Please visit my new website and new blog

Please go to this link for my new blog and updated website   www.gracefulbeginningsdoulaservices.com


~Lisa

Ruin Your Day

This is so funny. If you are easily offended by breastfeeding do not watch. If you have ever been looked at rudely for breastfeeding in public you will love this.

Placenta Encapsulation

RESEARCH STUDIES SUPPORTING PLACENTA ENCAPSULATION

Placentophagy protocol in management of postpartum care

‎”Giving…placenta to a new mother following birth has become standard protocol among a growing number of midwives in the United States. By nourishing the blood and fluids, endocrine glands and organs, Placenta will …reduce or stop postpartum bleeding, speed up recovery, boost energy and relieve postpartum blues.“ Homes, Peter. 1993. Jade Remedies, Snow Lotus Press, 352.

The Effect of Ingestion of Desiccated (dried) Placenta on Milk Production

“All patients were given desiccated placenta prepared as previously described (C.A. II, 2492) in doses of 10 grains in a capsule 3 times a day. Only those mothers were chosen for the study whose parturition was normal and only the weights of those infants were recorded whose soul source of nourishment was mothers milk. The growth of 177 infants was studied. The rate of growth is increased by the ingestion of placenta by the mother… the maternal ingestion of dried placenta tissue so stimulates the tissues of the infants feeding on the milk produced during this time, that unit weight is able to add on greater increments of matter, from day to day, than can unit weight of infants feeding on milk from mothers not ingesting this substance.” Hammett, Frederick. S. 1918. The Journal of Biological Chemistry, 36. American Society of Biological Chemists, Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research, original press: Harvard University.

The American journal of obstetrics and diseases of women and children

‎”It has been shown that the feeding of desiccated placenta to women during the first eleven days after parturition causes an increase in the protein and lactose percent of the milk… All the mothers were receiving the same diet, and to the second set 0.6mg of desiccated placenta was fed three times a day throughout the period. Certain definite differences in the progress of growth of the two sets of infants are to be observed. It is evident that the recovery from the postnatal decline in weight is hastened by the consumption of milk produced under the influence of maternally ingested placenta.” McNeile, Lyle G. 1918. The American journal of obstetrics and diseases of women and children, 77. W.A. Townsend & Adams, original press: University of Michigan.

Placenta as Lactagagon

“Powdered Placenta Hominis was used for 57 cases of insufficient lactation. Within
4 days, 48 women had markedly increased milk production, with the remainder
following suit over the next three days.” Bensky/Gamble. 1997. Materia Medica, Eastland Press, 549.

“An attempt was made to increase milk secretion in mothers by administration of dried placenta per os. Of 210 controlled cases only 29 (13.8%) gave negative results; 181 women (86.2%) reacted positively to the treatment, 117 (55.7%) with good and 64 (30.5%) with very good results. It could be shown by similar experiments with a beef preparation that the effective substance in placenta is not protein. Nor does the lyofilised placenta act as a biogenic stimulator so that the good results of placenta administration cannot be explained as a form of tissue therapy per os. The question of a hormonal influence remains open. So far it could be shown that progesterone is probably not active in increasing lactation after administration of dried placenta.

This method of treating hypogalactia seems worth noting since the placenta preparation is easily obtained, has not so far been utilized and in our experience is successful in the majority of women.” Soykova-Pachnerova E, et. al.(1954). Gynaecologia 138(6):617-627.

Placentophagia: A Biobehavioral Enigma

KRISTAL, M. B. NEUROSCI. BIOBEHAV. REV. 4(2) 141-150, 1980.

“Although ingestion of the afterbirth during delivery is a reliable component of parturitional behavior of mothers in most mammalian species, we know almost nothing of the direct causes or consequences of the act. Traditional explanations of placentophagia, such as general or specific hunger, are discussed and evaluated in light of recent experimental results. Next, research is reviewed which has attempted to distinguish between placentophagia as a maternal behavior and placentophagia as an ingestive behavior. Finally, consequences of the behavior, which may also be viewed as ultimate causes in an evolutionary sense, are considered, such as the possibility of beneficial effects on maternal behavior or reproductive competence, on protection against predators, and on immunological protection afforded either the mother or the young.”

