Everyone and every pregnancy is different when it comes to upset tummies—some of you might be queasy off and on for a few hours, while others wonder why it isn’t called “all day sickness?!” A lucky 24% of women don’t get this symptom at all and then they might worry why they aren’t having this symptom!
General Tips for Morning Sickness in Pregnancy
Here’s a few ways I’ve found helpful to deal with nausea.
Eat smaller meals and snacks more frequently, rather than 3 big meals. Try to eat whole foods but if all you can stomach are some starchy carbs, go with it and hopefully it won’t last more than a few weeks! Potatoes are great for many women.
Eat first thing. If mornings are worse for you, keeping snacks (like plain crackers) by your bed to eat first thing in the morning before even getting up can help! Also eating protein before bed that takes longer to digest can help.
Don’t let yourself get hungry! Eat before you’re hungry, even if it’s a small snack.
Eat mild foods that are more tolerable for your body. Spicy, fatty, or heavy foods may not sit as well, and take longer to digest. I love sandwiching protein in between really bland carbs like a croissant or tortilla.
Stay hydrated. Lots of water is vital during the entire pregnancy, but sip it often throughout the day rather than chugging huge amounts at a time. Keep a water bottle nearby at work, in your car, and at your nightstand. Consider adding electrolytes as well.
Experiment with your vitamins. Sometimes prenatal vitamins can affect queasiness so pay attention to whether you feel worse after you take yours and experiment with different prenatal vitamins if necessary. Try taking your vitamin right before bed rather than first thing in the morning, and see if it helps.
Exercise. It sounds counter-intuitive, but sometimes a walk outside can do wonders. Breathing fresh air, enjoying the sunshine and having a good time can help take your mind off of your tummy and lift your nausea.
Avoid Stress. I know, it’s easier said than done but aside from hormonal changes, stress/emotions are another potential cause for nausea.
Tea: Anything citrus-y or with ginger is great. I love Earth Mama’s Morning Wellness Tea.
Sea Bands: many women swear by these and I did have success with them on a road trip when I was extra queasy.
Essential oils—these can be a great additional tool in your toolbox when dealing with an unsettled tummy during pregnancy. Read on to learn more!
Two things to consider before using essential oils
Not every oil works the same for everyone
Essential oils are a great supplemental option to your wellness routine during pregnancy and if you’ve suffered from pregnancy induced digestive troubles or “morning sickness” then you know that you are likely willing to try anything to help ease the symptoms. Of course, essential oils are not a replacement for medical care and should be used as a complement to the care you receive from your doctor or midwife. If you are experiencing extreme nausea and vomiting you definitely need to let your care provider know.
Always consult your care provider
During pregnancy, it’s always a good idea to run any concerns by your care provider. You can also seek the advice of an aromatherapist or a midwife or doula that have extensive experience using essential oils with pregnant women.
8 essential oils for queasiness in pregnancy
1. Lemon
Lemon essential oil, like all citrus oils, is very uplifting and really helpful for women suffering from aversions to smell during pregnancy. Simple open a bottle of lemon and take some deep breaths or try using Lemon (and Citrus Fresh) in your water. Young Living’s vitality oils are safe to ingest and just one drop in your water can make a refreshing drink when it’s hard to keep much of anything down. You can also add lemon essential oil to your tea.
2. Lavender
Lavender is the jack of all trades when it comes to essential oils and can be used for SO many things during pregnancy. It’s super relaxing and calming and great for sleep support. It can also be calming to an upset stomach. Create a roller with lavender and apply it directly to your tummy or behind your ears. Lavender is also great to diffuse to bring feelings of relaxation and help you rest when you’re feeling exhausted and queasy. Take some deep breaths or try a guided meditation when using lavender essential oil for more relaxation.
3. Fennel Seed
For hundreds of years Fennel was used for digestive support and for balancing hormones during a woman’s menstrual cycle. So, it makes sense that it would help with hormone-related upset tummy during pregnancy. During my pregnancy, I used a blend from Young Living that contained fennel called Digize. I made a diluted roller and would rub it directly on my abdomen. You can also try a tea with fennel in it or even use the herb in your cooking. If you’re experiencing smell aversions, fennel may be too strong of a smell for you.
4. Peppermint
Peppermint essential oil has so many great uses during pregnancy including helping with smell sensitivities. You can simply open the bottle and sniff it or diffuse it along with a citrus, like lemon or orange. If you are using Young Living’s Peppermint Vitality which is ingestible, you can also apply one drop to your tongue and press your tongue to the roof of your mouth. Be sure to avoid contact with your eyes.
