Essential Oils and Labor

There are so many things that essential oils can help with. Who would have ever thought that they can actually make a difference when you’re in labor?! Well, get ready, because I have some fun tips to share for using oils in pregnancy and labor.

Pregnancy

There are so many changes that our bodies are going through when we are pregnant. Some good, some bad. We never really knew what our bodies were capable of before becoming pregnant. You are growing a little being inside of you, and nurturing it all on your own. It’s pretty freaking fantastic! With all these changes to our bodies, sometimes we need some help in coping with the unpleasantries.

Morning Sickness: Typically around weeks 6-8 of the first trimester can bring a wave of nausea, and sometimes lead to vomiting. Some Mamas have it very bad and develop hyperemesis, where the nausea lasts for a very long time, and they are unable to keep anything down. Let’s hope you are not on this path. A few oils that can help with nausea include Ginger, Lemon, and Peppermint. dōTERRA also makes ginger drops that are wonderful during times that you need an extra boost. Somehow sucking on a lozenge helps even better. These oils can be placed onto a cotton ball or your hands and inhaled. You may also place 1-3 drops topically on your wrists, behind your ears, and bottoms of your feet. Just be sure to check for skin sensitivity, in which case you can add your oil to a carrier oil for dilution, such as fractionated coconut oil.

Heartburn: Ah yes, everything in your body is getting pushed up as your little one is growing rapidly. Suddenly your stomach is now in your chest! This does not bode well for digestion. Heartburn can be unbearable at times, and you may feel like you’re eating TUMS or Rolaids like candy. Try using Lemon or Peppermint oil diluted with fractionated coconut oil, and massage it into your breastbone, and the bottoms of your feet. If your heartburn is accompanied by indigestion you can use the Lemon or Peppermint, as well as Ginger oil diluted with fractionated coconut oil and massage into the abdomen, or place on the bottoms of your feet.

Constipation: Unfortunately, as your baby grows digestion slows down, thus causing constipation. This is very normal during pregnancy. Lemon and Peppermint oils can be diluted with fractionated coconut oil and massaged into the abdomen for some relief-literally.

Fatigue: It comes with no surprise that growing a little human inside of you is a lot of work on your body and your brain! Energizing oils are typically found in citrus fruits. Lemon, Lime, or Grapefruit are great options to boost your energy level. These oils can be placed topically to the temples, back of neck, and bottoms of the feet. You may also diffuse these oils in the air, or place them on a cotton ball to inhale. For a quick boost of immediate alertness you can also take a whiff of Peppermint oil.  

Back Pain: With the softening of ligaments and added weight during pregnancy it is easy to suffer from back pain, or groin pain. Deep Blue, Lavender, and Lemongrass are oils that can aid in the relief of back pain during pregnancy by massaging them into the painful area. It would be even better to get your significant other to do this for you!

Labor & Delivery

Labor Prep: To help calm your body, and prepare for delivery you may massage Clary Sage or Lavender onto the hips, bottoms of feet, ankles, or abdomen. Clary Sage is only to be used once you are in term labor, or have passed your due date, as it may cause preterm labor. To prevent a laceration (tear) or episiotomy (purposeful cut to make room) you can start applying a blend of Geranium (5-10 drops) mixed with olive oil and massage it into your perineum (the area between your vagina and rectum). This is the area most likely to tear during delivery. You can begin this process in the last 4-6 weeks of your pregnancy, and perform this massage as frequently as you’d like-daily, every other day, or 1-2 times per week.

Post Delivery: After delivery it is important for your Uterus to tone and firm up to prevent excessive bleeding. To aid in this act you may apply Clary Sage to your ankles. Clary Sage can also be used to help initiate milk production by placing 1-2 drops with a carrier oil and massaging into the breasts. Keep in mind that milk glands are deep in the breast behind the nipple, and not at the nipple base itself. Be sure to wash oils off of the nipple and areola that will enter the baby’s mouth during feedings.

You can order any of these oils directly from the dōTERRA website. Be careful with alternate sellers, such as Amazon or eBay, as the quality of the oils cannot be guaranteed through a third party company or individual. If you are new to oils and would like a starter kit, there is a great one that contains Lavender, Lemon, and Peppermint. You will notice that I have repeated oils for many different symptoms to help you get the most out of your oils. Congratulations and best of luck on a smooth pregnancy and delivery!

Disclaimer: This website may contain links to products in which the author may receive a small compensation based on your purchase. These recommendations are not, however, influenced on the compensation received.

This website is used for education and information purposes only. Do not let this information replace the care you receive from your physician or midwife. Each individual may respond differently to each area of advice. I cannot guarantee the outcomes of each statement listed, and most recommendations are from professional or personal experience as an RN, lactation consultant, and Mother of two. Recommendations are provided at your own risk. Please seek the assistance of your physician or pediatrician before making dramatic changes in your lifestyle.