Placenta for Pain Relief

Placenta ingestion by rats enhances y- and n-opioid antinociception, but suppresses A-opioid antinociception
Jean M. DiPirro*, Mark B. Kristal

Ingestion of placenta or amniotic fluid produces a dramatic enhancement of centrally mediated opioid antinociception in the rat. The present experiments investigated the role of each opioid receptor type (A, y, n) in the antinociception-modulating effects of Placental Opioid-Enhancing Factor (POEF—presumably the active substance). Antinociception was measured on a 52 jC hotplate in adult, female rats after they ingested placenta or control substance (1.0 g) and after they received an intracerebroventricular injection of a y-specific ([D-Pen2,D-Pen5]enkephalin (DPDPE); 0, 30, 50, 62, or 70 nmol), A-specific ([D-Ala2,N-MePhe4,Gly5-ol]enkephalin (DAMGO); 0, 0.21, 0.29, or 0.39 nmol), or n-specific (U-62066; spiradoline; 0, 100, 150, or 200 nmol) opioid receptor agonist. The results showed that ingestion of placenta potentiated y- and n-opioid antinociception, but attenuated A-opioid antinociception. This finding of POEF action as both opioid receptor-specific and complex provides an important basis for understanding the intrinsic pain-suppression mechanisms that are activated during parturition and modified by placentophagia, and important information for the possible use of POEF as an adjunct to opioids in pain management.
D 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Enhancement of Opioid-Mediated Analgesia: A Solution to the Enigma of Placentophagia.

KRISTAL, M.B. NEUROSCI BIOBEHAV REV 15(3) 425-435, 1991.
Two major consequences of placentophagia, the ingestion of afterbirth materials that
occurs usually during mammalian parturition, have been uncovered in the past several
years. The first is that increased contact, associated with ingesting placenta and amniotic
fluid from the surface of the young, causes an accelerated onset of maternal behavior
toward those young. The second, which probably has importance for a broader range of
mammalian taxa than the first, is that ingestion of afterbirth materials produces
enhancement of ongoing opioid-mediated analgesia. The active substance in placenta and
amniotic fluid has been named POEF, for Placental Opioid-Enhancing Factor. Recent
research on both consequences is summarized, with particular attention to POEF, the generalizability of the enhancement phenomenon, its locus and mode of action, and its
significance for new approaches to the management of pain and addiction. Read the full
article here.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Placentophagy#Human_placentophagy

“The placenta contains high levels of prostaglandin which stimulates involution (an inward curvature or penetration, or, a shrinking or return to a former size) of the uterus, in effect cleaning the uterus out. The placenta also contains small amounts of oxytocin which eases birth stress and causes the smooth muscles around the mammary cells to contract and eject milk.
The most general benefit of placentophagy, according to recent research, is that placenta and amniotic fluid contain a molecule (POEF, Placental Opioid-Enhancing Factor) that modifies the activity of endogenous opioids in such a way that produces an enhancement of the natural reduction in pain that occurs shortly after and during delivery.”

Effects of placentophagy on serum prolactin and progesterone concentrations in rats after parturition or superovulation

Blank MS, Friesen HG.: J Reprod Fertil. 1980 Nov;60(2):273-8.

In rats that were allowed to eat the placentae after parturition concentrations of serum prolactin were elevated on Day 1 but concentrations of serum progesterone were depressed on Days 6 and 8 post partum when compared to those of rats prevented from eating the placentae. In rats treated with PMSG to induce superovulation serum prolactin and progesterone values were significantly (P < 0.05) elevated on Days 3 and 5 respectively, after being fed 2 g rat placenta/day for 2 days. However, feeding each rat 4 g placenta/day
significantly (P < 0.02) lowered serum progesterone on Day 5. Oestrogen injections or bovine or human placenta in the diet had no effect. The organic phase of a petroleum ether extract of rat placenta (2 g-equivalents/day) lowered peripheral concentrations of progesterone on Day 5, but other extracts were ineffective. We conclude that the rat placenta contains orally-active substance(s) which modify blood levels of pituitary and ovarian hormones.

The placenta is composed of beneficial hormones, chemicals, iron, and proteins. These healing substances include:

• Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone: Contributes to mammary gland development in preparation for lactation; stabilizes postpartum mood; regulates post-birth uterine cramping; decreases depression; normalizes and stimulates libido.

• Prolactin: Promotes lactation; increases milk supply; enhances the mothering instinct.

• Oxytocin: Decreases pain and increases bonding in mother and infant; counteracts the production of stress hormones such as Cortisol; greatly reduces postpartum bleeding; enhances the breastfeeding let-down reflex.

• Placental Opioid-Enhancing Factor (POEF): Stimulates the production of your body’s natural opioids, including endorphins; reduces pain; increases well-being.

• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone: Regulates the thyroid gland; boosts energy and supports recovery from stressful events.

