Pregnancy, Birth, Infants & Toddlers
When using essential oils during pregnancy and labour, it’s important to source the best quality oils available. Synthetic ingredients and other adulterants are present in most brands of essential oil. These chemicals are processed through mum’s liver, and can pass to your baby through the placenta.
The saying “you get what you pay for” holds true in the world of essential oils. Cheaper brands are cheaper for a reason. They don’t have the quality control, the rigorous scientific testing or the “beyond organic” guarantee that Young Living has. So don’t settle for less – choose the best and safest oils for you and your baby.
All the comments here apply to Young Living oils, and not to other brands.
Oils to avoid and use with caution during pregnancy
Have you ever heard that essential oils shouldn’t be used during pregnancy? Essential oils are powerful substances, and much more concentrated than herbs. They do need to be treated with respect, especially when you have a precious little bundle on board.
Personally, I like to err on the side of caution, and follow the accepted aromatherapy guidelines for oils to avoid or use with caution during pregnancy. Why? Because it’s an arena where there just isn’t enough information available about the effects of really good quality oils like Young Living – but there is a lot of research into regular brands, which shows the need for caution during pregnancy for certain essential oils. But fortunately, there are also many essential oils that are considered safe to use during pregnancy, and which can assist the comfort of both mum and bub.
Follow these guidelines and listen to your body:
Oils to avoid:
Basil, Calamus, Hyssop, Rosemary, Sage, Idaho Tansy, Tarragon, Wintergreen, Exodus II, GLF, Mister, Sclaressence. Note that Aroma Siez is ok to use.
Oils to use with caution:
Angelica, Cassia, Celery Seed, Cinnamon Bark, Citronella, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus dives, Fennel, Marjoram, Mugwort, Nutmeg, Palo Santo, Clarity, Deep Relief Roll-on, Di-Gize, Dragon Time, Egyptian Gold, Envision, Harmony, Immupower, Lady Sclareol, M-Grain, Magnify your Purpose, Relieve-It, Ruta Vala, Thieves and Transformation.
For these oils, use small quantities such as 1 or 2 drops at a time. Alternatively, they can be diluted 1:4 in good quality vegetable oil like Young Living’s V6 oil.
The Best Breath Freshener ever!
This is amazing to use before and after morning sickness to keep your breath fresh and your lips kissable! Put a drop of AromaEase oil blend or Peppermint oil on the back of your hand and lick it off. It’s strong, but so, so, so effective!
Care for your Back
Nurture your lower back daily with a few drops each of Valor oil blend and Frankincense oil (no carrier oil needed), or else apply Deep Relief roll-on (used sparingly), or Aroma Siez oil blend. These are great on tight muscles too!
Energy, Health & Vitality
Drink 60ml of Young Living’s NingXia Red juice, once or twice a day. Add a drop of Orange or Tangerine oil for an added health boost, or Peppermint oil for a vitality boost. Yum!!! For a healthy mocktail, mix a can of chilled NingXia Zyng with 30ml NingXia Red.
Go-away Stretch Marks!
Dilute 1 drop of Gentle Baby oil blend with 4 drops of carrier oil (eg. coconut oil or Young Living’s V6 oil). Rub onto your belly daily, both during and after pregnancy.
Testimonial: “I used Gentle Baby and Young Living’s V6 oil every day, rubbed on my tummy. I did this for both my pregnancies, & my second was twins. Not one stretch mark is to be found! – Sara D.
Testimonial: “After the delivery of my baby, I applied coconut oil and Gentle Baby to my belly every day for a month or two. And now I have absolutely NO stretch marks!” – Sheila F.
Go-Odour
In a 500ml spray bottle, add 1 tablespoon of Young Living’s Thieves Household Cleaner and 6 drops each of Lemon Myrtle, Lavender and Orange oil, then top up with filtered water. Spray into buckets, and onto benches and bad odours. It smells divine, and the Lemon Myrtle oil helps to mask ugly smells!!!
