Essential Oil Care for Pregnancy and Motherhood
Below are a few of the experiences that individuals have had using essential oils before, during, and after pregnancy. We appreciate these individuals' willingness to share their experiences for everyone to benefit from. Click on a subject below to read what they have to say.
*Note to contributors: Due to a glitch in the program used to collect your responses, we were unable to determine who the contributor was for several of the experiences listed below. If you recognize your experience and would like credit for it, please email us at webmaster@abundanthealth4u.com with the text of the experience(s) and your name, and we will make certain that your response is properly attributed to you. We apologize for this glitch and thank you again for both your many insightful responses and your understanding with this matter. Subjects: Morning Sickness,
Stretch Marks,
Massage (Mother and Newborn),
Labor/Delivery,
Infant/Child Care,
Miscarriage,
Father,
Other *Note: The following are the personal experiences of the individual respondents. These experiences are for educational purposes only and are not meant to prescribe, diagnose, or treat any medical condition, disease, illness,
or injured condition of the body. This information is not intended to be
a substitute for medical counseling. Anyone with any medical condition, disease,
illness, or injury should consult a qualified health care professional.
Each experience shared below is the opinion of the individual author.
Abundant Health, LLC does not necessarily share nor endorse these
opinions.
Morning Sickness:
Lemon and peppermint were my lifesavers. I diffused them, rubbed lemon neat on the base of my neck, and also inhaled them from my hands. Peppermint--one drop under tongue. I had horrific morning sickness, and it helped tremendously!
—Amara, New Jersey, USA
I used ginger for morning sickness; it helped take the nausea away. Just a drop or two under the tongue helps, and you can carry it around with you all day if you
have morning sickness that lasts throughout the day. I would also inhale ginger
when I felt a wave of nausea coming on; it also helped to eat a little.
—Shay, California, USA Inhaling lemon, peppermint, or Citrus Fresh on a handkerchief helped me when I felt nausea coming on.
—Karen, Idaho, USA Lemon oil is good for nausea. Most people, even antepartum patients who have morning sickness, don't mind the smell of lemons. I would put a couple drops on a 2x2 gauze square in the hospital setting and just lay it by the patient's face or on their chest if they were in bed. Just sniffing the oil will calm the nausea or prevent it.
—JoAnne Schnepp, RN, BSN, Arizona, USA
Peppermint, lemon, or other mints have helped some of the ladies I work with. (I am a midwife.)
—Tracey, Kentucky, USA
My daughter loved using Gentle Baby blend almost every day and rubbed it on her stomach. She also used Di-Gize on her feet.
—Madeline, New Jersey, USA
Stretch Marks:
4-5 drops of lavender mixed with a little unscented lotion base and then rubbed over belly and thighs after each bath and before bed.
—Jennifer Nordin, Wisconsin, USA
I've added lavender, grapefruit, & cypress to an all-natural body cream base. It
helps soften the skin.
—Melita Cash, Utah, USA
I used a lot of almond oil, vitamin E, and some lavender rubbed on my belly and around my thighs after each bath or shower. I don't have any stretch marks after two births.
—Unknown We use lavender, vetiver, and tangerine in our "Stretch Mark" blend. It works great!
—Beverly Buccheri, Massachusetts, USA
YL lavender and Gentle Baby EOs have kept me from getting any new stretch marks my second pregnancy. Also, YL grapefruit EO has helped to "tighten" my stomach after birth. My stomach is back in shape after TWO weeks since the baby was born!
—Kristen, Washington, USA
I use frankincense and lavender every day on my belly; and at 8 months, I do not have any stretch marks.
—Suzanne, New Jersey, USA
I have personally used myrrh and Tender Tush on my stretch marks and have noted tightening of the skin. It has also helped greatly with the "sagging" mommy belly.
—Melissa Shelton, DVM, Minnesota, USA
I used Gentle Baby and V-6 mixing oil every day, rubbed on my tummy. I did this for both of my pregnancies...and my second was twins. Not one stretch mark is to be found.
—Sara Durrant, British Columbia, Canada
Gentle Baby--I received prenatal massages once a week. My therapist, who is very knowledgeable in aromatherapy, used Gentle Baby on my entire body. I am certain that using essential oils not only made my baby & I healthy during my pregnancy but also kept my skin soft & pliable to where I never had stretch marks.
