Benefits of Essential Oils during Postpartum
Welcoming a new life into the world is one of life's most beautiful experiences, but the postpartum period can also bring its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to maternal mental health. However, among this transformative journey, there exists a natural ally that has been used for centuries: essential oils. In this article, we explore the benefits of essential oils for postpartum mental health, emphasizing the importance of quality, providing safety guidelines, and offering protocol suggestions for this period.
During pregnancy, labor, postpartum, and breastfeeding, a woman's body undergoes significant changes, often accompanied by discomfort. Opting to incorporate essential oils into this journey can be one of the most meaningful choices a woman makes for her own well-being and that of her developing baby. These oils offer potent natural support in various ways, with benefits extending beyond the postpartum period.
Quality Matters
Along with this decision comes the responsibility to understand that quality matters. Impure oils simply aren't safe, especially for mother and child. Claims are common but purity is not, and while your smell may not feel the difference, your body for sure will.
Selecting a reliable essential oil source is crucial. Look for certifications backed by thorough third-party testing, ensuring purity and potency. A trustworthy company will make available the tests performed on every essential oil.
Safety Guidelines When Selecting Oils
Check the labels diligently to confirm their purity. While some products may claim to be 100% pure, without transparency regarding their testing procedures, there's a strong likelihood of adulteration and contamination.
Pure oils work best when used in small amounts consistently.
Always follow your intuition, simply avoid anything that doesn’t feel right and pay attention to how your body responds in terms of quantity and frequency.
Create protocols with the guidance of an essential oil specialist and wellness consultant who cares about addressing your specific needs.
Using essential oils aromatically is the safest and most effective way to support different emotions during this period.
Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying topically. The bottoms of the feet are particularly suitable and safe areas for application, especially when using oils with children.
Always consult your physician and provide them with accurate information about the oil company and products. Many healthcare professionals may not be familiar with reputable brands, so it's essential to communicate and ensure informed decision-making.
Avoid the use of Clary Sage if there is a history of preterm labor or miscarriage.
Avoid Peppermint while breastfeeding, as regular use can significantly reduce milk supply for some women.
Postpartum Wellness Suggestions
While high-quality essential oils, such as dōTERRA’s, offer versatile support through topical application, diffusion, or ingestion, addressing concerns like breast soreness, constipation, depression, fatigue, high blood pressure, nausea/vomiting, sleep issues, stretch marks, swelling, and more, our primary focus will be on providing emotional support during the postpartum period.
Supporting Postpartum Blues: The hormonal shifts and the overwhelming responsibilities of caring for a newborn can sometimes lead to feelings of anxiety, sadness, or mood swings, commonly known as postpartum blues. Essential oils like lavender, Serenity, and bergamot are renowned for their calming properties on the mind and body. Diffusing these oils or adding a few drops to a warm bath can create a serene atmosphere, promoting relaxation and emotional balance during this sensitive period.
Easing Stressful and Anxious feelings: The demands of motherhood can often result in high levels of stress and anxiety. Frankincense or copaiba essential oils, known for its grounding properties, can help center the mind and alleviate feelings of tension. Balance or Adaptiv are also good alternatives. Additionally, citrus oils such as lemon, grapefruit and wild orange are uplifting and can create a sense of positivity, helping mothers navigate through the challenges. Creating a personalized blend of these oils and using them topically over pulse points or in a diffuser can provide relief.
Promoting Restful Sleep: Sleep deprivation is a common struggle for new mothers, impacting both physical and mental well-being. Essential oils like lavender, Serenity and copaiba have excellent properties to support a restful sleep. Diffusing these oils in the bedroom or spraying them over the pillows can create a soothing environment at bedtime. Better sleep not only enhances mood and cognitive function but also supports overall postpartum recovery.
Boosting Energy: Fatigue is a common companion for new mothers. Essential oils like Easy Air, Citrus Bliss or MetaPWR are invigorating and can support feelings of lethargy. providing a natural energy boost, clearing the airways when inhaled and empowering mothers to navigate through their day with greater energy.
The postpartum period is a time of transformation, both physically and emotionally. By utilizing the benefits of quality essential oils as allies to support mothers and their mental well-being throughout the journey, without causing harm to their bodies or their children's, we can ease and enhance the experience. Essential oils offer a natural and holistic approach to overall wellness, empowering mothers to embrace the joys and challenges of motherhood with grace and resilience.
Article written by Corina Ortega, dōTERRA Wellness Consultant & Essential Oil Specialist.
The ÔM Journey is really proud to have a beautiful selection of dōTERRA essential oils in our postpartum sanctuary. Mums have the opportunity to try and use these oils in their rooms.
