Essential Oils and Pregnancy

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I was visiting with a friend today who is expecting her first child in the fall.  She was wondering about how to best use essential oils during pregnancy, birthing, and after the baby is here.  I did a little research and found lots of great tips and suggestions from Young Living colleagues!

According to Young Living, some essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy because they contain biochemicals that could disrupt normal pregnancy development in a variety of ways. For this reason, they should not be used until after delivery. These include basil, calamus, clary sage, fennel, hyssop, nutmeg, rosemary, sage, tansy, wintergreen, and tarragon.  Some essential oils, such as fennel, may help accelerate labor once it has begun. Always consult a health professional before using essential oils during pregnancy.  Additionally, when using essential oils during pregnancy, chidbirth, or with children it is critical to use therapeutic grade essential oils.  Please make sure that whatever product you decide to use, it does not contain additives.  Any easy way to check is to look on your bottle of lavender or peppermint--if it says, "not for internal use or consumption" you know that your oil is not pure. 

Dr. Simone Harari owner of the spa, Body of Truth® Holistic Wellness and Day Spas in New York, has developed several treatments for pregnant women using essential oils.  According to Harari, "You can be comfortable through your entire pregnancy by using different essential oils to meet your body's needs."  The idea is that by minimizing the strain and discomfort that accompany a normal pregnancy, women can experience a healthier and happier pregnancy and birthing experience.

Dr. Harari highly recommends applying and diffusing Young Living's Peace & Calming®, lavender and Gentle Baby™.  She also shared other personal favorites: "Grapefruit is my favorite essential oil mixed with Cel-Lite Magic™ Massage Oil for prenatal massages to ease the swelling in the ankles and move the fluids.  Gentle Baby mixed with V-6™ is great for helping the elasticity of the perineum and prevented any tearing or episiotomy during all three of my deliveries.  Gentle Baby is also great for dad to wear during delivery so mom, baby, and dad are aromatically bonded.  Frankincense and myrrh are great on the umbilical cord too, and helped it mend to much faster.  Finally, for breast discomfort, Cel-Lite Magic Massage Oil and tangerine essential oil massaged onto the breast really worked wonders every time!"

Cindi Field, the mother of ten-month-old twin boys, occasionally rubbed Young Living's essential oil blend, Joy, on her abdomen throughout her pregnancy because she loves the aroma.  In addition, she applied lavender, Gentle Baby, and virgin coconut oil on her abdomen to relieve the itching.  With no sign of stretch marks, Cindi shares that she has seen many benefits to using Young Living essential oils before, during, and after her pregnancy. "My husband rubbed Valor® on my shoulders and feet at night to help me relax.  I was able to sleep better even though I was carrying twins! After my babies were born and we brought them home, I diffused Purification® and R.C.™ throughout the house to purify the air during the RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) season of December 2005.  We are very blessed to have happy , healthy babies and to be able to care for our family with therapeutic-grade essential oils."

Young Living's Top 5 Skin-Soothing Oils For Mom

Cel-Lite Magic Massage Oil - Item Code #3754
Since few women are satisfied with cellulite, this massage oil enhances circulation and helps to provide nutrients to reduce fat and cellulite.

Gentle Baby - Item Code #3345
As your belly starts to grow bigger, add a drop of Gentle Baby to improve elasticity in the skin.  Say so long to stretch marks!

Lavender - Item Code #3575
Soften skin and lift your spirit with the lovely fragrance of lavender.

Myrrh - Item Code #3593
Soothe you skin and feel a sense of stillness with the aroma of this ancient oil.

Valor - Item Code #3429
Ease discomfort and help the body self-correct its balance alignment for a relaxing effect at night.

Some essential oils and blends may need to be diluted with a carrier oil such as V-6 or jojoba oil

Young Living's Top 5 Baby Care Products

Gentle Baby - Item Code #3345
This oil is particularly soothing to dry, chapped skin and diaper rash.

Peace & Calming - Item Code # 3393
When massaged on the bottom of the feet, this oil is a wonderful prelude to a peaceful night's rest.

KidScents® Bath Gel - Item Code #3684
Bath time can be a beautiful bonding moment with this safe, gentle, and all natural liquid soap.

KidScents Lotion Item Code #3682
Moisturize, soften, and protect your baby's sensitive skin with the uplifting therapeutic-grade essential oils in this lotion.

KidScents Tender Tush - Item Code #3689
Apply for comforting aromatherapy for baby's bottom.