Discover in this article our natural solutions based on essential oils and our advice for preventing or reducing stretch marks, relieving heavy legs or even promoting a peaceful childbirth.

Stretch marks

Let's start this article with the first stage in a mother's life: being pregnant! The baby isn't here yet, but the body is changing and stretch marks are appearing... Don't panic, stretch marks affect 80-90% of pregnant women, so there's nothing unusual about that.

They usually appear during the second and third trimesters, mainly on the stomach, breasts, hips, thighs, and buttocks. Rapid growth during pregnancy is responsible for the appearance of stretch marks. The tension created in the skin when it stretches can damage certain layers of the skin. This causes the breakdown of collagen and elastin, two fibrous proteins that support the skin. Certain factors can increase the risk of developing stretch marks. For example, heredity is a major factor. If your mother or sister had stretch marks, you are more likely to get them too. High levels of certain hormones, such as cortisol and pregnancy hormones, could also increase their appearance.

With 100% organic nourishing vegetable oils of Sweet Almond , Rosehip , Coconut and Cranberry, our Stretch Mark Massage Oil supports the elasticity of the skin by providing suppleness and comfort. The subtle essential oil of Rosewood safely completes this combination of natural ingredients. Thanks to its silky texture , it penetrates quickly without leaving a greasy film, for supple and satiny skin. It also soothes in case of itching , feelings of tightness and can be used during breastfeeding.

And because we know that every woman has her own texture preferences, we have developed a stretch mark massage oil and cream.

Let's be clear: applying an anti-stretch mark oil or cream should start at the beginning of pregnancy (not from 4 months of pregnancy, contrary to popular belief). And morning and evening , accompanied by a massage of at least 10 minutes on sensitive areas. Specifically, the breasts, hips, thighs and stomach.

Let's be clear: applying an anti-stretch mark oil or cream should start at the beginning of pregnancy (not from 4 months of pregnancy, contrary to popular belief). And morning and evening , accompanied by a massage of at least 10 minutes on sensitive areas. Specifically, the breasts, hips, thighs and stomach.

Heavy legs

One in two women is affected by heavy legs syndrome. This is normal, since hormonal fluctuations—from puberty to menopause, including poorly adapted oral contraception—are largely responsible. However, it is during pregnancy that this feeling of tiredness and sometimes painful heaviness is most common.

Pain, heaviness, tingling, leg cramps... These unpleasant sensations are mainly due to the upheavals that the body undergoes during pregnancy (hormonal changes with increased synthesis of estrogen and progesterone, weight gain, compression of the veins by the uterus and increased blood volume). All of this will cause circulatory problems.

To help you cope with this more calmly, our Pranarôm laboratory has developed a light leg lotion to soothe the sensations of heavy and tired legs from the first months of pregnancy thanks to the synergy of essential oils, notably Rosemary, Immortelle and Cade, renowned for their circulatory toning effect.

Rich in peppermint hydrosol for a refreshing effect and moisturizing coconut and calophyllum plant oils, this leg milk with a light, non-sticky texture absorbs quickly and allows for quick dressing after application . (Can be used while breastfeeding).

In addition to the massage with light legs milk

some simple tips to apply on a daily basis:

• Elevate your legs whenever possible; this will allow blood to flow upwards to your legs. A pillow under your feet can raise your legs 5 to 10 cm at night;
• There's nothing like finishing your wash with a cold shower, working from the bottom of your legs to the top, to firm and energize your legs. However, avoid very hot baths, hot waxing, saunas, and steam rooms, which are highly discouraged;
• Choose loose, flexible clothing . Not only are they more comfortable to wear, but they also offer the advantage of not hindering venous return. Cotton clothing is preferable: it absorbs perspiration and allows air to circulate. High heels (maximum 3 to 5 cm) should also be avoided;
• Eat differently: You need to avoid weight gain while also combating constipation and water retention. Prioritize fiber and vitamins from fruits and vegetables and hydration to flush out toxins;
• Exercise your legs: It's not about exercising intensively and running a marathon. You can walk and swim a little, if possible and without any medical contraindications. Swimming, with its relaxing effect, promotes a feeling of lightness and gives you a sense of well-being;
• Uncross your legs: At work or at home, get up regularly to take a few steps. It is just as important to take a few minutes to roll a ball under your bare feet: this harmless activity will stimulate the muscles (and therefore, venous return) and will force you to uncross your legs, a very harmful habit;
• In addition to being a pleasant daily experience, massage also improves blood circulation. Massage your legs with our Light Legs Milk from the bottom up to bring blood flow back to your legs. A guaranteed relaxing effect and a truly refreshing sensation!

In addition to the massage with light legs milk

some simple tips to apply on a daily basis:

• Elevate your legs whenever possible; this will allow blood to flow upwards to your legs. A pillow under your feet can raise your legs 5 to 10 cm at night;
• There's nothing like finishing your wash with a cold shower, working from the bottom of your legs to the top, to firm and energize your legs. However, avoid very hot baths, hot waxing, saunas, and steam rooms, which are highly discouraged;
• Choose loose, flexible clothing . Not only are they more comfortable to wear, but they also offer the advantage of not hindering venous return. Cotton clothing is preferable: it absorbs perspiration and allows air to circulate. High heels (maximum 3 to 5 cm) should also be avoided;
• Eat differently: You need to avoid weight gain while also combating constipation and water retention. Prioritize fiber and vitamins from fruits and vegetables and hydration to flush out toxins;
• Exercise your legs: It's not about exercising intensively and running a marathon. You can walk and swim a little, if possible and without any medical contraindications. Swimming, with its relaxing effect, promotes a feeling of lightness and gives you a sense of well-being;
• Uncross your legs: At work or at home, get up regularly to take a few steps. It is just as important to take a few minutes to roll a ball under your bare feet: this harmless activity will stimulate the muscles (and therefore, venous return) and will force you to uncross your legs, a very harmful habit;
• In addition to being a pleasant daily experience, massage also improves blood circulation. Massage your legs with our Light Legs Milk from the bottom up to bring blood flow back to your legs. A guaranteed relaxing effect and a truly refreshing sensation!

Childbirth

The big day has arrived, the day of delivery, the long-awaited meeting with your baby!

Midwives have known for many years that essential oils can facilitate their practice in childbirth and its preparation. In fact, they are among the healthcare professionals most interested in aromatherapy training.

The study by Burns et al. conducted in England also confirmed the effectiveness of aromatherapy in relieving nausea and/or vomiting, and improving the mother's natural well-being during labor and contractions.

Essential oils provide relief for mothers during childbirth: survey

It is for this reason and to promote maximum relaxation and letting go during childbirth that our Pranarôm laboratory has developed: “ massage oil: harmonious childbirth ”.

In a 100% organic vegetable oil base, here rapeseed, the essential oils of Damask Rose , true lavender , noble laurel , Roman chamomile , neroli , shell marjoram and clove bring their soothing fragrances . This olfactotherapeutic aid is intended to reassure and relax the mother-to-be while giving her the moral strength to draw the physical energy necessary during childbirth. The father is not left out because he can apply the oil by massaging the lower back of his partner or even on the soles of the feet.