• Corticotropin Releasing Hormone (CRH): Low levels of CRH are implicated in postpartum depression. Regulation of CRH helps prevent depression.

• Cortisone: Reduces inflammation and swelling; promotes healing.

• Interferon: Triggers the protective defenses of the immune system to fight infection.

• Prostaglandins: Regulates contractions in the uterus after birth; helps uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size. Anti-inflammatory effects.

• Iron: Replenishes maternal iron stores to combat anemia, a common postpartum condition. Increases energy; decreases fatigue and depression.

• Hemoglobin: Oxygen-carrying molecule which provides a boost in energy.

• Urokinase Inhibiting Factor and Factor XIII: stops bleeding and enhances wound healing.

• Immunoglobulin G (IgG): Antibody molecules which support the immune system.

• Human Placental Lactogen (hPL): This hormone has lactogenic and growth-promoting properties; promotes mammary gland growth in preparation for lactation in the mother. It also regulates maternal glucose, protein, and fat levels.

TENS Unit in labor

Medical News Today published a press release citing a 2009 review by the Cochrane Collaboration that concluded that women should have the option of using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as a non-pharmacological method of pain management in labor.

The full report can be found on the Cochrane Collaboration’s website.  The summary reads:

“TENS is a device which emits low voltage currents which has been used for pain relief in labour. The way that TENS acts to relieve pain is not well understood. The electrical pulses are thought to stimulate nerve pathways in the spinal cord which block the transmission of pain. In labour, the electrodes from the TENS machine are usually attached to the lower back (and women themselves control the electrical currents using a hand-held device) but TENS can also be applied to acupuncture points or directly to the head. The purpose of the review was to see whether TENS is effective in relieving pain in labour. The review includes 19 studies with a total of 1671 women. Fifteen studies examined TENS applied to the back, two to acupuncture points and two to the cranium (head). Results show that pain scores were similar in women using TENS and in control groups. There was some evidence that women using TENS were less likely to rate their pain as severe but results were not consistent. Many women said they would be willing to use TENS again in a future labour. TENS did not seem have an effect on the length of labour, interventions in labour, or the wellbeing of mothers and babies. It is not known whether TENS would help women to manage pain at home in early labour. Although it is not clear that it reduces pain, women should have the choice of using TENS in labour if they think it will be helpful.”

 

  If you are interested in using a TENS unit for pain management in labor please check out one of these websites:

1) Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for Labor Pain Relief   By Robin Elise Weiss, LCCE
2) How to Use a Portable TENS Unit for Labor  By eHow Health Editor

Here are some quick facts about TENS units to get you started:

1) DO learn how to use a TENS unit before labor from a trained professional.  (This can usually be done by a trained doctor, midwife ,doula or physical therapist.)

2) DO continue to move with your TENS unit on!  (A TENS unit does not keep you from moving around or assuming various labor positions.)

3) DO use a TENS unit beginning early in labor and if you have back pain/back labor.  (Studies have shown that it is most effective in these situations).

4) DO NOT use a TENS unit while you are in a tub or shower.  (Although a TENS unit can be used during times when you are not in the water.)

5) DO turn up the frequency of the nerve simulations to help with the pain of contractions or push a button to give you a “boost” as needed during labor, then turn down during periods of rest.

6) DO try turning the TENS unit off and seeing how your contractions feel if you feel the TENS unit isn’t helping.  (You may find the TENS unit is actually helping!)

7) DO learn about, read about, and practice other non-pharmacological pain management techniques for labor even if you are planning on using a TENS unit including: warm water showers/bath/jacuzzi, back massage, leg massage, counter pressure, various labor positions, birthing ball, squat bar, birthing stool, visualization, affirmations, music therapy, aromatherapy, walking, warm packs, breathing & relaxation techniques, doula support, and most importantly, loving undivided attention and care from supportive labor companions.

Recommended Reading:  The Birth Partner, Third Edition: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Doulas, and All Other Labor Companions  by Penny Simkin

Penny Simkin’s book is a MUST read for any woman or labor companion preparing for childbirth (EVEN women who are planning on using pharmacological pain management options including epidural and IV pain medications should read this book!!!)  On page 150-151 Penny describes how to use a TENS unit in labor.

Basics:

What is TENS?
TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. By using a handheld battery operated device, mild electrical impulses are transmitted through the skin to stimulate nerve fibers. TENS is a safe, non-pharmacological method of pain control in labor and especially of back pain.

Does TENS work?