Note: Some people choose to avoid peppermint in late pregnancy because it can be used to reduce milk supply but I personally used it up until the end and had an abundant milk supply. Use your best judgment and consult your care provider.
5. Ginger
You’ve probably already heard that ginger helps with upset tummy caused by riding in a car or being on a plane or boat. It’s also great for general stomach discomfort. My mom used to always give me gingerale when I wasn’t feel well as a kid—not sure if it actually helped but it sure felt special in a house where sodas were never allowed. Ginger essential oil is another way you can support any queasy feelings. You can diffuse ginger essential oil, use it in a roller and apply topically to your tummy, or even put Ginger Vitality from Young Living in a capsule and take it when you feel your tummy churning coming on.
6. Digize
Digestion issues are pretty common during pregnancy and Digize, a blend of Tarragon, Ginger, Peppermint, Juniper, Lemongrass, Anise, and Patchouli oils, combines several of the oils we’ve already covered to aid in digestive support. Create a roller with Digize and use it during your first trimester on your tummy when you’re experiencing tummy troubles. You can also use Digize Vitality oil by putting a drop on your finger and applying to the insides of your cheeks. Be sure to eat frequent, small meals to help your tummy settle down as well.
7. Spearmint
Spearmint essential oil is a gentler alternative to peppermint and can be used without concern for affecting your milk supply in late pregnancy. Use it in the same ways you would use peppermint—diffuse, rub behind your ears or under your nose or put a drop on your tongue. Be sure to avoid contact with your eyes.
8. Thieves
Thieves Oil is a popular blend for immune support and when you’re suffering from an unsettled tummy and having trouble keeping down nutritious food, an extra boost for your immune system during pregnancy is never a bad idea. You’ll also want to be sure you’re getting plenty of rest and eating healthy food to support your immune system. Thieves contains Clove, Lemon, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus Radiata, and Rosemary. Several of those oils are recommended to use with care and caution during pregnancy.
Also ensure you dilute Thieves and use it in moderation, rather than daily. I like to make 10ml roller with just 10 drops of Thieves essential oil and coconut oil and apply it to the bottoms of your feet or simply open the bottle and inhale. The scent of Thieves is really lovely (reminds me of the holidays) and can be great for smell aversions as well.
2 places to purchase essential oils
Local health store
Most local health stores and even many grocery stores carry essentials oils. Unfortunately, not all essential oils are created equal. The regulation around essential oils is pretty nonexistent so companies can claim to have a 100% pure essential oil when actually it’s packed with synthetics or diluted.
Through Young Living!
I had used several essential oils brands prior to getting pregnant and I didn’t realize the difference in quality between many oils you find on the shelves or online versus Young Living oils. You can tell a difference right away when you smell Young Living essential oils and their Seed to Seal commitment was what really sold me on exclusively using their oils. I actually visited their lavender farm in Utah recently and was blown away!
The best way to get your essential oils through Young Living is by becoming a wholesale member so you can order for yourself, whenever you want at the wholesale discount of 24% off. To become a member all you need to do is purchase a premium starter kit once. It’s a pretty great deal because you get a diffuser and 12 of their most popular oils including many of the ones mentioned here (peppermint, lavender, digize, lemon, and thieves are all included!).
Find out more
If you want to know more about how we are using essential oils in our life, you can check out this post. And if you’re ready to get started using essential oils with Young Living, check out this post on everything you need to know about the Starter Kit.
You may be new to essential oils or have used them for a long time but you’re wondering which ones are safe to use with your new baby. We will go over some guidelines and tips for using essential oils with your baby so you can use them with confidence!
Are essential oils safe for babies?
Essential oils can be an amazing addition to your home and you may already be using them in lots of ways with your family but when baby arrives of course you are more concerned about their sensitive little bodies. Essential oils can be safely used with baby but you should keep a couple of things in mind first.
Always consult your healthcare provider
When starting anything new with your baby, it never hurts to ask your care provider! Some may not be knowledgeable in the use of essential oils so it may be important to you to find one who is.
Dilute heavily
Diluting essential oils is always recommended for people of any age because they are super concentrated. For babies especially, you’re going to want to dilute oils even more! There’s no one answer when it comes to diluting essential oils for babies but since I use Young Living oils, I like to follow their dilution guidelines. For ages 0-1 they recommend 8 drops carrier oil to 1 drop essential oil. A carrier oil that’s great for babies is coconut or jojoba oil.
Start Slow
When starting to use essential oils with your baby it’s a good idea to start slowly! When my littlest one was born, I liked to wear Lavender or a blend called Gentle Baby on my own skin and knew he would be smelling it as well when we cuddled. If you’re using it on your baby, after diluting do a test patch on their leg to make sure they don’t have an adverse reaction before using again. Diffusing before using topically is a good idea (again use less drops than you normally would), and babies shouldn’t be ingesting oils.
