Practical Essential Oil Use During Pregnancy

NAUSEA/MORNING SICKNESS

Ginger Essential Oil is a wonderful remedy for nausea during morning sickness! I recommend smelling it ( Inhalation), or applying it to your nausea acupressure point on your wrist. (Neiguan (P-6) ) If you are like me and hate the smell ginger, Orange oil may be a good alternative for you!

HEARTBURN

Peppermint Essential oil inhaled is a good option for heartburn. Peppermint essential oil is ok to use during pregnancy, but use is cautioned against while breastfeeding as it may reduce milk supply. Visit this link for more information about the  safety of peppermint oil during pregnancy!

INSOMNIA

Lavender Essential oil is PERFECT for those nights when the pregnancy insomnia kicks in! Diffusers are a good choice for sleepy time. Many have a timer you can put them on, so they don’t have to run all night. Lavender oil is thought to be one of the safest essential oils. But, it is contraindicated for people with low blood pressure!

 LABOR PAINS

Geranium Essential oil, diluted and applied to the belly, may offer some relief during labor! Some traditional midwives also use this as a remedy for postpartum hemorrhage

LACTATION

Fennel Essential oil, diluted and applied to the breast area may help increase milk supply and aid in lactation. Be careful not apply to the nipple/areola area; do not apply before or during breastfeeding. Ingestion of essential oils has not been properly studied, and thus I do not recommend it to my clients. Because of the potency of essential oil, fennel tea may be a better alternative to the oil for some women. It is also important to note that smell (for baby) plays a large part in a  successful breastfeeding relationship. Over powering smells might confuse your newborn during feeding times. It should also be noted that prolonged use of fennel may cause urinary tract infection or inflammation, so be sure to discuss usage with your trusted medical provider.

CESSATION OF LACTATION

Sage and Peppermint oil can be used to stop lactation. If you are weaning your baby, or wish to cease lactation you can apply it diluted (1 or 2 drops in two TSP of carrier oil) to the breast area. As with the previous remedy, tea may work better than oil for some women because of the strength of the essential oil.

Warning:
This article is not to be used as educational or medical advice. Always consult your doctor or midwife before trying natural remedies. Even natural remedies can have drug reactions and allergic reactions. Always practice safe dilution. Beautifully Connected Wellness does not recommend use of essential oils neat (without dilution,) or internally. Although most of the essential oils mentioned here are thought to be safe during pregnancy, it is generally cautioned that no remedies be used during the first trimester of pregnancy. Always consult a physician if you have any concerns.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Brittany started her journey of helping women in 2012, as a pregnancy consultant. She was certified as a Birth and Bereavement Doula through Stillbirthday in 2015 and gained certification as a Gena Kirby Rebozo Doula later that year. She is the Birth Doula for modern women. She is intuitive and open-minded; she is attentive and ready to support everyone. Brittany received over 900 hours of advanced training in the practice of massage therapy, and 150 hours of training in herbs and oils, in her quest as a healer, and is continually researching and attending training in the art of holistic health and wellness. She volunteers with the Oklahoma Birth Trauma Support Group for mothers and families who have experienced birth trauma and pregnancy loss. She lives in Oklahoma City with her husband and four children.

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