Growing a baby is hard work! In addition to the physical toll of pregnancy, you probably have a lot on your mind, too. You’ve got baby registries to organize, a nursery to prepare, and doctor’s appointments to make. Even in the busyness of it all, be sure to take time to really enjoy and revel in this sweet stage before your baby arrives. It’s equally important to prioritize self-care. Give yourself some love. Relax, rest, and unwind.
A warm bath is the perfect way to calm the mind and destress after a long day. Plus, it will take some pressure off of your back and growing belly. We love these all-natural, luxurious soaps by Mumu Bath! The scents are heavenly, and they nourish your skin from head to toe.
Did you know that you can give your superwoman body some love and get gorgeous, magazine-worthy pregnancy photos at the same time? Introducing the milk bath!
Legend has it that the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra, known for her striking beauty, took daily milk baths to keep her skin nourished and glowing. Who knows if that’s actually true, but evidence does support the idea of using milk to nourish skin.
Milk Bath Benefits
In both liquid or powdered form, milk helps soothe skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin. Milk contains protein, lactic acid, vitamins & minerals, and healthy fats that help replenish and moisturize tired or stressed skin.
Are Milk Baths Safe?
In general, milk baths are safe. However, talk to your doctor before taking a milk bath or scheduling a milk bath session during pregnancy. Avoid milk baths if:
- You are allergic to dairy or other types of milk
- You have milk sensitivities
- You have fever or illness
- You have very sensitive skin
You can also substitute whole cow’s milk with coconut, rice, soy, almond, oat, or goat’s milk. Avoid skim milk because it lacks the nourishing fats – you’ll just end up with murky water. (Talk to your doctor first to confirm it’s safe to do so.)
How to Take a Milk Bath
Whether you’re doing a milk bath for a glamorous photo session or just to relax at home, preparing a milk bath is easy:
- Fill the tub to the desired amount with warm water (keep it at a comfortable temperature – extra hot baths may not be safe during pregnancy)
- Add 1-2 cups of powdered milk (you can even purchase milk bath solutions). If you don’t have powdered milk, add 2+ cups of your liquid milk of choice. You may need a bit more liquid milk than powdered milk.
- Stir the water and milk with your arm to mix.
- Add in lavender, Epsom salt, oatmeal, or honey for added relaxation and health benefits.
- Soak for 20-30 minutes.
- Because of the sugars in milk, be sure to rinse thoroughly after your bath to prevent yeast infections.
*If you’re doing a milk bath photography session, you can also add flowers or greenery to the milk bath. Real flowers work best because they float.
Ready to schedule your milk bath photography session? Connect with me here to get started!
Sasha Chou Photography | NYC Maternity Photographer
Sasha Chou is a boutique New York City engagement, wedding, and maternity photographer. She specializes in timeless, photojournalistic images. Discover her style by visiting her portfolio here. Learn more about the dedicated Sasha Chou Photography team here. To book video or photography services or learn more about wedding packages, click here.
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