Research findings on TENS have shown that laboring women using the device use less pain medication than women using a “sham” TENS device [2]. The majority of women surveyed in the UK National Birthday Trust Survey rated it as moderately or very helpful in relieving pain and would use it again in a future labor [3]. A study that investigated the use of TENS for back pain in labor found that “TENS has a specific beneficial effect on pain localized in the back.”[1].

Purposes of TENS in labor:

Reduction of labor pain with…

• Freedom to walk and move
• Control of its use by woman or partner
• No loss of other sensations or contraction pain
• No decrease of mental function
• Continued active participation by woman
• Postponement of request for epidural
• Does not interrupt with hypno-birthing

Key Take-Away of using TENS:

• TENS is safe non-drug method of pain control for labor
• For some women, it reduces their awareness of back pain
• It seems most helpful if begun during early labor
• It is a worthwhile adjunct to other non-drug approaches for back pain

References

1. Bundsen P, Peterson L-E, Seistam U. Pain relief in labor by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation: A prospective matched study. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica 1981; 60:459-468.
2. Carroll D, Tramer M, McQuay H, Nye B, Moore A. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in labor pain: A systematic review. British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 1997; 104:169-75.
3. Chamberlain G, Wraight A, Steer P. Pain and Its Relief in Childbirth: The Results of a National Survey Conducted by the National Birthday Trust. Churchill Livingstone: Edinburgh, 1993.

Postpartum Belly Binding

The concept behind belly binding is to support the muscles and skin of a woman's midsection after having a baby. 

Here's an interesting snippet about the history of belly binding:

"For centuries, Japanese mothers have used their “Sarashi” to speed up weight loss and toning of the abdominal muscles and skin after childbirth, while Hispanic mommies believe their “faja” helps bring all the muscles used in the birthing process back together again. No matter what she calls it, women in Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Latin America, Mexico, Spain, England, and the Philippines have benefited from using an abdominal compression wrap after childbirth."

 
In many cultures around the globe woman traditionally bind their bellies after giving birth.  One type is called:

Bengkung Belly Binding is the traditional Malay belly compression binding method used after childbirth. Wearing a Bengkung helps to tone up your abdominal muscles and shape your hips after childbirth. It is advisable to start wearing a Bengkung 2-4 days after a normal delivery, and usually at 2 weeks after a surgical birth.  Benefits over using the Bengkung instead of some of the other compression garments sold in stores is that is covers the area from the pubic bone all the way to the area under the breast.  It does not ride/roll up and stays tight but comfortable until it is removed.  It is also made of a natural fabric instead of a nylon/spandex blend. 

After I gave birth to my first two I actually secretly wore a neoprene band. I wore it in hopes of burning off the excess fat....I do feel it worked and wish I had known about the many cultures that practice post partum belly binding.

Massage therapists say that from a muscular standpoint belly binding makes complete sense. The vertical abdominal muscles separate during pregnancy to allow the belly to expand and accommodate the growing baby, leaving a large gap after giving birth. Ideally, we want those muscles to come back together, but in many cases it takes months for that to happen.  Belly binding would, in theory, hold those muscles in their proper place and facilitate faster healing.

Another interesting note is that I weight lifters and construction workers wear wide support belts to support their back and core. It makes sense to me that a woman who has just given birth would need that kind of support as well.

Here is a youtube video I found also. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-hGWXqTW4Q

I am now a certified Sacred Belly Binder!

Tiffany's HBAC

Essential Oils for Pregnancy, labor and birth

Essential Oils for Pregnancy, labor and birth

First of all Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils from Young Living are safe, organic and non toxic if used with common ‘scents’. In order to gain proper therapeutic effects with Essential Oils the importance of purity cannot be overstated! AFNOR/ISO standards are the highest in the industry and guarantee not only best quality but also best therapeutic effects!

This document was born from my own personal experience in using YL Oils for own  births as well as my years of experience as a birth doula seeing the resultsof the use of YL oils.

 The idea was to create a guideline on how to use Young Living therapeutic grade essential oils before, during and after birth.

 The information given here is meant to serve health professionals, as well as new parents, as a guideline to make more informed product choices. 

In this way the following ideas are not meant to serve as prescriptions to solve anybody’s symptoms, but are rather meant to be applied in a more comprehensive context. Always talk to your health care provider or midwife first.

If  you are not familiar with Young Living Essential Oils yet, please contact me: https://www.youngliving.org/lisaolschewske

For now here is a place begin…enjoy!

A general guideline is that you want to see responses take place relatively quickly with therapeutic oils. If nothing happens for a while after you’ve applied an oil, it might be wise to try another one that addresses a similar pattern and see if that does the trick.

