Aromabirth Essential Oil Safety in Maternity User Guide

Aromabirth Essential Oil Safety in Maternity

Let’s start with some fantastic news!
When used appropriately and at the correct dilution, high-quality essential oils are not only inherently safe and non-toxic but also incredible allies on your pregnancy journey. They can often provide swift relief from common ailments within seconds, with minimal risk of adverse reactions. However, throughout each phase of maternity, spanning from prenatal to postpartum, lactation, and infant care, specific considerations and adaptations are necessary to ensure both safety and efficacy. While the nuances of these considerations go beyond the scope of this concise guidebook, rest assured, we’ve provided you with a solid starting point so that you can begin benefiting from essential oils immediately without concern.

Why should you trust us with this critical information?
Before we embark on the delicate topic of essential oil safety during pregnancy, let’s establish the credibility behind the advice you’re about to receive. At the heart of this e-book (and all of the books, video tutorials, lectures, webinars, blog articles, and online training courses that we offer) is the vision and expertise of Stephanie McBride, the founder and creative force behind Aromabirth. Stephanie’s extensive qualifications include over 30 years of combined formal, and post-graduate study in the fields of clinical herbology and health science, apprenticeship, and clinical experience. For over a decade, she served as a private health consultant, specializing in nutritional and holistic medicine, working closely with women throughout their childbearing years.

The commitment extends beyond theory

Beyond her education and experience in a clinical setting, Stephanie has thoroughly read and reviewed every pertinent book and research study on this topic, actively led case studies, and interviewed midwives globally to collect valuable anecdotal evidence for the benefits and risks of aromatherapy in childbearing. She is a best-selling author on this subject and has published her most comprehensive book, Essential Oils for Maternal Wellness, in nine languages. As an international public speaker, certified clinical herbalist, functional nutritionist, and aromatherapist, her expertise covers a spectrum of overlapping disciplines. Rest assured, your journey into the realm of essential oil safety in pregnancy is in capable and knowledgeable hands.

Review safety essentials -these apply to everyone!

This list highlights key safety tips but isn’t exhaustive. Check labels on essential oils and look for further guidance for general use. Keep Essential Oils Out of Reach: Protect infants and young children from accidental exposure, a common cause of harm. Mind Sensitive Areas: Avoid oils in the ears, eyes, nose, and mouth and dilute for sensitive areas like the face and underarms. Patch Test: Before using a new oil topically, perform a quick skin patch test, crucial for pregnant women and those with thin or sensitive skin.

Handle Dermatitis Wisely
With accidental exposure and skin irritation, dilute the area with a carrier oil. In case of accidental ingestion, drink whole milk and avoid inducing vomiting. Medical
Caution: Essential oils are not a substitute for standard medical care. Seek professional advice for uses beyond self-care. Watch Medication Interactions: Be cautious, especially with anticoagulants; consult a healthcare professional if on medication.

Most women are more sensitive during pregnancy. This makes complete sense when you consider that hormones are raging. In addition, the liver and digestive organs have slowed down and rearranged themselves, and the skin is stretched to make room for the growing baby! Hence… Contact dermatitis (skin reaction to topical application) is more likely during pregnancy.

Sun-sensitizing essential oils (like Bergamot and other citrus rind-derived oils) are more sun-sensitizing. We advise that, during pregnancy, at least until it is known that essential oils are well tolerated… Dilute, dilute, dilute! Test, test, test! Start with gentle essential oils and low concentration (1-3 drops eo per tsp./5 mL of carrier oil) and increase if desired AND when there are no signs of skin sensitivity, such as itchiness, redness, or irritation. With the topical use of citrus-rind-derived oils, avoid sun exposure to uncovered skin for 12-24 hours after application.

Not every oil is right for every phase of maternity Essential oils serve as invaluable tools to navigate naturally occurring changes with grace and ease. We hold a deep appreciation for the intricate properties of medicinal plants and their unique “actions”. For instance, frankincense and lavender both boast over 100 known medicinal constituents that work harmoniously to address many, very specific concerns, unique to each plant. While knowing the chemical symphony of each plant is not necessary to benefit from its use, understanding that some essential oils excel in specific maternity stages and should be avoided in others is crucial for safety and a positive outcome.

Bottom line
women’s bodies undergo profound changes throughout the childbearing year. Your favourite oil for early pregnancy may be less than ideal for postpartum, for example, so this is a crucial time for careful consideration. We will give you some examples.

For instance…
Circulatory stimulants like cinnamon and cassia are best avoided during pregnancy when blood volume nearly doubles. Additionally, these oils possess warming properties, which may not be ideal during pregnancy, when many women experience increased body heat. Clary sage is a superstar when it comes to increasing the regularity and the efficiency of contractions during labour (while simultaneously easing pain and anxiousness), but should be avoided during pregnancy and when contractions are strong and regular.

Peppermint is our top go-to oil for morning sickness but decreases milk production in around 50% of women. Lemon is a sun-sensitizing essential oil, which, due to hormonal changes in pregnancy can result in sun damage if applied to the skin 12 hours before direct sun exposure. However, when applied to the face at night, Lemon contributes to fading common brown spots around the eyes, such as the mask of pregnancy. These are just a few of many examples, but not to worry, we cover all of these details in our books and in our Aromabirth certification program. And, in the pages to follow, we will give you a list of our favourite oils for each phase of pregnancy so that you can get started now.

top oils for pregnancy Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)

• Copaiba (Copaifera spp.)
• Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)
• Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
• Frankincense (Boswellia spp.)
• Ginger (Zingiber officinale)*
• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
• Lemon (Citrus limon)*
• Marjoram (Origanum majorana)
• Melaleuca (Melaleuca alternifolia)
• Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)∞
• Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis)
• Sandalwood (Santalum album)
• Spearmint (Mentha spicata)
• Tangerine (Citrus reticulata)*
• Wild Orange (Citrus sinensis)*

Birth harmony essentials

• Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)
• Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea^
• Frankincense (Boswellia spp.)
• Ginger (Zingiber officinale)*
• Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum)
• Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum)∞
• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
• Lemon (Citrus limon) *
• Marjoram (Origanum majorana)
• Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)!
• Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis)
• Sandalwood (Santalum album)
• White fir (Abies alba)
• Wild Orange (Citrus sinensis)

Post-Partun recovery & renewal kit

• Blue Tansy (Tanacetum annum)
• Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea^
• Copaiba (Copaifera spp.)
• Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)*
• Frankincense (Boswellia spp.)
• Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
• Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum)
• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
• Lemon (Citrus limon)*
• Melaleuca (Melaleuca alternifolia)
• Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)

KEY
Photosensitizing. With topical application, avoid direct sun exposure for 12-24 hours. Recommended for use with slow, irregular contractions in labour and postpartum only. May decrease breastmilk production

Keep learning! download our e-book for iust $7
Ready to take your essential oil journey to the next level. Dive deeper into safe and effective usage with our comprehensive ebook! This guide includes dilution charts, hospital use guidelines, insights on combining oils with medications, and specific applications for common maternity-related ailments. Elevate your essential oil experience – download now for a complete usage guide tailored to every phase of maternity. Your well-informed and empowered journey awaits!

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