Essential Oils for Mothers

HOW ESSENTIAL ARE THEY REALLY?

By Margie Kirschner

What’s the buzz about these essential oils, anyway? I thought often while scrolling social media. Another post. Another avid user. Another life-changing testimonial.

A few months into my pregnancy with my daughter and I found myself willing to try anything to ease my all-day “morning” sickness. (And who decided that “morning sickness” was an accurate term for my condition anyway? That’s another story!)

Like any expecting mama, I did my research. I found that many essential oils are recommended to use with caution during pregnancy.

For example, lavender essential oil has been linked to halting early labor. (Raybern, 68). Therefore, it is important to consult with your care provider before use.

MY TOP 3 OILS TO USE DURING PREGNANCY

At the recommendation of my midwife, I opted to try ginger, chamomile, and lemongrass essential oils to ease my morning sickness. And…Oh. My. Goodness! I can confidently say this was when my skepticism of essential oils went out the window.

Like many of the users I had questioned before, I experienced the magic, and also became a believer.

The magic of using essential oils for my morning sickness resulted in: 1. Subsiding my feeling of nausea; 2. Uplifting my overall mood (bonus!); 3. Improving my mental clarity (HUGE bonus!)

What woman, pregnant or not, doesn’t want those benefits?!

To answer my opening question, I believe that essential oils are absolutely essential and I have continued to use them for a variety of lifestyle functions. Keep reading to learn more!

THE BEST ESSENTIAL OIL TO USE DURING BIRTH (YES!)

Fun fact about me: I am a trained Birth Doula. I will never forget during my training; a midwife suggested the use of orange essential oil during

birth. What was interesting to me was that she was not making the recommendation for the sole benefit of the birthing mother, but as a mood booster for anyone who would enter the delivery room.

Essential oils for creating a peaceful and positive birth environment? I was intrigued! This tip is now one of my favorite little hacks to pass on to clients when preparing for birth. I am all about helping mamas keep negative vibes out and happy labor vibes in!

Essential oils create peace and positivity!

ESSENTIAL OILS TO RELIEVE PERIOD PAINS

My daughter is now almost two years old and I am always delighted to find new ways that essential oils can support my health and wellness. In fact, I have found them increasingly supportive during my menstrual cycle.

For example, a drop of peppermint essential oil on my temples is the perfect ailment to a premenstrual headache. My cramping and lower backaches are eased with the use of a blend of clove, helichrysum, peppermint, and wintergreen essential oils.

In fact, essential oils have become the only tool I use for my premenstrual symptoms.

Coined, “A girl’s best friend” by author Lucy Libido, Clary Sage essential oil is linked to balancing hormones. (Libido 43).

Using essential oils topically is my preferred method during menstruation, but I also adore freshly spayed linens for indulging in fragrant rest. See the recipe at the end of this article for my favorite DIY linen spray!

ENJOY ESSENTIAL OILS MANY WAYS

Spraying linens and dabbing onto your temples isn’t the only way to experience the benefits of essential oils. There are several ways that you can incorporate essential oils into your home and health routine:

• Diffusing essential oils throughout your home • Adding a few drops to your bathwater (Hello spa day!) • Dilute and apply them topically • Mix with a carrier oil and massage onto the skin • Create a DIY Room or Linen Spray (recipe on the next page)

Whether you use essential oils as a mood booster, add to your health routine or decide to indulge in a spa bath; there will be a benefit. Perhaps, it will make a believer out of you too!

MARGIE'S FAVORITE LINEN SPRAY

Ingredients: 10 drops Lavender Essential Oil or other favorite aromatic essential oil • 2 tablespoons Witch Hazel • 6 tablespoons water

Directions: Combine witch hazel and lavender in a small glass spray bottle and shake together for about 30 seconds. Add water. Shake for 30 seconds. Spray lightly to refresh fabrics.

Margie Kirschner is a Birth Doula and Founder of Unashamed Mama, a virtual doula service and motherhood empowerment collective. Margie is passionate about educating moms and moms-to-be on the benefits of learning their options to support their mind, body & soul throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Visit her website at www.unashamedmama.com to access Margie’s free Birth Plan Guide and Menstruation Booklet to help you connect with your cycle.

Sources: Raybern, Debra. Gentle Babies: Essential Oils and Natural Remedies for Pregnancy, Childbirth, Infants and Young Children. 5th ed., Growing Healthy Homes LLC, 2014.

Libido, Lucy, and S. Lucy Libido Says.....There’s an Oil for THAT: A Girlfriend’s Guide to Using Essential Oils Between the Sheets (1) (Volume 1). 1st ed., CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2016.