Using EO's (Essential Oils) can be very self-empowering if we create the time and space inside ourselves and listen to our inner guidance.

We are all bio-logical individuals and respond therefore different to different stimuli.

Young Living Essential Oils  are safe to work with in general. Most oils could actually be used’ neat’ (undiluted) on almost all adults but please avoid contact with the eyes. Avoid using them on the genital area in general or if then only in diluted form. This applies for mucus linings like the genitals, as some oils might sting if not diluted with a carrier oil like YL’s V6 eg. or any other vegetable oil serving as a carrier oil. Furthermore, some people are more sensitive than others, so diluted an EO in such a case might be appropriate. Remember that Essential Oils are highly concentrated substances. Often it is not the amount of EO used at any given application but the frequency of application that matters, that means how often an EO is actually used, which creates its powerful results.

Natural remedies differ vastly from Western Medicine drugs because the strength EOs have comes often more through their ability in changing the ‘terrain’ than just treating an isolated single function.

Please also refer to the ‘YL User Guide’ Guidelines for further Safety information which comes with all of your first orders.

Some ideas:

Here is a list of ideas to work from. Follow your own intuition and inner guidance when you are in doubt or simply pick up the phone and call me or someone else you trust who knows how to work with YL Oils.

If no specifics are given please use your own common sense.

I wouldn’t go anywhere without these:

Valor AM and PM on the spine and/or bottom of the feet - for deep Central Nervous System relaxation and to enhance the action of all other YL Essential Oils used.

Ningxia Red - 1-2 oz. a day – general Anti-oxidant support

If the Immune System needs additional support:

Thieves a few drops on the feet at bedtime to support better immune function if it is called for.

To optimize intestinal function and in case of constipation

Comfortone – if tendency towards constipation exists

ICP – increase fiber for better bowel formation and movement

Essentialzyme – digestive enzymes taken before meals to improve digestion, which might be challenged at times during pregnancy.

After birth, anointing the baby

YL Frankincense – Apply on the whole body diluted as an ointment

        Eg.30drops in 1oz. Carrier Oil like YL’s V6 Oil

YL Trauma Life Blend (Helichrysum, Lavender, Valerian,

Sandalwood, Rose, Spruce, Geranium, Davana, Citrus hystrix)

Apply wherever the Trauma happened, head area etc. or simply on the crown and the feet right after birth.

        See also Trauma section

Back Pain

        YL Pan Away – on the area of pain, directly or diluted with a few

drops V6 or vegetable oil

        YL Valor, on the area

        YL AromaSiez, on the area

        See also Muscular Pain

Balance Energy Field

YL White Angelica Blend on shoulders to strengthen the Energy Bodies

YL Harmony Blend, applied on all 7 charkas and/or the spine for deeper balancing

        YL Valor Blend on the feet and/or spine to help the Nervous System to ‘unwind’

Bleeding (any type)

        Helichrysum - internally used depending on situation, talk to midwife

        TraumaLife (Helichrysum, Lavender, Valerian, Sandalwood, Rose,

                Spruce, Geranium, Davana, Citrus hystrix) – externally.

Blood Pressure

        If too low or too high during pregnancy or birthing:

        YL AromaLife Blend, I drop on the heart and inner wrist

        YL Clary Sage lowers if too high

Breast infection/ ‘milk fever’/mastitis – if breast aren’t emptied completely or when milk ducts get clogged or if breast-feeding is stopped abruptly.

Cold Compress up to hourly during the day with

                YL Geranium 1drop

                YL Lavender 1drop

                YL Rose     2drops

In 1.5 pints cold water, dip washcloth into it, squeeze excess water out and apply on breast

        If also fever associated with it:  Add Eucalyptus globulus foot bath to

                the program. 5 drops added to ½ tsp sea salt and added to water

Breech Babies

          Try Myrrh applied to the belly button, several drops rubbed onto the belly,

                repeated application might be needed.

Circulation

        Massage legs every day with YL Cypress, YL Helichrysum and

YL Tangerine, each a couple of drops with a squirt of V6

        Carrier Oil or other vegetable oil

YL Ningxia Red juice, 1 oz. twice a day

Congestion

        During labor: Diffuse YL Euc.globulus or Eucalyptus.radiata –

                Or YL Rosemary – all three decongest

Contractions

To increase and strengthen them:

YL Clary Sage applied around the inside of the ankles and internally as needed, eg. 1 drop every half an hour

Colic

YL Roman Chamomile, compress on babies belly with 1 drop in bowl of warm water

Cesarean/C-Section

        YL Rose – heals emotional trauma plus is rejuvenative to the

skin/tissue (also part of Trauma Life)

        YL Helichrysum – heals tissue trauma, stops bleeding (also in YL

Trauma Life Blend!)

