Pregnancy and parenting small children are beautiful journeys, but they come with their own set of challenges. One unexpected challenge could be dealing with lice. Traditional lice treatments often contain harsh chemicals that pregnant women and parents might prefer to avoid. Fortunately, there are safe, natural, and effective alternative treatments available. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you tackle lice naturally during pregnancy and while parenting small children.
Understanding Lice
Lice are tiny, wingless insects that live on the scalp and feed on human blood. They spread through close contact and can cause itching and discomfort. While they don’t carry diseases, getting rid of them quickly is essential to prevent further infestation and discomfort.
Natural and Alternative Treatments
- Combing and Manual Removal
- Tools Needed: A fine-toothed lice comb, good lighting, and patience.
- How to Do It: Wet your hair and apply a generous amount of conditioner to make combing easier. Use the lice comb to meticulously go through small sections of your hair, starting from the scalp to the ends. Wipe the comb on a paper towel after each pass to remove lice and nits. Repeat this process every few days for at least two weeks.
- Essential Oils
- Tea Tree Oil: Known for its insecticidal properties, tea tree oil can be effective in killing lice.
- Lavender Oil: Acts as a natural repellent and can soothe an itchy scalp.
- How to Use: Mix 10-20 drops of essential oil with 2 ounces of olive oil or coconut oil. Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair, covering it with a shower cap. Leave it on for at least an hour before washing it out. Follow with combing to remove dead lice and nits. Repeat this treatment twice a week.
- Neem Oil
- Properties: Neem oil has insecticidal properties and is safe for use during pregnancy.
- How to Use: Mix neem oil with your regular shampoo or apply it directly to the scalp. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Follow up with combing to remove lice and nits. Repeat the process every few days until the lice are gone.
- Coconut Oil
- Properties: Coconut oil can suffocate lice and makes it easier to comb them out.
- How to Use: Warm up some coconut oil and apply it generously to your scalp and hair. Cover with a shower cap and leave it on for several hours or overnight. Comb out the lice and nits before washing your hair. Repeat as needed.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Properties: The acidity of apple cider vinegar can help loosen the glue that holds nits to the hair shafts.
- How to Use: Dilute apple cider vinegar with an equal amount of water and apply it to your hair. Leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse and comb out the nits. This treatment can be repeated daily.
- Salt and Vinegar
- Properties: A combination of salt and vinegar can dehydrate and kill lice.
- How to Use: Mix 1/4 cup of salt and 1/4 cup of vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the solution generously onto your hair and scalp. Cover with a shower cap and leave it on for at least 2 hours. Rinse and follow up with combing. Repeat every few days.
- Natural Over-the-Counter Products
- LiceLogic Clear & Free Shampoo: Made with natural enzymes derived from flowers, this product is safe and effective for treating lice. It contains no harsh chemicals and is non-toxic.
- How to Use: Apply the shampoo to dry hair, ensuring complete coverage from the scalp to the ends. Leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Follow up with combing to remove dead lice and nits. Repeat as needed.
Bagging Up Items
An important part of treating lice is ensuring that they do not spread or re-infest you or your family. Bagging up items that cannot be washed or vacuumed is a crucial step in the process.
- Why Bag Items? Lice and their eggs (nits) can live on personal items like stuffed animals, pillows, and upholstered furniture. Bagging these items starves the lice by depriving them of a host to feed on.
- How to Bag Items: Place non-washable items in a large, sealed plastic bag. Keep the items in the bag for at least two weeks to ensure all lice and nits are dead.
- What to Bag: Consider bagging stuffed animals, pillows, blankets, and any other soft items that were in close contact with the infested person.
- Additional Tips: Regularly wash and vacuum items that can be cleaned. Hot water and high dryer heat are effective at killing lice and nits on clothing and bedding.
Parenting Small Children
Parenting small children adds unique surprises, like head lice. The process of dealing with lice can be a tedious and time-consuming task, but with patience and consistency, you can successfully manage it. Remember, cutting hair is always an option to make the treatment process easier and more effective.
Preventive Measures
- Avoid Sharing Personal Items: Do not share combs, brushes, hats, or pillows to prevent the spread of lice.
- Regular Inspections: Regularly check your scalp and hair for signs of lice, especially if someone in your household has been infested.
- Maintain Cleanliness: Wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water to kill lice and nits.
Embrace natural, non-toxic options whenever you can, and remember to be patient and persistent. You’ve got this!
Your midwife, Patricia
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, especially during pregnancy.
Love & Root Homebirth Midwifery and Apothecary 