—Jennifer Scott, Nebraska, USA
Massage (Mother and Newborn): I love using Gentle Baby diluted with coconut oil on my baby. Also in the bath.
—Amara, New Jersey, USA
Lavender and chamomile in an apricot oil base are very calming and soothing
to babies for infant massage. I also used these for some massage on myself during pregnancy.
—Unknown
I used the Relaxation blend from Young Living for massage (after 4-5 months into pregnancy). It really is a wonderful blend of citrus and lavender oils and is very soothing to use during pregnancy. The smell of the blend is gentle and relaxing and totally safe for pregnancy after 4-5 months. I believe all oils are safe to use in pregnancy, using moderation; but follow the guidelines I have read.
—Shay, California, USA
Gentle Baby is a good oil for infants and helps strengthen the mother-child bond. Always dilute at least 1 drop to 4 drops olive oil. Put a dab of Vetiver or Peace & Calming on your fingers, and gently stroke baby's crown and hair (if they have any). Helps calm and relax the baby.
—Karen, Idaho, USA
YL Panaway and Relieve It EOs are awesome oils to loosen sore muscles! Also, YL Valor EO helps to keep the back aligned throughout pregnancy!
—Kristen, Washington, USA
Cypress oil, gently massaged (really—no hard massage techniques) on the feet and up to the knees, seems to help a lot of patients with swollen legs, ankles, and feet. Clary sage and oregano have helped a lot of my antepartum patients with backaches in the hospital setting, given with a gentle lower back massage.
—JoAnne Schnepp, RN, BSN, Arizona, USA
I had Raindrop Technique throughout my pregnancy. Once a month and then 2 times a month during my last trimester. It really helped me with back pain and relaxation.
—MaryStarr Carter, New York, USA
Massaged Gentle Baby on mommy before and after delivery,which really relaxed her and gave her more confidence. She would not leave the house without it. Since she was a new mom to be and it was a week past her due date, Peace & Calming came in handy. She placed some drops on her palms and inhaled the fragrance especially at night.
—Madeline, New Jersey, USA
Labor/Delivery:
During my home-birth with my daughter I used Valor for strength (she was almost 11 pounds), and I used peppermint during labor to help with nausea and vomiting.
—Amara, New Jersey, USA
For relief during active labor, we applied a blend of peppermint, helichrysum, clary sage, ylang ylang, and fennel to acupressure points, abdomen, and lower back for significant relief. Applied to the acupressure points, especially L1-4 point on both hands (and for extra effect added an ice cube on top), it took the top 25% (rough estimate) off the peaks of the contractions and significantly preserved my energy, stamina, and focus--not to mention my comfort level! I have had several friends attest to similar relief using that blend during active labor.
—Unknown
Lavender oil rubbed on feet and also hot towels that have lavender oil on them feel really good on abdomen and perineum while having contractions. A Crockpot of the lavender towels is a good idea to keep on hand during labor.
—Karen, Idaho, USA
YL Peace & Calming helps to keep me calm during labor, and clary sage helps to keep the contractions consistent. I do not use any form of medication other than the oils throughout all my labor/delivery, and I have had many compliments from hospital staff saying I have been one of their most relaxed patients, considering all the pain I am going through!
—Kristen, Washington, USA
Clary sage oil massaged into the back seems to help with the labor pains, especially as the baby is moving through the pelvis causing back pressure.
—Unknown
Lavender in the delivery room helped relaxation and focus through contractions.
—Angela Robertson, California, USA
As a veterinarian, I have recommend Gentle Baby to be used with multiple deliveries in animals. One thing I love is that animals do not display a placebo effect. So no matter what I use with them, they will either be helped, or they won't. There is no emotional tie to the treatment. We've had several remarkable cases of horses and dogs delivering so easily; it amazed the owners. One dog was being whelped by an experienced dog professional, who has delivered over 30 very valuable litters of show dogs and is even hired out to do this for others. She is also a registered nurse, so she knows her stuff. Her own dog was to whelp, and the dog is a very anxious and worried dog. The owner "knew" the labor and delivery would be difficult for this dog. I loaned her my diffuser, with Gentle Baby. I also sent lavender along as a backup--just in case it was needed. As the owner was a little bit stressed, she decided to diffuse both Gentle Baby and lavender at the same time. The dog basically slept through a very productive and easy labor. She completely cared for the pups as she should but never yelped or stressed during delivery. She literally appeared to sleep until a pup was produced! Then she would lick and care for it as usual. This person will never whelp another litter without Gentle Baby.
