Last week I was on a cruise and experienced something that has definitely rubbed me the wrong way. Here I was about 11ish weeks prego and you know what sounded good? A freaking massage. A nice wonderful hour and fifteen minute long massage. My mother and father in law gave me a hundred bucks on board ship credit and also the cruise line gave me fifty bucks to use at the spa for my birthday. Figured, yep… definitely getting a massage. As usual, the spa is very booked up so I finally got a time locked in and fill out my paperwork and wait to be called.

When I got called in, I talked with the lady about how I’m pregnant and she instantly turned rude. Why rude? I have no idea. It was like I was cursed or something because I’m with child. She said she couldn’t use any essential oils on me so I asked what type of oils she uses. Keep in mind here, that duh, I sell therapeutic grade oils and have done extensive research on their benefits. She hands me the “Lavender” – not even sure if I could call it Lavender. I read the ingredients and what do you know, there was nothing natural or even healing about it. No wonder she couldn’t use it on me – there were tons of chemicals in it! It even said that it was for a burner, so why would they rub those on people in the first place! They were strictly aromatherapy oils so I was offended that they would even think about putting those on my skin.

We went back and forth a few times where she told me to never use oils, so I decided to be defeated, cancelled my appointment and went and spoke with the manager. Check out what the manager said:

“I’m so sorry that we can’t give you a massage, actually no one should be rubbing you while pregnant. Also, my therapist said you use oils and I want to highly recommend that you NEVER use oils while pregnant.”

“Huh?” I say. “Is there a reason why I can’t be rubbed or use oils? I use therapeutic grade oils.”

She says, “I don’t know what therapeutic grade oils are but your husband should NOT rub you and nor should you use oils especially on your feet. They could activate something that hurts you because the reflexology points in your body are so strong on your feet. You know what you should do, is go to CVS or WalMart and get some sort of a soak and let your feet sit in it.”

Me, these are my thoughts – The lady just told me to not use anything natural and to go to Walmart or CVS for some sort of a chemical soak that will undoubtedly activate my reflexology points on my feet which will definitely activate something in my body. Um, right that make s a lot of sense.

I look at Doug, thank her for her advice and walk out.

Now, I get that I am not a professional masseuse nor am I a doctor so who knows, maybe early on in pregnancy, you shouldn’t be rubbed. I also do know that some therapeutic grade oils should not be used during pregnancy as yes, some will be too strong for you and/or the baby.

What I do know though, is that oils are THE ONLY THING that has helped me throughout my pregnancy so far. Did you know you can’t even use Vix Vapor Rub while pregnant? How about Advil, Tylenol, or any cold medicine? The only thing that is safe is natural stuff. Other moms may disagree, but if you talk with a doctor in your first trimester about having a cold or anything really, they’ll tell you that you can’t take anything. I know, because I’ve been there.

This whole experience taught me that I have to be educated on my own on what is good and what is bad for myself and my baby. I’ve been surrounded by opinions lately and I listen to each and every single one, then I go and research, research, research so I can make my own informed decision. People are taught with lots of biases in school and usually only know one way, when in reality there can be many different ways to handle one situation.

So, my advice to you out there, future moms, current moms… research, get educated, know what you’re talking about. Don’t just believe one person’s opinion. I’m open to dialogue about different healing techniques and would love to talk with you about what you think of my experience.

Cheers,