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Story Massage Routine

Making up stories to go along with your massage routines is an excellent way to encourage discussion, promote imagination, and make massage more interesting for your child. Once you are both completely relaxed and as comfortable as possible, in whichever position suits you both best, the first thing to do is to ask your toddler where they would like to be massaged and what story they would like to hear. This helps them understand their body, and helps them become involved in the massage in general. It keeps them interested and gives you a way to remember the steps involved too!

You must begin the massage with asking for your child’s permission. Without it, you should never attempt to continue to massage your baby or toddler, as it could put them off massage completely, and will only serve to make everyone tense and stressed. You will soon be able to understand how your child is feeling and will know when it is the right time to attempt a massage.  When the time is right, why not try our story massage below and get to know Mumma Love’s characters, The Jungles, some more.

Here is the story, just encase you didn’t want to follow the video – sometimes it’s easier to go at your own pace.

Harper the Hippo didn’t want to go to bed

Harper the Hippo didn’t want to go to bed, she was having far too much fun in the jungle, plodding around trying to find her friends.

Put one hand on top of the other and make a figure of eight from one shoulder, across the top of your child’s back, to the other shoulder. Repeat up to four times. 

First, she found Ernie, but he didn’t want to play, he was too busy splashing water from his traffic trunk.

Next, keep curving your hands and stroke down your child’s shoulders to their wrists. Repeat two or three times. 

“What are you doing? “Harper asked in an inquisitive tone. “I’m giving myself a nighttime bath” yawned Ernie, blowing a big bubble from his nose. “You should be doing the same Harper, the moon is nearly up.”

Put one hand on top of the other and make large sweeping circles across your child’s back to represent Ernie blowing a bubble. 

Next, stroke your fingertips around your child’s back in a circular motion to represent the moon 

“But I’m not tired” huffed Harper, and off she plodded deeper into the jungle.

Make fists with your hands and press them lightly up your child’s back to mimic Harper plodding deeper into the jungle. 

Next, she bumped into Rory the Lion; he had bubbles all over his hair… “You look funny Rory” giggled Harper as she looked at Rory’s bubbly head. “I’m getting squeaky clean before bed Harper, that’s what I’m doing, you should be doing the shame, the moon is nearly up” instructed Rory in his gruff lion voice.

Walk your fingers up to the top of your child’s head, and begin to massage there. The motion required is much as though you were shampooing their hair, using the tips of your fingers and rubbing the scalp. 

“But I’m not tired” huffed Harper, and off she plodded a little deeper into the jungle.

Stroke down from the head to the base of the spine. Then make fists with your hands and press them lightly up your child’s back to mimic Harper plodding deeper into the jungle. 

After a while of plodding Harper noticed her friend George the Giraffe lying in the waterhole, he was covered in big, bright, bubbles, staring at the stars twinkling in the night’s sky. 

Lift your fingertips so that your hands are arched, and press them lightly all over your toddler’s back, one at a time, sweeping up and away, this move represents the stars.

George noticed Harper staring at him from a distance and with a Yawn shouted: “Harper come and join me, the moon is up, look how bright it’s making the bubbles.”

Put one hand on top of the other, in a large sweeping motion make a circular movement across the back to represent the moon.  

Harper was intrigued, the bubbles where so bright, so she slid in the water next to George and stared up at the moon. The warm water on Harper’s skin made her feel happy and relaxed; it even made Harper a little sleepy.

Put one hand on top of the other and make a figure of eight from one shoulder, across the top of your child’s back, to the other shoulder.

Next, use your fingertips to trace a horseshoe or U shape over your child’s stomach to represent Harper being happy.

Harper plodded out of the water. “Where are you going” questioned, George.

“I’m tired” whispered Harper. And with that, she shook dry and tucked herself up to bed for the night.

Stroke up your toddler’s back and squeeze down their arms to represent being tucked into bed. 

Goodnight, Harper, Good Night.

With the palm of your hand make a waving motion on your child’s back to say goodnight. 

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Gentle Bedtime Routine.

Establishing a bedtime routine is key to instilling good sleep habits in your baby.  A calming bedtime routine that follows a predictable pattern every night helps give your baby the cue that it’s time to put their little heads down to rest. This, in turn, helps them settle more easily. A mother needs time to relax and wind down after a busy and demanding day with an infant. From as early as twelve weeks we can incorporate gentle sleep methods into an infant’s routine, which can help them sleep more soundly.

We can teach an infant that bedtime is safe and help them relax by regulating the environment where they sleep. Lights should be dimmed and the room quietened, with no over-stimulating colours or objects. We here at Mumma Love Organics believe creating a calm atmosphere is essential in helping to soothe and settle your baby before bedtime. Perhaps play gentle instrumental music to help them recognise bedtime easier or infuse the air in the room with the light fragrance of Lavender Essential Oil (aromatherapy oils with their natural settling properties can be diluted and added to the room the baby sleeps in before they begin their bedtime routine). A recent study reported that mothers who used nursery aromatherapy in their infant’s bedtime routine were more relaxed and shared more physical contact and positive cues (such as smiling) with their child. The mother’s relaxed state helped calm the infant, who provided more eye contact and smiled at their mothers, cried less and finally spent a greater length of time in deep sleep. Reduced levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) were also exhibited by both mother and child.

