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Essential Oils for Labor

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Today I welcome Rachel from Healing in Our Homes to the blog! Rachel is a homeschooling mother of 5 wonderful children and a doula and birth photographer to many women. She is a wealth of information when it comes to supporting pregnant and I’m so blessed to have her share more about essential oils and labor. 

Labor, like pregnancy, can involve a lot of changing needs and feelings – first your hot then your cold, youʼre excited then youʼre crying, one minute you want someone to rub your shoulders, the next you want to hurt anyone that touches you. This is normal and essential oils are a wonderful tool to have to manage our changing moods and comfort levels during labor.

As a doula Iʼve been privileged to be a support to many women as theyʼve given birth. I love when my clients use oils already or are open to me using oils to support them. It doesnt matter if you are giving birth at home, at a birth center, or in a hospital there are still many ways for essential oils to bring comfort, both, emotionally and physically.

Where to buy high quality essential oils at a discount

Here are some of my favorite essential oils for labor:

1. Peppermint

This refreshing oils is so fabulous for when you are hot or tired. You can smell directly from the cap for some quick energy or dilute with a carrier oil and apply to the back of the neck for a cooling effect.

2. Wild Orange & Citrus Bliss Blend

Both of these oils make a wonderful compliment to peppermint for energy and stamina. They are also a great mood lifter if you feel discouraged. You can make a spray (see recipe below), diffuse them together in a diffuser or simply put them into your hands to inhale. Citrus oils can also help a laboring mama stay focused and help to calm nausea.

3. Clary Sage or Clary Calm Blend

Clary Sage is a powerful support for labor, especially when labor is stalled. Typically Clary Sage is avoided in pregnancy because of the possibility of this effect on the body. But once you are full term and your body is ready for delivery, it is a great support.

4. Balance Blend

The tree oils that make up this blend are wonderful for stabilizing mood. If you are feeling frustrated, defeated, out of balance or super emotional have someone rub a few drops into your foot and apply some to the back of your neck as well.

5. Lavender, Serenity blend, & Ylang Ylang

These are my top choices for calming during labor. I like to have my client smell the oils and make a choice by what is most attractive to her in that moment. I would offer one of these oils if mama was agitated or stressed. For mood issues, always go with whatever smells the best to you. Your body knows what it needs.

6. Marjoram

This oil is often underappreciated in the oil world. Marjoram is a great oil for soothing the discomforts of contractions. Dilute and apply to the lower abdomen. Its also great after birth for the cramps that can come while nursing so keep it around!

7. Deep Blue Blend & Black Pepper

I can verify, from my own multiple personal experiences, that back labor is the WORST. First, if you can, get on all fours to encourage that little stinker to turn the right way and relieve you of your misery. But if they insist on coming out looking up at the sky then these two oils are your friend. Get someone to rub them in thoroughly for you. Following with a heating pad or pack can help drive the oils in and give further relief.

Additional tips & recipes:

  1. Put 20 washcloths in a crockpot , fill with water, add 20 drops of lavender and set to “warm”. Apply a washcloth to lower abdomen or back at the beginning of each contraction.
  2. Cooling spray: Mix 25 drops of Wild Orange or “Invigorating” blend, 25 drops of Peppermint and water in a 4oz spray bottle. Spray on during transition or when feeling tired or discouraged.
  3. Perineum support: Mix 10 drops Helichrysm or Geranium in 1 tablespoon Fractionated Coconut Oil and massage into perineum at crowning. These oils support the skin tissue to help minimize puffiness and help the tissue stretch to avoid tearing.
  4. Use Lavender and Geranium over the uterus after birth for soothing all of those tired muscles.
  5. Peri Spray: (This is RAVED about amongst our team for soothing after a vaginal birth) Mix 5 drops of Lavender, Geranium and Helichrysm in 1oz of filtered water or fractionated coconut oil. Spray on after each time you use the bathroom or rinse. Donʼt leave this one out, you will be so glad you have it!
  6. Keep your Clary Sage and “Women’s Monthly” blend around because Clary Sage can help aid in milk production as well as support a balanced hormonal system postpartum. Dilute and apply to the lower abdomen daily.

So make sure to add your oils to your hospital bag or birth kit. Enjoy your oils during labor and delivery! To see how to use essential oils on newborns and babies, click here! 