10 essential oils that are safe for babies
1. Gentle Baby
Gentle Baby is a special blend from Young Living formulated with Coriander, Geranium, Palmarosa, Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Roman Chamomile, and other sweet-smelling essential oils. It will become one of your favorites to use on your baby. It smells so dreamy (basically smells like a new baby!), offers a sense of calming and is so perfect for baby’s skin (remember to dilute!).
The uses for Gentle Baby essential oil are countless, but its soft fragrance is perfect for diffusing in your home or child’s bedroom in the evening or for applying topically because the Gentle Baby blend has all kinds of great oils for your skin. I use it in a homemade diaper balm for my baby!
2. Lavender
Lavender is known for bringing on the sleepy vibes and is a well-loved essential oil for use in baby’s nursery. Simply use one or two drops in the diffuser or create your own linen spray to use in baby’s crib before bedtime.
3. White Angelica
White Angelica is a blend of Geranium, Ylang Ylang, Melissa, Rose, Bergamot, Myrrh, Northern Lights Black Spruce, Hyssop, and Sacred Sandalwood. It’s citrus and woodsy and smells like heaven. Use this oil to create positive vibes and feelings. I love to wear it as perfume and then cuddle with baby and it’s one of our absolute favorites to diffuse in baby’s room at bedtime.
4. Roman Chamomile
Roman Chamomile is another wonderful essential oil for sleep and calming vibes. You may already drink chamomile tea before bed and be familiar with the fragrant scent. I love to diffuse Chamomile with Lavender and Cedarwood as well as use it in a roller before bedtime.
5. Cedarwood
As I mentioned above, I love to add Cedarwood to my bedtime diffuser blends as well as homemade rollers. You can even use the roller on baby’s feet before bed just remember to dilute more than you would when making a roller for yourself.
6. Copaiba
This has been a very comforting oil to my baby when he’s getting a new tooth. We dilute one drop in a tablespoon of coconut oil and apply it to his jawline. At age15 months, he now asks for his “oils” when a new tooth is trying to come in.
There are so many amazing citrus oils that can be so lovely to use with your baby. I especially like to add a drop of a citrus oil in with other oils like lavender or cedarwood for a sweet dreams bedtime diffuser blend.
8. Ylang Ylang
Ylang Ylang is a very special essential oil that you will often see listed on the ingredients of high end hair and skin products. I love to add it to our baby lotion or body wash for a baby spa-like experience! It’s also in the Gentle Baby blend that we love so much.
9. Peace & Calming
Peace & Calming is one of Young Living’s most popular blends and comes in the starter kit. It’s a blend of Ylang Ylang, Orange, Tangerine, Patchouli, and Blue Tansy. It has a very calming and sweet smell and we use it often during our bedtime routine or even prior to that when the kids are all a little wired. It’s always such a nice reset for the whole house and is a very potent essential oil blend that only requires a couple of drops in the diffuser to fill the whole room with the best vibes!
10. Calm
This is a newer blend from the Young Living Seedlings line which was especially formulated for babies. It includes Lavender essential oil, Coriander essential oil, Bergamot essential oil, Ylang Ylang essential oil, and Geranium essential oil. It has a lot of similarities to Gentle Baby and is pre-diluted with coconut oil for your little ones.
9 essential oils you shouldn’t use on your baby
There are a few essential oils that should be avoided with babies. Generally, they are going to be the strongest smelling oils that can be too much for sensitive little noses. You will also want to be sure you are using a reputable brand because so many essential oils have fillers and synthetics that may or may not be listed on the label. This is by no means an exhaustive list but these are the essential oils that are frequently mentioned in my research as oils to avoid with babies and small children.
Basil
Sage and Clary Sage
Wintergreen
Peppermint
Eucalyptus
Hyssop
Idaho Tansy
Juniper
Basil
How to use essential oils on your baby
Baby massage
Baby massage has many benefits for your little one including soothing, bonding and even easing discomforts like tummy troubles. Try adding a drop of lavender, Gentle Baby, or the Calm blend to a carrier oil like coconut oil and then giving your baby a massage. There are lots of videos on youtube on baby massage and this book is also a great reference.
Bath time
You shouldn’t drop essential oils right into the bath water because babies are likely going to get some water in their eyes! Plus essential oils need a carrier to blend with or they will simply float on the surface of the water. I recommend adding your favorite essential oils to use with baby into the non-toxic bath products you’re already using.
