You probably have a list of things you want to pack for the hospital, and it's easy to forget something! To help you remember all the important things to bring with you, we've highlighted our top 7 items below. Don't leave home without these essentials!
Your own pillow: Hospital pillows are thin and often smelling strongly of hospital-y smells. Pack your favorite fluffy pillow from home to make your stay more comfortable.
A Perry bottle: Even though most hospitals provide water bottles now, some still don’t or offer them at an extra price for visitors/patients which can add up quickly depending on how long one is there! Bringing in a reusable water bottle can help save the environment at the same time as saving money so everyone wins here!!
Snacks : the last thing you want while delivering your baby is to have to eat something you don't like! packing some foods and snacks you like will def put you in a good mood after being exhausted during labour.
Comfortable clothes : Packing a comfortable robe can make the whole experience a lot better! not only does it look a lot better than hospital gowns it also makes it easier to breastfeed your newborn as well as to do skin-to-skin, while keeping you and baby warm. it is also important to think about your underwear. choosing a good comfortable underwear will make you feel good about yourself for sure!
We recommend checking out The Yummy Mama Kit that includes all the above mentioned mama items you need in your hospital bag!
Travel size toiletries: these can be the same ones you will use on your baby, just make sure you choose something that is natural, soft on the skin and doesn't have any artificial fragrances, so you don't irritate your new born's delicate skin or your own. Check out our Timi&Mila Mini Baby Bundle for all you need for the hospital bag. You will also need a Nipple Balm to avoid any issues if you want to breastfeed your baby. out Timi&Mila Nipple Balm also doubles as a lip and hand balm as well, which will be very handy in the dry hospital environment.
Your baby's going home outfit: Packing a super cute outfit for baby will make their first outfit picture special! but make sure to pack a few other things for the few days you will spend st the hospital before going home.
A camera: To document baby's big arrival and first few days together as a family, don't forget to pack a camera! Be sure that it is fully charged before heading out though so that way there isn’t any scrambling when it comes time for pictures!
This resulted in sleep-deprivation, physical distress that became illness, mental distress that was more than I could handle!
As the days went by I felt intense anxiety that I was doing everything wrong: I hadn’t read to my daughter enough, I hadn’t cleaned up enough, I hadn’t completed enough puzzles with my child, I looked into the mirror and felt ugly and not enough. Like many mothers, I held it together at work and with family and friends—the people who saw me every day didn’t know anything was wrong. But on the inside, I was not ok.
One day, I found myself screaming into a pillow for release, and even then I didn’t realize I needed help. All I could think about was “I guess this is what motherhood is!” Luckily, my husband saw that I was breaking inside and he felt like he didn’t recognize me anymore and he knew then I needed help. But he didn’t know how he could help.
Is What I’m Feeling Normal?
Feelings of depression, compulsion or anxiety do not mean a woman is a bad mother; they also do not mean she doesn’t love her baby. Many expectant mothers imagine motherhood will be fulfilling and uplifting. But when the baby is born, they may not feel that way at all. Mothers may experience depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
A mother may experience PTSD as a result of a real or perceived trauma during delivery or following delivery. This can happen due to a feeling of powerlessness or a lack of support during delivery, an unplanned C-section or a newborn going to intensive care. Postpartum Support International (PSI) estimates around 9% of women experience PTSD following childbirth.
If you are experiencing anxiety, flashbacks or nightmares, you are not alone and it is not your fault.
What Should I Do If I Have These Feelings?
I know from experience that these feelings can be easy to brush off, but it’s okay to say, ‘Something isn’t right. I’m not okay.’”
When a mother does say this, her support system might follow up with questions like: “Can you tell me more about that? What does it feel like?” Your Doctor, Midwife, Doula, Nurse or even your partner can help attach vocabulary and understanding to certain feelings. A mother experiencing these unsettling and frightening feelings should not push them away.
Everything can feel strange following a birth, so be gentle and honest with yourself about your feelings. If you are experiencing troubling or upsetting feelings, ask your nurse or doctor if they can help you find programs and resources. Many mental health agencies offer programs that can help, or there may be counselors in your area that can offer the right kind of support.
It can be helpful to find a solid support system that encourages open, honest communication—this can make all the difference for expectant and postpartum mothers. For Me, It was my Husband who saved my Life and our Family! When I was diagnosed with depression it was beyond postpartum depression and was along the lines of “suicide risk” and severe depression. Talking to my family and working with a specialist provided me with the support I needed to heal and be able to move on with my life for myself as well as my family.
I hope that by sharing my story I can help more mothers feel comfortable about expressing their feelings. Every mother is on her own journey, but she need not travel alone.
]]>While new parents prepare in many ways for the baby they are about to meet, they often find themselves feeling surprised by how disorienting and overwhelming caring for a newborn actually is. Although there is certainly joy, the first few months can feel fragmented, unbearably exhausting—and the relentless needs of a newborn can make parents feel like they never get a break.
You can blame much of this on a little phenomenon called the fourth trimester. The idea is that the first three months of a baby’s life are like another "trimester" of pregnancy because in many ways newborns are still gestating, even after they are born.
Most people focus on what is happening with babies during the fourth trimester, but moms are experiencing a birthing on their own, and in many ways are orientating themselves to their brand new life and identity.
This process can be difficult for many women who often need just as much TLC as their babies do.
Do skin-to-skin. Research shows that dads who stepped in to provide skin-to-skin carewhile their partners recovered from birth were able to help their babies keep calm and comfortable.
Take paternity leave if you have it. Don't leave it on the table if it's offered to you.
Respect her physical limits. She needs several weeks to heal after a C-section, and may need support lifting baby or doing housework.
Arrange additional support. A night nurse, a mother-in-law and friends all can help her recover from this major surgery, especially if you need to return to work.
Make sure your partner is comfortable when she goes to the bathroom. Encourage her to take pain medication as recommended by her doctor.
Respect her physical limits and need to heal after birth. Don't pressure her for sex. Be gentle and understanding when you do restart intimacy.
Encourage your partner to talk to her doctor if she experiences ongoing pain.
2. Support her motherhood goals
Dads make a difference. Research shows that supportive dads can help mom and baby to meet their breastfeeding goals. Your support matters!
Bring your partner a fresh glass of water every time she nurses. (Bonus points for adding a straw, which helps her consume more fluid.)
Gift her thoughtful small things that make her feel seen/heard. A new nursing bra
An appointment with a lactation consultants near you for extra help and support.
Make her Mother's Milk tea to help boost her supply.
Bake lactation cookies. They may or may not help, but they are a tasty treat.
Encourage her and remind her what an incredible mom she is—especially at 3 am.