—Melissa Shelton, DVM, Minnesota, USA
I love Panaway or peppermint on the lower abdomen for painful contractions, Peace & Calming to calm baby and mother and doctor and everybody in the room. Since these oils, I've never had an epidural.
—Paula Weiss, New York, USA
I used clary sage on the inside of my ankles after my water broke with my daughter, and I wasn't experiencing any contractions. I kept applying it every hour until my labor was going good and strong. She was my second child (my water never broke by itself with my first child); and my labor with daughter was 4 hours long, compared to 24 hours with my son, with whom we didn't use any oils.
—Laurie Anne, California, USA
It was last year when we were at the birthing center of the hospital and the midwives allowed us to use the oils. I had lined up various oils on the edge of the tub. We placed 15 drops of Peace & Calming in the water—it diffused into the entire room. It brought a sense of peace to everyone. Then as the labor pains intensified, we sprinkled lavender and clary sage in the water. The wonderful healing aroma made its way into the hallway of the hospital. In between the intense contractions, we were glad we had En-R-Gee and don't know what she would have done without it because she was so fatigued. It perked her up quickly for the next set of labor. At times she was losing her focus, and then Valor was applied to her back and massaged into her neck and shoulders. We prayed and sang Praise Songs to God, and this helped too. Then we prayerfully applied jasmine, fennel, ylang ylang, Surrender, and lots of clary sage. The midwives were amazed at how fast this 9 lb, 2 oz. baby was delivered, without any drugs. She floated out into the water so peacefully, and this new life arrived in the world with such a peaceful expression on her face, and she contently looked up at her mom's face with a smile. If she could speak, you could hear her say, oh that is what you look like! Matter-of-fact, one of the midwives was so impressed with these oils and saw the difference they made, that she signed up and starting sharing them with other nurses.
—Unknown
I am a birth doula, so I use oils all throughout labor, birth, and immediate postpartum. I have had the best experiences with:
1. Valor: Unmedicated moms during transition: "I can't do it any more." And for a mom with severe PTSD from a previous birth who couldn't look at or hold her baby after birth.
2. Clary sage: Helping encourage contractions or stronger contractions in early labor, especially in moms whose membranes have broken before labor. Also great for encouraging contractions during the third stage of labor to help the uterus release the placenta.
3. Aroma Life: Excellent for helping moms maintain normal blood pressure, especially toward the end of pregnancy and in labor.
4. Peppermint: FANTASTIC for nausea in labor.
5. Trauma Life: For anointing babies after a difficult birth (bruising or caput)
6. Present Time: Great for a mom who is unable to stay in the moment and is concerned about "how much longer" in labor.
—Kat Hickey, CD (DONA), Indiana, USA
Infant/Child Care:
I use some lavender and chamomile mixed in apricot oil for a light massage for both my children from infancy on; especially good rubbed into the feet.
—Marcy, Oregon, USA One drop of peppermint essential oil neat, rubbed into my palm and then placed over the navel on top of his onesie undershirt (also rubbed into the soles of the feet), alleviated gas and fussiness. Also brought down a fever.
—Jennifer Nordin, Wisconsin, USA I add lavender essential oil to an unscented cream base to prevent diaper rash.
—Melita Cash, Utah, USA
For my newborn and toddler when they have respiratory, coughing, bronchial congestion (especially keeping them awake at night), I use a blend of
Eucalyptus globulus,
Euc. radiata,
Euc. citriodora, peppermint, pine, orange, cypress, myrtle, spruce, and marjoram in an apricot oil base rubbed all over their chest for INSTANT relief. It works best at night to stop the coughing and ease their breathing. Also put drops of this on the humidifier and other aromatherapy in the house.
—Unknown
I used a little diluted clove oil on the outside of my son's cheeks during some painful teething periods.
