Transition

The Transition Stage in child birth is so perfectly named.  A passage from one state to another.  The welcoming into motherhood, the entrance into the secret society of being a parent.

During transition I lost it.  It was the first time I laid down during labor.  I had been counting by three’s during each contraction and I was working through them.  Walking around the room in between each one, leaning over the counter and counting during them.

After a few minutes of lying down I started to feel like I was going crazy.  I couldn’t remember what I needed to do.  I lost my focus which was so important to me.  I needed someone to guide me back to my special place.  I told my partner that my hair hurt.  My attendants told me that I was in Transition and that I was doing great.   I told them that my thighs were on fire.  Someones soft hands covered my feet in cooling lotion and finally someone asked “this may be an awful idea but a shower might feel good.”  I don’t think I have ever moved as fast, almost leaping off the bed to the shower.

During Transition, essential oils may help with grounding or to bring a birthing woman back to herself.  Inhaling White Fir can be very powerful.  White Fir with its earthy scent connects me with nature, where I feel the most powerful.  One of the citrus oils, Wild Orange, Lemon, or the blend Citrus Bliss can also be very powerful.  The crisp fragrance of refreshing oranges may uplift the anxiety and mental stress going through a woman during this shot period.  The blend Balance may also help a women through this intense moment of her labor.

Other oils to diffuse would be Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Roman Chamomile and Frankincense.

Some women during transition feel nauseous.  Breathing Peppermint may help.

Basil or Black Pepper with Frankincense may help with the pain.  Applying to the abdomen, lower back or thighs.

This is a wonderful site for more information on using essential oils for labor.

 

 

This information is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease. Please consult qualified healthcare providers for your own personal advice.

The Frist Stage of Labor

Wow!

That is what I think of when I remember the last few weeks of pregnancy.  I got so huge the last month.  We had a full size mattress at the time and I remember feeling like it wasn’t enough room for both my husband and myself.  I ended up sleeping on a blow-up air mattress because my soft bed felt so hard on my swollen body.

The question that kept running through my brain was when would labor start.  I was so excited and also very nervous.  I talked to many women about their experience, I read a ton of books and blogs.  There was a point when all I wanted to do was to go into labor and I tried all the tricks.  I was walking about five miles day.  I cleaned all of the floors on my hands and knees with a rag and a bucket.  I rested.  I meditated. I massaged the labor points on my ankles.  I would have done a hand stand if I thought that would help.  It wasn’t until I was doing a modified child pose when I said aloud to my unborn child “Fine! Come whenever you want, stay in there forever!” that I had my first contraction.

My contractions started about 10min a part and they felt like menstrual cramps.  It was 3 in the morning and they didn’t really hurt, just like a mild cramp.  I tried to sleep but I was so excited and nervous that I couldn’t.  Finally at 5:30am I woke up my partner, mostly out of excitement.  By this time my menstrual feeling contractions were about 2 minutes apart.

The first stage of labor is a mixed bag for women.  I have heard all kinds of stories about how labor stated.  Mine felt like menstrual cramps that became stronger over the day.  At 1pm they changed.  I could no longer talk through them.  This is when my labor really started.  We had our baby at a birthing center and the drive there sucked.  Trying to sit in the car was the worst part.  As long as I was walking, kneeling over the couch, bending over a counter I was ok.  During this phase essential oils are great!

Lavender or Clary sage, Balance, Whisper or Ylang Ylang  may help with labor pains.

Before the bag of waters breaks adding 2 drops of lavender with 2 tablespoons bath salts may feel wonderful.

Applying Balance to the bottoms of the feet can be grounding for the laboring mother and her attendants.

Making a warm compress with 2 drops Lavender or Clary sage essential oil and applying to the abdomen, back or thighs is also nice.

During Labor Massage Oil Blend

6 drops Ylang Ylang
4 drops helichrysum
4 drops fennel
3 drops Clary Sage
2 drops peppermint
2 tablespoons Carrier oil
Apply as often as wanted in areas wanted.

Speed Up Labor Blend

2 drops Clary sage
2 drops Lavender oil
2 drops Whisper
1 tablespoon carrier oil
Apply on ankles, lower back and abdomen.

Perineal Support Blend (during labor)

5 drops Clary sage
2 drops Geranium
2 tablespoons carrier oil
Massage on the the perineal area may help to prevent tearing.

Breech Baby

3 drops Myrrh
2 drops Peppermint
1 tablespoon carrier oil.  Rub onto belly to help baby turn.

Diffusing essential oils is an excellent way to support everyone in a birthing room.  My first choices are White Fir, Elevation, Serenity, and On Guard.  For myself I would choose one that empowers me.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease. Please consult qualified healthcare providers for your own personal advice.