“I love you" goes a long way.
Bring her the baby in bed to nurse and set a post-feed timer on your phone to make sure she brings the baby back to his crib for safe sleep. Research the right formula for your baby's needs.
Offer to take over all the feeds when you're home.
Clean all the bottles.
Burp baby after mama is done feeding.
Affirm and respect her baby feeding choices.
Remind her she's doing amazing work for your baby.
All these small things show her how much you really care and how much your invested in your lives together! It makes her feel that she isn’t alone in this very difficult journey she found herself in!
Talk, read and sing to baby—the sound of your voice is key to promoting literacy. Why not start a bedtime story routine on day 1 of baby's life?
Start a baby-and-daddy ritual. Are you the bath time guru? King of the diaper change? Baby walker extraordinaire? Own it.
Take a night shift. Whether offering baby a bottle, helping to soothe a crying newborn or just changing a diaper—your wife needs rest, and this is an important time for you to step up.
Baby-wearing looks great on dads, too.
The “baby blues" are normal—but postpartum depression and anxiety, while common, require additional support and medical intervention.
Be on the lookout for signs. Postpartum Progress provides a really helpful overview of the signs of postpartum depression and anxiety.
Remind her that she is an amazing woman.
“You look amazing," is always the right thing to say.
Support her as she attempts to reach her health goals postpartum—even if that means spending the money to join a new gym or subscribe to a meal plan.
Don't judge when she needs to buy new clothes to fit her new shape.
Encourage her as she goes back to work from maternity leave or becomes a new stay-at-home mom.
She needs alone time, even if she doesn't ask for it. Encourage her to spend some time away from baby. You've got this.
Communication is key when trying to help someone out! So even though all these tips are great make sure your partner’s needs are met!
Just because baby and mom share a special bond doesn't mean there isn't a ton you can do to support your growing family.
Dads who get consciously involved with baby care early and often reap lifelong rewards—from a close partnership or marriage to a deeper relationship with your child.
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After months of alternating between hot, dry indoor air and the harsh cold outside, your baby’s skin is definitely ready for a shift in seasonal skin care.
1. Hydration is Essential
Does it seem like drinking more water is at the root of every diet, workout and skin care routine? That’s because it really does wonders for your body! Your Little one’s organs need hydration to function, and their skin is their body’s largest organ. The more water they drink, the easier it will be to keep their skin from getting dry and flakey.
2. Always apply Sunscreen, even on cloudy days
Sunscreen isn’t just for those days at the beach. Even overcast days can still send harmful UV rays down to attack our skin. Defend it! Make sure to apply sunscreen especially on exposed parts of your baby’s body, even on cloudy days, to protect their skin from sun damage. We recommend using a mineral sunscreen – whether its for your little ones or for yourself. This way you are keeping your baby safe from the sun without the added health risks that come with chemical sunscreen.
3. Snacking done right!
Speaking of hydration, a great way to get more water into your day is by snacking on fresh fruit and veggies - and we all know how much those little monsters love snacking. Fresh fruits and veggies can be a delicious snack, and ones that are packed with the water your system needs – plus vitamins and nutrients. Great foods for healthy skin include lettuce, broccoli, grapefruit, carrots, apples, and watermelon. Studies have found that citrus fruits are especially helpful for skin health.
4. Use a Lighter Lotion
While winter had you slathering thick, heavy Balms from head to toe, the same products can start to leave a greasy layer on your skin as the days grow warmer. As part of your little one’s spring skin care routine, choose a lighter Lotion to keep their skin healthy and hydrated without weighing it down. The Timi&Mila Baby Lotion is a great light option; with ingredients like Honey and Goat Milk your little one’s skin is going to feel amazing without the heaviness of winter balms!
5. Get Moving
With weather warming up as spring starts, it is a great opportunity to go outside and move your body! Its now time to get those bikes or roller skates out and take advantage of that beautiful spring weather! If you don’t wanna take it that far you can always consider taking a nice walk around the block as a family! Remember that with spring there will always be rain! And little ones love jumping in the puddles and getting wet. Make sure you dry out those hidden folds and rolls really well to avoid any skin issues after that! Its always a good idea to use a gentle body wash to clean up without drying out their skin. Our Timi&Mila Shampoo & Body Wash has great lather and moisturizing ingredients that is perfect for your little one’s skin.
]]>Tips for a healthy diet during pregnancy
It is Important to know that being both underweight or overweight while you’re pregnant can affect the development of the placenta; when the placenta gets damaged, the damage may reduce the amount of blood circulating between you and the placenta. This low blood flow means fewer nutrients for your baby. This could delay your baby's growth in the womb, and could result in premature labour! Another factor to consider is the quality of the food consumed during pregnancy, choosing foods like fresh and organic fruits and vegetables and even dairy, limits the amount of chemicals that reach your baby. When you choose to eat mostly processed foods full of sugars and chemicals all that goes to your baby.
5 Foods to enjoy during pregnancy
All these factors affect your little one for the rest of their lives. From brain development issues to mental health to growth restraints, as well as several developmental diseases; nutrition during pregnancy plays a very big role in setting a good foundation for baby’s health.
We all know sometimes we have the weirdest of cravings during pregnancy, however, try and keep a balance between good healthy nutritious food and the not-so-healthy cravings. When you give in to a day of sugary deserts that you were itching to have every few weeks don’t feel too bad! just keep track of it all so you can give your baby a healthy fresh start to a healthy happy life!
For more information about Pregnancy Nutrition give Elesha Tsui a follow on instagram, or sign up for her program where she teaches all potential mamas, pregnant mamas, breastfeeding mamas all the information they need to know about what to eat and how to get the best out of food to be as healthy and happy as possible.
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There are many ways to teach your child self-care and love!
By teaching your children about it at a young age, you can help them develop these important habits that make it easier as an adult to lead a balanced, healthy and happy life.
In this blog post, we are going to go over some tips that can help you teach your child about self-care and love. Read on to learn more and start sharing the love!
]]>While your child likely does not deal with as much stress during a day at preschool as you do, self-care is still beneficial and important for them to learn and practice. When you teach your child about self-care and self-love at a young age, it will teach them to prioritize their mental and physical health, now and as they grow. When you introduce your little ones to these habits of caring for themselves, it can help them learn how to deal with stressors in the future and reduces their risk of developing mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression!
In this blog post, we are going to go over some tips that can help you teach your child about self-care and love. Read on to learn more and start sharing the love!