Hydrate your Skin
Feed your skin with healthy Omegas by taking 4 to 8 of Young Living’s OmegaGize3 capsules daily (these contain Omega 3, Vitamin D3 and Coenzyme Q10). Mix Geranium and Lavender oil into a nourishing natural moisturiser like Young Living’s ART Intensive Moisturizer to use on your face. Give yourself a full-body pamper with Young Living’s KidScents Lotion. Don’t be deceived by the name! Filled with natural goodness and Cedarwood essential oil, this is one of the best body lotions for dry skin.
Joy-Fill your Pregnancy!
Feeling emotional? Up the “Joy Quotient” of your pregnancy by placing a drop of Joy oil blend on your heart and under clothing, or 10 to 20 drops in your essential oil diffuser. Joy oil blend is photosensitive, so make sure you place it on skin that will be covered by clothing if you are going into sun or UV light within 24 hours.
Mumma’s Beauty Sleep:
When you are ready to go to bed, put 1 to 2 drops of Cedarwood or Lavender oil under your nose or on the pillow, or add 5 to 15 drops to your essential oil diffuser, and zzzzzzzzzz.
Create a Chem-free home
If you haven’t already done so, make sure you also create a chemical free home for you and your family. This is so important for your family’s long term health and vitality. Click here to find out how to easily and cost-effectively make that switch using the Young Living range of products.
Over the last 50 years, between 70,000 to 100,000 different chemicals have been introduced to our world, with 1500 new chemicals added each year. These chemicals are absorbed easily through the skin, and from there make their way into the tissues of the body, also crossing the placenta to affect the unborn child.
In a 2005 study, [link to http://www.ewg.org/research/body-burden-pollution-newborns] 287 different types of industrial chemicals were found in the umbilical cord blood of infants born in the US. Of these 287 chemicals:
Creating your ideal Birth Plan
Our minds are incredibly powerful, and what we focus on is what we attract more of. This is why it’s so valuable to create a vision of your ideal birth plan. Focus positive energy onto it every day, as you rehearse the ideal birth plan in your mind.
Our mind has a unique ability to link aromas to memories and emotions. So if you use an essential oil while you are defining and visualising your ideal birth plan, you can then bring that same essential oil into the birthing room to empower your intention for the perfect birth.
A great essential oil to use for this purpose would be Envision oil blend on the forehead or third eye area, and also a drop of Abundance oil blend on the wrist. Envision anchors our visions into reality, while Abundance oil helps to dispel doubt and fear.
Elasticising your Perineum
8 weeks before your due date, reduce your risk of tearing by mixing 1 drop of Myrrh oil with 4 drops of carrier oil (such as coconut or V6 oil). Massage this into your perineum daily, or spray your perineum 4 to 6 times a day with Young Living’s Claraderm Spray.
We are all different, so follow your intuition on the oils you are most drawn to once labour begins, and whether you want to apply them topically, use in a diffuser, or simply inhale from the bottle.
Combine these essential oils with visualisations and affirmations. This will help you to feel safe during delivery, It will support you to remain emotionally balanced during the birthing process, and will enhance your connection with bub.
Beautiful oils to diffuse in the birthing room
Gentle Baby, Orange, Geranium, Lavender, Rose and Frankincense are all great oils for calming Mum and Dad, and freshening up the energy of the birthing room!
Did you know?
It’s quite common for women to experience temporary feelings of anxiety during labour and childbirth.
Have your “Easy Birthing” oil blend on hand!
Caution: Have this blend pre-made, but only start using it once labor has commenced!
Mix the following oils into 15 drops of carrier oil (such as coconut or V6 oil). Spend a few minutes each hour massaging 2 to 4 drops of this mix into the ankles and the sacrum (just above the buttock crease):
During Contractions
Soothe with Lavender! Put a few drops of Lavender oil on a warm, moist towel and apply to your abdomen and perineum, and rub a couple of drops under each foot.
Re-charge your body
Giving birth is like running a marathon. Feed your body regularly with pure liquid energy by drinking 60ml of NingXia Red juice every time you need an energy boost. It’s based on all-organic ingredients, and is available in bottles but also in travel-friendly 60ml sachets. 60ml is equivalent in biological activity to having 118 heads of broccoli, or 200 oranges, or 45,628 almonds! Because it’s the juice from whole fruits, you can have as much as your body needs.
