I LOVED being pregnant! OK, there were times that weren’t so much fun. But being blessed to conceive, carry and deliver my 3 boys was such a gift.
We conceived easily with our first and it was a normal pregnancy. With our second, we had trouble, even enduring a miscarriage. It wouldn’t be our last. But it would be our hardest. And we were easily blessed with our third after I had figured out that I had a gluten intolerance and removed it from my diet, healed my gut and was absorbing vitamins and nutrients properly. Plus all signs of having an auto-immune disease were gone as well!
I generally felt good during my pregnancies. I loved carrying a new life within me. Feeling the baby move around, the baby having hiccups in my belly. All the joys of pregnancy, including those extra-comfy pants and shirts I got to wear that were somehow way cuter than my normal clothes.
I did have problems with headaches. And I took too many over the counter medications that I should never have touched but I wasn’t advised properly. I would have loved to have known what I know now! And I’m sharing that with you today!
For example, my headache could have been relieved by magnesium instead of the Tylenol that was recommended. How simple is that? It relaxes your entire body and has been shown to relieve headaches and even migraines for some. Plus, most forms relieve constipation an added bonus which might be helpful during pregnancy.
I also could have used my beloved essential oils! Peppermint or Lavender for a headache, applied topically to the head would have been so nice! Or Frankincense! That’s my go-to for headaches now.
Peppermint, Fennel or ginger on the belly for nausea (please always dilute with a vegetable oil if using topically). Instant relief without the worry of side effects! Ginger tea is also known to alleviate nausea in some.
How about your aching back or legs? Lavender and Marjoram are good choices to apply topically to your area of concern. My favorites are a blend of essential oils called Soothing Blend and Massage Blend. They are a blend of essential oils designed for, yes, soothing and massage. When I was pregnant I resorted to a heating pad only.
What about stretch marks? Frankincense, Myrrh, and Lavender work great! Apply topically, diluted with a vegetable (carrier) oil of your choice. I tend to prefer coconut oil because it’s good for your skin and absorbs without leaving a greasy residue.
Cypress is known to help with varicose veins. It assists your body’s circulation, which may help those pesky, achy veins.
Right after birth use a heavily diluted Frankincense on the crown of your newborn. It is a wonderful way to reduce stress for baby and momma and assist in the bonding experience. Frankincense has also been shown to help bring color back into babies who may be a little blue after birth. Applied to the feet, color returns rather quickly.
Anytime you use an essential oil on a baby or child I would heavily dilute it. Using just a touch of essential oil, not even an entire drop for a baby, diluted with lots and lots of carrier oil. They are small and only need a trace amount. Sometimes just the aroma of it on you is enough.
You also have essential oils available for you as a new mom to help support any occasional sadness you may feel. It’s only normal, with no sleep, maybe a marathon labor and delivery, to not feel yourself. And your hormones are a mess. It might be awhile before they straighten themselves out. Lavender has been shown to reduce cortisol levels. It’s very well known for its relaxing and calming properties.
Please note, is if you plan on breastfeeding, stop the peppermint oil for now. It can actually dry your milk up. This doesn’t happen with everyone, but it’s something to note, while on the other hand, Fennel can help support milk production.
There are many, many ways to use essential oils during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
I’m seeing more and more hospitals and midwives allow the use of essential oils in labor and delivery. Even a good friend was able to do this locally and the hospital supported it. Even loved that she was using them! Oh, how I wish I had them for my pregnancies! Oh well, at least I can pass this information onto people who are open to more natural approaches for supporting pregnancy, labor, delivery and post-partum.
If you want more information and guidelines around this, I refer to my newly expecting friends a book written by a midwife who has been using essential oils in her practice for years. With much success, by the way!
Here is a link to her book: Essential Oils for Pregnancy, Birth & Babies by Stephanie Fritz LM, CPM
Please note that I urge you to do research on the essential oils you decide to use. Please make sure they are pure and therapeutic grade quality. Please also involve your physician or midwife in your decision. Click here to find out the essential oil brand I trust and recommend.
Finally, please contact me so I can create a pregnancy or postpartum support basket for you!
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.