Start by teaching your child basic skills they need to follow to keep themselves healthy. From personal hygiene to diet, you can start teaching these things at a young age. If you are feeding your kiddo healthy foods, giving them baths, helping them brush their teeth, and helping them maintain a good skin care routine, you are setting their foundation for taking care of themselves as they grow. These are things that your child will have to learn how to do eventually and if you work with them early on, you can help them develop healthy habits. While these may not seem like huge self-care habits, they are some of the most important and they show your child that you have to take care of yourself to keep yourself healthy.
Timi&Mila offers your family just that with our new product line Timi’s Tween Trio! With this special 3-step system your Tween learns the habit of self care by waking up and prioritizing a few minutes for themselves. This helps them feel great and be ready for the day and is a great hygiene habit that we all need to follow through every stage of our lives!
Nowadays, kids often get lost watching episodes of their favorite TV show, playing video games, or consuming too much screen time. While technology is a huge part of the future and your child’s life, you should also encourage them to nourish the mind and get away from the TV or tablet for a while. Buy toys that get your child to think, allow them to practice imaginative play, or work on some crafts. All of this can help them develop different skills and allow them to work things through in their minds. Take it a step further and have them practice yoga or read Daily Affirmation Cards - we use and highly recommend MylifeCreativeKids interactive affirmation cards, designed by Katherine Earl - in order to get in touch with their inner selves with you. This is a great way to help them gain insight and awareness.
A huge part of self-care revolves around mental health and emotions. While talking to your toddler about emotions will be different than talking to a teenager about emotions, it is a great way to help them develop the right skills to identify and manage their emotions. When your child has a tantrum or is feeling sad, help them talk about their emotions and figure out ways to manage them. Many adults do not know how to manage their emotions and may not even know how to properly identify them, which can lead to problems of their own. By helping your kiddo better understand their emotions, they can understand how to handle them, even as an adult. This is a great way to practice self-love and get in touch with their emotions.
Exercise is a great self-care habit that is easy to teach your child. While it is unlikely that you will bring your toddler to the gym and teach them how to lift weights, there are so many ways you can encourage an active lifestyle. Play soccer or basketball with them, bring them to the park, go on bike rides, go for long walks, do yoga, the list goes on and on. When you live an active lifestyle, you are more likely to be healthier mentally, physically, and emotionally. Help your children learn that being active can help them destress and feel better. They will carry this into their future.
Don’t teach your child that downtime is bad. Sometimes the best self-care practice is doing nothing. Especially in the fast-paced lives we live as adults, sometimes all we need is to slow down and to do absolutely nothing. Allow for your kiddos to have some downtime, whether that means just cuddling with them on the couch for a few minutes, reading to them, or sitting outside and watching the clouds float by.
Spending time with loved ones is not only a great act of self-love for adults, but also for children! Make it a habit of spending some quality time with your children every week and doing something fun. Get some ice cream, play a silly game, or do some other fun activity. When your child feels how much you love them they will feel important and learn to love themselves as well.
Spending time outside can help you and your kiddos refresh and is another great self-care practice. Spend time outside with your kiddos whenever you can. Have fun outdoor adventures that allow them to explore and enjoy time outside. By making the outdoors a major part of your family life, you can help your child develop a love for it and use it as a self-care tactic as they grow.
There are many ways to teach your child self-care and love!
By teaching your children about it at a young age, you can help them develop these important habits that make it easier as an adult to lead a balanced, healthy and happy life.
Most of the moms I know don’t want roses or diamonds for Valentine’s Day.
In my experience, as a mom and friend of many moms, what we want for Valentines Day are meaningful experiences that make our lives easier and enhance our relationships with the people we love.
]]>Romantic Gestures def change and may not look the same as before, but they are definitely a must after having children!
Most of the moms I know don’t want roses or diamonds for Valentine’s Day.
Roses are insanely expensive, cliche and they die in a week.
Diamonds? A lady can never have too many diamonds and although they will never hurt, lets just be real here for a moment, how many moms do you see decked out in diamonds while doing school drop off or running to an 8:00 am meeting?
In my experience, as a mom and friend of many moms, what we want for Valentines Day are meaningful experiences that make our lives easier and enhance our relationships with the people we love.
So, this Valentines Day, if you really want to make the mom in your life happy, take some time to think about how you could reduce Moms daily to do list, provide some well-deserved pampering and make her feel special and acknowledged.
#1 A Nice Clean House
If your house is in a continuous state of chaos and disorder and it drives your mom/wife mad consider hiring a professional cleaning service for a day.
Or, for a more cost-effective option, rally the kids and do a top to bottom clean by yourselves. This will leave mom feeling calm and happy, but most importantly with a few less items on her to do list that she constantly worries about.
#2 A relaxing Spa Experience
As a mom, especially as a new mom, your personal hygiene and self-care can take a back seat to any number of things…your kids, pets, career, partner, eating, sleeping, Netflix…
Before I had a child I washed my hair and went through my skincare routine nightly, now I’m happy with once, maybe twice a week. So, if you want to make your mom feel special and well cared for consider booking her for a spa service like a manicure or pedicure, where she soaks her feet and doesn’t have to think of anything!
To make her feel extra special and if you wanna go the extra mile – do it yourself!
With a Timi&Mila Mamma Bundle you won’t go wrong! Get her a Mamma Bundle and make her feel special in her own comfort zone! (even more so with all the virus scares going on these days – we don’t want to take any risks).
Fill the tub with warm water and sprinkle in a scoop of The Timi&Mila Sitz Bath that will have her feeling relaxed the moment she walks in the bathroom. To add a little extra luxury light up a candle and dim the lights to make her feel 100% again.
#3 A Massage
Who doesn’t love a great rub? When was the last time you gave her one? When she was pregnant is our guess!
Booking her a massage won’t only make her feel refreshed it will also give her a break from only being touched by the baby. Take the baby for an hour and drop her off at the massage therapist and watch her come out feeling like a whole new person.
For a more intimate experience – that’s what I’d really want – have someone watch the baby and kids for a bit and set the room up to look like a spa with some nice bed sheets and a good clean scented candle. With a good oil, lotion, or massage gel (the Timi&Mila Belly Rescue Roller) give her a nice massage! This way she will feel pampered and you’ll share this relaxing intimate time together too.
The Timi&Mila Belly Rescue Roller would be great for an event like this! It has all the components that help with skin after birth and the plus side is it’s already in a roller so you automatically massage it on her skin as you go!
#4 Breakfast in Bed – or a Snack after a nap.
We all know how hungry mamas get while being pregnant or after having the baby. Breakfast in bed is the ultimate act of love you can show the mamas in your life.