Diffuser
This is our absolute favorite way to use essential oils with our little ones. We have integrated the diffuser into our bedtime routine and will add a couple of drops of our favorite sleepy oils (lavender, white angelica, roman chamomile, cedarwood, and more) into the diffuser and turn it on while we are getting pajamas on and reading books. It creates the most peaceful vibes for both parents and baby!
DIY Baby Products
Baby’s don’t need a lot of products for their skin and I love to keep it really simple. I like to be able to pronounce all of the ingredients in the products that I use on my baby. One of my favorite things to make is a homemade diaper balm for our baby. I simply melt organic olive oil with beeswax in a double boiler and add 2 drops of lavender, 2 drops gentle baby, plus one drop cypress in a 1 oz jar.
Ready to get started using essential oils?
Essentials are a great addition to any home whether you have little ones or not! You will love the aromatic uplifting vibes they bring to your day and the more you dive into using essential oils, the more you will learn about how to integrate them into other areas of your life. I’d love to be the one to help you discover essential oils and if you’re curious about how I got started using oils, this is a great place to start.
It’s amazing how many new products have popped up since my last baby was born 6 years ago. With baby #3 and working in the baby industry, I got to try a lot of new products as well as some old favorites. I wanted to round them all up to share with you. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions about any of them.
Create a Good Sleep Environment for Baby
When your baby is first born they will need SO much sleep that they can pass out just about anywhere… usually on your chest after a feeding. But as they get older, you’ll want to put some thought into creating a proper sleep environment for them.
Diffuse Essential Oils in Baby’s Room
I got really into essential oils during my pregnancy and especially found so much support from them for my sleep. So of course I was excited to try some of the gentler oils with baby. We only use Young Living essential oils because they are 100% pure therapeutic grade and honestly just work better than any other brands I’ve tried. When baby was still sleeping with us we’d just diffuse one or two drops of lavender, frankincense, or a blend called Gentle Baby right before bed. Now that he’s in his own room we do the same and have since discovered that he seems to sleep really well with White Angelica or Peace & Calming. Most of these oils come in the Young Living Starter Kit if you want more info about getting started.
Use a Cool Mist Humidifier
Babies only breathe through their noses so if they are congested it’s very difficult for them to get good sleep. We love Crane’s cool mist humidifiers (the cool mist part is really important) because they are super easy to use and clean and are freaking adorable. They come in all different animal themes as well as sleep drop styles. We’ve been partnering with Crane for quite a while and they offer the coupon code BIRTH19 to my audience for $10 off +free shipping.
Make the Room Super Dark
Babies are used to complete darkness in your womb and they like a dark room to sleep in too. I know when they are brand new they can sleep anywhere and anytime but as they get older you’re going to want to create a dark room which is easy to do with some quality blackout curtains.
Use a White Noise Machine
Again, babies are used the loud white noise of being in your belly so they love a good, loud white noise machine. Not all of these are created equal and you definitely don’t want songs or nature sounds. I interviewed a sleep expert on the podcast and they actually said pink noise is best. My favorite ones are from Lectrofan.
Baby loungers
My husband and I have chosen to co-sleep with all three of our kids for the first six months or so. With our first two children we just had them in bed with us and practiced safe co-sleeping guidelines. With our new baby we tried out a couple of baby loungers. There are many brands on the market from large and small companies but the two we had were the DockaTot and the SnuggleMe Organic. We like them both for different reasons. The SnuggleMe really hugs baby and keeps their knees up with baby’s love when they are having tummy troubles. The DockATot has a bottom to it so it was more comfortable for travel with we would put baby down in it on the hard floor. We also ended up using the DockATot longer because it felt like he grew out of the SnuggleMe faster.
Swaddles and Sleep Sacks
Ok there are a million different swaddling and sleep sack options on the market so it can be hard to know what to use and they aren’t exactly cheap either. Luckily once you find one your baby loves, you really only need two. Here’s what worked best for us.
Newborn – Solly Baby and SnuggleMe Organic swaddles (these are adorable and soft but he started to bust out of them pretty quickly!)
Rolling over – ErgoPouch Australia and Grobag sleeping bags. We still use the ErgoPouch bags now and likely with for a couple years as they are part of his bedtime routine and go up to 36 months.
We also tried the Nested Bean and Merlin’s Magic SleepSuit but neither worked well for us. All babies are different though and I know some mom’s swear by those as well!
Getting Baby to Sleep While Traveling
I discovered a couple of products to make travel more easy this time around and am excited to share them!