The essential oils used in aromatherapy stimulate the olfactory senses that dictate your sense of smell. The signals produced trigger the brain’s emotional response, resulting in the creation of mood-changing hormones. Not only does this help relax your child, in time they will begin to recognise the fragrance of the essential oils as a part of their bedtime routine.

To disperse a calming aroma around the room, infuse the air with essential oils about half an hour before settling your baby to sleep. To do this, add 3-4 drops of oil  to one pint of steaming water in a bowl. Make sure the bowl is placed away from the infant’s head and out of reach of other children and animals. The steam will gently infuse the molecules of the essential oil into the room.

Bathtime Bliss

While waiting for the oil to evaporate you can give your baby their nighttime bath with our relaxing bedtime bath wash blended with lavender to help soothe and settle your baby. The sensation of warm water produces the hormone oxytocin, and when oxytocin levels are raised, feelings of trust are elevated. After baby’s bath, wrap them in a warm towel and take them to the perfumed nursery to carry on with their routine.

The aromatherapy teamed with a bath will result in a very relaxed baby. This feeling can be enhanced by incorporating a bedtime massage, as this act releases yet more oxytocin, while the increased flow of blood delivers oxygen and nutrients around the baby’s body aiding a deeper, fuss-free sleep. (Please below my directional video guide for bedtime massage). After the massage, dress baby for bed and supply one last feed before bedtime. Once the baby is ready, place them where you wish them to sleep in their still awake but drowsy state and give them a kiss goodnight.

Bedtime Massage

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Comfort, Settle & Sleep Roller Blend Remedy: Aromatherapy working its Magic!

Aromatherapy is often praised for its ability to create a sense of calm, but less is known about its powerful yet gentle capacity to heal. For babies suffering from minor complaints or disorders, aromatherapy can provide some efficient solutions that can be used time and time again.

However, it is important to take precautions with essential oils, as they tend to be potent in their concentrated form and babies are naturally sensitive to every kind of stimulus. By diluting the oils in a carrier oil, you can ensure the aromatherapy solutions you use will be suitable for the delicate skin and excitable senses of your child.

There are a range of essential oils that can be used to provide relief from common ailments in infants, but today I’m going to be talking about two of my favorites – Lavender and Roman Chamomile.  These oils work wonders in treating an array of common ailments in infants but are partially good for promoting sleep.

I learned about the power of these two wonder oils in my aromatherapy training, but what made me fall in love with them was witnessing the profound benefits they had on my own children.  Chamomile is naturally calming and is known for its soothing powers; making it an ideal oil to help settle little heads down to rest for the night. But, Chamomile is not only a natural relaxant; it also has the power to soothe away irritability in children, which in turn, aids in better bedtimes and sounder sleep.

 Lavender, on the other hand, is an excellent tonic for the nerves, when the oil enters the child’s body (through the child’s skin) it relaxes the nervous system, calms the mind and eases anxiety. This isn’t just good for inducing sleep at the end of a busy day; it’s also perfect for children who suffer from separation anxiety. Lavender has a natural ability to help settle children and put an anxious mind at ease, making bedtimes that little bit more blissful.  

Throughout the years of working with families, I have noticed that one question seemed to be on nearly every new mother’s lips and that was if I knew of a safe, gentle sleep remedy to help their child (and themselves) get more rest. Luckily I did and I’m about to share it with you…

Comfort, Settle and Sleep – Roller Blend Remedy.

Rollers to the rescue! I love using roller blends to administer aromatherapy to children; they are so easy to use and very effective. This rollerball remedy will give you the confidence you need to tackle bedtime battles with ease and help you create the peaceful bedtime us parents dream of.

Ingredients:

10ml Roller Bottle (readily available on Amazon or eBay)

1 drop of Lavender Essential Oil

1 drop Roman Chamomile Essential Oil.

10ml Grapeseed oil.

Method:

Place oils in the roller bottle and fill to the top with the carrier oil, before screwing on the top and giving it a good shake.

You can use the blend as part of your child’s night-time routine. All you need to do is roll the blend on your child’s feet or back of their neck (behind the ears) at bedtime to help promote calm sleep. This remedy is also great for taking out night terrors. Plus more, it can be used on stressed-out parents too. I often use this remedy after a busy day juggling work, kids, house, dog, etc. It’s perfect for calming the mind and soothing the soul.

