Breastfeeding
After a mother gave birth to her baby, her body changes remarkably in order to support and nurture the newborn. Many studies prove the importance of skin to skin contact between a parent and their baby. Directly after birth, the naked baby should be placed, chest down, onto the mother’s naked chest. Remember that the baby’s face should be turned sideways to keep the airway open. Mother and baby together, may then be covered with an exterior wrap. It is extremely important for mother and baby not to be separated from this position for at least an 90 minutes. This improves the baby’s physical ability to breastfeed and simplifies the task of breastfeeding by a great deal.
This is called the Kangaroo Mother Method and includes introducing the newborn to breastfeeding. This method stimulates a particular part of the newborn’s brain to move toward the mother’s breast, attatch to it (latch) and to start feeding. This encourages the baby’s physical development. The baby wil also open his/her eyes and fix it upon his/her mother. This encourages the baby’s social and emotional development. This method is not confined to mother and child. Fathers can also enjoy the emotional benefits of holding their naked baby on their bare chest.
Skin to skin contact along with breastfeeding, holds various benefits for both mother and her newborn.
Baby
- Calming and relaxing
- Regulates the baby's heart rate and breathing
- Improves the baby's thermoregulation
- Baby cries less often
- Improves weight gain
- Increases blood oxygen levels
- Stimulates and improves digestion and absorption of nutrients
- Makes adapting to the life outside the womb easier
- Strengthens immune system
- Promotes more successful breastfeeding after birth
- Encourages better and deeper sleep for prolonged periods
- Improves infant brain development and perental attachment
Mother
- Calming and relaxing
- More positive breastfeeding
- Increases breast milk production
- Lowers post partum bleeding
- Lowers the possibility of post partum depression
- Improves perental attachment
In Scripture, the importance of breastfeeding is evident. “from the Ěl of your father who helps you, and by the Almighty who blesses you with blessings of the heavens from above, blessings of the deep that lies beneath, blessings of the breasts and of the womb.” – Genesis 49:25.
Breastfeeding is important for more than one reason. Not only does is provide the mother and child with a very special and intimate bond, it plays a vital roll in maintaining the health of the baby. Breast milk, especially the very first breast milk (colostrum), contains important antibodies, produced by the mother, to stimulate the baby’s immune system. These antibodies help the baby to build up a record of immunity against various illnesses. The colostrum is golden yellow of colour and is highly concentrated with white blood cells, leukocytes, Immunoglobulin A and nutrients and the baby will only need about a teaspoon thereof per feed.
Mothers who pump breast milk, will notice how the colour of the milk changes, depending on the health of the baby. The usual colour of breast milk, is creamy white with a slight yellow or blue tint. Breast milk may have a deep yellow colour when the newborn is ill. This is what the colour of breast milk may mean:
Yellow → Besides indicating nutrient-rich milk, it may have a yellow colour as a result of eating highly pigmented foods, like turmeric.
Clear/Blue → Milk with a clear/blue colour, is loaded with lactose and has a low fat and protein composition. This milk is generally produces when the breastfeeding intervals are longer than usual (longer than 3 hours).
Green → If you have eaten many leafy and cruciferous greens, it may change the colour of the breast milk to a green colour. This is not hazardous at all. If you haven’t eaten leafy and cruciferous greens lately and your milk is a green colour, it will be wise to seek the opinion of a medical professional. This could possibly be an indication of infection.
Pink → The consumption of highly pigmented food, like pomegranate, beetroot and berries, may give breast milk a pink colour. When red pigments in food is mixed with the white milk, it will appear pink. When the pink breast milk is associated with pain, it may be an indication of infection. Seek the opinion of a medical professional.
Brick Red/Brown → Reddish-brown breast milk indicates damaged capillaries and nipple damage. When this milk is associated with pain, it may be a sign of infection. Seek the opinion of a medical professional.
Black → Incompatibility with prescription medication or a serious health problem may result in black breast milk. Seek the opinion of a medical professional immediately.
When breastfeeding while maintaining a healthy diet, you can be sure that your baby will consume a sufficient amount of nutrients. This will boost his/her overall heath and it will strengthen his/her immune system. Breastfeeding directly from the breast or feeding your infant pumped breast milk, is important for this exact reason. A breastfeeding baby automatically receives the correct nutrition naturally.
Oils During Breastfeeding
Just like during pregnancy, oils assist greatly when breastfeeding mothers have discomfort. Other than in pregnancy, most oils are safe to use when breastfeeding. In fact, the list of oils to avoid, is shortened to a great extent. Oils do not have to be as dilated anymore. Stronger concentrations of oils are safe to use while breastfeeding and it is now safe to ingest and topically apply oils.
Remember, it is known that Peppermint can dry up breast milk. Avoid using Peppermint and Spearmint when breastfeeding by using Black Pepper in stead. Kindly click on the icon of the safe oils for a short cut to the 10ml essential oils on the website.
