Pregnancy is a time of celebration, of caring for oneself in a totally new way and for utilizing nourishing vegetable and herbal oils to support the health of the skin and body/mind. One of the concerns for many women during pregnancy is the potential of developing stretch marks, also known as striae gravidarum (SG). Although not harmful, stretch marks can be a cosmetic concern for some women and so I thought I would share my own routine of nourishing the skin during my pregnancy with my son Soren.
Several studies support the use of massage oils and creams for the prevention of stretch marks during pregnancy. (See Creams for preventing stretch marks in pregnancy by Gavin Young and David Jewell.) And within the world of aromatherapy and herbal medicine, there are an abundance of vegetable and herbal oils that one could consider including: borage seed oil, hemp seed oil, jojoba, calendula or rose infused herbal oil, rosehip seed oil, and sesame oil. Another great oil to make and use on the skin during pregnancy would be carrot infused oil.
Here are two recipes that I have had great success with! Enjoy and be sure to create a sacred time each day to use either the massage oil or belly butter.
Mama’s Belly Massage Oil
Self massage during pregnancy is a beautiful and sacred way to connect not only with your own body but also to send love and beauty to the developing baby.
To make 4 ounces:
- 2 ounces Vanilla infused Jojoba oil (to learn how to make: Vanilla-bean infusion)
- 1 ounce Calendula herbal oil
- 1/2 ounce Rosehip seed oil
- 1/2 ounce Avocado oil
- 6 drops Rose essential oil
- 12 drops Tangerine
- 6 drops Lavender
Combine drops of essential oils in a clean 4 ounce blue cobalt glass bottle then gently shake bottle to combine essential oils. Add in vegetable and herbal oils. Shake well again. At least once a day, create a time to sit and relax and massage the Belly oil on your belly, hips, thighs and breasts. This can be done 2x a day.
Belly Butter:
To make approx. 8 ounces:
- 3.3 ounces shea butter (or 2 ounces shea butter and 1.3 ounces mango butter)
- 1.7 ounces coconut
- 1/8 cup calendula herbal oil
- 1/8 cup rosehip seed oil
- 1 tsp (.145 oz) sea buckthorn co2 extract
- 12 drops Neroli essential oil (can use Neroli/Petitgrain co-distilled eo)
- 10 drops Tangerine essential oil
- 4 drops Rose essential oil
This is a rich beautiful balm that is easy to use, highly nourishing, and smells delicious. I loved using this for my belly!
Instructions
- Weigh and measure all ingredients.
- Gently melt shea butter and coconut oil in double boiler.
- Stir mix well while it is melting. Just before the shea and coconut are completely melted, remove from heat.
- Add in vanilla infused jojoba, avocado and sea buckthorn co2 extract.
- Be sure to stir well with stainless steel fork.
- Once all is melted and well combined, remove from heat.
- Add in essential oils/synergy. Stir well.
- Pour mixture into sterilized jars and cap.
- Place jars in refrigerator for up to 12 hours until the butter has ‘solidified’.
- Take one jar out of fridge to use. Leave others in fridge until needed.
