A 35-year-old mum who had a traumatic birth of her first child has claimed an all-natural product is a ‘pregnancy miracle’ after a practically pain-free, calm home birth.
Alice Jamieson, a women’s wear designer and now a mother of two, from Toddington in Bedfordshire, discovered an all-natural room spray called Calm by an up-and-coming apothecary brand Made By Coopers enabled her to calm her pre-labour anxiety and nerves as well as led to a stress-free, practically pain-free home birth.
Alice, who has a daughter Sophie, aged four, and a son Jack aged two, felt two emotions when she found out she was pregnant the second time around – one of real joy but also fear.
Alice explained: “My first labour with Sophie was extremely traumatic, with many complications and it left me very stressed and unsettled. So, when I found out I was pregnant again, I of course felt so much joy and felt so lucky to fall again. However, I do have to admit there was a real element of fear. Fear that my labour would be equally as painful, and stressful and leave a legacy of anxiety.”
“Quite quickly I wanted to make sure I did all I could to prepare for this second labour and put myself in a better mindset as the pregnancy progressed.”
Alice decided early in her pregnancy that she wanted a home birth and also started researching other ways to help make her second time around feel more in control and calm.
Alice continued: “I knew quite soon into the pregnancy that I wanted a home birth. I just knew the hospital environment would be triggering for me and I really wanted to try and make this time much more memorable for the right reasons. Once I made that decision, I also began exploring other techniques or ways to improve the labour. I stumbled upon two things hypnobirthing and using scents to help your experience.”
“I remember spending hours doing my research and I felt a real sense of excitement when I read about such positive outcomes from utilising the techniques of hypnobirthing and how using scents in the lead-up and during the labour transformed other women’s birth experiences.”
It’s scientifically proven that aromatherapy when used repeatedly for specific tasks and activities, can train the brain to associate a specific scent with a certain behaviour, or cognitive state. Made By Cooper’s apothecary and aromatherapy experts have created formulas for each of their essential oil range which includes: Calm, Awaken, Focus, Happy, Sleepy Head and Revive with all claiming to do exactly as it says ‘on the tin’ for those that use them. They come both in spray and oil form.
Alice continued: “Once I had read up about positive association with scents, I spoke to a few friends, and one recommended a brand and range of products she had recently tried and loved. It was Made By Coopers. So, that was it, I went online and ordered that evening. I was a little bit sceptical, to begin with, but with nothing to lose and everything to gain, I began using the Calm spray around things that brought me joy. Like when I took a bath, when I stopped and read a book or when I was trying to be a little more mindful.”
“I soon realised it had a really positive effect on my mood and as cheesy as it sounds, it really did calm me. In my hypnobirthing sessions, they also spoke about scent association and how powerful it can be. So, I really did think I was on to something great. Also, from exploring the brand, which is made by apothecary experts, I was beginning to understand how powerful essential oils and plants can be.”
The Calm spray Alice was using ahead of her labour is made from Organic Lavender, Frankincense, Bergamont, Rosemary and Ylang Ylang and is described by the brand as: ‘A relaxing blend of five essential oils designed to calm the mind and body. Use throughout the home or across your pillows and linen before bedtime.’ The product was created by its experts to help sleep and relaxation and reduce anxiety and stress.
Alice continued: “Before I knew it, it was nearly time for labour. Ahead of it happening, I made sure I had a backstock of my products to help it all go as smoothly as possible. As soon as my contractions began, I grabbed my oils and spray and started to centre myself.”
“I know it sounds daft, but as soon as I smelt the scent of the spray and breathed in the oil neat on a flannel, I began to feel calm and less anxious. I also noticed that when I applied the neat oil to areas of pain such as my back again it relieved it and help me feel so much better. I could instantly feel the effects. I just wish I knew about all this the first time around.”
“I seemed to only have positive thoughts which was a pain reliever in itself – I couldn’t quite believe it as of course I had worried I would instantly be back to the hours of panic and pain like the first time. However, I felt calm, centred and again it sounds ridiculous but pretty much pain-free!”
Alice welcomed her healthy baby boy within a few hours and still now describes her second-time labour as a positive experience.
Made By Coopers, the British apothecary brand behind Alice’s ‘miracle product’ believes that what you put on your skin and what you breathe in should be as important as what you put in your body. Therefore, it uses only natural, organic, and plant-derived ingredients to create its artisan line of beauty and wellness products.
Clare White, the brand founder, and aromatherapy expert said: “It’s so pleasing to hear and share Alice’s experience of our products. I think so many people are unaware of how transformational scents and essential oils can be. Just like Alice, we have seen many customers tell us they’ve helped improve their lives dramatically.”
Alice ended: “I just wish someone had told me about the power of plants and essential oils sooner. I have continued to use the products after my birth, and I have found motherhood so much easier this time around which I am sure is aided by using their products. I feel less anxious and have more focus on my day-to-day activities. I will be recommending Made By Coopers to everyone, especially those that find themselves pregnant.”
“A bad labour can really affect you and I am proof of that – I really hope some expecting mothers out there read this and it starts a journey to a happier birthing story!”
Made By Coopers began after the founder, and now apothecary expert Clare found solace from her all-consuming anxiety disorders in essential oils and powerful plants. Clare’s journey took her to India and back, where she learnt her craft, and found her ‘cure’, and at that moment she wanted to share her knowledge with anyone she could – so Made By Coopers began.