Bug Bites

A dear friend of mine is visiting from out of town.  She drove in last night after two weeks of camping in Idaho and Montana.  I noticed while we were chatting that she kept scratching; her arms, her belly and her legs.  She told me the culprit was bug bites.

Bug bites have always been an issue for me.  Growing up in Idaho and active in outdoor adventures all over Idaho, I was loved by mosquitoes.  I would be covered in itchy bites after a camping trip.  When I was a kid I remember feeling like even my insides were itchy.  I even remember when I was a teenage and  found out that benadryl would take the itch away.  I was so mad that my mom never gave it to me to calm my body.

I have tried every bug repellent out there!  Even cutting out all bananas because someone told me that not eating bananas would make me less appealing to mosquitoes.  I have even used DEET to keep the bugs off of me but I never felt good about it.  Some repellents would even make my hands swell a little.  When I had my daughter, I couldn’t imagine smearing chemicals all over her perfect delicate skin.

I have said it over and over.  doTERRA essential oils have changed my life.  I am no longer a feeding ground for mosquitoes!

Terra Shield!  I love the name of this blend.  Terra means Earth, Earth Shield!

Terra Shield is a safe and super potent!

I don’t worry about using too much on myself or my child. It doesn’t have chemicals in it, just essential oil goodness.

The best part is that it works!  Last summer I only had a couple of bites compared to the summers before where my whole body was covered.

My daughter didn’t have one bug bite!

With the couple of bites that I did get, I just put some Terra Shield on them.  Cools my itching!  I just place a drop on my finger and smack dab on the bite and it’s done!  Also adding a bit of lavender essential oil adds to the magic.

So last night when my friend was itching away, I offered some Terra Shield and Lavender.  I forgot to ask her if it helped but this morning when I asked if she had any ides of what I should blog about.  The first words out of her mouth were “bug bites”.  She said it was amazing!

Sales Compensation Plan

There are two ways for you to earn commissions as you build your home-based dōTERRA business as an Independent Product Consultant. First, you receive retail profits on the purchases of your retail and preferred customers, and second, you receive commissions on the sales of Independent Product Consultants that you personally sponsor and on the sales of the consultants they sponsor.

Retail Profits

As an Independent Product Consultant, you will receive the difference between your customers’ retail and preferred customer purchases and your consultant wholesale prices. Your Independent Product Consultant retail profit is 25% of retail sales and 9% of preferred customer sales.

Fast Start Bonus (Paid Weekly)

The Fast Start bonus is designed to provide you, as an enrolling sponsor, immediate rewards for enrolling new IPC’s into your business organization by paying 20% on purchases and sales made within the new IPC’s first 60 days. This bonus is paid weekly and applies three generations deep for the new enrollee’s first 60 days (see graphic).

A personal Loyalty Rewards order of 100PV or more is required to be eligible for this bonus.

Power of 3™ Team Bonus (Paid Monthly)

dōTERRA’s Power of 3™ Team Bonus is designed to provide generous bonuses to consultants who properly structure their organizations. There are three stages to this bonus which will be paid out each month as long as the required structure is maintained. To qualify for the first bonus, you must be a participant in dōTERRA’s Loyalty Rewards Program (LRP) with a monthly order of at least a 100 PV. Each month you have three first-level consultants who also have a Loyalty Rewards order of at least 100 PV, you will receive a $50 bonus in addition to your retail and Fast Start bonuses and other commissions. To qualify for the $50 bonus, you must also have a Team Volume (defined as your PV and the combined PV of all your first-level consultants) of at least 600 PV. To qualify for the second Power of 3 bonus of $250, simply help three consultants on your first level qualify for the $50 bonus themselves. To qualify for the third Power of 3 bonus, help three consultants on your first level qualify for the $250 bonus and you will receive $1,500 every month your team structure remains in place!

Power of 3™ Quick Reference PDF Download

Organizational Leadership Bonuses (Paid Monthly and Quarterly)

As you grow your business you will be paid additional bonuses for your organizational leadership activities. dōTERRA provides generous unilevel bonuses of up to 7% down seven levels and beyond in your business organization. There are also company sales pools available to qualified consultant leaders who are paid commissions on 6% of total company commissionable sales volume in each market.

If you would like more information on the dōTERRA sales compensation plan, download the PDF document below, or email naturallyhealthyfamilies@gmail.com  in your area who can explain the compensation plan in detail.

Around the House With Kids

I was at a mama’s group the other day and a mother asked what oils she should have on hand for every day stuff with her baby.

Here is my list!