This demonstrates how much you tried – hey you cooked or went to the store just for her! It shows you appreciate how much she has been doing and acknowledge she needs a break and some pampering time. And this way you also give her a break from having to prepare breakfast for everyone for a day! Even if it’s just a piece of chocolate and a cup of her fav drink on the table before she wakes up, along with a nice little note, her heart (and tummy) would feel happy and full.
#5 A heart warming gift
There is nothing more special than a handmade gift from your kids. Go for a handmade macaroni necklace and a tissue paper bouquet. Dad, knowing that you managed the entire craft will touch your ladies heart and bode well for you on Valentines! Every mom loves keepsakes from her little ones hands. Now for your Gift to her.
It’s the thought that counts – by that we mean the thought behind the gift
For a gift to be amazing it needs to answer a few questions :
Going through these questions will help you figure out the perfect gift for her.
But in general we find that a gift like The Timi&Mila Mama Bundle does the trick every time!
Why you ask? Simple; it checks all the points mentioned above!
It gives mama the gift of relaxation and self care and alone time, it gives dad a chance to pamper the new mama, it shows that you care and really thought about where you are in life now and makes her feel that you are invested in this new stage of life as she is, and best of all it clearly says I love you, you matter and I care!
]]>As they grow, physically and mentally, their skin also changes!
One of the most obvious changes will be, the appearance of their skin.If you are as confused as all of us are on how to manage and take care of your tween/pre-teen’s skin, don’t worry.
Let us help you understand and figure out how to teach your growing kids to take care of their growing skin!
]]>As they grow, physically and mentally, their skin also changes!
One of the most obvious changes will be, the appearance of their skin.If you are as confused as all of us are on how to manage and take care of your tween/pre-teen’s skin, don’t worry.
Let us help you understand and figure out how to teach your growing kids to take care of their growing skin!
Preteen (Tween) Skin
Preteens - or “tweens” - are defined as children between the ages of nine to twelve who are on the verge of becoming teenagers. However, body hormones and changes actually occur at an even earlier age. At age seven, sebum (oil) production increases, and it is during these prepubescent years that they may experience slight oiliness in their T-Zone and their first pimples. This is very important! As parents we start seeing changes in the appearance of their skin as well as their body, and need to treat it differently than we used to when they were “babies”.
When tweens hit their teenage years, oiliness and breakouts really ramp up. Experts say that: “As teenagers (both male and female) go through puberty, they have a surge of testosterone and other androgenic hormones. One effect of this surge is an increase in sebum production."
Sebum is an important component of healthy skin, helping to moisturize and protect it from the environment.
The bacterium Propionibacterium acnes is considered a key player in acne development. Studies have shown that P. acnes uses sebum as a source of energy, and its presence in the pores initiates an immune response that triggers inflammation
Teens also produce more keratin, a protective protein that strengthens the skin, hair and nails.
Too much keratin can lead to hyperkeratosis, a thickening of the outer layer of skin, which can clog the pores, increase congestion, and result in more breakouts
The good news is that most teenagers can manage these changes with appropriate hygiene and skin care, especially if started at a younger age – prevention before treatment!
When To Start A Skin Care Routine
Most experts recommend starting a very basic skin care routine during the preteen years. This builds good skin care habits and ensures that by the time more major issues come along, there is a good, healthy base to work from.
No need to make it complicated, but you also want to make it a little bit of fun for these little ones so they will do it on a regular basis. Read on for what we advise for a tween and teen skin care routine.
The Basics: Tween Skin Care Routine
The most important Rule: Keep it basic.
You don’t want to overwhelm your tween or teen with your favorite Korean 10-step routine. Instead, keep it gentle and bare bones; there’s always room for them to add more products as they become more comfortable. This slow and steady approach also makes it easier to determine what ingredients and formulas work best for your child’s skin - and what has the potential to irritate it.
The Timi&Mila Tween Trio * is a basic skin care routine with just three simple steps: cleanse, tone and moisturize, day and night.
We suggest building skin care into your preteen's existing routine: When they brush their teeth, they can wash their face. When they’re finished flossing, they can massage the toner in, and when they put on their pjs they can apply the moisturizer . If you create a skin care routine that way, they won’t miss when they’re supposed to do their home care.
Making skin care a quick and easy addition to a morning and night routine makes it more likely that your tween or teen will follow through.
Step 1: Cleanse
When it comes to choosing a cleanser, stick to a gentle formula that will clear impurities and keep the skin hydrated. We recommend our Clean Me Cleanser * which gives a nice, light lather and contains beneficial ingredients like hibiscus, rose and honey. Most importantly, like all Timi&Mila products, it is formulated without harmful chemicals that could irritate the skin.
Step 2: Tone
Again make sure you choose a toner that is very gentle for their delicate skin! Natural toners are filled with anti-oxidants, natural exfoliating agents and balances out the oil production in the skin. Our Timi&Mila Totally Toner * is no different. With its base of rose water and which hazel it refreshes and nourishes the skin all at the same time.
Step 3: Moisturize
At that age it is always a good idea to go with a light weight moisturizer! The Timi&Mila Magic Moisturizer * is good for all skin types and contains deeply hydrating Black Current Extract, Honey and Propanediol which are amazing for acne prone skin as well as helps irritated inflamed skin feel amazing, moisturized and nourished.
We recommend combining the Timi&Mila Magic Moisturizer * with your tween’s fav SPF. Sun protection is key to great skin health!
Good Skin Care Habits
Beyond a regular skin care routine, there are several things tweens and teens can do to maintain and improve their skin’s health. Here are a few simple habits to keep in mind and start early:
* All our Tween Trio Products are launching this Thursday - Stay tuned!
]]>Your body goes through a lot of changes during pregnancy—after all, you are literally growing a human inside of you, so your body is adapting to make that possible. But there are arguably no changes more significant than those that happen to your belly.
The skin on your belly seems to go through far more during and after pregnancy than any other area of the body, but that doesn't mean you should ignore everything but your bump. Stretch marks and loose skin can occur on areas of your body, such as your torso sides and back. So be sure to treat them with the same attention that you treat your belly.
Our skin is really one continuous piece. So, even though it’s our belly that’s doing the most physical stretching, think of it as all the way around, to the back and extending downwards towards the hips and pelvic area.
Ultimately, stretching happens in all of these places, even if to a lesser degree, so it's important to care for all of them, not just where you see your baby growing.
It's easy to remember to treat your belly skin when you can see (and feel) it changing, but it's a bit harder when the expansion is behind you and you now have an infant to care for around the clock.
Challenging as it may be, it's important to continue your belly skincare regimen during the postpartum period. "After pregnancy, it is helpful to moisturize regularly simply because your body is trying to recover after nine months of making another human.
