28 | June 2020 |motherandbaby.co.uk
Essential
oils for insomnia
Disrupted sleep is very common during
pregnancy, so work out which essential oils are
best for you, and use as part of your bedtime
wind-down to ensure you have a good night’s kip.
Findingthe right essential oil is crucial, as some have a
stimulating effect, making it even harder for you to sleep.
Themostpopular and safest oils that have a relaxing effect
includeGerman and Roman chamomile, lavender (but be
carefulif you have low blood pressure), and ylang-ylang.
Adopta bedtime routine that helps your mind and body
tosettle down, such as a warm bath with a few drops of
essentialoil in it; and/or a gentle foot rub or back massage,
perhaps from your partner, using essential oils in the
massage lotion. You can also put a drop of lavender
ona tissue next to your pillow to help you to sleep.
Talk to a qualified aromatherapist to find the
most effective and safest insomnia blend
that works for you.Medjool
dates for
asing labour
Dateshave become the fruit for third trimester
mums.Several studies suggest eating around six dates
a day during the last four weeks of pregnancy can
significantly benefit your labour. In one study, the dilation
stage of labour was markedly shorter in women who
consumed dates compared to those who didn’t.
Plus, 96 per cent of the women who ate dates went into
spontaneous labour. Women who consumed dates were also
less likely to experience heavy bleeding after birth. Dates are
rich in minerals and fibre, but high in natural sugars, so be
aware of this if you have gestational diabetes. Either eat
dates straight from the bag, or if you find they are too
sweet for you, add them to a tagine or stew, or stuff
them with almonds or cream cheese for a nutritious
snack. Alternatively, make peanut date bites by
blending together 10 pitted dates and 150g
of chopped unsalted roasted peanuts.
When blitzed, form into small
balls and enjoy!Raspberry leaint erventionThis herbal tea is a staple for many expectant
mums, and should be introduced slowly, only
from the thirdtrimester. It won’t actually induce
labour, but it may reduce your need for
intervention in labour. Raspberry leaf tea is
thought to tone the muscles of the uterus and
shorten the pushing stage during labour.
Start with just one cup a day from the third
trimester, and see how your digestive system
reacts. Increase to two to three cups as you get
closer to your due date. It is also available in
capsule form. However, there is some debate
as to which method offers the most benefits.
When the weather is hot, why not try iced
raspberry leaf tea? Pour boiling water over four
or five tea bags and steep for five minutes (or
longer if you like a stronger flavour). Pour the
tea into a glass jug and allow to cool. Add one
cup of cold water to the jug and store in the
fridge. Either drink it as it is, experiment by
adding fruit, such as lemon or orange wedges,
or add manuka honey if you prefer it sweeter.
NATURAL BENEFITS