How to purchase therapeutic-grade essential oils at a discount!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Rachel is a wife and homeschooling mom to 5 spunky kids. She serves as a doula and birth photographer, is an avid researcher and love to share what she learns on her blog, Healing in our Homes. Her passion is to support other women as they journey through childbirth, the challenges motherhood and creating healthy homes. DoTERRA has been the perfect way for her to practically empower women to care for themselves and their families naturally.

Where to Buy High Quality Essential Oils at a Discount: 

I recommend that when using essential oils to support your labor, that you use the highest and most therapeutic quality you can find. CLICK HERE to see my brand of choice and how you can purchase them at a discount. 

Essential Oils for Labor Support 

Lemongrass Essential Oil

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Lemongrass

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) grows in dense clumps that can grow 6 feet in height and 4 feet in width. It is native to warm and tropical regions, such as India, Southeast Asia, and Oceania. It is used as a medicinal herb in India and it is common in Asian cuisine. In African and South American countries, it is popularly used for making tea. Lemongrass essential oil is extracted from the leaves by steam distillation.

Its main chemical components are Geranial, Neral, Myrcene, Citronellai, and Citral.

What are the benefits of Lemongrass Essential Oil?

Its primary benefits are:

  • It supports healthy digestion
  • It soothes aching muscles
  • It purifies and tones skin
  • It relieves head and neck tension and promotes healthy body temperatures. 
  • Lemongrass Oil is far better than many of the synthetic deodorants that are a big expense, a heavy impact on the environment, and have limited lasting power. 

What are Lemongrass’s cautions?

If you have sensitive skin, it may create a rash. It is not recommended for children or nursing mothers. Because lemongrass can stimulate blood flow, pregnant women should use extreme caution.

Click here to get my Essential Oil Safety Guide

Top Ten Uses for Lemongrass Essential Oil

  1. Lemongrass has wonderful skin regeneration properties. It can be added to shampoos, conditioners, deodorants and lotions.
  2. To help soothe sore joints or muscles. Combine equal parts Fractionated Coconut oil (or another carrier oil) and Lemongrass and rub topically on the area of concern.
  3. It is a natural bug repellant for insects like mosquitoes and ants. It can be sprayed, diluted in a carrier oil, directly on the skin. It can even be used to control fleas; add about 5 drops to water and create your own spray to protect your pet’s coat.
  4. It supports healthy thyroid function. Mix 1-2 drops with a carrier oil and apply topically over your neck area.
  5. It can be used in your household products. Try putting a few drops on a dust cloth and then wipe down the wood in your house.
  6. It is a natural insect repellant and pest control. Rub or spritz some lemongrass on your skin before going outside.
  7. It can be used to detoxify your body. Make your own detoxifying lemongrass tea by adding 2-3 drops to your favorite tea.
  8. You can make a refreshing foot bath by adding 2 drops of Lemongrass Oil and 2 tablespoons of Epsom salts to warm water, and soak your feet for 10 minutes.
  9. Lemongrass oil is a valuable oil to use in aromatherapy. Its clean and calming aroma can reduce sad and anxious feelings, relieve restlessness and occasional sleeplessness, and helps you to relax.  Try adding 3-4 drops to your diffuser and diffuse for one hour before bedtime.

Where to  purchase Lemongrass essential oil

Home-made Lemongrass Essential Oil Recipe

Lemongrass oil can be used to relieve occasional muscle and joint discomfort in your body. I have found it to be so convenient to have a homemade soothing rub using essential oils, including lemongrass with coconut oil and beeswax.

Lemongrass and Emotions

Lemongrass oil is the oil of cleansing. It is a powerful cleanser of energy, and dispels feelings of despondency, despair and lethargy. It teaches individual to move forward without hesitation. As individuals let go of past issues they have an increased ability to see situations with greater clarity. (source) 

Companion Oils: Melaleuca, Thyme, Clary Sage

Lemongrass Essential Oil

Sources

  1. https://draxe.com/lemongrass-essential-oil/
  2. https://beautetude.com/2015/03/30/lemongrass-essential-oil-benefits-uses/
  3. https://www.sustainablebabysteps.com/lemongrass-essential-oil.html
  4. https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-lemongrass-essential-oil.html
  5. https://www.stockpilingmoms.com/2013/05/uses-and-benefits-of-lemongrass-essential-oil/
  6. https://articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/lemongrass-oil.aspx

 So tell me?! How do you like to use Lemongrass essential oil?

