How to make a soothing post-natal spray

[Willy]

Hi everyone,

Im 6months pregnant and am looking ahead to the birth of my baby and would like to know how i could make a soothing perineal spray for post-birth..i would include a blend of lavendar, tea tree/witch hazel and perhaps cooling peppermint, what im not sure about is how to get the oils to mix with the water??

Any tips on what i should do or is it even possible to make?

I saw a spray i could buy http://www.mammamia.ie/emab-new-mama-bottom-spray-313-p.asp if my home-made one doesnt materialise.

I just thought id give it a shot seeing as i have all the essential oils and a spray bottle.

Thanks in advance

 

[123glamma]

I would make it very dilute initially as post delivery the perineum is often swollen, sore, tender and many people have stiches. You do not want it to sting but to soothe. A normal concentration would be 8 drops of essential oil to 20 mls of massage medium oil. Post delivery i would recommend half this dose ie 4 drops of essential oil to every 20 mls of base maximum.
You will need to add the essential oils to a base to allow it to mix as it will only float on water. Lavender is perfect post delivery, I would personally recomend that you avoid the witch hazel as personally i think it may sting if you have any small abrasians ( which are very normal and common).
Congratulations on your pregnancy and I hope all goes well with you.
Jane

 

[Muninn]

Thanks Jane, but i dont like the idea of using oil down there, just water seems more sanitary, as youre right, i'll most likely have abrasions or poss episiotomy.

Im prob better off forking out the money for the ready-made spray from the site.

I just thought there might be some trick to get the oils to mix!!

Thanks a mill

 

[Inferno Tomato]

I would recommend mixing some aloe vera gel with lavender and tea tree essential oils which can be used on birthwounds of any kind. Keep it in the fridge and apply 3/4 times a day. It will help speed up healing, soothe it and help prevent infection. You could also place a small amount of it on a sanitary pad to wear.

If you get pure witch hazel it shouldn't sting when applied. Witch hazel does act as a dispersant for essential oils so should mix fine - just shake well each time you use it.

 

[Amar Kadiric]

Distilled witch hazel is an astringent, and hurts like hell on broken skin!

It's very cooling as a result, so would probably make a lovely general spray - maybe like the one Earth Mama Angel Baby sell, called Happy Mama - to pick you up after the birth.

Aloe Vera Gel sounds like a very good idea. I don't know if you could mix it with water to thin it for spraying...maybe just pop it in a pot? (sterilised!)

Good luck!

 

[Pompal 09.]

i agree with lavendula - that is good advice

 

[YO! Eighth Account]

You could add a little water to the aloe vera to thin it but by introducing water you run the risk of bacteria growing in it (less chance with the tea tree essential oil in though). If you wanted to do this I would recommend making up a very small amount and keep in the fridge or only adding water just before you use it.