The Little Medicine Chest - New Mums 08/06

Hi folks!

A warm & balmy welcome to your Little Medicine Chest in the sun.

As promised, after last month's advice for bumptious mums, here are some top tips to help you on the way to feeling like your chassis is your own again. I've also thought about some helpful hints on how to soothe your little bundle if they are colicky, have broken sleep patterns, or are teething. Sometimes wee pointers like these can help family life run a little more smoothly:

-Use rose, geranium, and bergamot in a carrier oil like grapeseed after you have given birth to help prevent the baby blues setting in. Massage in all over after a bath or shower instead of using moisteuriser. Check out “JOY” a ready made blend to help chase the baby blues away….

-Avoid separating from your child too soon if they have been used to being with you. Gently break the bond. This starts to happen at 40 weeks old. They are more likely to develop into healthy adults, & less likely to succumb to mental health & behavioural problems connected to feelings of abandonment.

-Ensure you & your baby get plenty of fresh air & sunshine, both while you are pregnant & once you have given birth. This means you will be topping up your vitamin D levels, helping your baby develop strong bones, & good mental health too. Giving your child just 20 minutes a day outside, with their face & hands exposed is enough for older infants to obtain all the vitamin D they need. (source WDDTY, Heather Welford, National Childbirth Trust, Aug 2003)

-Research shows that breast-feeding gives your baby a strong immune system, helping reduce the chances of them developing ailments like asthma, eczema, & heart disease in later life. Generally it is best not to exceed breast-feeding for more than 2 years. If you do have a problem breast feeding, again according to researchers it is best to use goat's milk as cow's milk can increase sensitivity to dairy products in later life & increase the risk of developing diabetes type I.

-Lemongrass, sweet fennel & jasmin essential oils help increase breast milk production, but only use these after you have given birth.

-Chamomile essential oil in grapeseed oil will help ease teething pain, reduce inflammation, & encourage sleep naturally when applied externally to areas of pain for your little one. To ease colic, massage this blend clockwise into littlun's tummy. Or check out a ready made blend “TEASY TOTS!” Many a parent has been thankful for this blend easing the distress of their wain, as well as their own angst brought about by watching their cherished child go through such pain & misery.

-Avoid using any oils derived from nut or wheat sources under the age of 6 years, as this can encourage nut/wheat allergies.

-Children's nightmares can be relieved by 1 drop of lemon essential oil and 4 drops of benzoin essential oil in 10mls of grapeseed oil rubbed into their feet, chest & temples.

-Massaging your baby regularly is not only healthy but encourages a good bond between you. Use gentle upward sweeping motions, as you apply a little grapeseed oil and make it fun! In India this is a regular part of family life.

-Children with stuffy noses or colds will benefit from using ravensara essential oil. 1 drop in 10mls of grapeseed rubbed onto their feet and chest will ease symptoms & boost their immunity.

-Children introduced to cereals too early on in life, have an increased risk of developing diabetes i.e. between 1 & 3 months, & also at 7 months plus. Researchers say that the ideal time to introduce cereals therefore, is between 4 & 6 months. (source Prevalence of Diabetes: Journal of American Medical Association 2003; Diabetes & Cereals; Journal of American Medical Association 2003.)

-Hyperactivity can be reduced by including magnesium rich foods in your child's diet e.g. cocoa (but with no sugar!), wholegrains & rice, dried legumes It can also be reduced by avoiding caffeine, sugar , & aspartame; a sweetener.

I hope you find that your little precious benefits from this information if needed, so they can get off to a good start on life's rich journey. Do feel free to contact me if you have any further questions though, & look out for the next issue when I tackle why more people are opting for natural medicine.

Meantime, have fun in the sun & be well,

Nicolle Mitchell I.T.E.C., EMBODY, A.C. Registered

Health Therapist & Bodywork Specialist

Email: nicolle@tlcinabottle.co.uk

ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR AROMATHERAPIST BEFORE USE OF ANY OILS TO ENSURE THEY ARE SAFE FOR YOU TO USE.

This advice is not comprehensive, but meant as guidelines to follow if you choose.

If you would like to indulge in some lovingly hand made 100% natural products designed to make your body beautiful & help ease the birth of your littlun into our world, feel free to give me a call on 01209 711686

THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH: “Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.” T.S. ELIOT

DISCLAIMER: we do not diagnose or guarantee cures. We aim to help people make informed choices about their health. Any changes in lifestyle, diet, mediation, supplementation or remedies, should be taken with your G.P.'s or health professional's support.

Contact details:

The Little Massage Clinic

Tel: 01209 711686

Email: nicolle@tlcinabottle.co.uk