Caution: Always patch test before using a product on your child. Also, beware of shop brought roller balls. A lot of these balls lack the right level of essential oil due to manufacturer costs and do not work effectively. When buying a product always look for the mark of trust. The product should be certified by the aromatherapy trade counsil or the soil association.

I love using holistic therapies on children; it has been my passion for many years. Why not have a look at my infant reflexology video below, perfect to use as part of a bedtime routine, it works especially well with my roller blend recipe!

Much Love and hopefully sleep

Samantha x

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Natural Ways to Soothe Nappy Rash & Digestive Complaints in Infants

Nappy rash is a very common complaint and, except in very severe cases, you don’t need to consult your doctor. As the name suggests, nappy rash is a skin irritation on the baby’s bottom or genital area – the parts usually covered by a nappy.

When your child’s skin comes into continued contact with ammonia, which both urine and faeces contain, this can cause a pink or red rash in patches or spots. This is often sore and sensitive and will cause your baby evident discomfort. Nappy rash can also be caused by fungal infections, which tend to develop in warm, humid conditions such as those found in nappies.

Natural Solutions and Remedies

The best solution for nappy rash is prevention, which simply involves increasing the frequency with which you change your baby’s nappy, and ensuring you change them as soon as possible after your baby has made use of them! Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to stop nappy rash developing, and the following can help to aid quick recovery:

  • Allow your baby as much time as possible without a nappy on, as this will allow plenty of air to get to the affected areas. In case of accidents, it’s worth lying your baby on a towel or, if she has started rolling, crawling or is otherwise mobile, on a floor that is easy to wipe clean. Ensure the room is not too cold; you could even take her outside if it’s warm enough.
  • Try washing the affected area with a herbal infusion, such as lavender or chamomile, which will help to protect your baby’s skin and hasten the healing process.
  • Try homeopathy: calendula cream is great for soothing the unpleasant burning and itching caused by nappy rash. Don’t lay it on too thickly, though; apply a thin layer to the affected area (thin enough that you can clearly see the skin) before putting on a clean nappy. Calendula cream will also provide a layer that will protect your baby’s skin from the effects of ammonia.

Caution

If the nappy rash has developed to the extent where the skin is cracked or broken, or blisters or swellings have appeared, take your baby to the doctor, as this may be a sign that there is some kind of infection.

 Constipation

Simply put, constipation is when faeces becomes harder and drier than usual, making it difficult and even painful to go to the toilet. If your infant is suffering from this condition, this may be indicated by evident discomfort when she is trying to empty her bowels, or she may not go to the toilet as often as she usually does.

Most of us will be familiar with this unpleasant condition, which can have a variety of causes – the majority of which are not serious. If constipation is not dealt with quickly, however, it can result in problems due to the build-up of waste product in your baby’s intestines.

The following are the most common causes:

  • Dehydration, especially in hot weather, as it causes faeces to dry out more quickly than usual
  • Certain types of food, since constipation is concerned with the digestive system
  • A diet that is too low in fibre or too high in dairy products
  • Other starchy or stodgy foods, such as bread, pasta, cereal, potatoes and bananas

Bottle-fed babies often suffer in this way because formula milk is much harder to digest than breast milk (breast milk is easier for a child to digest than pretty much anything else, so when you start to wean your breastfed baby onto solid food, you may find she suffers from constipation).

Natural Solutions and Remedies

While simply changing your baby’s diet will often relieve constipation, there are other treatments you can try that may also help to get things softened up and on the move:

  • Try fruit juices: some juices, such as grape and prune juice, can help relieve constipation, though it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider before introducing new foods to very young babies. Around 50 ml (2 fl oz) of diluted fruit juice twice a day is usually recommended.
  • Give your baby (if weaned) high-fibre foods, such as fruit (not bananas), vegetables, beans and wholemeal grain foods; these will help tackle constipation. Avoid giving too much squash or milk, which tends to have the opposite effect.
  • Bath your baby in warm water with a drop or two of lavender essential oil. This has two benefits, as the lavender will help ease any pain caused by constipation, while the warmth of the water should help to relax your baby, allowing ‘things’ to get moving.
  • Try homeopathy: Bryonia (bryony) is helpful for relieving dehydration and general dryness, and so is recommended for constipation. Nux Vomica can also assist when your baby clearly wants to pass their stool though without success. (Please seek advice from a qualified homeopath before giving homeopathic remedies to your baby.)

Try alternating the following two exercises:

  • Gently massage and rub your baby’s tummy in a spiral motion, starting at the belly button and gradually moving outwards. As the digestive tract is laid out in a clockwise direction, it’s important not to massage anti-clockwise.
  • With your baby lying on her back with her legs lightly held in a half-bent position, slowly move the legs as though pedalling a bicycle. This can also help to relieve excess gas.

Watch our directional video to help guide you through… 

Diarrhoea

Essentially the opposite of constipation, diarrhoea is often more concerning and distressing, though neither condition is pleasant. It is usually defined as the passing of loose or watery faeces at least six times in a single day – often at the most inconvenient of times for parents to deal with!

