MY RECOVERY [Part 6]

Every precious baby has their own story about entering this world. This blog is about my journey to becoming a mother to Matilda. I have so much admiration for the healing and therapeutic powers of essential oils, they have been incredible for supporting me through my pregnancy, birth and postpartum recovery.  Armed with the right mix of oils to help me emotionally, physically, and mentally, this is my story.

My birth to Maisie had been straight forward. This time I had been so focussed on getting ready to have 2 children under 2 that I had given no thought as to how I would cope psychologically if my birth didn’t go to plan.

Matilda was a placid baby, however emotionally I didn’t cope well in my first weeks at home. I had so many questions surrounding my birth and found that I was replaying it over and over in my mind. It was constant. I went into auto pilot with the baby. Breast feeding came easily, and I was getting enough sleep, but my mind was processing all day long. I also suffered from guilt, mostly around opting for an induction. I had been assured that my birth complications were not as a result of medical intervention.

The baby blues isn’t talked about much, but I spent these first weeks in a dark place. I felt violated, I felt traumatised. I cried a lot. Little things my toddler did, set me off into tears again. It wasn’t her fault, but I wasn’t able to deal with any additional stresses. Some days were better than others, but I could barely focus on my newborn.  My beautiful husband was so supportive, he gave me the time I needed to heal. He helped me with Maisie, to let me focus on my recovery and attending to Matilda.  I had booked a newborn photo shoot which was a blessing because in Matilda’s first weeks, I hardly had any photos.

I talked it though with my doctors at my 2 and 6 week checks. They were able to debrief with me, as I had so many questions. My Ob assured me that processing, and even dreaming about the trauma was a good way of dealing with the events that unfolded. At both appointments, it was suggested that I think about medication. I felt that this was not an option, it didn’t sit right with me at that time.

My body was also recovering physically, I made a spray bottle with a beautiful blend of lavender and tea tree mixed with witch hazel. This mist was so incredible for cooling, soothing and healing the site of my episiotomy. My pelvic floor was very weak from my pregnancy and birth.

I was struck down with mastitis at 6 weeks post-partum, and much to my despair, had to have another course of antibiotics. I was in a mess.  I wasn’t sure if it was the trauma, hormones, or cocktail of drugs.  Perhaps a combination of all? It was supposed to be a time of immense joy with my new born. I felt that I had lost some of this special time with my baby. That made me sad.

I started the rehabilitation of my pelvic floor, and the restoration of my gut health and immune system. The community midwife suggested I make an appointment with the Woman’s Health Physio to help me come up with a plan for my rehabilitation (i.e. A LOT of pelvic floor exercises). My Naturopath put a plan together to help me nourish my body again with the right foods and high powered herbal supplements. I finally felt like I was on the right track to restoring my health, both physically and mentally. I was also able to talk to my CAFS nurse about the way I was feeling, she was a fantastic support to our family. It was 9 weeks before I started to feel ‘normal’ again both physically and emotionally.

I had relied on essential oils to support me through my pregnancy and birth, and I knew I was going to rely on their therapeutic goodness during my post-partum recovery. I diffused a lot of Bergamot. I love the aroma of Bergamot, this oil is most unique in its ability to be both uplifting and calming at the same time. I also diffused Clary Sage as it’s such a power house for balancing hormones. Neroli was also an incredible oil bringing instant relief from anxious feelings. Every morning I used a drop of Frankincense under my tongue to bring calm. Frankincense is also wonderful for preparing the mind for prayer and meditation.

3 months on, I feel strong. I’m back to playing hockey again. To join these wonderful woman, as well as returning to exercise and getting fitter, has really helped me bring normality back to my life.  I have been blessed to have the endless support from my husband, friends and family.  I am enjoying my family and I am so grateful that I can be at home with my little girls. Maisie and Matilda are a wonderful blessing to us, I thank God for them every single day. It brings me so much joy to watch them grow and learn.

I look forward to returning to my job as a wellness advocate with dōTERRA. I find my job so rewarding, to empower and educate rural family in natural health solutions. My other passion is mentoring a group of upcoming leaders in their own dōTERRA businesses, we are a group of women passionate about blessing lives with oils!

I look forward to sharing my journey as a wife and mother, and how we incorporate these beautiful essential oils, a gift from the earth, into our lives.

Vee x

I love dōTERRA essential oils! I align with this company which work directly with farmers from around the world to source the purest and most potent oils. dōTERRA have a co impact sourcing model which means they only source the essential oils from where they grow in their natural environment, half of these countries are third word or developing nations. They provide on time and fair-trade payments to farmers and distillers and facilitate long term relationships to ensure a sustainable supply of essential oils.

This is my personal story. Please contact your medical or health practitioner for advice on using essential oils.

If you are not already working with a wellness advocate, I would love to support you on your journey in using these purest essential oils. Please reach out to me!