For Emotional Strength
Apply 1 to 2 drops of Clary Sage oil under the feet every hour during labour.
For Grounding and Focus
Inhale Clarity or Gathering oil blend.
Connect with baby during labour
Apply 1 to 2 drops of Lavender oil on your heart, lower back and inside of ankles, or a drop of Envision oil blend on your forehead or third eye area.
Welcome your newborn
This is a very special moment, and worthy of a very special oil. Frankincense oil has been used throughout history for anointing a child as it arrives into the world. In fact, it was one of the oils given to the Christ Child by the three Wise Men. This uplifting and connecting oil amplifies connection to all things greater than ourselves. It’s a prayer in a bottle.
Testimonial: “After our baby girl arrived, I put a drop of Frankincense oil on her Daddy’s palms. He rubbed his hands together and stood over her precious body, lightly touching her skin and umbilical cord, stroking his hands just above her body in her aura, calming her in her new environment. We blessed her life, expressed our gratitude and gave her love…it was a beautiful moment.” – Amy M.
Umbilical Cord
Soon after birth, place one drop of Myrrh oil neat (undiluted) onto the umbilical cord where it joins the navel, to facilitate a healthy drying process. Use your fingers to gently massage the oil into the base of the umbilical cord and for a 1cm radius of the surrounding skin. One application is usually sufficient.
Perineal Soothing
Apply Young Living’s Claraderm Spray several times a day, including over stitches. Alternatively, dilute 1 drop of Gentle Baby oil blend or Lavender essential oil to 10 drops of coconut or V6 oil.
Tightening Mum’s Belly
Apply a few drops of Grapefruit oil daily to the tummy, to help tighten the skin after birth. Add coconut or V6 oil if any irritation occurs.
Resting and Revitalising
You’ve just run a marathon, so it’s time to replenish your energy levels and your body’s vitamins and minerals. Drink 60 to 120ml of NingXia Red daily, and have 3 to 5 squirts of Mineral Essence in water or juice daily (even added to your NingXia Red).
Add 1 to 10 drops of Grapefruit oil to water or juice before bed (start with 1 drop/day, and build up). This is great for uplifting moods and for promoting restful sleep. And if you need a bit of extra help to drop into a deep sleep, simply rub a drop of Lavender, Cedarwood or RutaVala oil under your nose when you head to bed, or after you’ve woken up to do a feed.
Mum’s Emotional Support
Place a drop of Joy® oil on the heart, and 4 drops of Progessence (Phyto) Plus® oil blend on the wrists, once or twice a day.
Happy Breast Milk
Put a drop of Fennel oil under the tongue each morning and night.
Caution: The following oils may affect milk flow, so keep to a maximum of 2 drops a day unless advised otherwise by your health professional: Anise, Basil, Caraway, Clary Sage, Coriander, Dill, Fennel, Geranium, Jasmine, Lemongrass, Peppermint and Sage.
Keep your baby healthy by creating a “chemical-free” or low-tox home. Switch out those toxic household cleaning and personal care products for Young Living’s all-natural alternatives. It’s the best investment you’ll ever make!!!
Testimonial: “I’m reassured that my house is cleaned using Young Living’s Thieves Household Cleaner, so my curious crawling child isn’t exposed to synthetic chemicals.” – Sidsel H.
Oils to avoid on children
As with pregnancy, essential oils can produce a myriad of positive effects when used on newborns and infants. There are however some oils which are typically regarded as being too strong for use with very young children, because of their sensitive skin, lungs and mucus membranes.