This can be especially helpful for anyone prone to stretch marks because they can show up even when skin is shrinking very quickly.
As you welcome your new baby into your life, you may also be saying hello to some noticeable marks on your belly skin, from stretch marks and scars to loose skin, in the months after giving birth. If you're hoping to avoid some of these changes while keeping your belly skin as healthy as possible, there are a number of steps you can take during and after your pregnancy.
The first step in almost every skincare routine is to exfoliate so that you get rid of any dead skin, dirt, and bacteria buildup and create a blank canvas for all that follows.
"When it comes to exfoliating your belly area, you want something very gentle, like a sugar scrub (coming soon) or a konjac sponge.
When it comes to exfoliating your belly, once a week is more than enough. You don’t want to over-exfoliate your body, especially when it’s already going through so much, so less is more.
Skin is known to absorb ingredients more when damp, so creating some natural moisture for your belly skin is a great next step. After you get out of the shower, step out of the hot water but keep the shower running on the hottest temperature. This will create some steaminess in the bathroom, which is really good for your belly skin to be able to absorb everything.
Next, it's time for what's arguably the most obvious part of belly skincare: hydration. It's important to keep the skin of the belly nourished, because it can enhance the skin's elasticity and smoothness.
Hydration can come in the form of an essence, toner, serum, or virtually any other lightweight liquid. We highly recommend The Belly Rescue Roller as it contains ingredients that offer great hydration and naturally astringing ingredients that help with the irritation as well as itchiness of the skin. It also comes in a roller packaging that allows you to gently already massage it in which increases blood flow to the area and aids with maintaining elasticity in the skin.
The last step in a complete belly skincare routine is to lock everything. This creates a thick protective layer on the surface of skin to both seal in all of the hydration you just added and prevent any moisture loss.
Whether it's an oil, a balm or a cream (we recommend the Timi&Mila Rescue Balm), you want to look for lipids and oils and avoid anything water-based, as this will not create the same protective barrier on top of skin. Some creams may not actually have enough oil content in there to lock everything in. So an oil based butter or balm is the best way to go.
Take the moisturizer into your hands and massage it onto your belly, going up to the breasts, down to the hips, and around to the back as much as possible.
It is important to know that some elements of your body and skin are simply out of your control. Stretch marks can be very much genetic, so even if you’re doing everything you can to prevent them, you may still get them.
Sometimes, people feel worse if they think they didn't do enough to prevent stretch marks, but because they are in large part genetic, if you end up with stretch marks, you don’t have to be regretful and wish you’d done more.
For those prone to stretch marks, all the belly skincare in the world won't fully eliminate them, but if your skin is being well-nourished, you'll have a better chance of avoiding them all together.
The more you stick to a regular belly care routine, the better; but don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good. So, even if you're applying belly oil or moisturizer a couple of times a week rather than devoting half an hour to a full regimen every day, it will still make a difference.
Taking care of your belly skin during and after pregnancy is a smart move, but it shouldn't feel like a task. "I feel like a lot of women end up being really busy during their pregnancy, so these moments of belly care can also serve as moments of selfcare, and it’s a great way to connect with your body and with your baby. It can be really grounding and serves as areminderof the miracle that you’re making inside of you.
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Your baby's first bath is an exciting milestone, but handling a tiny slippery-when-wet body in water can be a little nerve-wracking. But with all that said, your baby’s first bath is still a very joy-filled experience.
Once you’ve picked a place and time to give your newborn her baths, read over this list of tips that’ll make the whole process a little easier and safer:
Feeling tender down there? Of course you are — you just had a baby!
Even if you didn’t tear or have an episiotomy, and especially if you did, you can expect some (or lots) of pain in your perineum after delivery. One way to score some relief is to soak in a sitz bath.
]]>Even if you didn’t tear or have an episiotomy, and especially if you did, you can expect some (or lots) of pain in your perineum after delivery. One way to score some relief is to soak in a sitz bath.
What is a sitz bath?
“Sitz bath” comes from the German word “sitzen,” which means to sit. And, you guessed it, a sitz bath is a pool of water that you sit in, with only your hips and bottom submerged.
You can take a sitz bath using a special basin designed for this purpose and placed securely on a toilet seat, or you can fill up your bathtub with a small amount of water and create a sitz bath that way.
There are a number of benefits to sitz baths:
Soaking in warm water with the right combination of salts and healing ingredients can help ease pain and itching from hemorrhoids — another postpartum symptom you may be experiencing, Man was that an inconvenient side-effect!!
This is how I set up my Sitz Bath, feel free to make the experience your own by adding extra ingredients, herbs, or dried flowers, put on your fav music or grab a cup of relaxing tea to enjoy while you soak and heal.
Sitz baths or tubs that aren’t cleaned and disinfected well before using may spread bacteria, so be sure yours has passed the hygiene test before use.
Using Sitz Bath Salts gives every mama the opportunity to have a few minutes by herself - this is not only important for her physical healing but also for the healing her mind and soul. Mother's are usually put not the side after having a baby and that effects the mental health of a new mother, so having the opportunity to connect with her own self is extremely important!
Give a mom a break and make her feel important and help her heal, both physically and mentally, with Sitz Bath Salts!
]]>As we step into Winter, a season of frost, we need to remember that the affects are inside our homes too. A baby’s skin undergoes constant change, especially in our harsh Canadian winters. So caring for your Childs skin at the early times of seasonal changes is especially important! As a mama of 2 girls with very sensitive skin, here’s an early Christas gift - some easy-to-follow tips on taking care of babies skin during Winter.
1. Sun protection
This is EVERYTHING!
You might think that in Winter times we don't need sun protection - but you'd be surprised!
Winter sun is even harsher on the skin due to the dryness that the skin encounters! with dry skin UVA and UVB can penetrate easier and thus cause even more harm on the areas exposed!
As most parents will learn, babies under 6 months should avoid sunscreen if possible. Because of this, keeping your baby away from direct sun ray exposure is step one. But this isn’t always realistic. If you’re outdoors a lot, make sure your baby is covered under a stroller with a sunshade, or is under an umbrella of some sort.
If you have to be in the sun for longer periods of time, and the above mentioned methods of protection are not realistic for you, consult your pediatrician/dermatologist and only apply sunscreen to the areas that are exposed, like the face. Using all-natural sunscreens that do not cause harmful side effects to your babies is key!