There are a number of things that can cause babies to suffer from diarrhoea, including bacterial or viral infections, intolerance to certain types of food that they find hard to digest, teething, or it may be that something has upset your baby or made her anxious. The bottom line is that, while with constipation too much fluid is absorbed from the bowel, with diarrhoea something is preventing that fluid from being absorbed properly.

Natural Solutions and Remedies

When your baby is suffering from diarrhoea it’s very important to bear in mind the risk of dehydration, as she will be losing a lot of valuable fluid. Make sure you keep her topped up with plenty of cooled boiled water or extra milk, to maintain healthy fluid levels. In addition to this, try the following to help tackle this unpleasant ailment:

  • Feed weaned babies mashed ripe banana – this will help their digestive system recover. Adding a teaspoonful of pectin-rich carob powder will also assist in binding things together.
  • Give your baby some aniseed water, as this will help to calm upset intestines and encourage gas to be passed. Simply grind one or two points of star anise as finely as possible and pour half a cup of boiling water over it. Once this has cooled, use a dropper to give your baby 3–6 drops orally whenever there are signs of an upset stomach.

Caution

If your baby’s diarrhoea is accompanied by fever or vomiting, or if she has had six or more occurrences of diarrhoea in the space of twenty-four hours, consult your doctor.

 

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Attachment Parenting: Bonding with Baby

With a myriad of parenting choices available to us all, it can be difficult to establish which one will work best for you. Often it is a case of trial and error, and armed with all available information it is up to you as parents to decide what works best for you and your family.

An increasingly popular parenting choice for many new families is ‘attachment parenting’. This style of parenting focuses on the connection that can be built between a child and his parents and is often viewed as an excellent way to bring up children to be empathetic, secure and independent as well as enabling them to grow into understanding, caring and rounded adults.

What is Attachment Parenting?

The philosophy of attachment parenting revolves around giving you, as parents the tools that you need to provide a nurturing environment for your child in which their direct and indirect needs are understood and consistently responded to. It involves treating your child with respect, kindness and dignity so as to build a long lasting relationship – or attachment – rather than rejecting their needs, leaving a divide between you both.

  • Attachment parenting builds and strengthens an emotional connection between parent and child.
  • A child who feels secure will be more likely to become an independent and confident adult.
  • Parents’ should respond to their child in a physical, verbal and emotional way when they are sick, upset, scared, tired or worried.
  • Children who trust their parents when they are growing up will learn to trust others in their lives and have the confidence to explore their environment.

Attachment Parenting Practices

There are certain practices that are available to those parents who choose attachment parenting, but remember that this is not a check list that needs to be strictly adhered to. Attachment parenting is a lifestyle choice and as such has the ability to be moulded to your family’s specific situation. Some of the practices of attachment parenting include:

Breastfeeding: Recent statistics published by UNICEF show that in 2010, 81% of newborn babies were being breastfed. (http://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/about-baby-friendly/breastfeeding-in-the-uk/uk-breastfeeding-rates/) Breastfeeding is an excellent way of making an initial bond with your baby and taking the first steps to getting to know him. As he grows, you will be able to read his cues and body language and reinforce your bond. Breastfeeding not only provides your baby with every single nutrient he needs to grow and develop in his first few months, but also stimulates your body to produce oxytocin and prolactin (also known as the mothering hormone).

Baby-Wearing: Wearing or carrying your baby helps them to learn from you, gain confidence and be reassured. Evidence shows that carried babies are less likely to cry than non-carried babies, often reducing their crying by over 50%. (http://wrapsodybaby.com/babywearing-resources/baby-wearing-myths-vs-facts/). Baby-wearing also improves the sensitivity of you, as a parent. You get to know your baby very well and will really enjoy understanding their needs and wishes from a very early age.

Co-Sleeping: If you work during the day or do not get to spend as much time as you would like with your child then co-sleeping is an excellent way to reconnect with them. However, it is important to remember that the best sleeping arrangement is one that sees all the family getting the best night’s sleep. For babies, night time can be an unfamiliar and scary experience. Co-sleeping can help to relax and reassure them, helping them to sleep soundly. It is also beneficial to breastfeeding, as your baby has access to the breast whenever he needs it.

Understanding Your Baby’s Cry: Getting to know your baby means getting to know his cries. You will very soon realise that he has a different cry for each situation. Responding to those cries quickly and sensitively will help to build your relationship. Not only will your baby be comforted by you, you will learn to trust your mothering instincts when it comes to what your child wants or needs.