Oil Safety
Safe
- Basil → Decreases milk over supply
- Bergamot
- Black Pepper
- Cardamom
- Cedarwood
- Clary Sage
- Copaiba
- Cypress
- Dill
- Fennel → Boosts milk production
- Frankincense
- Ginger
- Grapefruit
- Helichrysum
- Jasmine
- Juniper Berry
- Lavender → Boosts milk production
- Lemon
- Lemongrass
- Marjoram
- Neroli
- Orange
- Oregano → Boosts milk production
- Palmarosa
- Patchouli
- Petitgrain
- Roman Chamomile
- Rose
- Rosemary
- Rose Geranium
- Sandalwood
- Spearmint
- Tangerine
- Tea Tree
- Vetiver
- Ylang Ylang
Avoid (Application and Ingestion)
- Basil → Could lower milk production
- Hyssop
- Peppermint → Dries up breast milk
- Spearmint → Dries up breast milk
- Wormwood
The use of essential oils during pregnancy and breastfeeding continues to be a controversial point of discussion. The oils mentioned above is a standard list of oils to use and oils to avoid when breastfeeding. Keep in mind that there are not enough studies that support or reject the use of oils when breastfeeding and that this list may differ from one person to another.
Mastitis & Sore Breasts
Blend 2 drops of each, Lavender, Frankincense, Tea Tree and Myrrh with 8 drops of Olive Oil. Apply it over the breast at least an hour before breastfeeding. Wash the breast and nipple area thoroughly before breastfeeding. There are multiple natural remedies to treat and relieve mastitis. Here are a few:
Apply cabbage leaves over the breasts to reduce engorgement.
It may sounds strange, but naturopaths have been using cabbage leaves as a traditional mastitis remedy for many years. To reduce breast engorgement, try applying cold bruised cabbage leaves directly onto the breasts inside your bra for about 20 minutes at a time. Although an ice pack is more effective at reducing heat and swelling, certain plant compounds found in cabbage leaves, have an anti-inflammatory effect.
These compounds are called glucosinolates. When applied directly to the skin, the enzyme converts the glucosinolates into a constituent called ‘pungent isothiocyanates’, commonly referred to as mustard oil. Mustard oil has been used as a home remedy for swelling because of its richness in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid that may help decrease inflammation and relieve pain.
Apply ice packs or heat pads.
Apply both warmth and cold to help soothe mastitis. Apply COLD ice packs on the affected breast to help reduce swelling, relieve pain and inflammation. Use WARMTH sparingly and use it before a feed (for only a few minutes) to help clear the blockage and may relieve pain.
Self-massage the affected area.
Breast massage therapy can ease breast sensitivity and can increase blood circulation to the breast. It also increases milk supply and warms up the tissue around the milk ducts. Gently self-massage behind the affected area of the breast moving in the direction of the nipple to help reduce mastitis, breast engorgement, and plugged milk ducts. This promotes natural breast milk flow.
Massaging the breast before and while breastfeeding, will stimulate milk flow and may help the drainage of a plugged duct. While massaging alone will not resolve mastitis, it will help break up painful clogs and relieve discomfort. Using firm pressure, massage the affected area in the direction of the nipple to break up the blockage.
Dry & Cracked Nipples
Topically apply the Bossom Balm over the dry and cracked nipples and affected area.
Topically apply the Wonder Balm and the Calendula & Comfrey Balm over the affected area to soothe discomfort.
Milk Production
Dilute Fennel, Clary sage and Rose Geranium with a carrier oil and apply over the breast, excluding the nipple area, between feedings to increase lactation.
Topically apply Milk Mamma over milk ducts and underarm lymph. Use between feeds.
Post Partum Depression
Diffuse 3-5 drops of Joy Blend during the day to lift your mood.
Diffuse 3-5 drops of Depression & Anxiety Blend during the night while sleeping.
Take 1 capsule of Depression Support Blend daily and apply 5-10 drops over the heart and under the feet. Inhale using the cupping method.
Baby Care
A child is a blessing and a miracle. “Look, children are an inheritance from יהוה, the fruit of the womb is the reward.” – Psalm 127:3. Having a baby is as big a joy as it is a responsibility. YHVH/God expects parents to bring up their children in His ways and according to His blueprint.
Parents are responsible to teach their children and to lead them toward a personal relationship with the Heavenly Father. “Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he turns not away from it.” – Proverbs 22:6.
“And these Words which I am commanding you today shall be in your heart, and you shall impress them upon your children, and shall speak of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up, and shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” – Deuteronomy 6:6-8.
Always keep in mind that every baby is different. Therapy for newborns are never the same. Babies are different, their immunities are different and here, genetics play a big roll as well. Immunity and sickness can be transmitted from the mother/father to the child. Illnesses and the severity thereof changes as well.
