Aromatherapy for Mum and Baby

Everyone deserves a good aromatherapy massage and pampering at some point in their life but did you know that massage can be very beneficial during pregnancy, especially for women who suffer from aches, pains, stiffness and tension? It can also help to relieve problems such as backache, sleeplessness and headaches.

Aromatherapy Massage during maternity
Back pain is extremely common in pregnancy and this can be relieved by massage to the whole of the back area, the neck, legs, and feet, and by gentle stroking of the abdomen. Poor circulation can also affect many pregnant women and this can be helped by a general all over body massage, which can stimulate and improve the blood flow throughout the body. Leg massage, stroking from the ankles up toward the thighs, can help relax the body, relieve pain and reduce swelling in the legs and the soothing effects of massage can also help with sleeplessness and promote relaxation. Mandarin oil is especially effective.

Labour and beyond.. Essential oils can be used when in labour to help relieve pain and cramps, aid breathing and for their relaxing and calming properties. Spearmint is often used in blends as it is cooling to the skin and fresh to the nose.

Also, don’t forget to pamper yourself after you have had your baby as well. This time is also for you as well. Book yourself in for a treatment or get your partner to use a readymade blend and indulge yourself.

Massage for Babies
Baby massage has been used as part of baby care for hundreds of years and it can have many benefits. Today our lives can be very hectic and baby massage is a way of of spending quiet, quality loving, time with your baby, whilst also enhancing your mutual bond, sense of wellbeing and communication. It is simple, free, can be administered almost anywhere.

Benefits for your Baby
Baby massage can begin from the day the baby is born.There are various benefits for babies, notably:

• An excellent way of connecting with your baby, developing a feeling of being loved and secure.
• Can help to alleviate trapped wind, colic and constipation
• By massaging gums through the skin, it may help with teething
• Promotes relaxation
• Can help aid sleep
• A face massage can help to unblock a baby’s blocked nose
• Can help improve skin condition
• Can help with baby’s digestive,respiratory, circulatory and nervous systems
• Develop baby’s sense of touch
• Can help develop co-ordination

Benefits for Mum and Dads
It’s not just the babies that benefit from Baby Massage, it’s also advantageous for those who undertake it.

• It can help with bonding with the child and improve the mother-infant relationship
• Benefit from longer hours of sleep
• Classes can be useful for discussing any problems you may have with other parents
• Helps parent to understand baby's non-verbal communication
• Enhances parent's confidence and competence in dealing with baby
• Can help with postnatal depression
• Both parents and baby relax together
• Promotes lactation in breastfeeding mums
• Promotes nurturing instinct

*If you have any concerns about massaging your baby, you should consult an appropriate health professional first. In any case: never massage a baby if the baby seems uncomfortable.
*It is recommended that you learn from someone with a qualification in baby massage, or from a midwife or health visitor, to ensure you are doing it safely.

References
Holey & Cook, 2003

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Why not try Cariad’s new Mum and Baby Aromatherapy range, created to support women at this most precious time in their life.

Each product uses the highest quality essential oils and plant extracts that both smell delicious and provide a safe medium to support new life.

Included in the range for Mum are:
Mum to Be Bath & Massage Oil
Mum to Be Bath Milk
Labour Oil
After Baby Oil.

For Baby, massage oil has been created to encourage soft supple skin. This can be used at anytime and can be rubbed onto baby’s tummy in a clockwise direction. Suitable for use from birth, the oil is 100% natural and contains no essential oils.

For more information and to buy online visit www.cariad.co.uk or Buy direct from Wellbeing on 0121 444 6585