Teach Soap

Hi Ladies, long time reader but this is my first post.

What's the popular opinion of doing CP soap during pregnancy? I though about buying this gas mask (literally lol) so I can continue to soap without worry: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ND ... QV8RUJMJWO

I don't make large batches (72-74oz total weight incld oils), I'm super careful and have a large well ventilated kitchen. I have chemical resistant elbow length gloves, lab apron and of course goggles.

Can it be done safely? Safe after the first trimester? What are your thoughts?

(I am doing the dreaded two week wait so while not confirmed preggo at the moment I am prepping just in case)

Thanks!

~Christina~

Christina,
Firstly, congrats on your news. Secondly, I can't see any reason why you couldnt carry on with your soap making, and Im not sure a gas mask is necessary - I mean, would you use it everytime you fill up your car or stand near someone smoking? However, you could always mix up your sodium hydroxide solution outside for added ventilation during the bit where the fumes are released.
Having said that, there are one or two essential oils (camphor for one, I think) that are advised against during pregnancy. I couldnt comment on fragrance oils, however. Either way - somebody elses advice regarding the smelly bits will be better than mine
In short - be sensible and you will be fine. And your baby too

Adam (not, by the way, a lady!)

I would ask Anne-Marie, our forum owner. She went through this not too long ago.

_________________
Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

Yes, I hope Anne-Marie sees this...Jamisen turned out super duper cute and healthy so I think she's pretty much the authority on this

Also thanks Adam, I didn't think many men would reply to this...you proved me wrong lol

I am took a 6 week aromatherapy course; so I know what to avoid EO wise I was just unsure about the lye fumes...which I usually do on my backporch anyway.

You're welcome. As it happens, my wife is due with our second child at the end of June, and I work as an anaesthetist, so I have a little bit of insight into pregnancy

Cheers,
Adam

P.S. Was I correct about the camphor?

Yup a basic preggo avoid EO list is Angelica, anise, basil, camphor, champa, citronella, hyssop, jasmine, juniper, lemon balm, lovage, marjoram, melissa, musk, mustard, myrrh, pennyroyal, peppermint, rosemary, clary sage, savory, Spanish thyme, tarragon, thyme, wintergreen, raspberry. They have been known to cause uterine contractions which may lead to miscarriage.

That's not an end all be all list but a pretty good guideline, and what I was taught.

I use about 80% fragrance oil anyway.

Thanks

Thank you for that - it might be nice to have that info as a sticky somewhere here on the forum. I hadnt realised the list was so long!

Cheers,
Adam

I'm not going to come out and say that it's completely safe, because every person and every pregnancy is different. I CP'ed through 2 pregnancies without any side effects, unless super cuteness and silliness is a side effect I waited to make any though until after I talked to my doctor. She said it was fine, but reminded me not to drink the lye She's such smart a**.
I don't use eo's for the soaps I sell anyways, just usually for family soaps.
But, there were quite a few fo's that I needed to stay away from, because the smell would make me incredibly nauseous.

I made sure that I made a nice castile soap right away though, so that way by the time the baby was old enough to have soap used on her, we'd have some lovely long cured castile to use.

Congrats Adam on the little one!
I'm sending you some positive mojo, Christina so you can get a positive sign

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Genny

Thanks for the positive mojo Genny That's a great idea with the castille soap btw too.

I hope I don't get the barfs too bad with smells. The only real scent I don't like now is the Sage Lemongrass from BB, but it sells soooo well I make it anyway.It keeps the "Skeeters" away in NC. Lemongrass in general has just never sit well with me...to me it smells like feet. It will be interesting to see if anymore sniff aversions arise lol.

Don't drink the lye water and I should be ok...got it

Anne-Marie soaped while pregnant, so did I. Just be careful with lye fumes, stay well ventilated. She did a post here but it is more on EO usage than general soaping.

Well, I'm not pregnant and that was a very interesting read! I know I make soaps with some of those EOs, how would you suggest labeling them with a warning, if at all?

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Laura<3

And a further thought - how about a sticky at top of the forum for pregnancy-safe EO's etc?

Adam