Whilst pregnancy is a beautiful and exciting process, it can also be an overwhelming and confusing time too. Can I eat that? What is this test for? Should I be using this on my body? These are just some examples of the questions that I commonly ask internally or out loud and which I am sure are high on the pregnancy google search list- If you think you google a lot now, wait until after the baby is born! Don’t be surprised when you find yourself googling ‘what colour should my baby’s poo be’? We’ve all been there!
At time of writing, I am in the 3rd trimester (just!) of my 3rd pregnancy so you would think that I am an old hand at all things pregnancy and newborn related but I can promise you- you forget things! Like the reflux, wow! Just wow! It wakes me up in the middle of the night with such urgency that I feel like hot lava is coursing up my volcanic neck. I hope you don’t experience reflux, I am just lucky like that. I am also lucky enough to experience severe pelvic girdle pain which sets in around 8 weeks and gets worse as the weeks go by. So I wouldn’t say my pregnancies are easy but in saying that, this is my first oily pregnancy and it is by far the kindest one I have had yet- and also my last!
Let me share with you some of things that I have done to support myself and my baby throughout this time in the hope that I equip at least one of you with the confidence to use your oils during your pregnancy.
Pregnancy Aches and Pains: This is my very first tip because I believe it is by far the most important and has provided me with the most relief. Magnesium flakes & Lavender baths have saved my life. Did you know that Magnesium absorbs into your body much more effectively than Epson salts? It is very simple, simply scoop out approximately ¾ cup of Magnesium flakes or salts (The Heritage brand is my first choice and I buy it from Health Food Stores) and add 10 drops of lavender to the salt. Gently shake to combine and then sprinkle into your bath. Try and relax in the bath and stay a minimum of 20 minutes to ensure that the magnesium and lavender have worked their magic.
Moisturising Body Oil: I’ve created the most beautiful and moisturing body oil that smells like heaven in a bottle. Using a 200ml glass bottle with pump dispenser, add 180mls of Young Living’s V6 oil. The V6 oil is pregnancy friendly and contains all sorts of nourishing carrier oils like Jojoba and Sweet Almond oil. Add to this 5mls (1 Tsp) of Vitamin E oil, 20 drops of Young Living’s Frankincense Essential Oil and 20 drops of Young Living’s Gentle Baby Essential Oil. Pop the pump dispenser into place and gently shake to ensure that all of the oils are mixed together. Apply liberally at least once a day to your belly, chest, hips and behind. It’s especially lovely when applied after a warm shower or bath!
Emotional Support: Our hormones do crazy things to our emotions at times during pregnancy! Have you found yourself crying and you’re not entirely sure why? Or perhaps you’re feeling a little short and snappy for no apparent reason. Do Disney movies make you cry? You are not alone!! Those pesky hormones have wonderfully important jobs to do but they can also wreak havoc on your emotions! Young Living’s Joy blend has been my go –to this pregnancy for emotional stability. You can also try Bergamot which has a wonderfully uplifting aroma or Stress Away for those days when you feel like it’s all getting on top of you. Each of these oils are beautiful when diffused (approx 5 drops in your cold air diffuser) or worn over your heart and wrists.
Energy: Some days I feel like I can take on the world, I am so good at this pregnancy thing! Other days, I just don’t want to adult and making the kids breakfast, lunch and dinner is my sole achievement for the day. Unfortunately, pregnancy is tiring sometimes but there are some things you can do to support yourself. Have you tried Young Living’s NingXia Red juice? It’s Ahh-mazzing! Not only does it taste good but its also rich in antioxidants which are so important for their immune boosting properties and your energy! Take 60ml per day or more on those days that you feel especially tired! You can also try inhaling Peppermint or applying a single drop to your temples- as close to your hairline as possible. It definitely perks me right back up!
Restful Sleep: You know when you are beyond exhausted and you jump into bed, close your eyes and magically remember those 4,127 things on your to do list that you didn’t have the time to get to? Cedarwood applied across your forehead is like your magic best friend. Tell that brain to shush please, you need your rest! I also highly recommend Lavender or Peace and calming applied to the soles of your feet. Why your feet? Well they are one of the most absorbent parts of your body and you will be gently snoozing in no time!
Headaches and Tension: I don’t remember suffering from headaches with my first two although that may be an example of selective memory. The body has a wonderful way of helping you to forget the negatives so you eventually decide to have your second, third or fourth! This time around I have suffered immensely at times but here is what I have done to tackle my head aches. Peppermint is my best friend. I carry it in my handbag at all times, if not for breath freshening and mental stimulation, then definitely for when a head ache strikes out of the blue! I like to apply a drop to each temple as close to the hairline at possible. If it is a tension headache, I will also apply Aroma Sieze to the back of my neck and top of spine. Lastly, on top of that, some people like to apply a drop of Lavender to the centre of their forehead. I can proudly say that I have not had any pain relief for head aches throughout this pregnancy.
Preparing for Birth: 6 weeks before your due date, you can start to gently rub Myrrh oil into your perineum every day. This will help to elacticise your perineum to prepare for the stretching that childbirth inevitably brings with it. Myrhh is a very safe oil and is completely fine to apply neat however, as with any Essential Oil, if you feel a heat reaction, apply coconut oil or any good quality vegetable oil to soothe the area.
Delivery Room Diffuser: I think everyone could do with some extra help to stay calm in the delivery room no matter how prepared you feel! There are lots of oils that are safe for diffusing but also promote a sense of calmness and brightening of the energy in the room. Lavender, Gentle Baby, Orange, Geranium, Frankincense, Peace and Calming or Stress Away would all be lovely for the delivery room.
Essential Oils to Avoid During Pregnancy:
Basil, Calamus, Hyssop, Rosemary, Sage, Idaho Tansy, Tarragon, Wintergreen, Exodus 11, GLF, Mister, Sclaressence.
Essential Oils to Use With Sparigingly During Pregnancy (no more than 2 drops per day):
Angelica, Cassia, Celery Seed, Cinnamon Bark, Citronella, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus dives, Fennel, Marjoram, Mugwort, Nutmeg, Palo Santo, Clarity, Deep Relief, Di-Gize, Dragon Time, Egyptian Gold, Envision, Harmony, Immupower, Lady Sclareol, M-Grain, Magnify Your Purpose, Relieve It, Ruta Vala, Thieves, Transformation.
Pregnancy is a beautiful time. Your body is growing and nourishing an extension of yourself and the love that you will feel for this little being is immense. Try to enjoy the wild and crazy ride that comes along with it. Before you know you will have a tiny little poppet in your arms and the days, weeks and years will fly by. This is such a short period of your life, embrace it with wide open arms!
Have I missed anything? Do you have any questions? I am by no means an expert but if you want to know anything pop a comment below and I will be happy to tell you my experiences. I’d also love to hear what has worked for you! Stay tuned for the next instalment ‘Essential Oils and Babies’.