Are Essential Oils Safe For Childbirth?

Essential Oils and Childbirth ... Is it safe???

Random pic fact: This is my first pregnancy belly. :-)

Yes! A million times, yes! What essential oils (EO’s) and how to use them can be controversial, as with any natural, holistic, or homeopathic remedy/aid. As with any EO’s, do your homework, use what you know works for you, and use pure EO’s (see “Does Essential Oil Purity Really Matter” for information about this). Whether you chose to have a holistic birth, an natural birth, a fully medicated hospital birth, or whatever birth works best for you, there is a use for EO’s and your birth. They can aid in relieving anxiety to easing some pains and stressors. 

Some childbirth concerns and EO’s that may help include:

(*Indicates doTERRA blend)

Labor & Birth
**Note: some mommies may be scent sensitive during labor. Dilute if necessary.

Grounding Mom: Balance* – apply 2-3 drops to the bottom of each of mom’s feet (My fave!)

For the room: Serenity*, Citrus Bliss* – diffuse

Diffusing EO's during labor can help relax Mama
as well as ease the mood of everyone else

Anxiety: Lavender, Wild Orange, Serenity*

Back labor: Black Pepper, Peppermint, Deep Blue*

Labor pains: Basil, Black Pepper, Lavender, Clary Sage, Whisper*, Ylang Ylang,

Perineum massage/avoid or minimize tearing: Helichrysum  – 10 drops EO and 1TBSP of carrier oil (sweet almond oil is a good choice). Massage perineum with oil. **Continue massage with this on baby’s head as they are crowning to reduce bruising.  

Irregular or to increase effectiveness of contractions: Clary Sage, Solace* (now called Clary Calm) – apply neat to uterine reflex point (soft spot below medial side of ankle) with firm pressure in a circular motion.

Energy boost: Peppermint

Baby



Frankincense is a must! This super oil is amazing
and gentle enough for the newest of babies!

Premature: It is best to avoid use of EO’s on a premature baby’s skin because they are so sensitive.

Jaundice: Geranium and Lemon – Dilute 1drop of each in equal parts carrier oil (Fractionated Coconut Oil is a good choice). Apply to the bottoms of baby’s feet and cover with socks or booties.

Anointing: Frankincense – apply to crown and along spine

Umbilical cord: Frankincense, Myrrh – 1drop Myrrh on and around stump. Continue with Frankincense until stump falls off.

Circumcision healing: Frankincense and Lavender – Equal parts EO, dilute in fractionated coconut oil. Apply directly to area. (Ah ... circumcision ... another controversial topic. There's a lot of those, huh? Although I am not pro-circ, it is your child to make your own educated decisions for. Thus the reason I share this info, so that if you chose circumcise, you still have a natural option to ease his discomfort and aid in healing.)

Post-Partum



First seconds post-partum with my son.
Pure Mommy bliss! <3
Click here to read my birth story.

Bleeding: Clary Sage, Helichrysum, and Ylang Ylang – blend equal parts and apply to uterine reflex point (soft spot below medial side of ankles) to firm things back up

Vaginal & perineal pain/discomfort: Frankincense and Lavender – blend 15drops of each EO with fractionated coconut oil in 15mL glass bottle with finger pump sprayer. Spray/apply 3-4x/day.


Hemorrhoids: Cypress, Geranium, Clary Sage, Helichrysum – combine 2drops of each and witch hazel in glass bottle with finger pump sprayer. Apply each time you use the restroom.

Perineal healing: Cypress and Lavender – combine 2 drops of each with ½ tsp of Epsom salts. Add to warm sitz bath and soak 10-15min. Use 3x/day. (You could make up Cypress-Lavender bath salts in advance and just put a sprinkle in your sitz bath for ease and convenience)

Pain/cramping: Solace* (now called Clary Calm) – Applied/massaged over lower abdomen.

Depression: Lavender, Wild Orange, Bergamot, Geranium, Frankincense, Balance*, Serenity*, Citrus Bliss*, Elevation*, Solace*(now called Clary Calm)

If you have any specific questions or topics you would like to read about, please share on my Facebook page or email me. Together we can “Relax your body, Refresh your mind, Rejuvenate your life!”

**If you have not yet started your life with pure, therapeutic, high quality essential oils, contact me or visit www.mydoterra.com/MandevilleMassage to get started!