Slumberpod Blackout tent for playyard – This one is a GAME CHANGER you guys. I think of all of the times we tried to squeeze our older kids pack n plays into a hotel bathroom and wonder why it took so long for someone to invent this!? You can use the code birthhour for $10 off too! It’s on backorder a lot but they will notify you when it’s back in stock!
Travel blackout curtain – if you aren’t going to use the Slumberpod, there’s also a great travel blackout curtain that suctions to any window.
Portable white noise machine – I love this rechargeable white noise machine for on the go. You can use this next to their bed but also in the car, strollers etc.
Doona Carseat that converts to a stroller – This is one of my favorite baby products on the market right now. It is definitely pricey but if you are going to register for one big ticket item then I can’t recommend this enough. Or go for the $80 ikea crib (we love ours) and then spring for the Doona carseat/stroller! Not only does it make short trips in and out of the store WAY easier, it also helps baby stay asleep when you don’t have to fumble with a travel system or take them out of the carseat to put into a stroller.
Baby carrier – There are so many options and everyone will have different preferences here. We’ve been using Ergobaby carriers for all three kids and still love them and you can’t go wrong with a snuggly wrap for the newborn days.
Remember, All Babies are Different
It’s good to keep in mind that no two babies are going to have the same sleep habits but having some awesome products on hand will hopefully help! I also highly recommend Taking Cara Babies sleep course for newborns and older babies and the Happiest Baby on the Block.
If you follow me on Instagram, you know that one of my biggest priorities is working towards a toxin free home and for us that has started with swapping out candles, cleaning products, and personal care stuff (deodorant, toothpaste, makeup, shampoo, etc.) for healthier, safer options!
I know it can be overwhelming to think about making these changes but that’s what I love about our community! We are all in this together and once you get in, you’ll have so many resources available to you (e-books, diy recipes, diffuser blend recommendations, tutorials, and more!) all for free!
When you buy a starter kit you are joining our community and we take that vote of confidence seriously! We have private Facebook pages designed to help you learn about your oils while finding new uses and recipes for them. You’ll have thousands of new friends to assist you as they share their personal experiences and knowledge. I’m constantly learning new things too!
I also send you some happy mail and freebies when you sign up!
What’s included in the Young Living Premium Starter Kit?
1. Diffuser
Your starter kit comes with a diffuser and you get to choose which one. I love the desert mist diffuser which can run up to 10 hours and has a candlelight flicker that’s so cozy. The aria diffuser is an upgrade but is so unique, every time someone sees mine they ask about it!
2. 12 Essential Oils
You get the 12 most popular essential oils with your premium starter kit and the value is insane! Lavender, Stress Away, Thieves, Frankincense, Peppermint, Lemon, Valor, Peace & Calming, Digize, Citrus Fresh, Raven, and Panaway. These 12 oils alone will support sleep, focus, digestion, emotions, wellness, muscles, rough days, head tension, relaxation, kids, mama time and the men in your life.
3. Ningxia Samples
NingXia Red supports immune function, liver function, and eye health and is reported to increase energy. I can tell you it’s more than reported to increase mine! I can tell within minutes how different I feel after drinking it! It’s my daily pick-me-up and I’ve cut my afternoon coffee fix since I started drinking NingXia.
4. Thieves Goodies
You’ll get some extra goodies from the Thieves cleaning line including the hand sanitizer which you’ll quickly fall in love with. It smells amazing and doesn’t dry your hands out because it’s made with aloe.
5. Roller Fitments
You’ll get two roller fitment tops so you can turn a couple of your essential oils into roll-ons right away. Favorites for this are usually Valor, Peace + Calming, Stress Away and Thieves.
6. Sample bottles
Premium starter kits come with 10 tiny bottles so you can share your essential oils with a friend or keep a smaller portion in your purse or take when you travel.
7. Product Guide
The Young Living product guide that comes with your premium starter kit is so informative and will help educate you on how to use the essential oils in your kit. It also has details on Young Livings other products like cleaning supplies, personal care products, baby and kids line, and makeup!
8. Essential Oil Magazine
This changes seasonally and is a great place for DIY recipes and inspiration for diving into the world of essential oils!
9. Member Resources
This is my favorite part and why it matters who you sign up with! We have a huge community group dedicated to teaching you and your team about every Young Living oil, supplement, Thieves product, remedy, guideline, success story and life hack! We have classes, books, live facebook hangouts & search functionality that will help you navigate through any questions you might have. I use the search bar in our groups every single day to get questions answered because I’m always learning too and there is SO much knowledge there! It really does matter who you sign up with and the FB groups are a huge perk of joining my team!
How much does the Young Living Starter Kit cost?