2. Moisturizing
We’re all about moisturizing in my house! It is so important that your baby’s skin is hydrated and nourished from the start! Their skin can so easily become dry, rough, and irritated, and we want to make sure that doesn’t happen. Aside from hydration (giving your little ones lots of water when they are of age), remember to keep a light lotion or a fast-absorbing butter on hand and massage it on your baby’s skin as often as you can to keep it from drying out. Our Rescue Balm is a staple in all of my purses, diaper bags, and the car, we always apply it on the cheeks and face before we leave the house! But our Timi & Mila Baby Lotion is what we begin and end our day with. Especially after a bath, it’s so important to rehydrate your child’s skin and always keep it moisturized.
3. Regular Diaper Changes
This one seems obvious but the frosty dry Winter weather can cause havoc on your child’s skin. As soon as we see early signs of cold, we go for heavier clothes and winter gear…that means SWEAT! We all know that sweat and moisture in the diaper area can lead to diaper rashes, so regular diaper changes and using a diaper cream is key to preventing long-term irritation and rashes. Our Timi & Mila Baby Bum Balm is the perfect, all-natural solution, but being in a regular diaper changing routine is ever more important. Try to change your child’s diaper as often as you can, preferably cleaning them with running luke-warm tap water and patting them dry instead of using baby wipes as it can irritate the skin. Let the diaper area air out for a couple of minutes if possible to remove excess moisture from those cute little baby folds. Remember, prevention is your number one ally!
4. Skip the long bath times
I know how much the kiddos love to splash around in a warm bath after a long cold day. But long exposure to hot water and soap can cause the skin to dry out faster after that. Try to not give your little ones a bath every single night and on bath days always always remember to apply a good moisturizing balm after, like our Timi & Mila Rescue Balm.
Another tip is using an all natural Body wash and Shampoo. This way you also get the benefits of the good moisturizing and healing ingredients and non of the gunk that comes with using traditional soap.
“Aren’t you going to take that?” That’s what the nurse said to me when I was leaving the hospital after Mila was born.
I’m all for free stuff, but when I took a look at the products in more details, my answer was “NO, thank you!”
]]>“Aren’t you going to take that?” That’s what the nurse said to me when I was leaving the hospital after Mila was born. She was referring to the “gift box” all new parents get, filled with samples and “essential baby products.” I’m all for free stuff, but when I took a look at the products in more details, my answer was “NO, thank you!” The products were all filled with chemicals and harmful ingredients.
It wasn’t the nurses fault; she was offering a new mom help (which is always appreciated!) and I had to remind myself that the go-to for most people is to purchase “cheap and/or convenient” products. I am proud to belong to a small group of individuals and families who actively try and make sustainable choices, but I will admit, it can be challenging and expensive! In that moment though, I was shocked that our hospitals - a beacon of health - was recommending these products for my new baby.
Our skin is our largest organ and is linked to our positive long-term health in many ways, so it’s important to consider what we put on it, and what we expose it to. Protecting your skin with minerals, or nourishing it with natural methods of hydration, are key to keeping it healthy long-term. But why is natural or “green” skincare so important?
#1. Its Better for the Environment
“Non-green products” are often treated with, or made from, synthetic materials, chemical, and other harsh ingredients. Most of these ingredient's manufacturing include very harsh methods, which produce a great deal of pollution and ultimately leaves a negative carbon footprint on the environment. The companies who produce these products usually don’t have an all-natural ethos either.
“Green companies” however, are committed to producing their products in the most sustainable way, using natural and/or organic ingredients, and making sure that the environment and local ecosystems are protected throughout their entire process.
#2. Toxic Buildup
The reality is that what we put in, and on our bodies, affects our bodies forever. Over time, toxins from the products we use build up because our bodies don’t know how to absorb and digest these foreign ingredients, so they continue to collect in our bodies rather than being flushed out.
The world is full of chemicals and toxins that our babies will be exposed to and we can’t protect them from everything; this makes it more important to very carefully choose what we do apply on their skin, because our little ones bodies can handle a little bit of chemical exposure when it is strong but having too much toxic and chemical buildup will be very hard to handle.
Some of the Diseases associated recently with chemical buildup include Kidney disease, Infertility, Cancer, Auto Immune diseases, Blindness.
#3. Green Beauty is never tested on Animals
You might be amazed by the amount of large skincare manufacturing facilities who still
test their products on animals.
The good news here is that natural skin care manufacturers skip animal testing all together and do nothing to harm any other living beings in general.
#4. Beneficial Ingredients
The best way to highlight the benefits of natural skincare is to talk about their ingredients. There is a huge difference between what is in synthetic products and ingredients found in natural skincare.
When you look at the ingredient label on a synthetic product, you’ll see words such as Triclosan, PEG, Dye #4, and Petrolatum. These ingredients are man-made in labs, and can be very harmful, even if they still perform what they claim.
On the other hand, natural products are filled with ingredients that are and sound familiar. Ingredients such as Shea butter, Coconut and Olive oil, Lavender, Calendula flower and many more are not just beneficial but also do not have any harmful side effects.
Harsh chemical ingredients can equal harsh reactions to your skin and body. Clear and Simple!
#5. An Anxiety-Free Experience
We live in a time where there is a controversy surrounding everything. But something that definitely does not carry any doubt, is that natural ingredients do no harm!
Choosing green beauty removes all anxiety from buying something that would have the potential of harming our little ones. And as parents, we can breathe easier knowing we are offering our babies the best chance at a healthier life.
And that is why we created Timi&Mila's 100% clean and natural products! the ease of mind that comes with understanding what we put on our little ones skin was something we really needed to have! And I'm pretty sure all other parent's would agree to that!
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You finally leave the house and OMG, is that a freaking mosquito?!
These flying and crawling little pests can mess up your whole day. But what is a parent to do?
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After an icy-cold Canadian winter, we cannot wait to go out and enjoy spring. But like all parents out there, the anxiety sets in when you realize you have to leave your house. Go for a walk in the spring and summer can be a daunting task. Do I have everything? Diaper bag, sunscreen, hat with a brim, change of clothes, snacks, *did I eat breakfast?*, more extra clothes, diaper cream, keys, phone, the CHILD!! You finally leave the house and OMG, is that a freaking mosquito?!
These flying and crawling little pests can mess up your whole day. But what is a parent to do? What is the best way to protect our little ones? Is there a safe mosquito repellent for babies? How do I know what is safe? What is DEET? What is DEET-free? If there’s a DEET-free, why is it in there in the first place? Confusion.
Let’s break it down.
DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) is a smelly colourless liquid chemical found in insect repellents. What did I just read? Yup, ‘colourless liquid chemical’ on our skin. GREAT.
DEET is used in products to prevent bites from insects such as mosquitoes, biting flies, fleas and small flying insects. Scientists haven’t proven how DEET works (that’s so comforting…) but they have associated it with nasty side effects such as skin irritation, redness, rashes, and swelling. People that have accidentally swallowed products containing DEET have experienced upset stomachs, vomiting, and nausea. In some extreme cases, it was also associated with seizures.