The Benefits of Attachment Parenting

It may be slightly overwhelming when reading through the practices of attachment parenting and wondering if it really is something that you can incorporate into your life, especially with all the stresses of bringing home your newborn. Thankfully, the benefits of this type of parenting will last a lifetime; so just remember that if you want it, you can achieve it and seeing your happy, content baby growing up to be an inquisitive and confident toddler and a respectful and independent child will reassure you that you made the right decision. For a little extra incentive, here are some of the advantages of attachment parenting:

  • Promoting independence: Attachment parenting will nurture your child’s mind. With the right tools, your child will develop a strong bond between you which will also help to provide a secure base upon which to explore the unfamiliar and gain confidence and independence.
  • Improving behaviour: An attached baby will cry less, be less fussy and less clingy. This all comes from how the baby feels and whether they feel valued and cared for. If your baby feels good then they will act and behave well; they will not need to ‘act up’ to get what they need, they will already have it.
  • Improving development: If your baby is not crying as much, then what are they doing in their ‘free time’? Well the answer is – they are learning. And with more time to learn, they are able to develop effectively and become more receptive to learning.

Follow Your Own Parenting Instincts

It is true that many parents begin to follow the principles of attachment parenting, not because they have researched and invested in it, but because they are just doing what comes naturally to them and their baby. The key to becoming a loving, caring and successful parent is to be relaxed, calm and receptive; so remember this throughout motherhood and your children will grow up to be happy and health members of the family.

 

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Choosing birth preferences

During pregnancy, we are focused. On our body, our emotions and our health. And as our body changes, so do our emotions (sometimes on an hourly basis thanks to hormones!) and it’s likely that our health needs change somewhat too. Growing another human is a huge undertaking and one that must not be under-estimated. Give yourself credit for the amazing thing you are doing! But don’t forget that at the end of this pregnancy, comes the birth. Sounds silly, but many women focus on the day to day challenges of pregnancy, but when it comes to the birth not a lot of consideration is given to the logistics of it all. Then there are the women who give it a lot of thought indeed! It’s important to keep things in perspective, which is why writing a birth plan is often suggested. But instead of writing a plan that may not be kept, how about simply choosing your birth preferences instead?

Choose preferences, don’t plan

When we make plans, we often set ourselves up for failure if they go awry. And during pregnancy, labour and birth, nothing is set in stone. Childbirth cannot be predicted. We cannot know how labour will progress nor how baby will react. Unpredictable events cannot be planned for! So, writing a birth plan may seem like a sensible thing to do (and for many it is!) but it could be an idea instead to choose birth preferences that fit in with your expectations?

To be informed is essential, and if you are armed with all the knowledge of what is happening to your body, and what will happen during birth then you are in a better position all round. Knowledge is power, as they say, and being in the know will help you to feel more in control too. But remember that your baby does not know about your plans. No matter how well you have researched your ideal birth- you will still need to be flexible. So writing down your birth preferences makes a lot more sense than writing a plan, don’t you think? And when you do, you might find there is more that you can control than you originally thought…

Let go of the fear

It’s normal to feel fear and anxiety about birth. Television and films tell us that it is going to hurt, and depending on what book you read many of the experts agree. But it is up to you how you channel that pain. If you decide that you want to take pain relief when you’re in labour, research the different medicines that are available at your hospital. Make sure you know what each one does and what the side effects are, and write down your preferences. If you decide you will handle events differently, look into other ways to manage the pain and reduce fear and anxiety- hypnobirthing is excellent for this and we’ve already written a quick guide that you can refer to.

The most important thing is to release the fear, and you can do this by:

  • Read some birth stories. Fear of the unknown is destroyed if you know what is in store for you.
  • Talk about it. Let your partner and your midwife know how you are feeling, and ask questions too.

Make sure that you address your fears before you write your birth preferences and make sure that whatever it is that is causing anxiety is out in the open as soon as possible. The saying ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’ really is true!

Create a positive birth environment

Another thing to consider when you write your preferences- where you are going to give birth. And how can you make it as positive as possible? Whether you opt to have your baby at home, a midwife led unit or in hospital, it has to be the right decision for you. And there are ways that you can make it a positive environment for you. Consider the following:

  • Lighting. Some women like to have candles to help create a calm and relaxing environment. Some hospitals can dim the lights for you and it’s worth knowing that bright lights can actually inhibit the progress of labour, so make it clear in your preferences how you want your lighting controlled.
  • Your sense of smell is very powerful and the aromas that you choose to have around you as you give birth are important too. Soft, pleasant and nurturing scents such as vanilla can help you to relax and are a lot nicer to smell than hospital antiseptic smells! Have some scented massage oil to hand and ask your partner to apply some when you need it.
  • Lots of women find listening to music during labour extremely relaxing, so if you have preferences make sure you bring your own music.
  • Food and drinks. During labour, you will need lots of energy to see you through your task in hand, so make a list of the types of food and drink you want- and the types you definitely don’!

When you write your birth preferences, discuss them with your partner so that you are both clear about the things you’d like to be in place when the day arrives- but remember that they are just preferences. Nobody knows what is going to happen, and if you are happy to remain flexible then you are more likely to retain control of the situation.