The premium starter kit from Young Living is $165 dollars and includes your membership, a diffuser, 12 of the most popular essential oils. The value of all of the products you get with the starter kit is more than $400 so the starter kit is the most cost effective way to get started with Young Living essential oils!
How do I sign up with a young living starter kit?
The Premium Starter Kit is how I recommend everyone get started with Young Living. It’s the most bang for your buck, and how you get the Young Living wholesale membership + access to all of our team resources, groups. etc!! You’ll get a diffuser, 12 of the most popular oils, and some great, useful samples like Ningxia pouches and Thieves goodies!
I’ll also send you beautiful art print that you’ll want to frame! Then the same day you sign up, I will send your Welcome email, add you to our FB groups, and you’ll have started on this whole wonderful new journey.
There’s so much to learn and you will love having so many resources at your fingertips, and I’ll be with you every step of the way! Non-toxic cleaning for your home, the best diffuser blends, overall wellness for you and your whole family, etc. We also have team exclusive resources like free ebooks, monthly online classes, mentorship and amazing groups including one specifically for pregnancy, nursing and babies as well as fertility.
Does it matter who you sign up with?
Definitely! YES. It matters who you sign up with. I get messages everyday from people (who have signed up with someone else) asking to use our team’s resources and if I can help them with their oils. Do your research before you sign up, and pick an enroller and team you WANT to be a part of and that gets you inspired and excited! With our team you get all the resources, all the amazing DIYs, all the support, all the FB groups…all the fun!
I LOVE sharing and educating, and would be honored to do this with you. And one of my favorite things is all of the new friendships started with the women who sign up with me! Come link arms with me and let’s get it going. I’ll be with you every step of the way. And you’ll also be a part of @caseyleighessentials, @grapefruitandgold and @goldendropsociety! Best team ever!
What Does it mean to be a Young Living Member?
Becoming a Young Living member does not mean that you have to sell the products, it’s simply how you get access to the Young Living Virtual Office so you can shop with a wholesale discount (24% off). There’s no commitment beyond getting your Premium Starter Kit. It’s like a Costco membership except instead of just getting the card, you’re getting $400 worth of goodies!
You will get a referral link that you can share with friends and every time someone uses your link you’ll earn $50—a great way to pay for your starter kit right away!
How to sign up for your Young Living Starter Kit in 4 steps
Follow these steps: Be sure the member number 15023809 is listed as the enroller and sponsor so you’ll be on our team. Also make sure to check Wholesale Member to earn your 24% off any future orders. (You never ever have to buy or sell anything in the future). Click Continue.
2. Select the Premium Starter Kit (PSK)
Choose the diffuser you’d like if you’re going the oils route! Desert Mist is my favorite. The candlelight flicker is so good! The Aria is also gorgeous but does cost more. I’ve been talking about the Desert Mist because it’s most people’s favorite but you can check out more options below!
3. Sign up for essential rewards (if you’d like to)
You can get right on Essential Rewards if you want! This is our monthly autoship program where you get points back, freebies every month etc. To do this you must select your PSK, then click the box below, reading, “Use the selected Premium Starter Kit as my first Essential Rewards order and sign me up for an Essential Rewards subscription.”
If you are going this route, you can then set up your order for next month! To be on Essential Rewards you simply need to spend $50/month on anything you’d like. Some of my favorite things to add right away are the Tranquil and Deep relief roller, Gentle Baby and White Angelica essential oils, any of the Seedlings baby products, and Inner Defense and Multigreens capsules. I recommend doing this even if you plan to cancel the next month because this way you will get a FREE promo product and you’ll get 10 points back (equivalent to $10 back) to spend on something else!
4. Follow the prompts
Then follow the process all the way through to the end….yay! You did it! Once you’ve completed your order, you will receive a confirmation email and I will be in touch within 24 hours to get you all plugged into our free resources and send you your free gift!
Should you sign up for essential rewards?
Enroll at any time!
Your monthly order has to be 50PV or above, 50PV usually equals around $50
Earn points back on every order! Points can be used like dollars when placing a Quick Order!
Every month Young Living releases that months exclusive promos, you can qualify for the freebies by placing your Essential Rewards order or Quick Order, there are ER exclusive promos that you don’t want to miss though!
You can cancel at anytime, there is no contract or scary commitment!
Transfer buying!
Okay I get it, if you’re like me, you’re thinking “I don’t have an extra $50/month in my budget right now” and I thought the same thing!! But, I was actually already buying products like toothpaste, deodorant, dish soap, supplements, etc. elsewhere and wasn’t receiving money back, free products or any of the amazing benefits of essential oil infused products that I can get on Essential Rewards. You aren’t spending more money, you are transferring your budget from Target and other places and choosing Essential Rewards instead! It also saves a lot of time to not have to research and wonder if you’re buying things that are good for your health or not!