Health Canada has recommended that DEET not be used on children younger than 6 months of age. The AAP (American Association of Paediatrics) has also recommended that DEET should be applied no more than one time per day for children and that products used on children should have the lowest DEET concentration available, or preferably no DEET at all. Both Health Canada and the AAP have cautioned parents not to use DEET on the hands of children and to avoid applying it to areas around children’s eyes and mouths.
The issue here is that the efficiency with products containing DEET depends on the concentration of it – the lower the concentration, the more times it needs to be applied. Which makes it useless to use on babies and kids all together, let alone safe. (For more info on DEET usage recommendations by Health Canada click here)
So why is it in our products? Why does this even exist?!!
As a parent of two nature-loving girls, I know the anxiety your feeling. I don’t want this stuff anywhere near my kid! I decided to source a natural alternative, or at least a DEET-free bug spray, until I figured out how to formulate my own. With DEET-free products, you can apply it as much as you want, on any part of the body, as many times as you want! That’s the type of security I’m signing up for! I can stop having nightmares about potential accidents and chemical consumption, that would spiral into a very scary chain of events.
Let me put your mind at ease! After researching, I found ingredients like which hazel, lemongrass, and peppermint are natural mosquito and insect repellants. That sounded great to me. But how could I use those ingredients without drying out my child’s skin? Insert avocado oil and vanilla; naturally soothing and moisturizing! After months of formulation, we created the Timi & Mila Lemon Vanilla Seasonal Spray.
It’s saved us in the forests, in the mountains, and on neighbourhood park-walks. No matter what option you chose for your family, PLEASE make sure it’s DEET-free, and follow these helpful tips for going outdoors:
#1: Cover your stroller!
Whether it’s a breathable mesh screen, or a thin, breathable swaddle, cover your stroller with something! The best way to prevent bites is to prevent the insect from even coming close to your child.
#2: Go full-sleeve!
You may think it’s hot but dressing your child in light, breathable, full-sleeve clothing can protect them from bites. Skip the sandals and go for covered shoes. There’s nothing more annoying than having a bug bite on tiny toes!
#3: Avoid ponds!
I know the water is pretty and the ducks are cute, but avoid walking near ponds, rivers, or lakes in the evening as these areas are breading grounds for mosquitos!
#4: Keep your bug spray close!
Our Timi & Mila Lemon Vanilla Seasonal Spray comes in a larger at-home size, and a travel-size for the baby bag or car. I use mine not only to spray me and my kids, but also their strollers, car seats, toys…everything! The all-natural ingredients work on any surface and give me the peace of mind to enjoy my spring and summer evenings after months of freezing cold!Stay safe, everyone!
Lots of expectant couples open an account with a registry, or post their wish list on their social media profiles. The best way to ensure you’re giving mom exactly what she wants is to find out if there’s a list somewhere you can consult. If there’s no list available, ask the people closest to the new mom if they know what she needs. Often, a family member or friend is the one arranging the baby shower, and she or he might know the answer. If a registry list is set up, you might be able to buy items directly from the company holding the list.
When you buy baby shower gifts, consider the time of year the baby is due to arrive. Babies born in winter will need warm, snuggly clothes for their first few months, but they’re certain to outgrow these by the following year. Combine winter clothing with a container of baby butter made from rich cocoa butter, healing olive oil and calendula herb, and vitamin E oil in a beeswax base.
It’s quite acceptable to include a few things for the upcoming summer, too. Just make sure you buy for the baby’s age at that time. Having suitable clothing stashed away will help mom when baby hits 6 months and she doesn’t have time to go shopping! Throw in a bottle of baby bug repellent to keep both mom and baby safe from pesky insects. Baby bug repellent that is organic and made from natural products is best for a new baby’s skin, and the new mom will love it too. They’ll thank you later, you can be sure of that.
No-one wants to turn up at a baby shower with just another “same old same old” gift. Get creative by looking for unique baby shower gifts that will make a great impression on the parents. Baby books, music and DVDs can provide education and entertainment for a long time to come. Picture frames and keepsakes make great reminders for the parents to record every stage of babyhood, and good quality baby jewelry can be saved until the child is old enough to enjoy it. Organic and natural ingredient based baby skincare products such as baby bum balm, and baby bug repellent show a personal caring touch.
Wrap these types of long-term gifts with something the baby can make use of now, like baby bum balm. There’s nothing that soothes a baby bum rash—and mom’s nerves—better than a pure, deliciously-scented bum balm. Made with mineral ingredients like non-nano zinc oxide and bentonite clay, cod liver oil, lavender essential oil and vitamin E oil, a balm that keeps baby dry and comfy is one of the best baby shower gifts you can give to new parents.
The best baby shower gifts are the ones new parents don’t even know they need. While everyone else is buying the obvious packages of diapers and onesies, why not consider a Gift Set from Timi&Mila.]]>Every day, youth across Canada struggle with homelessness and sex trafficking.
• As many as 40,000 young people in Canada experience homelessness every year
• Over 50 per cent of homeless youth indicated that abuse at home contributed to their homelessness
• 17 years old is the average age for victims of sex trafficking
• 55 per cent of victims are recruited into sex trafficking by someone they knowTo us, that’s not ok! Over the last decade, the youth they help are facing more complex challenges. In addition to abuse, neglect and family breakdown, more youth struggle with mental health challenges, cyber-bullying, loss of financial support, and finding affordable housing and meaningful jobs.
But there’s more to the story.
This is where we saw the perfect opportunity to give! Residence space at The Covenant House is limited, so we really wanted to focus on the young people who were accessing drop-in resources and services. Maintaining personal hygiene is just one of the many small ways we can help so we are donating some travel-sized Shampoo & Body Wash in time for Thanksgiving, and plan to donate Rescue Balms for the winter season to protect their skin!
In addition to donating product, 10% of proceeds from our Shampoo & Body Wash sales will also go to The Covenant house so please, please, PLEASE shop until Thanksgiving so we can donate those funds in time for the holidays. After Thanksgiving, 10% from our Rescue Balm will be donated until Christmas!
Our Family has always believed in the concept of “we’re all in this together”, and that if we truly want a better future for our kids we need to make it happen! Be the change you want to see in the world; Give youth who are homeless, a warm bed, a hot meal, and a chance at a better future! Donate NOW!