 

 

 

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Why Organic ?

When we have children, they become everything – they become our world. As parents, it’s our job to give our children all that they could possibly need, and that includes a healthy start in life. One of the most important organs to care for when it comes to babies is their skin, which, although perhaps surprising at first, makes a lot of sense when you realize that it is 30 percent more delicate than an adult’s. That means it is much more sensitive and much more prone to irritations.

Remember that our skin is the largest organ in our body (or rather, on our body). Everything we put onto it is absorbed into it, and so it needs to be treated with the utmost care – whatever you put onto your baby’s skin needs to be thoroughly scrutinized.

When a baby is born, its immune system is defenseless; that means it takes time to start working properly. Because of this, many parents (rightly so) feel that organic products are the best option. But there are so many natural skincare products for babies out there; which make organic claims, that it’s hard to determine which one is the best. After all, each one claims something different, yet hardly any of them actually go into what organic really is. That can be something of a problem for parents who are keen to give their child only honest, organic skincare.

Organic skincare makes a lot of sense, and I truly believe it is the best way to care for a baby. Unfortunately, the planet is still constantly being polluted – heavily – with chemicals, and manufacturers seem mostly unconcerned with how much these chemicals can affect our children, and specifically their delicate skin. A baby is much more sensitive to these chemicals then an adult would be – their skin is thin, and their brand new respiratory, endocrine, and digestive systems are absorbing everything through it. That’s why I’m encouraging you to think carefully about what you’re putting on your baby’s skin. It can make all the difference.

So what exactly is ‘organic’? An organic product is one that has been made with organic ingredients. In other words, ingredients that have been grown naturally, without using any chemicals to assist them. There are no awful pesticides involved, and that means the products are better for our bodies as well as our planet.

So, when you go shopping, make sure to look for the Soil Association logo on anything you buy. This shows you that it is certified as organic; it’s a mark of trust that means you can use the product worry-free, and it’s the only way you will know for sure that what you are picking up off the shelf is totally organic. Although many products make organic claims, without that all-important logo, you can’t be sure that it’s true. The Soil Association logo is a powerful symbol of trust and transiency – offering buyers assurance in an uncertain world.

This is why I created Mumma Love Organics for babies and children, and why I decided to put my children’s skincare range through the proper certification procedures.  Here at  Mumma Love Organics, we care what stays out of our products as much as we care what goes into making it. So no harsh chemicals will be found in our skincare, just honest, natural, organic ingredients. This is supported by the Soil Association Organic Standard.

 

 

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Bathing a newborn baby

Babies don’t come with instruction manuals, unfortunately, and no matter how many parenting books we read, or how much advice we’re given from well-meaning friends and families, there can be times where it all seems a little daunting. Caring for a tiny, helpless human being can be overwhelming sometimes! Remember that we all feel that way now and then, whether this is your first baby or your third. And often it is the smaller tasks that can seem the most tricky when you’re tired and emotional. One such task is the newborn bath. It’s not always as easy as it looks, but there are steps you can take to make sure that it goes as smoothly as possible. Here is our very quick guide to bathing a newborn baby- we hope it helps!

How often to bathe?

There are mixed opinions on this. Officially, newborn babies do not need to be bathed every day, and its recommended that you wait until they are at least a few days old before giving them their first one. If you have your baby in hospital, the staff there might help you with the first bath, or you may prefer to wait until you get home. Either way, for the first week or so you can just ‘top and tail’ (we’ll explain more in a moment) before moving on to bathing. And then it is up to you, and your baby. Some families use bath time as an essential part of their bedtime routine so they bathe baby every day, some families prefer to alternate with every other day. If your baby loves the warm water and finds it soothing etc then there is no reason at all why you can’t make a bath part of your daily routine too. Remember that newborn babies do not get ‘dirty’ in the same way as toddlers so a daily bath is not a necessity if you don’t have time, or prefer to simply wash baby in between baths.

Top and Tail

So called because you are simply washing baby from top to tail, without the need for a bath. Here’s how to do it:

  • Prepare everything before you start. Make sure you have a warm towel and nappy changing items to hand, plus all you need to dress and feed baby afterwards.
  • Make sure the temperature of the room is warm so that baby doesn’t get cold.
  • Fill a bowl or sink with clean, warm water. Check the temperature to make sure that it isn’t too hot or too cold.
  • Undress baby and place her on a warm, dry towel. Some babies will protest at this point, so be as reassuring as you can- and work as quickly as you can without appearing rushed or frantic. Your baby will pick up on any urgency you project so keep calm and composed!
  • Topping: wash baby’s face gently with cotton wool dipped in the warm water. Start with the eyes, wiping once from the corner of the eye near the nose, outwards. Always use just one piece of cotton wool for one wipe, to prevent potentially spreading infections. Next, move on to the ears- wipe gently with cotton wool, and then around the outside of the ears. Don’t wipe inside the ears. Use new pieces of cotton wool to then clean baby’s face, neck creases and hands.
  • Tail: Baby’s genitals and bottom need to be thoroughly cleaned. Do this by using a very mild organic liquid soap in the water, and cotton wool.