Again Essential Rewards is totally optional and you can start/stop whenever you want but I definitely recommend at least giving it a try so you can earn points back on every purchase, snag free oils and products to try, and kick the toxins and chemicals from your home!
Ready to get started? Click on the link here, or on the Get Started button below.
If you’ve been using essential oils during pregnancy, you may be wondering which essential oils are safe to use while breastfeeding, or which ones to avoid. Breastfeeding can be a wonderful bonding experience with your baby and many moms love knowing that they are giving their baby such amazing nutrition no matter how long they nurse their babies.
I’ve breastfed all three of my children and each time came with its own challenges which resulted in different lengths of time breastfeeding. Having essential oils in my mama toolbox with my most recent baby has been such a game-changer. It is so great knowing that I have one more way to address any challenges that come up.
3 things to consider before using essential oils while breastfeeding
1. Not every oil works the same for everyone
As with any use for essential oils, different people have different success with the wide array of options. In this post, I’ll share what has worked for me as well as other women. One of the great things about my Young Living team (more info on joining here) is that we have a private Facebook group specifically for pregnancy, breastfeeding, and babies. It’s my go-to place to get tips and questions answered!
2. Other factors affect your breastmilk supply
The main factor that affects your milk supply is how often you are emptying your breasts, either by nursing your baby or pumping. Your supply will work hard to meet the demand that you are putting on it. So the best thing to do if you are worried about your breastmilk supply is to nurse more often or pump after nursing sessions. That being said, there are some things that many women swear by, myself included, for giving a little extra boost to your milk supply.
3. Always consult your care provider
When it comes to pregnancy and breastfeeding, it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor, midwife and/or lactation consultant before using any new medications, supplements, or essential oils.
6 essential oils that are safe to use when breastfeeding
1. Fennel Seed
Fennel is the most commonly known galactagogue, which is something that increases milk supply. One of the great things about Young Living oils is that they have essential oils that are safe to ingest. These oils are labeled differently and are referred to as Vitality oils. To increase your milk supply you can take two drops of Fennel Vitality a day for up to 10 days. You can put it in a vegetable capsule and swallow or you can add it to your food or tea. Many people will do two drops in a teaspoon of honey. Please do not ingest any other brands of fennel essential oil.
You can also apply fennel topically, just one or two drops on your chest mixed with a carrier oil like coconut, olive, or jojoba oil, being sure to avoid the nipple area. If it gets near your nipple, just clean the area before nursing your baby. Fennel should be avoided during pregnancy.
2. Basil
Basil is another essential oil that is thought to be a galactagogue and can be used to increase milk supply. It also comes in the Vitality version from Young Living. You can either ingest it, I’d recommend using it in cooking because it’s delicious (a drop or two to your spaghetti sauce is amazing!) or can be applied to your breasts. You can mix one or two drops with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil and rub it onto your breasts, away from the nipple. You can also apply it to your spine around your bra line area. Basil can be used for longer than 10 days if desired.
3. Dill
Dill is another essential oil that is thought to be a galactagogue and can be combined with basil or fennel. Dill is considered a milder galactagogue so it may be a great option to start with and see how it goes. Young Living has a Dill Vitality option so you can try it in a vegetable capsule or try cooking with it. I especially love a drop of it in a chicken salad mixture!
4. Lavender
Lavender is probably my most used essential oil because it has so many amazing uses. Many of my favorite uses for lavender are especially great during postpartum and breastfeeding. Most especially, lavender helps promote a good night’s sleep and relaxation. A common cause for the reduction of milk supply is stress because it inhibits the release of the hormones that promote milk production.
Simply roll some lavender on your wrists at bedtime or whenever you’re feeling anxiety or stress and take some deep breaths. You can also diffuse it at bedtime to help you, and baby, sleep well. If diffusing in a room with a newborn start slow with just one drop. Again, this is why I love Young Living so much—because I trust the sources of their essential oils and know that there aren’t any harmful fillers in there. Read more about their Seed to Seal process here.
5. Peace and Calming
Peace and Calming is a really special essential oil blend that will aid in stress relief as well. It’s super potent, so just a couple of drops in your diffuser will feel your living room with the best calm vibes ever. Even just opening the bottle helps me feel more at peace—clearly they named this one well! It also now comes in the starter kit from Young Living which is so awesome!
6. Stress Away
Stress away is another blend that smells so good and helps with emotional support and stress relief. I kept a roller of this on me at all times during pregnancy and continue to do so while breastfeeding. Stress Away smells like vanilla and citrus combined and is so uplifting (also great as a perfume!). Again, anything that can help you relax, especially when pumping milk, is going to be good for boosting your milk supply.
