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10 Benefits of Coconut Oil for Expectant & New Mamas

Mama Glow | August 11, 2019

Coconut oil is an edible oil extracted from the kernel or meat of mature coconuts harvested from the coconut palm. It has various applications. Because of its high saturated fat content, it is slow to oxidize and it is excellent for many uses from cooking to beauty. This type of fat can boost fat burning in the body and provide the body and brain with quick energy. It also raises the good HDL cholesterol in your blood, which is linked to reduced heart disease risk. It’s extremely beneficial when ingested or simply used as a topical treatment for many ailments, such as skin irritations. It has many applications for expectant and new mothers.

For one, coconut oil contains high amounts of lauric acid, found in abundance in human breast milk and converts to a substance called monolaurin in the body. Monolaurin has been shown to be useful in increasing immunity and fighting viruses and disease. It has also been shown to be preventative against some cancers. Coconut oil is over 40% lauric acid, the richest source naturally available.

When you’re pregnant and in the early postpartum period, coconut oil should be a staple in your fridge, your medicine cabinet and in your nursery.

Morning Sickness:  Helps reduce morning sickness by stabilizing blood sugar levels. Eat a tablespoon of coconut oil or add to a smoothie in the morning. 

Immune Booster: Researchers have established that coconut oil is an effective anti-fungal. The anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties help strengthen a mother’s immune system, which often becomes compromised during pregnancy.

Curbs Constipation: Daily consumption of coconut oil during pregnancy helps relieve constipation as it lubricates the intestinal lining and acts as a natural laxative.

Nipple Cream:
Coconut oil is an antimicrobial healing option to nourish cracked, sore, dry nipples. When breastfeeding it is common to experience sore and even cracked nipples. Coconut oil can help correct this problem. Simply take a bit of oil on the tips of your fingers and massage into the nipple and the rest of the breast. This also protects against thrush because coconut oil has anti-fungal and anti-viral properties.

Diaper Rash Cream:
Coconut oil is an excellent replacement for traditional diaper rash creams and ointments. This oil is a natural cleanser and can help heal minor skin irritations. In addition it is completely natural and safe for baby. Studies indicate that coconut oil may be effective against Candida albicans, a type of fungus that is most commonly responsible for fungal infections including diaper rash and thrush. 

Skin Moisturizer:
Coconut oil is great for moisturizing the skin. Keeping the belly moisturized can help reduce the chances of developing stretch marks.  The high concentration of vitamin E in coconut oil, as well as the emollient nature, helps prevent stretch marks. Existing stretch marks may fade with regular use of coconut oil as well.

Cradle Cap:
Cradle cap is a fungal infection that is easily treatable with coconut oil since it’s anti-fungal. Coconut oil can be used on a baby’s head to help remove cradle cap. Apply a thin layer over the baby’s head after each bath, this will help soften the tissue. 

Enriching Milk Supply:
Breastfeeding mothers who consume 3 tablespoons of coconut oil a day have noted an enriched milk supply. Coconut oil can be consumed by itself, in beverages or meals. Coconut oil stimulates metabolism promoting both healthy thyroid function and lactation. 

Hair Treatment: When used as a deep conditioning treatment coconut oil helps restore healthy hair growth and maintenance postpartum.

When you are thinking of purchasing coconut oil, choose “raw” or “unrefined”. You can purchase online or in any health store as well as many supermarkets. This is a popular home remedy item due to its effectiveness and because it is all natural. Its an amazing all-purpose item that is certainly worth the investment.

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