05 Aug Essential Oils and Breastfeeding
Why are Essential Oils so helpful?
Because Essential oils and Breastfeeding is so fantastic, there are other wonderful ways to use oils. For example, including cleaning your home, cosmetic use and treating injuries. However, there is some debate among professionals about essential oil use for pregnant and nursing mum’s.
I am a Hypnobirthing Facilitator and my business is called Enhanced Hypnobirthing. I am always looking for natural and safe ways to enhance ourselves and our families. What a fantastic time to write an article on this subject as it is Breastfeeding Week.
Let’s look at essential oil use if you are about breastfeed or you are breastfeeding or even know someone who is breastfeeding.
Before We Begin…
First of all, it is advised that you be under the care of a midwife, lactation consultant, or doctor, depending on where you are in your mothering journey. Please ask them if you have concerns about using essential oils.
And secondly, if you are using pure therapeutic grade oils, there really should not be much problem using many of the essential oils.
My family and I only use Young Living essential oils because they are the highest quality.
Young Living oils have been through testing to ensure each bottle is Therapeutic Grade.
You should always use pure grade oils, not ones from the store. But ones you buy while shopping can be laden with chemicals and toxins that are not only harmful to you but also your baby. There can be a lot of problems with these cheap oils.
Third, it’s best to start with a small amount of oil to see how your body responds. So add a little more essential oil slowly if you need to, and you are reacting okay.
Use a carrier oil like coconut oil or almond oil to help dilute the essential oil.
Because Essential oils and Breastfeeding is now understood, let’s talk about how to use them.
Essential Oils for Nursing Mum’s
Thankfully there are some essential oils to help with this!
The three main oils I recommend are:
- Fennel, which promotes milk production. Because it can also prevent clogged ducts, infection, and thrush.
- Clary Sage promotes milk supply and can help with balancing your hormones and boosting your mood. Because Clary sage is different than sage, which decreases milk supply.
- Lavender also promotes milk supply as well as prevents and heals tender breasts, nipples, and clogged milk ducts.
- Other essential oils that can help with milk production are basil, cardamom, dill, geranium, and jasmine.
You can apply 1 or 2 of these oils topically on the upper part of the breast 1-2 times daily. After 3 or 4 days you should be up to a good amount of milk.
AVOID Peppermint essential oil as it can decrease milk supply. Avoid blends with peppermint in them, too.
Essential Oils for Sore/Cracked Nipples
Because Essential oils and Breastfeeding is so good, there are difficult things that can happen as well. Sore, cracked, or dry nipples can occur, unfortunately.
So be prepared with these essential oils when they need attention. They are some of the best oils for skin support:
If you have any of these oils on hand, try rubbing it on your nipples right after nursing. Because you mix together with coconut oil or another carrier oil, this can aid with healing and discomfort.
Rinse your nipples before the next feeding so your baby doesn’t ingest any of the oil.
The best thing that you can do is do your best. No perfectionism.
Other essential oils that can help are
Essential Oils for Peace and Rest
Are you always tired, or having a hard time sleeping?
As new mum’s know, this is one of the most challenging things about having a newborn.
Here are some ideas to help you sleep when you get a chance. These are all calming oils and safe for your baby:
You can diffuse a few drops of the oil, which can calm you and your baby. Alternatively, you can put a drop of one oil on your big toes before lying down to sleep.
And if you are looking for a blend, I recommend Young Living Peace and Calming or Gentle Baby. These can be rolled onto your feet or back of the neck.
Essential Oils to Avoid While Nursing
Each mum is responsible for doing her homework to figure out what is right for her.
Generally, if the oil is strong or a “hot” oil, it should not be used.
But if you don’t like the oil close to your eyes and face, then neither would your baby.
This is not an exhaustive list, but here are a few essential oils that are generally agreed upon that should not be used while nursing.
- Peppermint, as it is strong and can reduce milk supply.
- Oregano
- cinnamon
These oils have a very strong smell and should only be used if necessary. If you do use them they should be diluted with coconut oil and only used on your feet. Wearing socks will help minimize the scent.
So it’s generally best to try milder oils first and only use the stronger oils if needed.
Wintergreen should be avoided unless it is in a blend like Deep Relief. It is okay in small amounts and not near baby’s face.
Essential Oils for Emotional Support
Many mum’s need emotional support in the days and weeks after delivery. Hormones are raging, they are tired, the baby is crying, and it’s enough to keep even the most stable, calm person on edge.
Because Essential oils and Breastfeeding is so good, Thankfully there are also essential oils for emotional support too!
For postpartum support, some good essential oils that are considered safe for you and the baby include:
Several citrus oils are uplifting and energizing as well. These include:
So if you would like to purchase any of these amazing oils, use my Membership number so you can get all the extra benefits that comes with this amazing company.
Any bit helps when it comes to providing the best for your family.