altogether if you have an infection of any kind, especially if you suffer from active herpes, thrush or have a yeast infection.  Our Supple Perineum Massage Oil is 100% natural, chemical free & non-toxic.  It is formulated with a blend of rich emollient oils specifically chosen for Perineal massage.  
Liz X

This was written by Elizabeth Salter-Green the Director of Chemtrust the organisation that sponsored the research carried out by Dr. Sharpe in the Daily Mail article - 'Gender-bending chemical timebomb fear for boys' fertility'.

During pregnancy and breast feeding the baby is particularly sensitive to chemical exposures. During this period pregnant mothers should, therefore, pay special attention to chemicals to which they and their child are exposed.  The following are tips for pregnant and nursing mothers (and people generally), regarding chemicals in consumer products including personal care products, cosmetics, products for children and toys.

Following these tips, you will be on the right track in reducing unwanted chemical exposures for you and for your child.

Specifically for Pregnant Women
1.  Reduce personal care product and cosmetics use to a minimum
2.  Choose unscented products and stop using perfume
3.  Avoid colouring hair
4.  Avoid using products that come in spray cans and do not do DIY.  Avoid painting during this period and be sure to air out newly painted rooms properly.

General tips for Everyone
1. Chose natural floorings over synthetic where possible
2. Don’t dry-clean clothes
3. Dust and vacuum (with well-sealed unit) your home regularly
4. Avoid soft plastics 
5. Avoid non-stick cook wear 
6. Avoid stain repellents
7. Avoid easy-iron clothing
8. Avoid fungicide-treated socks foot wear and other clothing
9. Avoid areas that have been recently sprayed with pesticides – eg local parks and farm land 14. Avoid microwaving in plastic
10. Use herbal remedies for pet flea infestations
11. Use herbal remedies for head lice infestations in children
12. Eat organic food if possible
13. Prepare food from fresh ingredients as opposed to processed and pre-packaged food
14. Avoid canned food

For Babies:
1. Wash everything before using it for your baby, including clothes and toys made of cloth.  This will help remove unwanted chemical residues.
2. Avoid the use of baby lotions and soaps as much as possible.  Bathe the baby in clean water and limit the use of lotions after bathing and after nappy changes.
3. Always buy unscented products for your baby, including toys.
4. Only use toys especially designed for babies. Toys for older children (6+) may contain phthalates.

The general advice above is not only good for pregnant mothers but for everybody! 

Many thanks
Elizabeth Salter-Green

As Jo experiences the "nesting phase" of her pregnancy, she uses her interior design talents to advise on how to create the perfect nursery.  One of the most amazing tips suggested to me during my own pregnancies was to play the music from the baby mobile before the baby was born-that way when baby arrives and it's time to sleep the music is already familiar and soothing!  This works like a charm.  As well as Jo's shopping suggestions I highly recommend www.lavenderfieldsonline.com a New York based company that ships worldwide.  They have the most beautiful nursery items from sumptuous bed linen to the most unique and bespoke nursery items.  They offer free design assistance and free swatch sampling.  Also, make the whole experience even more special by adding a little keep-sake that can be passed on through future generations.  My mother-in-law gave me a collection of nursery books she had in my husbands nursery, that featured in both my sons’ nurseries along with a humpty-dumpty clock.
 
Liz x
 
Hi All
This week, i have also begun what is called the 'nesting' phrase. In a bid to be super organised and in the unlikely event the baby is early I have started decorating and preparing the nursery. Transforming an ordinary room in your home into a haven for your little one to grow and flourish in is definitely a monumental occasion. However, while it can be tempting (and incredibly fun!) to go overboard with a whole coordinated baby theme, the key to creating the perfect nursery is finding a balance between adorable decor and versatility. There is an amazing range of nursery wallpaper available detailing everything from cartoon characters to cute animals, racing cars to sea creatures so you're really spoilt for choice. However if you're not a big fan of papering there are other options which actually make it much simpler to update your baby's nursery as they grow and develop their own tastes and ideas. By painting your baby's nursery a neutral colour and adding a decorative boarder you can still achieve a coordinated look but one that is easily updated or changed. Alternatively, if you've fallen in love with a cute nursery wallpaper why not go for the 'feature wall' look and adorn only one of the walls, its much simpler, easier to change and always looks fantastic.

Try papering the 'focus' wall in front of which you plan to place your baby's cot and painting the other walls either in a complimentary or contrasting colour for the best effect. Another option you have for your nursery walls is to paint them a 'background colour' and then either go mad with one of the many stenciling sets available or purchasing piece-by-piece nursery murals that literally stick on your wall until you (or your little one) get bored of them. Murals are especially great if you're renting your home as most are completely removable (always worth checking first though). Whatever you decide make sure that you enlist someone to help you (its much better to oversee rather than do all the hard work!), use non-toxic paint, air the room well and are incredibly careful about any old paint that you suspect may be a relic from pre-1965 as it could be harmful to you and baby.

The key pieces of furniture you'll need in your baby's nursery are a cot, a chest of drawers or wardrobe and a comfortable chair. When choosing a cot you should always make sure it conforms to the latest safety standards especially if it is second hand - there should be no more than 3" between bars, no gap between the mattress and side bars, no decorative cutouts that your baby could get caught on or in and no obvious sharp parts. Ideally you should go for a cot that has a drop side as this will make it much easier to lay your baby down to sleep and will place less strain on your back. If you get a second hand cot, always get a new mattress to go with it. I invested in the Stokke Sleepi (www.stokke.com), with the addition of a few extra pieces it can grow with your child. Extending from a mini-cot to a toddlers bed, then to a desk.

A waist height chest of drawers will help keep all of your baby's clothes dust free and to hand and can also be doubled up as a changing table if you don't want to splash out on a seperate changing unit (make sure you never leave your baby on top unaided though as this has the potential to be incredibly dangerous). Good quality wooden versions look stylish and should serve your child though infancy and beyond. A comfortable chair placed near the cot and by night light will come in incredibly handy for night feeds. Wicker chairs piled with cushions are very economically priced and fit in with a nursery theme quite well, alternatively you could go for a larger arm chair if you have the room. As a mum-to-be this is the most fun...

Until next time
Joxx