Embracing Motherhood Naturally: Tips & Tricks for a Natural Mommy Makeover

Posted on October 10, 2023

Being a new mom is such a fulfilling and exciting experience. But anyone who's been through motherhood will say this new life chapter can be a wild and beautiful ride.

It’s completely normal for your body to go through changes and it’s important that you love yourself through this adventure every step of the way. Luckily there are a few natural products that can make the journey more pleasant throughout your pregnancy and after.

We're talking about cocoa butter, aloe vera gel, and castor oil – the secret weapons every mom should have in her arsenal. So, grab a comfy seat, and let's dive into this article, where we'll explore some soothing treatments you can try out in the comfort of your home.

Aloe Vera Gel Pads: A Soothing Companion For Postpartum Comfort

Bringing a tiny human into the world is an incredible journey, and it's normal for your body to go through changes and come across first-time experiences, including the nether regions.

But did you know that aloe vera gel can be a helpful natural ingredient for your postpartum healing process? A generous layer of aloe vera gel slathered on a pad with a layer of alcohol free witch hazel can be an amazingly soothing companion for postpartum comfort. 

But why aloe vera in particular?

Aloe vera is a versatile plant known for its myriad of benefits in various situations, but in this particular case, its utility shines even brighter because:

1. It is known to be soothing, cooling, and calming, especially in cases of irritation 
2. It's super hydrating 
3. It has healing powers as it is packed with vitamins and antioxidants that can boost the healing process 
4. It has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and puffiness.
5. It has antimicrobial properties that can help keep infections at bay, ensuring a smoother postpartum journey.

How to Use Aloe Vera Gel + Witch Hazel on Your Postpartum Pad:

1. Choose the right gel: Look for a pure, high-quality product like Seven Minerals Aloe Vera gel without added chemicals or fragrances. You want the good stuff.
2. Apply gently: Mix in a cup of alcohol free witch hazel with a generous amount of aloe vera gel. Place the mixture in the center of your clean, dry pad.
3. Get comfortable: Pop that pad into your underwear and wear it as usual. No need to fret; it's your secret comfort weapon.
4. Stay fresh: Change your pad regularly to keep things clean and comfy. Reapply as needed to keep the good vibes going.

Cocoa Butter: A Smooth Move for Preventing Pregnancy Belly Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are a very normal occurrence on a woman's body and should be embraced with self-love. These "tiger stripes" can appear after your body undergoes significant changes, like weight gain, weight loss, or pregnancy. It is important to remember that they are very common and completely normal, and they are definitely not a reason to be ashamed or self-conscious.

But there is always a way to naturally hydrate and help them fade or even prevent them to an extent...and the magic product that can help exactly with that is cocoa butter, now level it up and you have cocoa butter with magnesium oil.

Here's why cocoa butter is amazing for keeping those marks in check:

1. It is highly moisturizing: Cocoa butter is like a tall glass of water for your skin. It's packed with vitamin E and emollients that hydrate your skin. Well-hydrated skin is less likely to develop stretch marks.
2. It has antioxidant properties: This butter also brings antioxidants to the party. These antioxidants, including polyphenols, help shield your skin from the villains known as free radicals. Less skin damage means fewer stretch marks in the long run.
3. It can kickstart collagen production: Why's that important? Because collagen is like the building block of skin elasticity. By promoting collagen, this fantastic butter may help your skin snap back into shape more effectively.

How to use it for your stretch marks:

1. Choose a high-quality cocoa butter product: Look for cocoa butter products specifically designed for skin care, such as Seven Minerals Magnesium Cocoa Butter with Vitamin E, which is a 100% organic cream that locks in moisture for reduced stretch marks and firmer, smoother looking skin. 
2. Cleanse your skin: Start with clean, dry skin. You can take a warm shower or bath to open up your pores and make your skin more receptive to the butter.
3. Apply cocoa butter: Gently apply a generous amount of it to the areas prone to stretch marks, such as the abdomen, breasts, hips, and thighs. Massage it into your skin using circular motions. Be gentle but thorough, ensuring the butter is absorbed into your skin.
4. Use it regularly: Consistency is key. Apply cocoa butter at least twice a day, preferably in the morning and before bedtime. Continue using it throughout your pregnancy and for several months after childbirth.

Castor Oil - Taming the Tummy Puff

Dealing with a slightly puffy post-baby belly? Castor oil might just become your secret weapon. Many new moms are eager to reclaim their pre-pregnancy tummies, and one popular remedy that's been making the rounds is precisely this oil. 

The use of castor oil for depuffing or reducing abdominal bloating is a practice often rooted in traditional medicine and natural remedies due to its:

1. Anti-inflammatory properties: Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid that has anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce bloating or swelling.
2. Ability to stimulate lymphatic flow: This oil may stimulate the abdominal area's lymphatic flow, which may help reduce fluid retention and puffiness.
3. Ability to increase Circulation: Applying heat to castor oil packs on the abdomen can improve blood circulation, which may help carry away excess fluids and reduce bloating.

Two ways to use castor oil for tummy depuffing 

Castor Oil Packs

1. Grab some pure Castor Oil, like the one from Seven Minerals.
2. Soak a piece of soft flannel cloth in oil. 
3. Add the flannel cloth to the stomach area..
4. Cover it with plastic wrap or a towel.
5. Now, here's the cozy part—apply some gentle heat. A heating pad works like a charm.
6. Relax for 30 minutes to an hour, or wear the wrap overnight.

A Little Tummy Rub

If you're not into the whole "cloth on my belly" thing, you can try this: mix castor oil with a carrier oil like olive or coconut oil, and give your tummy a gentle massage. This might help get your lymphatic system moving, which could help with the bloat.

Conclusion

Remember, there's no magic bullet for quick healing, easy stretch mark erasing or postpartum belly depuffing. Your body just did something amazing, and it needs time to heal. Eating healthy, some light exercise and a truckload of patience are your best friends. 

And finally, the golden nugget of advice regarding those postpartum belly remedies: Make sure to consult your healthcare provider before diving into any of these nifty natural hacks. 

Also in Health Center