        YL Idaho Balsam Fir  - one time 10 drops into ‘OO” capsule taken

internally to wean off pain medications

                after C-section

YL Believe Blend (Frankincense, Idaho Balsam Fir and Rosewood)

- wound healing, diluted on the area

        YL Lavender – prevention of scaring, skin healing

YL Trauma Life (Helichrysum, Lavender, Valerian, Sandalwood,

Rose, Spruce, Geranium, Davana, Citrus hystrix) – covers a large terrain of application

Dilation, if delayed

          YL Clary Sage, use orally 1 drop every 15 minutes or 6 drops and see

        what happens over the next couple hours, then repeat if necessary.

Diaper Rash

          YL Gentle Baby diluted 1:30 with YL V6 or almond oil

Edema      

        YL Cypress and Tangerine, each one drop, repeat several times a day

drink Dandelion LEAF tea as well several cups a day

        Water Retention Massage Oil Blend:

YL Tangerine, 2 drops

YL Lemon, 1 drop

YL Cypress, 4 drops

YL Lavender, 4 drops

YL Geranium, 3 drops

Mixed into: 2 1/2 Tb.  almond oil, 1/2 Tb. jojoba oil

1 Evening Primrose oil capsule (approx. 10 drops)

This can be used all throughout pregnancy.  Relax on the sofa with your

legs raised on pillows.  Apply the oils to your feet, ankles and legs,

massaging toward your heart to help circulation.  The help of your partner would certainly be appreciated.

Emotional Support

        YL Forgiveness Blend – holding on to the past

YL Surrender Blend – to support in letting go

See also Fear, Panic, Trauma, Post partum depression, Self-esteem

Energy

        To strengthen energy:

YL En-er-gee Blend, 1 drop applied to each kidney (on the back, l drop over rib areas left and right) or on the bottom of both feet and/or on bottom of feet

        YL Rosemary, same as above or on the neck area

Episiotomy – see Perineum Care

Fear

        YL Peace & Calming – diffuse during labor

        YL Lavender – add to bath water at birth or diffuse it in the room

Group Beta Strep

        YL Thieves, 3 drops on soles of feet morning and night.

        YL Valor Blend on the spine, 5 drops distributed along the spine,

                morning and night

Heart Burn

        YL Peppermint internally 1 drop when needed

        YL Di-Gize on the belly, 3-4 drops directly for the mother

Combination of both works best!

Itching, vaginal

Sitzbath with 1 drop YL Rose and 1 drop YL Peppermint into a ½ tsp salt, added to the bath water

Indigestion

        YL Di-Gize – a few drops on the belly, diluted for babies to support

digestion and to prevent colic.

        YL Peppermint – internally one drop on the tongue for mother, on the                         bottom of the feet 1:10 diluted for babies

Lactation

        YL Fennel oil 2 drops in honey water every two hours.

Labor

Early Labor – to halt labor

        YL Clary Sage 5-7 drops and/or Fennel

        YL Lavender, apply a few drops on the belly and wait and see –

calming and relaxing

        YL Peace & Calming Blend, apply on the heart and solar plexus, just

                1 drop or so or diffuse it.

Encourage labor: in general Jasmine and Clary Sage can be helpful.

Amount varies from case to case. Taking a drop of Clary Sage for

Example once every 15 minutes to an hour might do it.

Use Jasmine only externally as a fragrant, don’t use it internally.

During Labor:

4 drops YL Helichrysum

4 drops YL Fennel

2 drops YL Peppermint

5 drops YL Ylang Ylang

3 drops YL Clary Sage

1/2 oz. V6 carrier oil

Apply only after the labor starts.  Massage inside the ankles, on little

toes, little fingers and lower tummy and back.

       

        Or Frankincense, applied diluted around vaginal opening

       

Diffusing Blend:

40 drops YL Lavender

37 drops YL Frankincense

21 drops YL Ylang Ylang

20 Chamomile Roman

Diffuse in birthing room

        Or simply Single Oils that call you

Wash Cloth Blend:

10 drops YL Jasmine

5 drops YL Chamomile  Roman

5 drops YL Geranium

20 drops YL Lavender

Use in a bowl of water, swish a washcloth and use to cool mom's head and face.

       

        Afterbirth Blend:

10 drops YL Geranium

15 drops YL Jasmine

Use with a carrier oil to help expel placenta and tone the uterus.

