Henna / Mehndi relates to the name of the plant (Lawsonia Inermis), the application of the paste and the patterns. The leaves of the Lawsonia Inermis plant are finely ground, and mixed with lemon juice and essential oils (usually Lavender for pregnant women). Other ingredients may be added such as sugar or molasses.

The paste is applied with a cone, small bottle or a syringe with a bunt end, and left on the skin for several hours. The stain transforms from bright orange to a rich mahogany over two days.

Many women then chose to have a pregnancy photo shoot with the henna stain visible. One of my clients Mikki had a beautiful photoshoot following her henna application – you can read about it and see the photos here: Mikki’s Story.

If you would like to have your belly blessed in henna and live in or around Shropshire, UK, please get in touch to book your appointment with Hennacat – one of the UK’s best loved and most experienced henna artists.

Is there anything else I should know?

1. Under no circumstances have anything called ‘black henna’ applied ever, but especially during pregnancy. ‘Black henna’ or so called henna that is black is actually a chemical hair dye called PPD which is very allergenic.

2. Do not use henna if you suffer or have suffered from any of the following conditions. Do not use henna if you already have children who suffer or who have suffered from the following conditions:

G6DP Deficiency (Glucose-6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency)

• Hyperbilirubinemia
• Anaemia
• Any Chronic or acute condition which affects the your blood system.
• Any Chronic or acute condition which affects your immune system

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it safe?

100% pure natural henna is usually very, very safe, even during pregnancy. However do check with your GP or midwife if you have any concerns at all.

2. When should I have it done?

You can have henna done any time during your second and third trimesters. Most women really enjoy having their bump painted in the last month of pregnancy, and link it to a baby shower or blessing.

3. Are there designs that can help me prevent a difficult labour?

If only it was that easy! You can receive designs and words that can help you feel relaxed or remind you of techniques that can help you through labour,

4. What does it feel like?

It is very very gentle. The application is very gentle, and the henna paste feels cool as it dries. You have to sit still and quietly and many people find this very relaxing.

5. How can I incorporate it into a belly blessing?

The two most frequent ways to incorporate henna into a blessing are 1. For the mother to be to receive henna, and all her guests to receive a small amount of henna each. 2. The mother receives a design and all the guests contribute to the design e.g. by drawing a heart, writing their initials or other contribution.

6. My friend wants to do this for me, do you sell a kit?

Yes we do! Have a look at the range of kits we sell – all with full instructions and plenty of designs.

7. Can we book you?

Yes you can – Hennacat is always happy to do belly blessings – just text 07970 795583 or contact via email.