It’s a good idea to top and tail baby daily if you aren’t bathing her daily, or just on the days in between. Baby’s bottom and genitals will need cleaning after every nappy change.

Bathing your baby

Again, it is up to you how often you bathe your baby and as long as you are both comfortable with it there is no reason why it can’t be daily. There is no need to wait for baby’s umbilical cord stump to dry and fall off; but you do need to let it dry properly after the bath. Here are some tips to make bath time easier:

  • Get everything prepared. Place a towel on the floor for baby to lie on as you undress her, and for afterwards. Have clothes, nappy changing items and everything you need for a feed to hand. It’s also a good idea to have a folded towel or a kneeler for you too.
  • Make sure the temperature of the room is warm.
  • Fill a baby bath with warm water and use your soothing and settling baby bedtime bath wash too if you like.
  • Ask someone to help you if you’re feeling nervous, especially at first. Babies can be wriggly and slippery when wet!
  • Undress your baby, and wrap her in the towel while you clean the face, as you would in a top and tail.
  • You will need two hands to lower baby into the bath. Place one arm around the shoulders and neck, holding baby’s outside arm with your hand. Then place your other hand under the bottom and lower her gently into the bath.
  • When baby is securely resting on the bottom of the bath, remove that hand and use if for washing.
  • Using your hands, scoop warm water onto your baby’s body slowly, ensuring that she is warm at all times.
  • When baby is ready (and it may only be a five minute affair at first) gently lift her out and wrap her in your towel. Don’t rub her dry, gently pat her body and hold her close until she is warm, dry and ready to be dressed.

Lots of babies enjoy a feed straight after the bath so now is the time for you to both sit back, relax and spend time together. Hopefully baby will be nicely relaxed, clean and happy. Good luck!

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Breastmilk: nature’s original superfood

Did you know that breastmilk is a bit of a superfood? It’s true. While for some strange reason the world seemed to fall out of love with one of the most natural phenomenons in history, Mother Nature must have been shaking head in confusion. When breastmilk can be tailored perfectly to your own individual baby, based on her needs right now- why would you opt for anything else? Of course there are many, valid, reasons why you may choose not to breastfeed- personal, emotional and medical- and our intention is not to berate those decisions. We are not here to judge, simply to share the wonders of breastmilk: nature’s original superfood. Here are five reasons why we believe that to be true.

Breastmilk provides baby with all the antibodies and bacteria needed to support a healthy immune system.

When in utero, your baby is protected in a sterile environment, away from bacteria that could pose risks to her health and wellbeing. Once on the outside though, it’s a different story! And aside from wrapping your baby in cotton wool and banning all forms of human contact, you just cannot replicate this environment. And why would you want to? Babies need to be exposed to bacteria so that they can build their immune systems- and that’s where breastmilk comes in.

Studies now suggest that if your baby is breastfed for just the first week of life, your milk will provide enough friendly bacteria to give her immune system a super blast. And it’s thought that up to 80,000 babies’ lives could be saved each year if access to breastmilk in that week alone was possible. That’s pretty mindblowing! Further studies have found there to be up to 700 different strains of bacteria in breastmilk, which is enough to support baby’s biome and to provide long term health benefits too. Leading on to our next point…

Breastmilk helps to promote long term health…

for mother AND baby. A baby who is given breastmilk in infancy will build up her immune system to the point where she is able to fight common allergies. It also helps to protect against asthma, digestive issues and autoimmune diseases too. A breastfed baby will also be getting lots of essential fatty acids from the milk too, which means a boost in brain development, growth, and bile salt production. Experts agree that the nutritional value of breastmilk is second to none in the first six months of life.  And for mum?

Mothers who breastfeed are less likely to develop postnatal depression, as nursing triggers the release of oxytocin, the feel good hormone. This means that during breastfeeding, mums are more relaxed and nurturing instincts are also emphasised. Lots of mums report that they feel the bond with their baby is strengthened through breastfeeding too. Additionally, studies have found that women who breastfeed are more protected against breast and ovarian cancer. It’s thought that structural changes in the breast during at least one year of nursing, coupled with the fact that lactation suppresses oestrogen production in the body, can help to protect against breast cancer in particular.

Breastmilk is tailored perfectly to your baby’s needs.

So there is no need to go out and buy different types of milk depending on your baby’s age. Each time you nurse your baby, your body produces milk suitable for her needs- so the milk changes and adapts as required. What other food can do that? Breastmilk is the perfect combination of water, fat, protein, carbohydrate, minerals and vitamins. It also contains hormones, and enzymes, essential fatty acids specific to your baby. It’s a little like a magic potion made specially for your baby.