Morning Sickness – see Nausea

       

Muscular pain

        YL AromaSiez Blend on sore muscle with a squirt of V6 or other

                vegetable oil

        YL OrthoSport Massage Oil – ready to go muscular and skeletal pain

                Formula, apply on location several times a day

        YL Rosemary – directly on muscles or with V6 carrier oil

YL Valor – directly on sore areas and/or on bottom of feet and/or on

        on spine.

Mouthwash/Oral Hygiene

        If sensitivity to breath smell of support team, have them take a

        sip of YL Thieves Mouthwash

        OR a drop of YL Peppermint and YL Lemon oil orally on the tongue

Nausea

        Peppermint on the tongue, 1 drop at a time

        Lemon or other YL Citrus EOs in water, 5 drops to a quart keep

drinking all day long, purifies the lymph system

        Ningxia Red, 2 oz. a day

       

Perineum care

Avoid a possible Episiotomy:

• Perineal massage prior to labor:
• Blend of:

YL Clary Sage 5 drops and YL Rose 2 drops , in 1oz Wheatgerm oil.

• Myrrh applied on the perineum diluted 1:10 with YL V6 carrier oil
• YL Claraderm Spray after every time peat or several times a day on the perineum

                Three weeks before delivery:

8 drops Geranium

5 drops Lavender

1 oz. almond oil

Mix and rub on the perineum three times a day. This helps to soften the cervix and thins the membrane to get ready for delivery.

One Week Before Delivery:

8 drops Geranium

5 drops Lavender

5 drops Fennel

1 oz. almond oil

Apply this on the perineum to further get it ready.

Perineal massage once labor is well established

                Myrrh, few drops diluted in carrier oil (V6), 1:10

Perineal tear and trauma

·         YL Claraderm Spray - apply several times daily to hourly

·         YL Melrose Blend dilute 1:10 with vegetable oil and apply

·         Sitzbath with:

                        YL Cypress 2 drops

                        YL Lavender 3 drops

                                Add to 1/2tsp of salt and mix into bath water

        See also Episiotomy prevention

               

Panic

• YL Peace & Calming Blend, apply on your body (chest, wrists) or diffuse in air fan or diffuser or use in bath
• YL Lavender, same application

Post Partum Depression - often arrives with onset of lactation, one to four days after birth

• Thyromin, 2-3 capsules at night to support thyroid gland function
• Ultra Young Sublingual Spray to jump start pituitary
• YL Jasmine bath, add a few drops into 1/2tsp of salt and mix into bath water or …
• If you don’t have YL Jasmine, do the bath with YL Ylang Ylang o r YL Clary Sage
• YL Rose , simply just smelling it or applying it on the body
• YL Frankincense, diffuse or apply anywhere on the body, direct or diluted
• Blend of:

YL Bergamot 2

                YL Ylang Ylang 2

                YL Clary Sage 2

                        Add to 1/2tsp of salt and mix into bath water

       

Self-Love

        Rose – invokes it, apply on chest

Self-esteem

YL Believe Blend (Frankincense, Idaho Balsam Fir and Rosewood) – apply anywhere

        YL Valor Blend, apply on soles of feet or chest

Skin

dry in infants

        YL Rose 1 drop in 50 ml sweet almond oil

        itchy Skin Blend during pregnancy

4 drops Tangerine

4 drops Geranium

4 drops  Lavender

4 drops Cypress

3 drops Lemon

Added to 2 1/2 Tb. Almond oil

1/2 Tb. jojoba  oil

1 Evening Primrose capsule (approx. 10 drops)

1 Vitamin E capsule  (approx. 10 drops)

This oil can be used almost daily during pregnancy.

Apply it to wet skin after showering, especially on the growing belly. It may help in not having to experience the itch that most mothers speak of, plus it could be beneficial for stretch marks as well.

Sleeplessness

        YL Lavender, drop a few drops on you pillow or have a bath with it.

