Essential Oils for Postpartum

Today, I’m continuing my educational series on essential oils. So far I’ve shared about my favorite essential oils for pregnancy and for labor & birth - if you’re pregnant or getting ready to have your baby soon, I recommend reading those first as they’ll give you lots of good information to start. I’ve included links to some of my favorite supplies throughout the blog, but you can see my full list here.

Before delving into essential oils for postpartum, it's crucial to understand the importance of safety, especially during the delicate postpartum phase. While essential oils offer numerous benefits, they are potent substances that require careful and intentional use, particularly around newborns. Here are some essential safety tips to keep in mind:

  1. Dilution: Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying to your skin, especially during the postpartum period when skin sensitivity and hormones may be heightened. In general, a 2–3% dilution is suitable for healthy adults, which is about 10 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil.

  2. Patch Test: Perform a patch test on a small area of your skin first to check for any reactions or sensitivities.

  3. Inhalation: Use a diffuser for aromatic diffusion rather than direct inhalation, especially if you have respiratory concerns like asthma or allergies. If you don’t have a diffuser, you can also put a drop of essential oil on a cotton round and waft it in front of your face.

  4. Consultation: Consult with a certified aromatherapist, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are breastfeeding.

  5. Keep Out of Reach: Store essential oils safely away from children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion or exposure.

Essential oils have long been praised for their ability to influence both the body and the mind, thanks to their unique chemical compositions and aromatic profiles. When used mindfully and safely, essential oils can offer a range of benefits for postpartum mothers, including:

  1. Hormonal Balance: Certain essential oils, such as clary sage and geranium, have been traditionally used to support hormonal equilibrium, helping to alleviate postpartum hormonal fluctuations and promote overall well-being.

  2. Mood Enhancement: The uplifting and calming properties of essential oils like lavender, bergamot, and ylang ylang can help soothe frazzled nerves, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote a sense of emotional balance during the postpartum period.

  3. Lactation Support: For mothers who are breastfeeding, essential oils like fennel and basil are believed to have galactagogue properties, meaning they may help stimulate milk production when used appropriately.

  4. Relaxation and Sleep: Aromatherapy can be a powerful tool for promoting relaxation and improving sleep quality, essential for postpartum mothers who may be experiencing sleep disturbances. Oils like Roman chamomile and frankincense are particularly prized for their calming effects on the mind and body.

Here are a few of my favorite blends that you can make on your own. To make your own blend, keep in mind the dilution rate and use glass rollers and a good carrier oil.

After Birth Blend:

  • 4 drops geranium

  • 4 drops lavender

  • 2 drops clary sage

Top with a carrier oil and apply to your belly twice daily in the weeks following birth to assist in toning the uterus. If you’ve had a cesarean, you can apply to the upper abdomen or the upper thighs.

Energizing Blend

  • 4 drops lemon

  • 2 drops each of eucalyptus, peppermint, and rosemary

Add essential oils to a roller bottle and fill up the rest of the way with a carrier oil. Roll on the back of your neck and the bottoms of your feet. You can also diffuse this blend without the carrier oil. This can be used for labor and delivery, as well as after baby’s birth for a much needed pick me up.

Milk-Boosting Blend:

  • 2 drops Fennel

  • 2 drops Basil

  • 1 drop Lavender

Dilute in 1 ounce of carrier oil and gently massage on breasts (not the nipples) or add to a warm compress and place over the breasts. Leave for 20+ minutes. Wash off with gentle soap before your baby’s next feeding.

Relaxation Blend:

  • 3 drops Roman Chamomile

  • 2 drops Frankincense

  • 1 drop Ylang Ylang

Add oils to a roller bottle and top with carrier oil. Roll onto back of neck or feet as needed. You can also diffuse this blend.

Sleep Deprived Mama Blend

  • 3 drops Lavender

  • 2 drops Roman Chamomile

  • 1 drop Vetiver

Dilute the essential oils in 1 ounce of carrier oil ask your partner to gently massage your feet 30-60 minutes before bedtime. Alternatively, add the blend to a diffuser in your bedroom about 30 minutes before bed to create a calming atmosphere and encourage restful sleep.

Perispray:

distilled water
5 tablespoons witch hazel
2 tablespoons aloe vera
10 drops each of tea tree and helichrysum
5 drops each myrrh and lavender
3 drops cypress

Add the witch hazel and essential oils to a 4oz glass spray bottle. Fill the bottle the rest of the way with distilled water. Shake before use and spray regularly on your perineum after giving birth to aid in healing and pain management.

As you embrace the beauty of new motherhood, remember that you are the expert of your own body and your own wellbeing. You can use these blends as a guide, but I encourage you to have fun on your own journey of exploration with essential oils. Take the time to do your own research, consult with aromatherapists, and trust your instincts as you mindfully experiment with different oils and blends.

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Education, Postpartum Life, WellnessLauren Fosteressential oils, wellness, postpartum, postpartum recovery, postpartum care