Essential oils are a great natural alternative to use during pregnancy and labor. Please note that not all oils are safe to use during pregnancy. Make sure the oils you are using are pure essential oils - this is why I love Young Living.
Essential Oils for Pregnancy
Peppermint, Lemon and Digize are great for easing occasional nausea. They can also be used for other digestive issues related to pregnancy such as occasional heartburn and mild indigestion. They also alleviate gas and bloating.
Lavender oil has so many uses during pregnancy. It can help to relieve breast tenderness experienced in the first trimester as your breasts begin to grow. Lavender is an incredible oil for the skin. I know many moms who have used Lavender over their belly and breasts to reduce the appearance stretch marks. Lavender also has a positive effect on your mood and can assist to relieve anxious feelings that may arise during pregnancy. Due to it's calming effects Lavender can promote a more restful night sleep.
Gentle baby is an oil that is amazing for the pregnant mom too. This oil has many benefits to the skin so another oil you can use over your growing belly to reduce stretch marks. It is also a very calming blend bringing about feelings of peace.
Panaway oil blend and Deep Relief are both lovely for soothing mild muscle aches and pains as well as tension. They can help to ease restless legs and great to rub on the lower back to ease back discomfort caused by your growing belly. Some moms experience leg cramps during pregnancy especially the calf muscle, both of these will help to provide relief. During pregnancy you need to dilute these oils before applying them.
During pregnancy many woman face changes with their skin. The skin can become oily and develop blemishes across the face. Both Lemon and Lavender together or Copaiba have been shown to be beneficial to your skin. Both of these oils can assist with reducing the oily appearance and blemishes. These oils can be used together or on their own.
During pregnancy a mom may start to get a little nervous about the upcoming birth or even the idea of becoming a mom. Valor oil blend is courage in a bottle. It can help see you through those moments. It is also great for some of the pregnancy discomforts around the hips and leg area.
Oils for labor
Clary Sage is one of the oils I have started to use often in a birth room. It brings about feelings of calm and Clary sage has been shown to have a positive effect on contractions. This oil is great for the early postpartum stage. It has been shown to help balance emotions and calm hormones postpartum. Do not use during pregnancy.
Lavender diffused in the birth room can help with anxious feelings and help a labouring mom feel more relaxed. A cold compress against the lower back containing lavender can also help provide support during contractions.
Massage during labor is a lovely way to ease stress and tension. Using Panaway or Deep relief mixed in with a carrier massage oil will give these massages a super boost. Get your partner to massage across your shoulders, your neck and your lower back.
Orange (can also use Citrus Fresh) is the best if you need a pick me up, an energy boost to keep you going then the citrus oils are your go to. Orange oil smells like the moment your nail digs into an orange peel. It has a positive effect on mood and energy levels and just may be what you need while you labor through the night to keep you going. Orange has also been shown to relieve anxious feelings.
You can use any carrier oil for diluting the essential oils for kids although V6 from Young Living is the oil I use. I find it doesn't leave that oily greasy feel on the skin and it doesn't have a smell so it won't change the scent my oils give off. You can also use fractionated coconut oil (also called MCT oil). Fractionated coconut oil is slightly different from normal coconut oil as it stays liquid even in colder temperatures.
Please note the Disclaimer: I am not an Aromatherapist. The content on this site is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace advice given by a medical practitioner or consultations with healthcare professionals. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. Product use is at own risk.