The Wheat Bag : A Mum’s Best Friend
Pregnancy and birth will never cease to amaze us. It’s a particularly wondrous period in a woman’s life, but it can also come with its fair share of discomforts and challenges, physically, mentally and emotionally. From morning sickness and round ligament pain, the physical toll of carrying a baby for nine months can be hugely demanding. Also, an often-overlooked period for all mothers is Postpartum. The fourth trimester. A mother’s body goes through a whole new set of changes as it heals and adjusts to life as a mum. We are huge believers in the effectiveness of a Wheat Bag to ease some of the discomforts of pregnancy and aid in the weeks, months and even years following childbirth.
Pregnancy
There are many joyous things about being pregnant but it’s important to not gloss over the difficulties too. One of the most common complaints during pregnancy is back pain. As the baby grows, the strain on the back can become significant and rather painful. A wheat bag can be placed on the lower back or shoulders to provide heat therapy, which can help relax muscles and minimise discomfort. The warmth from a wheat bag can also increase circulation to the area, promoting healing and reduce inflammation.
Similarly, many pregnant women experience discomfort in their hips and pelvis as the ligaments and joints loosen in preparation for childbirth. This shooting sensation can be immensely painful. A wheat bag can be placed on the hips or pelvis to provide gentle heat and support, helping to naturally relieve pain and tension in these areas.
It goes without saying that pregnancy can cause physical discomfort, however it can also bring on feelings of anxiety and stress. A warm wheat bag placed on the chest or abdomen can help with relaxation, easing tension and act as a toasty comforter. For a bonus way to unwind, why not unlock your senses and spritz the wheat bag with our Lavender Mist.
Post Partum
Giving birth is a magical experience - perhaps not the experience itself, but on reflection and the moments that follow the strain. The feeling of being handed your baby and the knowledge that your body made this perfect little bundle is unexplainable. However after giving birth, a woman's body undergoes a rapid transformation as it heals and adjusts to life post-partum. Whether recovering from a vaginal delivery or a caesarean section, the body needs time to rest and recuperate. A wheat bag can be a valuable tool during this healing process.
For women who have given birth vaginally, a wheat bag can be used to naturally manage the discomfort of perineal tears or episiotomies. By placing a warm or cool bag on the perineum, can help reduce pain and swelling, promoting faster healing of the delicate tissues in this area.
For women who have had a c-section, placing a warm (or cool) wheat bag on the incision site can be soothing. The heat can help reduce swelling and promote circulation, aiding in the healing of the surgical wound.
Whether you opt to breastfeed or not, breast tenderness can take a while to subside post-partum whilst your body adjusts. For breastfeeding mamas, this discomfort can continue for a long time, especially if you are prone to blocked ducts. Warm a wheat bag or eye pillow and use it to reduce nipple pain or discomfort caused by breast engorgement as your milk comes in. Wheat bags can also be used to naturally relieve the pain associated with mastitis and a cool wheat bag can reduce inflamed nipples in the period where you and baby adjust to breastfeeding.
And Beyond…
A wheat bag truly is a mum’s best friend, following you all the way through, from pregnancy through to childhood. Although commonly used for muscle aches and pains, wheat bags can be really helpful when dealing with toddler sleep and earaches.
There is a lot of talk about newborn sleep, but there are often numerous difficulties when it comes to toddler sleep which are not discussed. Using a wheat bag can help to promote relaxation at bedtime and act as a comforter. By gently warming a wheat bag and placing it in your child’s bed, it can help to create a cosy environment, making it easier for your little one to drift off to sleep. The soothing warmth from the wheat bag can also help to relax tiny muscles and soothe any discomfort, such as growing pains, helping your toddler fall asleep more easily and stay asleep for longer.
Along with promoting better sleep, wheat bags can also be used to relieve earaches – a common and often painful complaint among children. A wheat bag is our first port of call before we resort to more traditional over-the-counter methods, as it is completely natural and offers soothing comfort. By gently heating a wheat bag or eye pillow and placing it against the affected ear, the heat can help with the pain and inflammation. The warmth can also improve circulation which can help drain blockages and speed up the healing process. So next time your little one is struggling with sleep or dealing with an earache, consider reaching for a wheat bag.
