Natural skincare for mums-to-be and your baby

With just weeks, or is it days to go before Meghan and Harry become parents, the world seems to have gone Royal Baby mad! As expected, Meghan seems to be opting for a natural, organic approach to the birth and being a new mummy which fits in beautifully with the GLOW ethos.

Pregnancy is all about change: your hormones, sleeping patterns, shape, skin and complexion. And the list goes on…

So how do you achieve that pregnancy #GLOW everyone’s always going on about?

Ultimately, it’s about finding the products and beauty treatments that work for you.

GLOW founder Sara spent days researching the very best products for mum and baby, and new mum and GLOW therapist Georgie chooses her favourites…

Natural organic skincare for pregnancy

The Duchess of Sussex is known to choose organic skincare products and Georgie agrees, “finding a range of simple, natural and trustworthy skincare that gently and effectively addresses the most common pregnancy and baby skincare issues is so important.”

At GLOW two of our most popular choices for mums-to-be are the organic Decléor based on aromatherapy, and specialist NOM NOM for pregnancy, baby and beyond.

Reducing stretch marks

Meghan apparently has been suffering from stretch marks and turned to organic natural oils to help.

When it comes to natural oils Georgie recommends, “Decléor’s Cica-Botanic Oil, a blend of 9 Botanical Oils clinically proven to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and help prevent new ones. It contains oils from Musked Rose for cell repair, Sweet Almond to soothe and nourish, Camellia for hydration and Jojoba for calming.

Massage in daily paying special attention to your tummy, upper thighs, buttocks and breasts where stretch marks most commonly appear says Georgie.

Itchy skin during pregnancy

Itchy skin in pregnancy affects around two thirds of pregnant women. Although the exact cause is not known it is thought to be associated with the stretching and drying of the skin and increased oestrogen levels, body temperature and blood supply to the skin.

So how best to ease it? Organic pregnancy and baby skincare experts NOM NOM recommend:

1. Try cool wet compresses and showers.
2. Oatmeal baths. Place oats in a muslin bag and suspend under a running tap.
3. Wear loose clothing made from natural fibres to allow air to circulate and reduce friction and perspiration.
4. Perfumed products can irritate the skin so choose fragrance free.
5. Keep the skin moisturised with oils or cream, as dryness will exacerbate the itch.

To moisturise the skin Georgie suggests NOM NOM’s organic Pregnancy Stretch Butter as it’s fragrance free and has been formulated with anti-pruritic oils, including almond and shea butter to offer soothing relief.

Non Nom pregnancy products

“I’m a big fan of NOM NOM – all their products are certified organic and cruelty-free,” says Georgie.

“They offer a trio of products which are all formulated to address your most important needs as you progress through your pregnancy: aching muscles, stretch mark prevention, perineum preparation and labour support, gently and effectively.”

In addition to the Stretch Butter, NOM NOM offer a Perineum Balm combining oils of almond, jojoba, apricot kernel with shea butter for supple skin.

Massaging the perineum may help it stretch more easily in preparation for birth. “As it’s not the easiest place to get to many women find this handy balm form is so much easier than messy oils,” adds Georgie.

The last of the NOM NOM trio is their Relax Oil with Lavender, Chamomile and Frankincense. “Use with massage and swish into a warm bath to ease aching muscles and help you stay calm and relaxed during pregnancy and labour,” advises Georgie.

Soothing pregnancy body treatments

“The last trimester can leave you feeling extremely tired and aching. I take my hat off to Meghan who kept up a punishing schedule of royal appointments right up to her last few weeks,” says Georgie.

“Why not treat yourself (or drop a large hint to someone special – a voucher is a wonderful gift for a pregnant or new mum) to our GLOW Decléor Pregnancy – New Mummy Treatment. Specifically designed for pregnancy and new mummies, it includes both a body and facial treatment – it really is totally fabulous. From head to toe you’ll feel relaxed, calm and refreshed. Add a pedicure, manicure and an eyelash tint and you’ll be the most beautiful, relaxed and GLOWing mum-to-be in town!”

All our very specialised Made for Wellness treatments are also perfect and totally safe for pregnancy new mums, those undergoing fertility or trying to conceive naturally and the menopause too.

NOM NOM for baby

In addition to the Baby Bath, NOM NOM also has a small, but perfectly formed, range of organic natural products for your new baby.

“I like their Baby Butter,” says Georgie. “This non-fragranced butter contains shea, Calendula and Evening Primrose oil to soothe patches of dry or irritated skin.”

To help prevent and treat nappy rash NOM NOM recommend letting your baby spend some time without their nappy. After a little airing try including some massage for the bottom – the body’s biggest muscle. Using your fingertips massage all over the buttocks in small circular movements with Baby Butter to help protect and soothe the area before putting a clean nappy on.