—Unknown
Using lavender in the bath for baby is safe and helps calm the moods so baby sleeps well. Just one drop of lavender is enough in the bath.
—Shay, California, USA
My grandson has red dry patches on his face, caused by saliva. Rather than use essential oils, I used cold pressed almond oil.The carrier oils can be just as important as the essential oil. It really did make a difference.
—Helen, Ayrshire, Scotland
I have always used essential oils on my kids to treat all kinds of ailments. Cough, cold, fever, scrapes, cuts, etc. Lavender is my go-to oil, as well as chamomile. Also, I make a "Healthy Skin" for kids that has patchouli, lavender, tagetes, and yarrow. This is for eczema. Unbelievable!
—Beverly Buccheri, Massachusetts, USA
I have used and continue to use oils for infant care. In fact, I ONLY use oils & chiropractic care to treat my children. I mainly use mandarin oil for my 9-month-old & my 6-year-old. I apply it to the back of their neck-under the shirt, diffuse, and/or put a few drops in a bath anytime they're feeling sick or even just grouchy and have had amazing results! I have also used a Q-tip to apply a small amount inside the ear for an earache. The effect I'm most thankful for is when my baby has been up in the night, crying because of a stuffed up nose and unable to nurse; I waft the bottle of oil under her nose, and in less than a minute, she is able to breathe again! As a mother of 6, I need my sleep, and I don't know if I would be sane at this point if it had not been for the oil!!! Every mother needs to know about mandarin oil! I also use bergamot for insect repellent and also to treat bug bites--super effective!
—Sarah Jensen, Iowa, USA
When my son was 7-months-old he got a bad chest cold. I applied 1 drop oregano, 1 drop frankincense, and 1 drop Thieves. Apply layered on bottoms of feet. Each drop needs to be diluted with 4 drops oil. When applying, be sure and hold feet with hands until you feel a pulse in feet. Can be applied 2-5 times a day. Steam showers with a cotton ball of Raven or RC in the shower helped greatly, as well as diffusing RC and putting a drop of Raven on pillow.
—Karen, Idaho, USA
Young Living Di-Gize essential oil helps with baby gas/stomach pain. Also, YL Peace & Calming EO has calmed our babies down almost right away. YL lemon EO has helped with thrush!
—Kristen, Washington, USA
Diffuse lavender for a fussy baby.
—YL Independent Rep., Israel
I am a veterinarian and often have to take care of newborns in the animal world. Fading puppy and kitten syndrome are common, where the babies simply become weaker and weaker to the point of failure and death. We have used frankincense neat on the very tiny babies, and it always increases their life force and will to live. It is always easier to help them medically when they are stronger and getting the support they need from the frankincense.
—Melissa Shelton, DVM
I use Tranquil oil roll-on and lavender to help my baby relax and fall asleep at night. The nights I don't use it, he doesn't sleep as well.
—MaryStarr Carter, New York, USA
Lavender for fever, skin rashes, and colds. RC for colds and congestion. Rubbed right on baby's chest and back. Thieves diluted for teething (rubbed on gums). Numbs the pain. Also to help when coming down with something...rub on feet and spine. Peppermint diffused for when baby is congested or teething. Seems to calm and help breathe. I also find that it helps with gas. Rose Ointment is amazing for baby's bum. It is all I use. It is also good for chapped cheeks or teething rashes.
—Sara Durrant, British Columbia, Canada
ClaraDerm spray works great for diaper rash; I also have used Tender Tush for diaper rash. Thieves on feet for colds, RC on chest and on back, and Frankincense on chest for cough, runny nose, or congestion.
—Sheila, Montana, USA
We have used Di-Gize on my daughter for stomach upset and colic symptoms. I use Gentle Baby on her feet every night after her bath and before bed. We also use peppermint and clove on my children's feet and spine when they have fevers; it really helps to keep the fever in check or knock it out altogether.
—Laurie Anne, California, USA
For the first fever, peppermint worked better when we layered it with wintergreen on the baby's feet. It is cute how the baby is starting to enjoy the oils; she even pushes our hands closer to her nose if she likes the fragrance.