It’s convenient (and free)

No other method of feeding is quite like breastfeeding. And what other superfood is available 24 hours a day and at no cost? Breastmilk is the ultimate in healthy fast food, and there is no denying the convenience of it all. Not all mothers find breastfeeding easy at first, but if you are able to work with a lactation consultant or similar, you should be able to establish a good feeding schedule that suits you and your baby quite easily. And it’s worth noting that breastmilk is always served at just the right temperature too- no preparation required!

It’s natural

In a world where we are surrounded by foods and products that have been chemically enhanced to taste, smell and look good, breastmilk is a welcome superfood. There are no added chemicals, preservatives, sugars or flavours. It’s easily digested, it has a natural laxative effect so that breastfed babies are rarely constipated, and it is all your baby needs in the first six month of life.

If you would like more information and/ or support with breastfeeding, here are some links that might help:

Find a breastfeedng network support group

National breastfeeding helpline

Association of breastfeeding mothers

Baby cafe– for local breastfeeding cafe groups in your area

Best Beginnings

La Leche League

Lactation Consultants of Great Britain

NCT

UK Association for milk banking– for information on milk donors

 

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No Nasties

A healthy, safe skin-care routine for your child should revolve around one word: gentle. But did you know many skincare products made for babies and children contain irritating ingredients? A baby’s skin is 30% more delicate than an adult’s, leaving it sensitive and prone to irritation.

Chemicals such as sodium lauryl sulphate (sls), silicones, parabens and mineral oils are all commonly used in baby care products. These chemicals can be skin irritants and even disrupt the immune, reproductive and endocrine system. Your baby’s skin absorbs things easily, so anything that is applied to the skin such as baby wash, baby oil, creams and lotions are absorbed into their bloodstream.

It is slightly worrying that such ingredients, which may be in your baby’s bath wash, such as sodium lauryle sulphate, started life as an industrial garage floor cleaner due to its corrosive ability to remove grease. The journal of the American College of Toxicology in their final report on the safety assessment of SLS stated that the chemical has been seen to be a skin irritant in clinical studies all over the world. This is especially bad news for those with sensitive skin or those suffering from eczema and psoriasis, as the chemicals will strip the protective oils from the epidermis, leaving it raw and irritated (1,2).

SLS also has strong links with eye development. Researcher Keith Green Ph.D., ID, Sc. Of the medical College of Georgia carried out extensive research on SLS. Dr. Green states: ‘There is an immediate concern relating to the penetration of these chemicals into the eye and other tissues. This is especially important in infants…exposure to SLS results in accumulation in eye tissues, a process that could retard healing as well as potentially have long term effects’. He concludes that exposure to sodium lauryl sulfate can cause improper eye development in children, and that since it is absorbed systemically through the skin, it does not have to enter the eye directly.

Younger individuals are more susceptible to the effects of SLS (3,4). Worryingly, this chemical becomes harsher with increasing temperature (5). Most people prefer to wash in warm or hot water, which should be a grave concern for everybody, the baby care industry in particular.

Parabens or benzoates are also a concern when buying baby cosmetics. They are widely used in food and cosmetics to extend shelf life of the product. It has been claimed that these preservatives stimulate the creation of oestrogen, which disrupts the hormonal system. They have also been known to cause allergic reactions and skin rashes; evidence published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology indicates that parabens can also be detected in human breast tumors.

We here at Mumma Love Organics believe there is a question mark held over the safety of parabens and SLS in baby cosmetics. In parts of Europe parabens have already been banned in cosmetic products, for example, Denmark was the first country in the EU to ban products containing parabens for children under the age of 3 years.

At Mumma Love Organics we care what stays out of our products as much as we care what goes into making it. So no harsh ingredients will be found, just natural organic ingredients with natural preservative properties. This is supported by the Soil Association Organic Standard.

References

  1. ANDERSON C, SUNDBERG K, GROTH O. Animal model for assessment of skin irritancy. Contact Dermatitis 1986 Sept: 15 (3): 143-51.
    2. GIBSON WT, TEALL MR. Interactions of C12 surfactants with the skin: Changes in enzymes and visible and histological features of rat skin treated with sodium lauryl sulphate. Food Chem Toxicol 1983 Oct: 21 (5): 587-94.
    3. HERLOFSON BB, BARKVOLL P. Oral mucosal desquamation of pre- and post-menopausal women. A comparison of response to sodium lauryl sulphate in toothpastes. J Clin Periodontol 1996 Jun: 23 (6): 567-71.
    4. SCHWINDT DA, WILHELM KP, MILLER DL, MAILBACH HI. Cumulative irritation in older and younger skin: A comparison. Acta Derm Venereol 1998: 78 (4): 279-83.
    5. GOFFIN V, LETAWE C, PIERARD GE. Temperature-dependant effect of skin-cleaning products on human stratum corneum. J Toxicol 1996: 15 (2): 125-30.