Lavender- Relaxation and sleep.  Bumps, bruises and scraps.  Diaper rashes, cradle cap, scaring, sunburns and most other skin issue.  BURNS!!! Allergies and hay fever.  Bug bites. Nausea. Earaches and other body pain.  Anxiety and depression.  House cleaning… Really, Just put Lavender on it.

Balance- This blend brings a feeling of calmness, peace and relaxation.  Use for relaxing and stress relief for baby and mom.  Use at crazy play dates, before bed, and before stressful situations. I used this every time I would nurse my daughter to sleep.  Also when she is taking a very long time to go to sleep and I am starting to become frustrated.

On Guard-This blend of essential oils have been studied for their strong abilities to kill harmful bacteria, mold, and viruses.

All Purpose Kid Spray

1  2 oz mister spray bottle, filled with distilled water

3-5 drops On Guard

Test the spray in your mouth before applying in a child or babies mouth.  I would start with less drops and add more if needed.  The oils in On Guard are on the hotter side, so just test it on first.

My daughter loves this spray for teething pain and I know plenty of other babies who also love it!  It works great at numbing those sore gums.  Just spray into their mouth as needed.  Like I said, kids love this spray and it won’t be hard.

This spray is also important for killing those germs that kids seem to find.  I spray this into my daughters mouth whenever we are heading to a play date, museum, or the park.  I also spray this on her hands as an anti-bacterial soap alternative.  I also use this to spray off communal toys and picnic tables.

Like I said  All Purpose Kid Spray!

Wild Orange- Uplifting to the spirit!  Great for postpartum hormones. Diarrhea and other tummy issues, apply 2 drops to belly and feet.  Wild Orange helps to increase energy for tired parents.  Add 2 drops to water, makes me smile every time I take a sip.  Anxiety.  Bronchitis and colds.  Colic. Fever.

Breathe- I always have this blend on hand!  It is so soothing to stuffy noses!  Diffuse anytime your child has congestion.  Add 1 drop to 1 teaspoon carrier oil and apply to chest and back.

So that’s my fast and easy list!

NOTE: The advice shared in this document has not been evaluated by the FDA. The products and methods recommended are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease, nor is it intended to replace proper medical help. Kindly understand that essential oils work to help to bring the body into balance – thus helping the body’s natural defenses to restore homeostasis. Essential oils are not used to “treat” medical problems. Thank you for your sharing with others.

Pregnancy, Birthing, and New Baby! Stephanie Fritz LM, CPM

Certified Midwife Stephanie Fritz LM, CPM says this for Pregnancy.  Thought I would pass it along!!

EVERYDAY Routine for the Pregnant Women

Morning:

The Life Long Vitality Pack – The very BEST prenatal vitamin

PB Assist+ Balance and On Guard on bottom of feet every morning

Lemon in ALL your water (may use ANY citrus oil)

3-5 drops Frankincense under tongue

10 drops Grapefruit under tongue or in a capsule

Slim and Sassy 3-5 drops 3-5 times a day

Zendocrine oil blend 3-5 drops in a capsule or on liver area

Evening:

Serenity, Lavender, or other oils to help reduce stress 5 drops on bottom of feet before bedtime

As Needed During Pregnancy:

AromaTouch, Cypress, or citrus oils for occasional swelling

DigestZen, Ginger, Peppermint, Fennel for nausea, heartburn, gas or bloating

Deep Blue or Past Tense for headaches

Birth

Helichrysum with Fractionated Coconut Oil on the perineum during crowning and birth of baby’s head for bruising, swelling, and bleeding.

White Fir and Lavender on mom’s tummy for after pains

Frankincense on baby’s crown/head, and back

Myrrh on baby’s umbilicus to help cord dry quicker and seal the opening to prevent any infection going into that main entrance to the body.

Balance and Melissa on baby’s feet

Geranium and lemon on baby’s feet if jaundice to help support liver in breaking up bilrubin.

Fennel, Basil, or Clary Sage on mom’s breast to help increase milk supply.

Immortelle (20 drops) or Frankincense & Lavender 10 drops of each in 15ml empty essential bottle with a spray top (from aromatools.com) fill up to top with water. Use this to spay on perineum after birth to sooth and heal during postpartum time.

Moms that have their babes circumcised have used this same spray on the circumcised area; they know from personal experience how soothing it feels.

Note: These suggestions are for educational purposes only and are not meant to prescribe, diagnose, or treat any medical condition, disease, illness, or injured condition of the body. This information is not intended to be a substitute for medical counseling. Anyone with any medical condition, disease, illness, or injury should consult a qualified health care professional.

Finding Balance

I have been finding my Balance.