Avoid for children under 18 months:
Basil, Bergamot, Calamus, Cassia, Cinnamon Bark, Citrus histrix, Lemongrass, Mountain Savory, Mugwort, Nutmeg, Palo Santo, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Spearmint, Idaho Tansy, Tarragon, Thyme, Wintergreen, Abundance, Aroma Siez, Breathe-again Roll-on, Christmas Spirit, Clarity, Di-Gize, Egyptian Gold, Endoflex, Exodus II, GLF, Immupower, Joy, JuvaCleanse, Lady Sclareol, Longevity, M-Grain, Magnify your Purpose, Mister, Panaway, Raven, RC, Relieve It, RutaVala, Sclaressence, Thieves, Transformation
Avoid for Children under 5:
Bergamot, Calamus, Nutmeg, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Spearmint, Idaho Tansy, Tarragon, Wintergreen, Di-Gize, JuvaCleanse, Longevity
An Aromatic Lullaby
At bedtime, put a drop of Peace & Calming, Lavender, Cedarwood or Roman Chamomile oil into your palms, rub your palms together, then massage under each of bub’s feet. You can also place a drop on the edges of the pillow, or add 5 to 10 drops to your diffuser.
Bathtime
Young Living’s KidScents Shampoo and Bath & Shower Gel are soooo divine. Both are free of all nasties, and the Bath Gel has Cedarwood and Geranium oil in it – superb for the skin of both children and adults! Add a drop of Lavender oil into the shampoo before massaging into your child’s scalp, to keep their scalp super healthy and their hair shining!
Crying Babies?
There are various ways to calm a crying child.
The top 5 oils for this purpose would be Peace & Calming, Valor, Lavender, Stress-Away and Harmony.
Caution: Peace & Calming, Stress-Away and Harmony oil blends are all photosensitive, so they need to be applied to skin that won’t be exposed to UV light for 24 hours.
Emotions of Teething:
Mix 1 drop Thieves oil and 2 drops Copaiba oil into 1ml/20 drops of carrier oil (eg. coconut or V6 oil), and apply to the cheeks. Use Tranquil roll-on, or a drop of Lavender oil or Peace & Calming oil blend under the feet.
Separation Upset & Conflict
Put a drop or two of Harmony oil blend under your child’s feet, or on the chest of whoever is holding them, or diffuse 5 to 15 drops. This is great for first day at childcare, or for any conflict or upset in the home.
Stubborn Food Stains?
Use Thieves Household Cleaner or Thieves Foaming Hand Soap, and hand rinse before putting in the washing machine.
Toilet Training:
Mix 5 drops of Copaiba oil into 5ml of carrier oil (eg. coconut oil or V6). Apply a couple of drops to your child’s kidney area daily.
It’s so empowering to make your own Baby Wipes, especially knowing what’s in commercial brands!!! Place a paper towel roll inside a container (eg. Tupperware, or a reusable plastic Wipes container). Mix a cup of filtered water with a teaspoon of Thieves Household Cleaner. Add 4 drops of Lavender oil, or Peace & Calming oil blend. Pour onto the paper towel roll. Place a lid on the container, and wait a few minutes for the liquid to be absorbed. Pull sheets off as needed. Voila!
Johnson & Johnson® has lost two court cases due to claims that its talcum powder caused cancer. Don’t take the risk with your child!!! It’s so easy to make your own all-natural baby powder. Simply add 3 drops each of Lavender, Frankincense and Roman Chamomile oil into a cup of arrowroot powder or cornflour.
Add 10 drops of Purification oil blend and a teaspoon of Witch Hazel to a 50ml glass or PET plastic spray bottle. This makes a wonderful all-natural air freshener.
To keep the nappy bucket smelling fresh, mix ¼ cup of Bicarb of Soda (baking soda) and a few drops each of Thieves and Purification oil blends, and sprinkle into the nappy bucket.
Carsen T. writes: On one of my return flights from a seminar overseas, a couple sitting directly in front of me was desperately trying to calm their screaming little 3 to 4 year old daughter. The screaming went on and on and on, stressing other travellers as well. The mother was nursing a baby, and the father could not care less!!! He was wearing earphones listening to something. After about 15 minutes or so I tapped him on the shoulder to get his attention.
Asking permission, I held a tissue in front of the screaming child with a few drops of Peace and Calming on it, and voila – the miracle happened!
After about 4 to 5 minutes, the screaming stopped, the child had fallen asleep (or had passed out), and I had given up the intent to wring the fathers neck, thus saving myself from landing in jail for assault.