        YL Valor Blend on soles of feet at night before bed time

Sore nipples

        YL Rose, 1-2 drops in 20ml sweet almond oil or YL V6 Blend

Stretch marks

        Prevention:

YL Tender Tush Ointment, apply a few times per day

YL Lavender in V6

YL Gentle Baby Blend in V6

YL Valor Blend, like it comes out of the bottle

I suggest you rotate Oils/Blends

        Treatment:

Same as prevention, continue protocol

YL Gentle Baby Blend and Prenolone+ cream

also work well on stretch marks

Tiredness (see also Energy)

        YL Rosemary bath, 10 drop in a tsp of salt, added to the bath

        Invigorating massage oil blend

                Formula:

Rosewood 17

                Orange 6

                Geranium 2

                Add to 50ml vegetable oil like V6  

Trauma

        Rose – Supports in strengthening Spirit

        Trauma Life – in physical and psycho-emotional trauma, can be

                Applied to the mother or child after birth, diluted 1: 30 with V6 

                on the baby

                Or directly on mothers whole spine and feet after birth

                See also Perineum tear/trauma

Umbilical Cord

        YL Myrrh, apply to end of umbilical cord for better healing, 1:10 with

                Carrier oil like YL’s V6

       

Uterine Tonics:

        Jasmine, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Ylang Ylang, Nutmeg

Water birth, during

        YL Peace & Calming or YL Lavender, mix 10 drops to bath with ½

        Tsp of salt added to bath water  - to relax

Water Retention – See Edema

* * *

Precautions in using ESSENTIAL OILS

• Avoid Citrus oils on skin areas that are exposed to direct sun light during the day to avoid photo-sensitivities.
• Dilute all Essential Oils for babies, when in doubt 1:30 with a carrier oil like YL’s V6.
• Using Oils ‘neat’ that means undiluted will create a tendency for the skin to dry out easier. Using a carrier oil like V6 will create a more sustained effect and reduce the possibility for over sensitivities to occur, especially in newborn. Sensitivities to YL Essential Oils are seen very rarely. IF they are seen the cause is either that a different brand of chemically adulterated oils were used or because they were used in excess which simply overloaded the system. Or the oils used per to high in Phenols (eg. Oregano, Thyme)
• We only recommend the use of Young Living Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils, as high quality standards (AFNOR – French Standards for Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils) are an essential prerequisite to gain therapeutic results without producing side effects.
• Oils to AVOID during pregnancy:

Basil, Birch, Calamus, Cassia, Cinnamon bark, Hyssop, Idaho Tansy, Lavandin (a form of Lavender often sold in stores), Rosemary, Sage, Tarragon.

Here are some ideas for a Essential Oil Birth Kits (the reasoning for these can be found by getting more familiar with the above mentioned EO Reference Guide.

Note: If you have any specific issues that have been mentioned earlier please get these oils independently from the following recommendations.

Basic Birth Kit

Essential 7 Kit

        (Joy, Peace & Calming, Lavender, PanAway, Lemon, Purification)

         See the other attachment for more information on this!

Valor – to ‘unwind’ , relieves aches and pains, central nervous system

relaxation

TenderTush Ointment – preventing stretch marks

Gentle Baby – comforting, soothing, , reducing stress during pregnancy,

preventing stretch marks and scars and for bonding with baby pre-

natally by rubbing it on the belly and later on by using it to prevent

diaper rash. Apply also on perineum for softening of it.

Clary Sage – support labor, relax, support and balance hormone levels

Claraderm Spray – Perineum preparation before birth and after birth for

        healing this it

Fennel – support with lactation, digestion, colic etc.

Essential Birth Kit

Basic Kit plus:

Trauma Life – any trauma to the mum or baby, physically or emotionally,

brain and nervous system balancing, most comprehensive oil in dealing with trauma, tissue healer.

Myrrh – softens Perineum during labor, analgesic, anaesthetic, heals

Umbilical cord ending of baby, immune support, spiritual uplifting, stimulates upper brain centers/master glands similar to Frankincense and more.

Comprehensive Kit

Essential Birth Kit plus:

Frankincense – great purifier, opens brain function, pituitary and pineal

gland, one of the most holy oils for anointing the newborn, help in any type of wound healing, enhance immune function and more.

Rose – the greatest healer on the psycho-emotional plane, helps with healing

trauma (also one of the TraumaLife ingredients), stabilizes moods especially during post partum, relaxing, anti-scaring. deepens bonding with baby and more.

Note: I believe that this is the greatest treat you can give a woman who enjoys fragrances. Note that it takes 5000 pounds of Rose PETALS to make just 1 pound of Rose EO! We are talking a truck loads here! Any Rose Oil that is cheap is basically garbage (sorry to say!) and therefore a hazard to your health! Please don’t use any Rose Oil if you aren’t sure about it’s purity.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided here is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as diagnosis, treatment or prescription for any disease. The decision to use, or not to use, any of this information is the sole responsibility of the reader. Also, any and all recommendations made only apply to YL Essential Oils!

If you have any questions or need assistance or like to place an order, please don’t hesitate to call me, I would be happy to help you!

https://www.youngliving.org/lisaolschewske

Have a Grace filled day

~Lisa