—Madeline, New Jersey, USA
I have used Gentle Baby and Peace & Calming with infants. Gentle Baby was quite effective for a baby who wasn't interested in nursing immediately after birth due to a difficult birth.
—Kat Hickey, CD (DONA), Indiana, USA
Miscarriage:
The oils that help with miscarriage are the blends of Trauma Life and Release. Both these oils help to release emotions from the experience and are best used in inhalation.
—Shay, California, USA
Lavender to help ease emotions.
—Deb Vari, New Jersey, USA
I had a friend who was spotting. She used lavender oil on her abdomen. She went on to have a healthy baby.
—Karen, Idaho, USA
Father:
Sacred Mountain on crown, and Clarity on temples, and Valor on neck and wrists.
—Unknown
Peace and Calming to help him help me throughout the labor/delivery!
—Unknown
My husband quit smoking, and he used clove and grapefruit to ease cravings.
—Suzanne, New Jersey, USA
Fathers tend to deal with a lot of emotions and turmoil during a pregnancy. Will they be a good father? Will there be enough financially? How will it change their relationship? I find that the oils that support emotions are very important for the fathers. Grounding, Believe, Acceptance, Valor, Surrender--all can be very helpful for fathers-to-be. Basically match up the emotion with the blend name. Spruce and Idaho Balsam Fir seem to also be very "strengthening" oils for the men. They can use them any way they want. Just get them on them, in them—or be sneaky and diffuse the oil you know will help with their particular emotion or fear.
—Unknown
Harmony oil to relax.
—MaryStarr Carter, New York, USA
Valor, Gentle Baby, and balsam fir...give each other massages. Dad would massage baby after bath...I think it helps strengthen a bond.
—Unknown
Other Maternity Issues:
Peace & Calming and Stress Away help ease pregnancy-related nerves.
—Amara, New Jersey, USA
Lavender stopped my preterm labor at 16 weeks. I was dilating, bleeding, and contracting. Two applications (about 8 hours apart) of 4-5 drops of lavender rubbed all over my lower abdomen, down to my pubic bone, stopped all the symptoms in 24 hours. My healthy baby boy arrived at 35 and a half weeks.
—Jennifer Nordin, Wisconsin, USA
I had a friend that I made a spritzer blend for out of cistus and ylang ylang. She and her husband used the spritzer throughout the entire labor and birthing experience, since they were told to bring an aroma that would bring them into the moment and help them focus on the experience. It was a great experience, and they continually spritzed the room and each other throughout the day with the intention of a positive experience. They loved the scent so much that it helped them take in the amazing experience of their firstborn child, and they continue to use the scent even today as it brings them back to the amazement.
—Unknown
Bergamot is great postpartum for depression and balancing.
—Beverly Buccheri, Massachusetts, USA
After birth, I put several drops of Panaway, lavender, and Relieve It in a squirt bottle to rinse off my bottom. Every time I go to the bathroom, I rinse with that--- I had bad tears from delivery and healed within a week!! Also, clary sage helped bring my milk in not even two days after the baby was born!
—Unknown
Postpartum, to help mothers with their first attempts at urination: peppermint oil on a tissue, held under the urethra area...NOT on the skin... Just the dispersal of the fumes of the oil...seems to help them get a urine stream started. But NEVER touch the skin...as it's 'hot' to the skin...and, of course, mothers are always very tender in that area!
—Unknown
For sleeping/relaxing, I used Peace and Calming as well as Breathe Again when I was not feeling well. I also used Brain Power, Joy, and Harmony to help balance over the months.
—Suzanne, New Jersey, USA
For those who might be having issues or who have be given a serious diagnosis about the baby: YL Joy over the heart helped me through.
—Unknown This isn't with pregnancy, BUT lemon oil in the diaper pail is the ONLY thing that's worked worth a darn to keep odors out of the nursery
—Angela Robertson, California, USA
Claraderm to tone the perineum before and after. I did not tear at all, and I delivered a 7 lb, 13 oz. baby.
—Unknown
ClaraDerm Spray was great to use before and after to prevent tears and to promote quicker healing. Fennel made a difference in producing more milk.
—Unknown
Do you have your own experience to share about using essential oils during pregnancy that you would like to share? Please
email us your experience along with your name, home state/province, and country, and we will add your experience to this resource!
