I have heard the question so many times, "Are essential oils safe during pregnancy?"...well that's a resounding YES, OF COURSE...If the essential oils are of the highest quality and if they are used properly. As a super healthy momma and IIN certified health coach, I will only use Young Living Essential Oils in my home. As I continue to study in the aromatherapy program I am in at East to West School of Aromatic Studies, I fall in love more and more with essential oils and especially the French method of application. I will expound more on essential oil basics in another article.
I've had so much fun using essential oils throughout the pregnancy. I truly wish I had them during my other pregnancies. One helpful resource that I've used is a book called Gentle Babies, by Master Herbalist, mother, and essential oil educator, Debra Raybern. It's a wonderful book for anyone considering having children, pregnant women, parents, grandparents, or daycare providers or nannies. It's also great for anyone with sensitive skin because who has more sensitive skin than a newborn? I've purchased several copies of Gentle Babies for friends as baby shower gifts along with a bottle of Young Living Lavender.
During the beginning of my pregnancy in the first trimester I stuck to neat topical use (neat means no carrier oil, just straight on skin) with frankincense, lavender, and copaiba.
Into my second trimester I chose to support my digestive system with peppermint and ginger essential oils. I rubbed ginger on my belly and I put a single drop of peppermint under my tongue. Peppermint has also been a favorite to support my muscular skeletal system. I've applied it on my lower back with copaiba and my feet. I continued on using the above mentioned oils as well.
I'm also using a wonderful Young Living Spray called Claraderm for the perineum area containing fractionated coconut oil, myrrh, tea tree, lavender, frankincense, Roman chamomile, and helichrysum essential oils. These oils have awesome constituents in them!!! Claraderm is an amazing blend! It would be a wonderful daily face or body mist too! Be sure to rub it in!
Also during my pregnancy my emotions have definitely needed some support. Diffusing and wearing certain oils topically have been such a blessing. My favorites are the blends White Angelica, Awaken, and the single frankincense. They all smell great and are very uplifting. I'm so thrilled that aromatherpy is supported by my birthing center where I'll be delivering. Best believe my Young Living diffuser is coming!
I made a momma balm with essential oils to go on my belly, breasts, and thighs. You can easily make one that is similar. Feel free to use the carrier oils of your choice. I used 1/4 cup beeswax, 1/4 cup organic unrefined coconut oil, 1/2 cup organic jojoba oil, 1 tsp calendula infused oil, 2 tbsp shea butter, as well as Young Living 10 drops geranium, 5 drops patchouli, 10 drops lavender, and 5 drops grapefruit essential oils.
Directions:
Grab a small pot and a large Pyrex measuring cup. I have a 4 cup one that I use just for body care. This size is helpful for mixing. Fill the pot 1/4-1/3 of the way with tap water.
Place the measuring cup in the pot. Inside the measuring cup put the beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter. Melt these completely without the heat too high. Feel free to stir. I like using unused chopsticks to stir. They are inexpensive so I can discard them.
Take the measuring cup out of the pot, then place it on a trivet to cool. Feel free after a moment or two to then add the other ingredients.
Now because I'm impatient, I put the mixture into my fridge to solidify. Afterwards take it out and whip it with a hand mixer.
This recipe will fill 3-4 4oz jars. Anyone of course can use this balm, the essential oils would be excellent for anyone's skin.
There is such a long list of non-approved oils during pregnancy on various websites, but what is interesting is Young Living has a much shorter and different list. Those long lists are due to essentials oils that are unpure. The reason is Young Living Essential Oils are different is due to the Seed to Seal Promise that guarantees unadulterated, properly distilled, beyond organic essential oils. Do not believe the hype, all essential oils are not the same. I think something to keep in mind was a conversation recently had at an essential oil 101 class that I instructed concerning essential oils and pregnancy, or really essential oils in any situation is to consider the desired support you'd like for your body at the time. Certain oils are more appropriate at different times. So when someone claims this oil is unsafe, it's really perspective a lot of the times, especially if someone is of the teaching of a varying method, like English. Knowledge is power, and incorrect knowledge is dangerous. It's more about the desired effect and support for your body at that time. Just always be sure you are again using essential oils of the highest quality, know less is always more, and do what makes you comfortable.
After baby arrives I will write an update on what oils I'm using on baby!
Helping you to be a good steward of your health!~Marie A. Brock, HHC
Health Disclaimer: No medical diagnoses, claims or promises of cures have been made. The information offered is simply for educational purposes. Any addition to diet or supplement routines should be discussed with your regular health professional.
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Sources:
https://www.youngliving.com/blog/pregnancy-and-essential-oils-a-guest-post-by-dr-lindsey-elmore/
https://www.youngliving.com/blog/essential-oils-by-trimester-a-pregnant-womans-guide/
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