In March my daughter turned 2 and with that she also started climbing out of her crib.  Nap and bed time have been well different.  In Portland we are starting to see the beginnings of spring with a few sunny days.  I have been feeling excited about digging and getting my garden on.  But then there is the yard sale that I have planned for the beginning of May…  Now with my house torn apart, half because of the prepping for the yard sale and the rest from having little time to clean with my active 2 year old.  I have felt, well, out of balance.

Balance is the first essential oil blend that I was introduced too.   It has a very special place in my heart.

When I apply Balance to the bottoms of my feet and chest it brings a calmness over me immediately.   The sensation is similar to how I feel when I look out over a lake in the early morning.  The air is crisp and the earth feels solid.  The warmth of a tea cup warms my soul with each sip.  A stillness settles over me.  This is what Balance creates every time I use it.  It bring me home.

doTERRA’s Balance Essential Oils blend contains Spruce, Rosewood, Blue Tansy, and Frankincense.

Balance is a go to oil.

I love being able to use Balance to ease children’s night times fears, to help them relax before going to bed and the ease a child into the warmth and comfort this essential oil brings. This also goes for adults!  Balance is great to add to a bedtime ritual!  I apply 2 drops to the bottoms of my feet every night.  I then cup my hands over my nose and breathe deeply until I feel relaxed.

Anytime I am entering into a stressful situation whether I am going to the dentist, a job interview, or being put on hold by my phone company I use Balance.

Balance is really wonderful for grounding, when I feel disconnected to my body it brings the roots back.

With all of it’s relaxing, stress reliving, emotional balancing it really does add another level to meditation and yoga practices.

Sleeping…or not

Image via Wikipedia

Sleep is one of those things.  Some people sleep because they are sleepy, they use it to rejuvenate themselves and wake up feeling refreshed for the coming day. Some people wish that sleep was this simple.  Not sleeping when you want to be sleeping can be one of the most frustrating experiences of a persons day-which in turn makes them sleep less or not as well anyway.

I have gone in and out and around with the whole sleep thing.  I used to not sleep, when I was a kid and then a teen and then as an adult.  I remember when I was elementary age, lying on the couch doing times tables in my head, it was the first time that they made sense to me.  When I was pregnant all of my sleep issues went away, I loved to sleep and could fall asleep in a blink or lack of blink of an eye.  By the time Lucy joined out little family I was falling asleep and staying asleep like a normal person. Then I had Lucy, a newborn and that was another kind of sleep deprived.  Now with Lucy waking up only in the early mornings I sometimes have a hard time falling sleep.  I feel more empowered about the whole sleep thing now then when I was younger because I have essential oils, a tool that I didn’t have last time.

Essential oils are so great for sleep, I have found this out not only with myself but with my daughter.  Applying a drop of Balance and lavender has always helped Lucy drift to dreamland.

When choosing oils for helping sleep it is helpful to meditate on the reason for the lack of sleep.  Is it excess body energy, anxiety, running thoughts, pain, hormones, fear?  Are you tired?  Is your body tired or brain or both?

For myself sometimes I have difficulties falling asleep because I am going and moving all day and when I lie down my body still thinks that it is moving.  Balance is my oil of choice.  It grounds me, puts me back into my body and helps my body and mind to settle into sleep.  Roman chamomile or lavender are both helpful, I apply a drop to my temples a on my pillow.  I also find that putting 2 drops Frankincense under my tongue is the best medicine for going to sleep!

When my thoughts are running through my brain and I can’t stop the t.v. in my head, I use Serenity, another doTERRA blend.  I also use Balance. Wild orange is another one that will help with racing thoughts, I like to diffuse it in the air and imagine laying in the grass under orange tress….

When I can’t sleep because of pain the first thing I would do would to take 2 drops of frankincense under my tongue.  Frankincense is an anti-inflammatory and a sedative.  Then I would apply a few drops of either Past Tense, Aroma Touch, or Deep Blue, all blends from doTERRA, to the area.

I have worked with many children who can not sleep because of fear. The racing thoughts of fear are very powerful and can have hinder any persons sleep.  I always start by applying Balance to the bottoms of the feet. Then applying a few drops of ylang ylang to the chest, this will help with lowering blood pressure.  White fir is another great one because it can be very empowering.

Hormones is a little trickier, this requires using oils throughout the day to help balance hormones.  Using clary sage, geranium, clove or ylang ylang behind the ears is a great place to start.  Also diffusing!!!

Diffusing oils in your room right before bed is another great way to help settle yourself for sleep.  It sets the mood-just think of it as music for your nose.  There are some really great diffusers that are on timers and are quiet.