Homemade Baby Powder

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Homemade Baby Powder

Sometimes you just need a dry barrier on your little ones bums and making your own homemade baby powder is so easy. Plus, the store-bought baby powders have TALC in them. Let me tell you about talc….

Think asbestos. 

Think cancer.

Don’t believe me? Go to Cancer.org and see for yourself. Breathing in talc is TERRIBLE for your lungs and your putting it on a baby’s genital area, is even worse. 

Now, now– don’t go feeling all guilty on me and start thinking you are a bad mom. You are now an informed mom, so you can make the changes you need! 

This recipe is simple, easy, and nourishing to your baby’s bottom and it’s cloth diaper safe (see my cloth diaper system HERE)! 

If you have a really irritated bum, then you might want to try my Healing Salve or Tallow Butt Balm recipe! 

Homemade Baby Powder 

makes a little over a cup! 

INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS: 

  1. Put the calendula flowers and the oatmeal in a food processor and process until it is finely ground. 
  2. Add the clay and the arrowroot to the food process and pulse a few times to combine. 
  3. Put in a shaker bottle and apply as needed! 
  4. Let’s face it — some adults might need this too! 

Homemade Baby Powder The Paleo Mama

Coconut Oil Bites for Oil Pulling

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Oil Pulling is an ancient detoxification practice that involves swishing oil around in your mouth for 15-20 minutes. The benefit of doing this is to reduce the amount of harmful bacteria, reduce dental plaque, remineralize your teeth, help with gum issues, and strengthen your gums. You can give your teeth an extra boost by oil pulling with essential oils.

When you swish oil around in your mouth, plaque get stuck to the oil and dissolve in the liquid oil. So you are removing a lot of bacteria, which is found in plague and leads to all kinds of oral health problems, every time you oil pull.

What Oil to Use:

Traditionally, sesame seed or sunflower oil was used among the early oil-pullers, however, my personal favorite is coconut oil because it has so many health benefits. You can use any oil that you like, just stay away from canola or vegetable oil.

Adding Essential Oils to Your Oil Pulling Regime:

Adding in therapeutic-grade, 100% pure, essential oils into your oil pulling regime is a great way to give your health a supercharge! Only use therapeutic-grade essential oils. These oils are safe to use as a dietary supplement (internally) and since you are swishing them around in your mouth, you need to use the safest. I buy my essential oils at wholesale price and I encourage you to do the same! You can CLICK HERE and learn how to get your essential oils from me at wholesale cost!

What Essential Oils to Use:

  1. Peppermint essential oil.
  2. Clove essential oil.
  3. Basil essential oil.
  4. Melaleuca essential oil.
  5. Myrrh essential oil.
  6. “Protective” blend essential oil.

Coconut Oil Bites for Oil Pulling:

INGREDIENTS: 

DIRECTIONS: 

  1. Melt the coconut oil.
  2. Pour into silicone mold (I like this one. It is .3 ounce which is nearly a tablespoon…perfect amount to swish around) .
  3. Add 1-2 drops of essential oil to each individual mold.
  4. Stick in the fridge to harden.
  5. Once hard, pop out of the silicone mold and store on the counter or fridge. If you live in a warmer climate, you will want to keep it in the fridge.
  6. Happy oil pulling!

Coconut Oil Bites for Oil Pulling

Whipped Magnesium Body Butter

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We are always trying to get more magnesium into our bodies. Recently, I’ve started using more magnesium oil to spray on my skin, but I wanted to create a recipe that was a body butter but included magnesium oil.

Unlike many other body butter recipes out there, mixing a “water-based” substance, like magnesium oil, into a body butter recipe can be tricky. However, as an avid-soapmaker, I understand how to accurately emulsify a liquid, fat, and solid together and it’s super easy…just requires one extra step (trust me, it’s worth it!).

Whipped Magnesium Body Butter

Makes one luscious cup

INGREDIENTS: 

SUPPLIES NEEDED: 

DIRECTIONS: 

  1. Melt the coconut oil and shea butter together on LOW heat, then remove. Don’t let it get hotter than 110 degrees. If it does, stick it in the fridge to cool down.
  2. Mix in the almond oil and allow it to cool to a warm temperature.
  3. Here’s the extra step: you want your oil/butter mixture to be room temp. Take your immersion blender and turn it on low while slowly adding in your magnesium oil. You will need to mix until you see it completely emulsify together and there is no separation of water and fat. Takes about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Now, stick the mixture in the fridge for about 10 minutes or leave it on your counter for 20 minutes. You want it to begin to harden and become opaque.
  5. Scoop it into your mixer with the whisk attachment. Add your essential oils and whip it on medium speed until you see it become light and fluffy!
  6. Scoop it into your glass jar!
  7. Use at night before bed to help promote a restful sleep!

