Making your own body lotion to use during pregnancy

From the moment you you discover your pregnancy to the day of delivery, it is imperative to reduce your body's exposure to harmful chemicals and toxins. Many of even the most common ingredients found in skin care products (such as retinoids and salicylic acid) can leach into your bloodstream and affect your baby. One way to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals during pregnancy is to create your own body care products. Here's how you can make homemade lotion to avoid toxic chemicals during your pregnancy.

Making your own lotion isn't as hard as it sounds. Lotion is simply a combination of moisturizers like oils or shea butter and optional mix-ins such as essential oils for fragrance or vitamins for an added benefit.

• You can also use beeswax as an emulsifier and for added healing. The process itself is just like cooking; you heat and mix the ingredients, then jar them for safe keeping. It is also easily personalized.
• Do you have sensitive skin? Try grape seed oil.
• Need extra moisturizing? Add some vitamin E from a supplement capsule.

To make your own body lotion and keep your baby away from toxins, follow a few simple steps:

1. First, mix your ingredients together in a bowl. This typically will be your oils, butters, and waxes. A simple recipe is 1/2 cup shea butter, 1/4 cup coconut oil and 1/4 cup jojoba oil. You could also add 5-10 drops of a favourite essential oil. Make sure to clear any essential oils with your doctor before using them while pregnant.
2. Next, heat the mixture on the stove or in the microwave, checking about every thirty seconds to see if it has melted together. Be careful not to burn yourself.
3. Stir in some distilled water to thin the substance out as desired. You will need to pour slowly and stir or whisk continuously to avoid clumping. If you want a whipped lotion, you could use an immersion blender to add some air to the mix. Just make sure you use a large bowl and a low mixer setting for your own safety.
4. Finally, pour or spoon the lotion into a sterile jar or can of your choosing and enjoy. Most homemade lotions will be at their best within the first six months after being made.

Making your own lotion can be a great and easy way to ensure that your baby stays safe while you await the exciting day of her birth.