Making the decision whether or not to use essential oils during pregnancy can be challenging. Many women find that essential oils are a huge help during those nine months, but it can be overwhelming to know where to start or what to try first. Since essential oils are very powerful, it is always important to take proper precautions when pregnant and with young children and speak with your doctor or a medical professional with knowledge of essential oils to help you make those decisions.
Today we are featuring guest blogger Amy Tatangelo, as she shares with us her tips for using essential oils during pregnancy, and with babies and children. Amy is a health & wellness blogger and entrepreneur, who has used essential oils through pregnancy, labor, birth, and recovery.
Please note: The statements in this post are not meant to diagnose, or treat any illness. Please speak to your doctor before using essential oils if you are pregnant (or if you have any questions in general – we are not doctors!). The statements in this post are personal testimony, and not medical advice. To read more about NAHA recommendations on this topic, click here, and here for their guidelines (GREAT resource!).
Here are Amy’s top 10 tips when using essential oils during pregnancy, with babies and kids.
1) When buying an essential oil, do your research. Don’t just buy the cheapest oil in a store. These oils will be worn, breathed in and some even ingested, so you want the very best. Make sure the oil is 100% therapeutic grade and has no synthetic oils added.
2) When applying oils while pregnant or on a baby or child…dilution is key! Less is more. I recommend a good carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil. A ratio of one or two drops of essential oils to 2 teaspoons carrier oils should be used for a pregnant mom, and a ratio of 1 drop of essential oil to 2 Tablespoons of carrier oil should be used on babies and young children.
3) While pregnant, some moms develop a stronger sense of smell and don’t like the smell of some oils. Try putting the oil on your feet, and then wait 20 minutes before showering or bathing. This way you get the benefits of the oil while not smelling it all day.
4) Lavender oil is a great oil for both mom and baby or kids. It is a very mild and relaxing oil. It also feels great on skin and on a growing baby bump.
5) Have trouble getting baby or kids to sleep? Try diffusing lavender, Roman chamomile or ylang ylang oils. Turning on the diffuser about 15 minutes before bed is a great way to wind down and have the scent in their room. You can also put a drop on their pajamas or on the bottom of their feet (diluted).
6) Some pregnant moms get stuffy noses and are very limited on what they can take. A great tip is to close the bathroom door, turn on a hot shower or bath and let the room steam up. Take your diffuser and put a drop of eucalyptus and/or peppermint and sit in the bathroom. These two oils are strong, so start with a very little to not overwhelm your senses. This process also works for a stuffed up baby or child.
7) Many pregnant moms experience nausea at some point in their pregnancy. Ginger oil is a great way to help. If you don’t like the taste, try a drop in tea or put a drop on your belly button.
8) Do your kids need a little help with concentrating at school? You can make a roller bottle with orange, peppermint and spearmint oils mixed with a liquid carrier oil and rub a small amount on the back of their neck before school. Also, try diffusing this blend when studying.
9) Is your toddler afraid of “monsters under the bed”? A great trick to get them to sleep is to make “monster gone spray”. Explain to them it’s like bug spray, but for monsters. Then take a glass spray bottle (oils will eat away at the plastic) and mix a few drops of lavender, tangerine, Roman chamomile and/or geranium oils with water and spray around the room and on pillows. This blend promotes a restful nights sleep.
10) Need some help getting up in the morning because of giving up coffee? Try diffusing some peppermint, lemon and rosemary. It’s a great, refreshing combination to help wake you up without the jitters from caffeine.
Go read more from Amy on her blog and find out some other great tips and resources for incorporating essential oils into your life as a mom!