Here are some essential oils to try during post-pregnancy or if you’re more “old school”, postpartum confinement. Not all essential oils are safe postpartum friendly. Here is a non-extensive list essential oils to avoid during this period (if not postpartum, it is generally fine to use):
- Angelica
- Basil
- Blue cypress
- Carrot seed
- Cinnamon bark
- Dill
- Hyssop
- Idaho tansy
- Nutmeg
- Myrhh
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Thyme
- Wintergreen
- Yarrow
Lavender
It is inevitable that new parents will lose plenty of sleep after having a child and may even have trouble falling asleep when they do get time to rest. Provided that your baby is at least 3 months and older, lavender essential oil can be diffused 30-60 minutes before bedtime to encourage earlier and deeper onset of sleep for both parents and baby.
Chamomile
Taking care of a baby is no easy feat and it is common to experience emotional tension and postnatal blues after birth. Diffusing or inhaling chamomile essential oil from the bottle can help bring a sense of peacefulness and promote relaxation. You may also use topically with calendula oil or other carrier oils to soften and soothe the skin.
Rose Absolute
Speaking of postnatal blues, rose absolute is excellent in helping to anguish feelings of anxiety, anger, stress, along with other unwelcoming moods. Its naturally calming nature is also good for helping with insomnia. It also does have astringent properties, therefore can be applied topically to smooth and tone the skin.
Palmarosa
While the above oils possesses a naturally sedative quality that helps with inducing relaxation along with an earlier onset of sleep, palmarosa essential oil helps in perking you up to beat tiredness, fatigue and reduce postnatal blues. It is also good for muscular aches and soreness for topical applications.
Geranium
Dilute 1 drop of geranium essential with 1 tablespoon of tamanu oil or other carrier oil and apply onto the stomach or the breast skin. Don’t apply before breastfeeding and make sure not to touch the areola or nipple as that is where the baby will feed, and infants should not be exposed to essential oils.
Citrus
Not only is it wonderful to inhale during pregnancy to combat nausea and irritability, it will also serve well post pregnancy to combat fatigue, stress and postnatal blues. It is important not to use citrus oils topically, especially during the day whether or not you’re confining just to be safe.
Make sure not to expose your baby to essential oils, even via airborne if they are less than 3 months old as their skin is much more sensitive and their immunity is more fragile. Please do not ingest the oils either even if the label claims it’s safe for ingestion. There is also no issue in avoiding the use of essential oils altogether as they are not for everyone.