Oh Baby!

Oh Baby!

One week ago, I welcomed my third baby into the world.  I was scheduled for a C-section on April 11 but he decided he wanted a different birthday.  On Thursday, I had contractions all day and went to get checked out at Labor & Delivery.  They sent me home but said if he wasn't moving much or the contractions got closer come back.  Friday morning, I didn't feel he was moving enough so we headed back to the hospital.  The doctor said it was time for him to join the big world!  

Now, I will say I am not a doctor, doula or a birth expert but I will share how we used the oils during recovery.  The oils worked great for me but know this is one woman's experience.

After I was rolled from recovery to my room for a few days, I asked my husband to set up the diffuser.  We brought our entire bag of oils and the Ace Diffuser so we could set it and forget it essentially.  I wanted On Guard but that was left at home so we turned on Serenity.  The room filled with the lovely smell of lavender and vanilla.  It helped me chill out after the excitement of having a new baby.  The next morning, the OnGuard was started.  I didn't want to pick up any mega germs from the hospital.

                                               

Every doctor, nurse and tech that came into my room commented on how nice the whole hallway smelled.  The really liked to come in a check on us since it didn't smell like a hospital.  I made sure no one was bothered by it and they assured me other patients were enjoying the smell.  I actually passed out material about the oils while staying in the hospital!  (I tell everyone how easy the oils are to talk about and share!)  

On the second night in the hospital, I noticed my baby boy was really stuffy.  He seemed to have trouble nursing because of such a stuffy nose.  I asked the nurse to check him out and she offered saline and the nose sucker.  "There isn't much we can do for them at this age."  I asked my husband to get the Breathe oil out and apply some to his feet and my chest.  Not even 10 minutes later, my sweet boy was breathing better and nursing like a champ again.  The nurse noticed and asked what I had done.  I proudly told her.  She wanted more information!  She was pregnant too.  I felt empowered!  I had helped my child when modern medicine could not due to safety.  

                                               

Nursing was a huge struggle with my first two children.  I was determined to find a better way with this baby.  Say hello to Clary Sage.  Clary Sage is known to help women through labor by enhancing contractions.  I didn't need that but Clary Sage also is known to help bring in a mother's milk.  I immediately started applying 2 drops to the breast area twice a day.  My milk has come in strong!  My baby boy is happily eating away and I couldn't be happier.

Now that we are home, I have used Balance and Lavender on the baby.   It helps calm his tummy.  For myself, I applied Helichrysum to my incision to help with healing, Elevation to have energy and keep the happy feelings going, Grapefruit in my water to reduce the swelling and Fennel to help boost my milk supply.  After having two previous C-sections, I have to say this has been my easiest recovery.  I want to get out and do stuff although I know I must get some rest and not push it for now.