Nurturing Hearts Birth Services is fortunate to be associated with not just one, but two wonderful henna artists. Neha and Shireen each have their own style and you will be thrilled with the results regardless of who you choose to do your tattoo.

Neha (623) 251-5562 Vidhtsa-Henna My name is Neha. I am a self taught professional henna artist. I have been practicing the art of mehndi since couple of years. Drawing has always been my passion since childhood, and so slowly I converted my hobby of drawing into professional henna art.

Shireen Wahid (623) 252-1909 My Sweet Henna I currently live in Tempe with my wonderful husband and dear son who was born at home with the help and love of Stephanie our midwife on Dec. 4, 2009. I have always enjoyed using Henna, I used to play around with it with my sister and friends. It was always a nice way to relax and also bond with others. It is a very meditative process for me. When I heard our midwife Stephanie needed a henna artist I decided to start my own business. I am so excited to begin this journey and hope to really perfect the art of Mehndi (henna).

About Henna

Henna is the Persian name for a shrub known as Lawsonia inermis which grows in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Indo-Pak subcontinent. This herb is extremely penetrative and therefore a very effective and very popular dye. A paste is made using the dried, crushed leaves from the henna plant mixed with sugar, lemon juice and essential oils. Henna is used for special occasions such as, weddings, pregnancy, newborns, postpartum, or just as a way to bond. Henna is thought of as a blessing to ward off evil spirits and impart good luck.

About Belly Blessing

Henna is believed to protect and bless the mother and child from any evil or malicious spirits that may be near during delivery.

The reddish brown coloring of the dye and protective images used in the patterns guard against the evil eye and are thought to protect the pair during the child's difficult passage into this world. Special attention is given to the hands and especially the feet as they are considered to be vulnerable connections to the world.

Natural henna is incredibly safe and poses no danger to a healthy pregnancy. There are people who use chemical additives such as hair dyes in the mix to speed up the process or obtain a black stain. This is not safe or legal. Chemical dyes often contain a chemical known as PPD which is toxic and can cause long term damage, including scaring. Chemical dyes will stain the skin within 30 minutes and be dark immediately, these should always be avoided.

As today henna has become part of modern culture, new traditions are being created. One new way women are using henna is to decorate the belly during pregnancy. This is a wonderful way to celebrate the body's physical changes during pregnancy and embrace this special time.

Henna designs generally last for anything from one to three weeks depending on which body part you have got it done. Henna lasts longest on the hands and feet, less on other body where skin is thinner. It is very important to know that natural henna stains a reddish brown color and needs to soak on the skin 4-8 hours. The color will be a orangish at first and darken over 2 days.

Henna During Pregnancy

Henna during pregnancy is an ancient practice. It is completely safe to mother and child. Henna is applied to the belly of pregnant women in her third trimester as a way to protect both the mother and child during her easy and quick birth. Henna is a wonderful way to honor and bless the mother during this very special time in her life. It is also very soothing and relaxing for the mother and those around her.