"The Spot"

I have previously posted about my love for Frank!  Frankincense that is.  This next entry makes my heart sing with joy and Frank is once again involved.

Some of you know I have three kids.  My youngest just turned 4 months old.  He is just a perfect, happy, baby boy.   This sweet boy started life with a small spot on his forehead.  Having a sister with a similar feature at birth but in a different location, I knew what the doctors would say.

While sitting in the hospital, waiting for the pediatricians from the practice to stop in during rounds my husband and I talk about the "spot".  The doctor comes in and in a very careful and solemn tone, tells us that "your son has something on his head that I want a specialist to check out."

Now, if I had been a first time mom I am pretty sure tears would have started flowing, my heart would be racing and I would go into a panic.  As he is my third, I took the news much better.  Now, we wait for the specialist.

"Hemangioma."  As I suspected when I first saw him and the "spot".  No, I am not a doctor but I am a mom who had another kid with the same thing.  I am a firm believer that ALL babies have something at birth.  Jaundice, hemangiomas, tongue tied, etc.  And yet, they are still perfect!

What is a hemangioma?  According to the Mayo Clinic, it is a birthmark that most commonly appears as a rubbery, bright red nodule of extra blood vessels in the skin.  Many people refer to them as "strawberries".  

Hemangiomas can be very small and harmless or they can be much scarier.  It really depends on the size and location.  Luckily for us, my little guy's seemed very small.  It's location was not the best since it was right over his right eye brow.

The doctors warned me that it would most likely get larger and more prominent.  "If it gets so large that it disrupts his vision, we will have to consider surgery."

Not exactly what a mother wants to hear.

Break out the Modern Essentials book!  The protocol called for Geranium, Cypress and Frankincense.  I had two of the three.  Once we got over the jaundice, it was time to tackle "the spot".  

At the East Coast Conference held in May, I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. David Hill from doTERRA.  I introduced him to my sweet baby boy and asked about the best treatment for the spot.  He said my research was well done and geranium and frank would be the best way to go.  

1 drop of each gently massaged into the area.  

Geranium then Frank.  

We have done this faithfully for 3 months.  I have to say is spot is almost gone.  At the pediatrician's office yesterday, the doctor said he was very impressed.  Of course, he still thinks I am a bit crazy for believing in these oils but I can see the progress on my son's head.  These oils work!

Here is the progression of "the spot".  You can see for yourself.  All this done, without harmful drugs or scary surgery.  Sure he smelled a bit like little old lady with the Geranium but I know I feel much better about his aroma over scars and stitches.

A final photo for this entry, taken yesterday.

11/12/13:  Update on my not so little guy these days:

 As you can see, the spot is almost completely gone.  The texture is flat.  We do not get any comments or questions on "what is that?"  The oils are truly amazing!

UPDATE:  My little baby is not a baby anymore.  He is 6!  Can you all believe it?  At Leadership in San Diego Dr. Hill and Andrew were able to meet again.  It was the most fantastic moment of the entire retreat.  I think we all cried a bit.  The quote of the night was "It's remarkable!  I am amazed how the oils worked for him.  It's just remarkable."   Then....Andrew told him and many other owners and leadership all about the Titanic.  I think they realize just how powerful Frankincense really is now.  It was probably more about that ship than they ever thought they would know.   Such a fabulous day!

Dr, Hill & Andrew 

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.