We are so excited to have a guest blogger this week! We've known this special mama for a very long time. Her green beauty shop, Integrity Botanicals, was one of our very first retailers. Terri is just a couple days away from her due date with her second (so exciting!) and because Integrity Botanicals only carries the best natural and organic skincare products, we reached out to her to share her pregnancy skincare essentials and she did not disappoint. Read about her favorites below.

I was completely flattered when Zoe Organics asked if I would do a guest post talking about my pregnancy essentials. We have one son, Jackson, who is now 5 1/2 years old and I’m now in the final days of my second pregnancy. I used Zoe products in my pregnancy with Jackson and excited to share that Zoe products are a staple in my current pregnancy.

Here are my Top 5 Pregnancy Essentials:

1. Zoe Organics Belly Oil: I’d highly recommend this for early on in pregnancy, from the first day that you find out you are pregnant. I used this with my first pregnancy and it definitely helped with my skin’s elasticity. I didn’t notice any stretch marks later in my first pregnancy as my belly quickly started to expand. In my second pregnancy, I failed to use this early on with being a busy working mom and then started to notice stretch marks develop in my 2nd trimester - lesson learned! I love how fast this belly oil absorbs without any greasy after-feel and will use this post pregnancy to get my belly back into shape.

2. Zoe Organics Belly Butter: I used this in my 2nd and now in my 3rd trimester (both pregnancies). This belly butter is great for dryness and itchiness associated with stretching skin. I love how it spreads and absorbs into skin, making your belly feel moisturized and comfortable. A little goes a long way too so it will last a long time.

3. Zoe Organics Everything Balm: If I had to choose one all over body care essential from Zoe (including a growing belly), especially for travel, this would be my go-to. It’s great because it comes in a convenient stick, spreads easily over skin without tugging and is super moisturizing without that greasy after feel. It has a light vanilla-coconut scent that’s really comforting. This balm also comes in handy if you are traveling with other kids - my 5 1/2 year old loves to use this balm and all by himself. :)

4. de Mamiel Pregnancy Facial Oil: Love how this facial oil makes my skin glow! The aromatherapy blend of this oil is very soothing, calming and harmonious, it has a silky texture and it makes my skin feel so smooth. I love that this oil is also specifically formulated for pregnancy related concerns – hormonal and reactive skin, and especially safety. Pregnancy and beauty products, and what we put on our skin can become a very confusing topic, especially with the use of essential oils.

5. La Bella Figura Découverte Under Eye Repair Serum: My absolute favorite eye serum for reducing dark circles and puffiness (not only during pregnancy!) This has been especially helpful in my 3rd trimester with many sleepless nights and struggling to be comfortable, not to mention my mind racing about all the things I need to do to prepare for our sweet baby’s arrival. This will also be a staple for me post pregnancy with the countless sleepless nights ahead. While this product is not specifically formulated for pregnancy, I personally feel comfortable using this product while pregnant. I always recommend checking with your doctor first before applying skincare products while pregnant.

Former Parson’s alum and former women’s contemporary fashion designer Terri Hall, the seeds for Integrity Botanicals and her passion for Green Beauty were sown when Terri was a teenager struggling with problematic skin that lasted throughout college. Terri spent countless hours researching and experimenting with myriad natural homemade remedies – from egg white masks to face cleansers to hair masks and anti-aging treatments — to sooth problematic skin, psoriasis and more.

Terri launched Integrity Botanicals with her husband Marc and after the birth of her son devoted herself to the Green Beauty industry and helping to educate customers on beauty products that were healthy, luxurious and full of integrity.

All three of my children love to be massaged. It was a ritual we began when they were babies and has gotten us through infant colic, teething, nighttime growing pains, stress, and provided a special bonding experience for any pre-bedtime wind-down. As they grow older, sometimes these massages are the platform for precious conversations and a means to bring calm after a hard day. 

This powerful tool is too good to not recommend to every mama, so we have created a simple, useful, downloadable guide that covers everything from the benefits of baby massage to creating the best environment. At the end of the download are guidelines that you can cut out and keep in the nursery to help get you started. 

Cheers to hours of bonding and special memories that will last a lifetime!

What is Baby Massage?

Infant massage is a gentle, soothing therapy that has been shown to have physical and psychological benefits. It’s also a wonderful way to bond with your baby.

The Benefits of Baby Massage

• Stimulates brain activity and releases oxytocin
• Improves blood circulation
• Increases alertness/heightens awareness
• Reduces stress hormones
• Improves immune function
• Enhances development of the nervous system
• Aids with digestion
• Relieves discomfort of gas, colic, constipation
• Deepens bonding between baby and parent/caregiver
• Helps parent/caregiver respond to baby’s cues
• Enhances communication between baby and parent/caregiver
• Creates an opportunity for father, grandparent, or another special person in baby’s life to bond
• Improves relaxation, sleep
• Deepens baby’s feelings of security and overall well-being

The Process

Create a comforting environment.

• Set aside 15-30 minutes of uninterrupted, distraction-free time
• Choose a time when baby is happy and alert
• Make sure temperature is warm enough so baby doesn’t get cold
• Dim the lights and play a favorite lullaby album, or enjoy the quiet
• Remove all jewelry that could scratch or distract
• Follow up massage with snuggle or rocking time

Begin massage using these guidelines:

• Make eye contact
• Before you begin, request permission from your baby. This develops trust and respect; empowering him /her to accept or reject their body being touched
• Watch for cues of engagement
• Use gentle, fluid strokes (not so light that it tickles)
• Keep strokes slow and relaxing; avoid over-stimulating baby by going too fast
• Move from baby’s center, outwards (example: move from baby’s upper thigh down to his /her feet)
• Balance – if you massage the right arm, massage the left arm next
• Do each stroke 3 times and watch for cues from baby to continue or move to next stroke

Baby Massage Guide

Click here for our FREE Baby Massage Guide!

