I have been lucky enough to try out their 'midwife in a box' which includes their perineal massage oil called 'down below', postnatal compress solution called 'pure bliss', 3 breastfeeding oils called 'bosom buddies' and their cooling body spritz called 'cool it mama' - all wrapped up in a gorgeous box along with 2 cotton organic flannels and some directions and advice on perineal massage.
I am no stranger to the need for all of these products. I suffered a 3rd degree tear during my waterbirth with Arthur and the idea of 'perineal massage' to help in the run up to my next labour has been mentioned by more than a few midwives/consultants I've seen. I breastfed for 26 months so I am well travelled on the rollercoaster of heavy/full breasts vs low supply in equal measure, and Arthur was a winter baby, so hot flushes were often more manageable but I am seriously struggling this time with the summer heat that keeps popping by to say hello! I have been trying them out of the last couple of weeks and LOVE them...they smell amazing and best of all they work! I was also amazed to find out that this company has links to Sutton In Ashfield where I was actually born (before my move to Yorkshire!) - its a small little world isn't it??
Here is some more info on the products:
Down Below brings everything you want from a perineal massage oil:
• Safe – purposefully made for the job
• Fragrance free
• Nut free
• Allergen free
• Hygienic pipette dispenser – no mess
• Beautiful blend that can be used anywhere on the body as well with no wet/tacky after effect
2. Submerge a couple of flannels or muslin cloths into the water solution, squeeze them out and place the wet cloths over both breasts directly onto the skin.
3. Cover with a dry towel to keep warm and relax for up to 30 minutes. (During this time the cloths can be renewed in the water to maintain their temperature)
4. Prior to feeding baby clean the breasts with a clean wet cloth to help to remove any lingering scent from the oils.
Properties of Ingredients
Cypress: Calming and relaxing – has diuretic properties thereby reduces swelling
Geranium: Uplifting – Diuretic and astringent – induces tissue, muscle and skin to contract
German Chamomile – Lifts mood – antiphlogistic properties thereby reduces swelling & oedema
Peppermint - Relieves stress, depression and mental exhaustion – relieves pain, reduces swelling.
Mandarin – Boosts circulation – antiseptic properties, promotes healing, relieves stress
Fennel – Galactogogue – boosts production of oestrogen which plays a part in milk production
Lemon Grass – Galactogogue – increases self-esteem, confidence and uplifts spirits
Frankincense – Lowers anxiety and stress – promotes relaxation, antiseptic properties
Neroli: Relaxes and calms. Good for insomnia, nervous tension, headaches, depression, anxiety.
Lavender – Antiseptic – pain relieving properties, calming of nervous tension and emotional stress
This natural blend will soothe and calm any sore tender intimate areas following birth; bringing a feeling of comfort and relief. “Pure Bliss” can be used straight after birth. The blend can also be used on a caesarean section wound once the hospital dressing has been removed.
1. Add 1-2 pipettes of “Pure Bliss” to a bowl of cold water; mix well to disperse.
2. Submerge a clean maternity pad or flannel into the solution and then place against the perineum, making sure to cover the affected areas. Lay on your bed on a dry towel and cover yourself to keep warm.
3. Leave in place for up to 30 minutes, note that the pad can be refreshed in the water during this time to maintain the chillness of the compress.
4. Alternatively, 2-3 pipettes of “Pure Bliss” can be added to a warm/cold “Sitz bath” or added to a jug of cold water to douche the perineal area.
Here is some more info on the products:
Cool it Mama Cooling Body Spritz:
How to use
Cool it Mama is safe to use throughout pregnancy and beyond. Simply spritz anywhere over the body or at arm’s length with eyes closed at the face. NB You don’t have to be pregnant to benefit from this product! – menopause? Travelling to hot climates? Anyone who’s stressed? Fibromyalgia?This has been an absolute lifesaver in the recent heatwave, I can see me using this alot!
Down Below Perineal Massage Oil:
Down Below brings everything you want from a perineal massage oil:
• Safe – purposefully made for the job
• Fragrance free
• Nut free
• Allergen free
• Hygienic pipette dispenser – no mess
• Beautiful blend that can be used anywhere on the body as well with no wet/tacky after effect
How to use
Perineal massage is recommended from 34 weeks of pregnancy - (Full instruction leaflet included in box)I am not yet 34 weeks but I have been advised to start doing this already - I love the fact that the Rosehip oil helps with skin elasticity - we need plenty of that!!
Bosom Buddies Breastfeeding oils (consists of three blends):
How to use
1. Add 2-3 drops of your chosen blend to a bowl of water. Hot water is best used for low milk supply, cold water on sore nipples, whereas heavy, full tender breasts would benefit from hot water to ease the flow or cold water to ease the discomfort/swelling so choose what feels right for you at the time.2. Submerge a couple of flannels or muslin cloths into the water solution, squeeze them out and place the wet cloths over both breasts directly onto the skin.
3. Cover with a dry towel to keep warm and relax for up to 30 minutes. (During this time the cloths can be renewed in the water to maintain their temperature)
4. Prior to feeding baby clean the breasts with a clean wet cloth to help to remove any lingering scent from the oils.
Properties of Ingredients
Cypress: Calming and relaxing – has diuretic properties thereby reduces swelling
Geranium: Uplifting – Diuretic and astringent – induces tissue, muscle and skin to contract
German Chamomile – Lifts mood – antiphlogistic properties thereby reduces swelling & oedema
Peppermint - Relieves stress, depression and mental exhaustion – relieves pain, reduces swelling.
Mandarin – Boosts circulation – antiseptic properties, promotes healing, relieves stress
Fennel – Galactogogue – boosts production of oestrogen which plays a part in milk production
Lemon Grass – Galactogogue – increases self-esteem, confidence and uplifts spirits
Frankincense – Lowers anxiety and stress – promotes relaxation, antiseptic properties
Neroli: Relaxes and calms. Good for insomnia, nervous tension, headaches, depression, anxiety.
Lavender – Antiseptic – pain relieving properties, calming of nervous tension and emotional stress
I stopped breastfeeding a couple of months ago now, but I'm positive these will come in really handy once my milk comes in again after the birth
Pure Bliss Soothing Postnatal Compress Solution
This natural blend will soothe and calm any sore tender intimate areas following birth; bringing a feeling of comfort and relief. “Pure Bliss” can be used straight after birth. The blend can also be used on a caesarean section wound once the hospital dressing has been removed.
How to use
1. Add 1-2 pipettes of “Pure Bliss” to a bowl of cold water; mix well to disperse.
2. Submerge a clean maternity pad or flannel into the solution and then place against the perineum, making sure to cover the affected areas. Lay on your bed on a dry towel and cover yourself to keep warm.
3. Leave in place for up to 30 minutes, note that the pad can be refreshed in the water during this time to maintain the chillness of the compress.
4. Alternatively, 2-3 pipettes of “Pure Bliss” can be added to a warm/cold “Sitz bath” or added to a jug of cold water to douche the perineal area.
After I had Arthur, a friend gave me something similar in a spray bottle which I sprayed onto my maternity towels and directly onto my skin. The great thing about this one is that you could make your own spray by mixing this with distilled water and you can also add this to a bath or a jug of water for rinsing. So versatile and such a helpful product. I have a higher chance of another tear during labour so this will come in really handy.
NB: The product range is VEGAN & made in GREAT BRITAIN
Discolsure - we were sent this product in return for an honest review.
Why not read some of my other posts:
Having a Baby - The things they never told me...
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