Oils For Baby Care
The benefits of using essential oils for baby care, are endless. However, it should still be used responsibly. The topical and internal use of essential oils should be avoided. If it is completely necessary to apply oils to the skin, use the Hadassah Healing Oils Kids Range Roll-On Blends and apply it to the spine and under the feet. Essential oils may be diffused in small amounts using the intermittent setting on the diffuser.
Oil Safety
Oil safety is extremely important when using it on your baby. You should spot test heavily diluted single essential oils on your baby’s arm or leg to see if they have a any form of sensitivity to it. This way, you will know what oils to use and what to avoid. Remember, it is always safer to dilute oils more, rather than less.
Essential oils may be added to a baby’s bath with a bit of epsom salt and no more than 1-2 drops of essential oil per bath. When a mother uses essential oils while breastfeeding, at least 1% thereof will be transferred to the baby via the breast milk. The amount of essential oils that a breastfeeding baby will receive through breast milk, will be the exact amount he/she needs.
The following oils are safe to use after 3 months. Kindly click on the icons for a short cut to the 10ml essential oils on the website.
Acid Reflux
Acid Reflux Roll-On over the stomach in a circular movement twice a day as needed.
Bed-Wetting
Topically apply1-3 drops of the Potty Training Blend over the navel and under the feet before bedtime.
Boost Immunity
Topically apply Immune Support Roll-On over the spine and under the feet before bedtime to support the immune system.
Diffuse 1-2 drops of Thieves. It is also safe to diffuse 1-2 drops of Lemon, Frankincense, Lavender, Cedarwood, Basil, Orange, Rosemary and Clove.
Add 1 pinch (1ml) of MZN 150g 450g into a bottle of milk, daily for 5-7 days.
Diffuse 1-2 drops of Breath Support, Covid Steam 5ml 10ml, or Sinus Blend 5ml 10ml when needed.
Topically apply 3 drops of the Frankincense & Myrrh Blend over baby’s chest and underneath the feet, once a day.
Bug Bite
Topically apply Bug Bite Roll-On over the spine and under the feet for bug bites as needed.
Diffuse 1 drop of each, Citronella, Tea Tree and Lavender.
The Lavender Blend can be applied directly to the bite mark to relieve discomfort.
Cold and Flu
Diffuse 1 drop of each, Tea Tree, Lemon, Lavender, Thieves and Clove.
Topically apply Chest Roll-On over the chest and lightly massage it in.
Topically apply Immune Support Roll-On over the spine and under the feet before bedtime to support the immune system.
Add 1 pinch (1ml) of MZN 150g 450g into a bottle of milk, daily for 5-7 days.
Diffuse 1-2 drops of Breath Support, Covid Steam 5ml 10ml, or Sinus Blend 5ml 10ml when needed.
Colic
Topically apply Colic Roll-On over the tummy and lightly massage it in.
Congested and Runny Nose
Dilute Lemon oil with a carrier oil and apply topically over the chest and under the nose and feet.
Constipation and Cramps
Topically apply Tummy Roll-On over the tummy and spine as needed.
Topically apply Cramps Roll-On over the tummy and lightly massage it in.
Cradle Cap
Wash your baby’s hair and scalp with a gentle shampoo, like Myrtle Products’ Baby’s Breath Shampoo Bar. Use a soft brush to remove scales.
Dilute Rose Geranium and Lavender with a carrier oil like Sweet Almond Oil and gently massage it into the scalp.
Topically apply Coughing Roll-On and Chest Roll-On over the chest and lightly massage it in.
Diffuse Thieves, Thyme, Cedarwood and Frankincense in the room during the day and while sleeping at night.
Topically apply 5 drops Cell Restore KIDS over the spine and underneath the feet.
Diaper Rash
Topically apply the Baby Bum Balm to the affected area.
Topically apply the Skin Healing Herbal Cream to the affected area.
Topically apply the Wonder Balm and the Comfrey & Calendula Balm over the affected area to soothe discomfort.
Earache/Ear Infection
Topically apply Ear Infection Roll-On behind the ears to ease earache.
Topically apply 10 drops Cell Restore Kids over the spine.
Topically apply Fever Roll-On over the spine and under the feet. If the fever does not break within an hour and is higher than 40°C, seek medical assistance.
Jaundice
Dilute Lemon oil with a carrier oil and apply topically over the liver and under the feet.
Nausea
Diffuse 2 drops of Spearmint.
Topically apply 1 drop of Morning Sickness Roll-On or Nausea Blend over the neck and inhale through the nose.
Respiratory Discomfort
Diffuse 3 drops Breath Support and 2 drops Peppermint during the day and night.
Apply Chest Roll-On over the chest and lightly massage it in.
Tantrums
Topically apply Lavender & Neroli Roll-On under the feet as needed.
Diffuse 2-4 drops of Baby Calm Diffuser Blend throughout the night.
Massage your baby’s whole body with the Baby Calming Massage Oil before bedtime.
Toothache
Apply Teething Roll-On over gums as needed.
All Scripture is quoted from The Scriptures, available online on E-Sword or can be ordered in hard copy from Qodesh Books.