Need some more Baby Oil? Click here for 10% off (discount will be applied in the cart)!

Bonus!

We’ve created three playlists for lullaby/sleepytime, that are each a bit different, but that are all relaxing, beautiful music. We hope you enjoy!

Sweet Dreams 1

Sweet Dreams 2

Sweet Dreams 3

Zoe Organics Refresh Oil is one of the products in our collection that is lesser known than some of our other hero products. However, it packs a powerful punch and comes in handy more than you’d think. In fact, this might be the little roller bottle that you never knew you needed! In this post, we aim to bring some clarity to this special oil, so that next time you need it, it will be right there in your purse, pocket or cabinet.

What is Refresh Oil?

Refresh Oil is an aromatherapy oil designed to refresh, awaken senses and help to counteract nausea and stomach upset. Originally created for our pregnancy collection, it has become a beloved family staple. The blend of quality organic essential oils, is diluted in organic jojoba oil and packaged in a glass roller bottle that can be conveniently applied and kept close by.

How does it work?

Our blend of essential oils includes lime, peppermint, ginger and spearmint. As you read through the properties of these oils, you will see why we chose them. Here are their primary properties: uplifting, stimulating, immune system and digestion support, and help relieving nausea and upset.  

Here are some facts about these oils:

Lime: A refreshing citrus oil that has an uplifting aroma and supports the immune system. It is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and supports digestion. (We use distilled lime essential oil, which is not phototoxic.)

Peppermint: This plant at its aroma are known for their ability to counteract nausea and vomiting and soothe upset tummies. It is known to increase circulation, has anti-inflammatory properties and works as a decongestant. Only a very small amount of this oil is needed to be effective and we use it in a 0.95% concentration in this formula.

Ginger: Supports the immune system and is commonly used to support digestion and relieve gas, nausea and vomiting. It can increase circulation and support the respiratory system, but helping to remove excess mucus.

Spearmint: Increases circulation, supports digestion and has an uplifting, stimulating aroma that is energizing and uplifting.

How do I use it?

Refresh Oil can be used a few different ways, but the most straightforward use is to roll it on the pulse points (temples, neck and wrist). A light massage with the oil on the temples or neck can be a therapeutic little ritual or pick-me-up.

We also like to roll it on the palms, cup our hands around our nose and breathe a few slow, deep breaths. For young children, you can apply the oil to an adults hands and allow them to breath in the aromatherapy blend.

For adults and children, a gentle massage with the refresh oil on the stomach can be beneficial during upset or nausea. Simply apply the oil directly to the abdomen and gently rub the oil in a circular motion.

It is recommended to use caution with peppermint and spearmint essentials oils with young children because of the high menthol content. The combination of these oils is used at 0.45% dilution in this product. For use with young children begin by allowing them to smell the aroma of the oil rather than applying directly on their skin, particularly on our near the face.

As with all of our products, this one is a muti-tasker. The benefits of the essential oils make it a daily favorite.

Here are some of the ways our family and our customers use it:

• Travel companion for motion sickness, nausea or stuffy, smelly enclosed spaces (planes, trains and automobiles)
• Morning sickness and nausea
• A pick-me-up for a tired mama or caregiver
• A labor oil to stay alert and combat fatigue and nausea
• A pick-me-up for C-section births
• Tummy aches
• For use before a test or to help with concentration
• A refreshing perfume oil

What are other people saying?

“A few weeks ago, my 5 year old daughter got a little stomach bug. I remember Heather telling me about a little trick that she would use on her kids, and boy does it work! Every time Emma would complain about her tummy hurting, I would grab our Refresh Oil and apply it in a circular motion on her stomach, and within minutes she would calm down and her stomach ache would subside a little bit! It was just enough to give her some relief.” – Lee W.

"As some who struggles with anxiety, I use this daily to keep my calm. Love breathing in all its goodness :)" – Teresa D.

"This oil never left my side during my first trimester. I often felt sick all day long, and rubbing this oil on my wrists/hands and smelling it when I got particularly queasy was really helpful. Even now that I am not as sick, the scent has become comforting so I still apply it daily. It is small but mighty. Couldn't have lived without it in those first few months!" – Jenn (review from follain.com)

"At first I thought this was only a pregnancy essential oil, but the girls in the store explained that it can be used for motion sickness too. Now I keep it in my handbag and apply it whenever I am feeling nauseous while traveling, which is often. It is like a breath of fresh air on planes, trains, and in the car. Love this oil!" – Kathryn (review from follain.com)

"This smells sooooo good of lime, ginger & spearmint – it's not strong and overpowering – it's very light and refreshing. I love using it as a natural perfume but it is also wonderful on pulse points when feeling sick, car sick, headache coming on, etc. It is so great to keep in my purse, it's small and easy to use with the roller ball. It is also nice to roll all over palms of my hands, rub together and take deep breaths if I'm feeling really run-down and tired. It's such a great price too – makes a great gift to for anyone who travels a lot or pregnant friends." – Carol H. (review from integritybotanicals.com)

"I love this product! It has a light, delicate scent that is very appealing. I use it multiple times a day." – Karyn M. (review from clementinefields.ca)