Note: One teaspoon of this body butter contains around 250mg of magnesium! Check out my Magnesium Deodorant recipe HERE.

Whipped Magnesium Body Butter The Paleo Mama

Baking Soda Free Deodorant

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Baking Soda Free Deodorant

A few years ago I made the switch to a natural deodorant. The switch was going great until I started to develop red marks and a light rash on my arm pits. I had no idea what was causing it until someone mention that I probably have an underarm sensitivity.

Apparently, many people have the same sensitivity to baking-soda so I tried to find a recipe online that didn’t use a lot of baking soda. And I found a GREAT one and I loved it for months and months.  I still love it…however, the underarm sensitivity returned even though this recipe uses a very small amount.

So, my quest continued and I found this recipe that uses magnesium oil and essential oils. I never knew magnesium oil could help with underarm stink! We had some magnesium oil laying around the house so I tried it and SURE ENOUGH it’s been working great! However, I love a “stick-based” deodorant and decided to formulate a recipe that is baking-soda free, yet uses magnesium oil.

Note: Magnesium oil isn’t technically an oil so it won’t leave your pits oily…yuck! It has a SUPER low PH which is very helpful at keeping stink at bay…plus you get a nice boost of magnesium which we all need!  Some people experience a tingling when they apply magnesium on their skin. No worries — many feel this during the first few applications, especially if you are a little low in magnesium.

A few more things:

  • I use raw shea butter which is yellow. You can use a lighter shea butter or cacao butter.
  • I find that giving my underarms a spray with magnesium oil while getting out of the shower helps a ton with odor! I then apply this Baking Soda Free Deodorant recipe. You can also make a apple cider vinegar spray to use before you apply your homemade deodorant! If you workout and sweat alot, I would highly recommend a pre-squirt of magnesium oil or apple cider vinegar.
  • TEXTURE – this is not like store-bought deodorant. The texture is more “wet” but will absorb quickly into your skin. Also, if you are using this deodorant recipe in a area with hot climate or in the summer, then you will want to put it in a small jar and scoop it out with your fingers.

Baking Soda Free Deodorant:

Makes one full bar if using a recycled deodorant stick! 

INGREDIENTS: 

  • 1 Tablespoons of Magnesium Oil (where to buy)
  • 2 Tablespoons of Coconut Oil (where to buy)
  • 2 Tablespoons of Raw Shea Butter (where to buy) or Cacao Butter
  • 2 Tablespoons of Arrowroot Powder (where to buy)
  • 2 Tablespoons of Bentonite Clay (where to buy)
  • 5-8 Drops of Melaleuca Essential Oil (where to buy) 
  • 5-8 Drops of Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Ylang Ylang, or Thyme (where to buy) – these essential oils pair well with Melaleuca and offer a nice fragrance

SUPPLIES NEEDED: 

  • Wide Mouth Mason Jar
  • Immersion Blender (where to buy)
  • Small Glass storage container or Recycled Deodorant Tube

DIRECTIONS: 

  1. Melt the coconut oil and shea butter in a double boiler. I stick the coconut oil and shea butter in a wide-mouth mason jar and put the mason jar in a pot of simmering water. Remove from heat when melted.
  2. Mix in the arrowroot and clay into the wet mixture with an immersion blender. I find the immersion blender necessary in properly mixing the oils and solids together and creating “emulsification”.
  3. Let cool for about 15 minutes. You may see some liquid rise to the top….that’s ok. We have one more mix!
  4. Ever so slowly pour in the magnesium oil while mixing with the immersion blender and mix until the mixture becomes creamy. This means you have properly emulsified the mixture.
  5. Add in your essential oils and mix and then blend again.
  6. Immediately pour into a small glass jar or a recycled deodorant tube.
  7. Allow to cool for a few hours before capping. If you are eager to use it, toss it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes!
  8. Slap on a pretty label and you got yourself a nourishing bar of deodorant that works great!

Baking Soda Free Deodorant The Paleo Mama