Susan writes: I love having my oils on me as you never know when they may come in handy. Recently I was on a flight to Perth and was sitting beside a couple and their (almost) 2 year old boy. I happened to get my small oils case out and the little boy was fascinated by these coloured bottles and took great delight in smelling them all, and indicating which was his favourite.
Further into the flight he became grizzly as it was well past his naptime. The mother indicated that he was only used to sleeping in his own bed, not anywhere else such as a plane! As the minutes wore on, the crying started and he was quite unsettled. The crying then turned into screaming at the top of his lungs.
I asked the flight attendant for a serviette and put a few drops of Lavender on it and handed the serviette to the mother. She held it close to his nose and shortly after he dropped off to sleep.
When I asked her later how she had found the Lavender, she thanked me profusely and said that she could feel his body just completely relax as soon as he had taken a few smells of the serviette.
Kate S. writes: My friend’s 4 year old boy dropped a full stainless steel drink bottle on his big toe and was screaming hysterically.
We placed 2 drops of Peace & Calming on his shirt, and wafted our hands in front of his nose while getting cuddles from mum, and his screaming immediately subsided to a gentle sob. Amazing!!!
Nadia writes: I had a lady attending one of my yoga classes very soon after giving birth. She was afraid that her child would cry and disturb the lesson….and of course that was exactly what happened. There was no way to stop this child. So between exercises, I ran into my home to get some Harmony oil.
I took the lid off the bottle, and simply held the lid near the boy’s nose so that he could breathe it in. He stopped crying in seconds….everyone was so surprised.
Then I gave the mother a drop to inhale, so that she could be centered as well.
Amanda writes: I had one terrible night where Gracie (my 6 week old daughter) wouldn’t settle to sleep. She was awake from 8pm to 10.30pm feeding, drifting off, then crying as soon as I put her down to sleep.
After two hours of this, I grabbed my Roman Chamomile oil, and held the open bottle near her face. She instantly stopped crying and I could see her turn towards the smell of the oil.
That particular night I rubbed one drop (diluted in about a teaspoon of carrier oil) onto her tummy and she fell asleep until 5am. Other times I just diffuse or hold the bottle near her and she always stops crying. Magic stuff!!!
Artemis writes: I had a most amazing experience with Dream Catcher oil blend about 5 or 6 years ago. At that time I met a lovely lady, a friend of my brothers. She had been waiting to drop the kids off to school when her car was hit from behind by another car. Although it was a relatively minor accident, her 4 year old daughter was in the backseat, and it gave her a huge fright.
Over the following week, her daughter began having nightmares, and became very clingy, not wanting to leave her mum’s side.
I was visiting my brother when his friend was there, and I was asked if here were any oils that could help. So I pulled out a selection of oils that I thought might assist – oils like Joy, Inner Child, Dream Catcher, Release, Sacred Mountain and Awaken. I turned all of the oils upside down, and grasped them in my fist. I offered this fist-full of bottles to the daughter, and invited her to choose one.
Well, she picked “Dream Catcher”. So that night, her mum put a drop of Dream Catcher under each of her feet. The result was profound! Her daughter didn’t have a nightmare that night, and the next day she was back to her normal Self (no clinginess). How amazing is that!
That makes so much sense to me, based on the intention of the oil. Gary Young created this oil blend to be like a Native American dream catcher, which keeps the bad dreams at bay, and allows only the positive and good dreams through.
Barb H. writes: My grandson used to have really bad nightmares when he was 2 to 3 years old. He woke up crying and sometimes screaming in the middle of the night, and was very hard to settle again. He said he didn’t want to go back to sleep because he was scared. He would also wake up crying in the morning and the grey circles under his eyes were so sad to see.
We decided to apply Dream Catcher each night to his feet, 1 drop on each foot after diffusing the room with Dream Catcher in the afternoon before he went to sleep.
He woke up the next morning very excited that he had slept all night in his own bed, and was beaming as he came down the hallway with a huge smile on his face. We were very grateful. He continues to use it every night and is sleeping well.