]]>There’s already so much going on in a babies diaper, but one of the most common issues is also the most dreaded…a diaper rash! Despite your preventative measures, this (almost) inevitable rash pops up when you least expect it. A diaper rash is a type of inflammation (dermatitis) that looks like an area of bright red skin on your baby’s bum. It can be caused from wetness or bacteria being on the skin for too long (from a dirty diaper), chafing, or general skin sensitivity. Sometimes, it can manifest into small bumps as well. If this does occur, the trick is to be prepared.
Step 1: Identifying early stages of a rash.
Keep an eye on your little one’s skin. If the skin seems unusually red or you see bumps or white spots, a rash may be developing. Your child’s mood is also a very good indicator. If you notice your baby is more irritable than usual, or feels uncomfortable while being changed or right after peeing, that is probably related to skin irritation. If your child is sick, on antibiotics, or a change in diet, look out for a diaper rash as these changes are all known to cause rashes or irritation.
Call your baby’s doctor if the rash is:
• Getting worse instead of getting better with treatments.
• Accompanied by a fever.
• Severe or unusual
• Bleeds, itches or oozes
• Causes burning or pain with urination or a bowel movement
• You notice signs of a yeast infection
Step 2: Treating @ the first sign of a rash!
Early detection is everything! If you start to treat a rash at it’s earliest stages, chances are you can have it cleared up in a couple of days. Most over-the-counter remedies contain steroids to clear up the rash, but these can be even more harmful for you baby’s skin. Instead, use an all-natural, fragrance/chemical-free diaper cream or balm on the affected areas. Zinc oxide is a natural mineral that helps soothe and nourish the skin at the same time. It’s the primary ingredient in our Timi & Mila Diaper Balm, and our Rescue Balm because of it’s healing properties. With clean hands, or an applicator, apply a rich amount of cream on your little one’s dry and clean skin before closing the diaper. Remember to apply the cream ~1 inch beyond the rash area to treat it effectively.
Preventative Measures:
1. Always wash your hands before and after you change your babies diaper.
2. Don’t leave your baby in a dirty diaper for too long. Try and change your baby’s wet diapers every 1-2 hours, and immediately if it’s a poopy one!
3. Use water-based wipes that are chemical and fragrance-free!
4. When drying your baby, pat the area instead of wiping with a towel. If possible, let your baby bottom air dry for a few minutes before putting a diaper on again.
5. Don’t use too much soap! Clean your baby with warm running water and minimize soap use for those explosions! Even then, use a very soft/mild soap to avoid irritating the skin.
Yay, you’re pregnant! Everyone is ecstatic, you’re shopping for baby clothes, everything sounds wonderful, anddddd you feel like sh*t. Growing and carrying a small human inside of you is no joke, and your body makes some crazy sacrifices. Including your breasts! Everyone tells you about the joys of pregnancy and fail to tell you about the brutal parts. So what really happens to your breasts during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or pumping? THEY FEEL LIKE THEY’RE DYING. Breastfeeding and pumping, as “natural and easy” as it may sound, is hard AF. Your breasts will ache from being engorged and your nipples will hurt, crack, and sometimes even bleed! On top of caring for a small human, you also need to take care of YOU!
How do we make you feel a little better? We start early! As an expecting mom, your body, and your breasts, change a lot. Your skin is stretching in every direction and now more than ever, moisturization and hydration are key! Say it with me. “MOISTURIZATION AND HYDRATION ARE KEY!” Good job. Your nipples specifically, will go through a lot of change and need more moisturizing than you think. Expect your areola to get darker, bigger, and very sensitive! They'll be irritated and itchy all day unless you hydrate them! Choosing a nipple cream with ingredients such as vitamin E, cocoa butter and calendula are paramount when nourishing your skin. They work together like the Avengers to combat your dry, irritated skin and help to improve elasticity. So start as soon as that pregnancy test shows ‘positive!” Applying these creams on your breasts twice daily throughout your pregnancy, and while breastfeeding or pumping, is a necessity, and a game changer!
The importance of choosing an all-natural product is crucial here. If you are breastfeeding or pumping, your baby is consuming whatever is on your breasts, one way or another. Our Timi & Mila Nipple Balm contains the all-natural ingredients that are both good for your breasts, and also healthy for your baby to ingest!
Mamma’s, give it a try and let us know what you think!
“Eczema…Atopic dermatitis…a life-time disease”…what the heck am I reading? This is terrifying! Like most parents, we go down the rabbit-hole of information when trying to diagnose ANYTHING that has to do with our children. We forget is that conditions that are “manageable” for adults, are usually very dramatic and serious for a child, but that most things can either be treated or cured. BREATHE! It’s going to be ok.
Understanding Eczema.
I'm not a medical expert but I can tell you what I know as a mother of a daughter with eczema. For sciences sake, according to Mayo Clinic, “atopic dermatitis is long lasting (chronic) and tends to flare periodically. It may be accompanied by asthma or hay fever. No cure has been found for atopic dermatitis but treatments and self-care measures can relieve itching and prevent new outbreaks…It helps to avoid harsh soaps, moisturize your skin regularly, and apply medicated creams or ointments.”
When Timi was was only a couple months old, she developed very rough red patches behind her knees and elbows. I didn’t think much of it, applied some store-bought baby lotion (which is filled with fragrances, parabens and other irritants) and naturally, her condition got worse. Her skin was always itchy, bright red, and started to get small bumps and scales that peeled off. My poor baby girls was always crying from pain :(
If you go to a doctor, they will immediately prescribe you with a steroid-based cream that helps calm down the inflammation and pain. But it doesn’t actually GET RID OF the eczema…it just treats the symptoms. After doing my won research, I learnt that you can’t “heal” eczema, but there are ways to manage it daily and prevent flare-ups. I talked to my doctor about a natural option; I don’t want to put chemicals on my baby every day. He recommend natural eczema creams that are emollients. An emollient is a soothing or softening agent in the product you use. But emollients work better the more occlusive they are. Think about it this way: If you coat your skin with a layer that seals moisture in for a longer time, the softer your skin will be. When the top layer of your skin doesn’t contain enough water, it dries out, leading it to crack which leaves spaces in your cells. Emollients fill those spaces with fatty substances, called lipids, which make your skin smoother and softer.
This led me to the search for the best natural fatty ingredients I could use on my baby. What I found was magic! I made my own simple eczema cream from all-natural ingredients like oils, extracts, and vitamins that was the perfect blend and consistency I needed. Introducing our Rescue Balm! Now…how I use it:
How to sooth my baby’s eczema?
Always remember that prevention is better than treatment! Including natural eczema creams like our Rescue Balm in your baby’s daily skin care routine is a great way to keep their skin protected and hydrated. Check out Timi & Mila’s Rescue Balm below and let us know what you think!