4 essential oils that are not safe for breastfeeding moms
1. Peppermint
Just like there are some essential oils and herbs that help increase milk supply, there are also essential oils that can decrease your milk supply. These are great to use when you are wanting to wean your baby but should be avoided until then. Peppermint was one of my favorite oils to use during pregnancy, but I stopped using it after my baby arrived. Some women even avoid it during the 3rd trimester because they are worried about its effect on their milk supply. I used it right up until my baby’s birth and had an abundant milk supply, so use your judgment and consult with your care provider.
2. Oregano
Oregano is another oil that is warned against using while breastfeeding for its milk decreasing properties. Obviously, eating the oregano herb is fine because it is much less concentrated than the essential oil. On that note, the website KellyMom mentioned that generally topical applications are going to affect your milk as much as taking something internally so if you use Oregano EO in a roller blend and are applying it topically to the bottoms of your feet, for example, it’s most likely not going to have any effect on breastfeeding.
3. Clary Sage
According to the book Gentle Babies, Clary Sage can be ingested and applied to your breasts to decrease milk supply. In contradiction, I’ve seen Clary Sage listed on certain websites as an essential oil to increase milk supply. However, Debra Raybern’s book Gentle Babies is widely respected in the essential oil community so I personally will be avoiding Clary Sage while breastfeeding. I’ve seen the power of Clary Sage first hand when it jump-started my labor!
4. Wintergreen
It is generally considered okay to use wintergreen as part of a blend like my favorite, Deep Relief, because it is diluted and used topically. The Deep Relief roller is seriously life-saving when it comes to sore neck muscles from breastfeeding. It’s probably a good idea to use Wintergreen in moderation though, even in a blend.
Safety tips for oils around Baby
Be aware of when and where you are using your essential oils around your baby. If using any hot oils like Cinnamon, Clove, Lemongrass, Oregano, Thyme, and Peppermint be sure to apply them to areas that won’t be touching baby (your feet are a good option) and don’t diffuse them in a small, enclosed space where baby will be. This is another good resource regarding using essential oils with a baby.
Essential oil recipes for nursing Moms
Create a more milk blend for nursing Moms
4 drops fennel + 2 drops Geranium in a 10ml roller ball + carrier oil. I prefer jojoba oil as sometimes other carrier oils will make my chest break out. You can see all of my favorite essential oil DIY products here.
2 ounces of Ningxia Red each day
Another tip that I learned from our team Facebook group is to drink 2oz of Ningxia Red every day. Ningxia Red is an antioxidant drink made from goji berries. So many women told me about the combination of taking or applying fennel essential oil and drinking Ningxia Red boosting their supply in a big way that I tried it when I had a dip in my milk supply due to a virus I had and sure enough, I experienced so much support for my milk production from those two things together.
Recipe for Breast Comfort while Breastfeeding
Create a blend of two drops Melrose, 2 drops Lavender, and 2 drops carrier oil. Rub this blend on your breasts, avoiding the nipples, twice a day. I got this recipe from Betsy Bosom’s Baby Book.
Other good things to try when dealing with engorged breasts are heat, massage, and frequent nursing.
Get started with essential oils
The way I got started with essential oils, was with a premium starter kit from Young Living, which comes with 12 of the most commonly used oils + your diffuser (I recommend the Desert Mist which has an amazing candlelight flicker).
It’s such a great value & provides you with everything you need to get started. You’ll get over $400 worth of product for only $165. You’ll get lots of reading material with your kit and you’ll also get access to our exclusive facebook community full of amazing resources like how to use each oil in your kit, which oils to avoid around kids or while pregnant/nursing, and all of the dilution ratios for individual oils.
We have free online classes, ebooks, live facebook hangouts & search functionality that will help you navigate through any questions you might have. I use the search bar in our groups every single day to get questions answered because I’m always learning too and there is SO much knowledge there! It really does matter who you sign up with and the FB groups are a huge perk of joining me! I also send all of my new members this beautiful hand painted art print that you’ll want to frame in your home!
Conclusion
So many women stress over their milk supply while breastfeeding and it can be hard to know if you have a low supply or not because each baby empties the breast at a different speed and not all women are able to pump as much as their baby can get when nursing. The amount of milk that you get during a pumping session is not necessarily a good indicator of your supply. The best way to know how much milk baby is getting is to consult with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and do a weighted feeding where they will weigh your baby before an after a nursing session with a highly sensitive scale. You can find an IBCLC at ilca.org. I know how hard this can be, I’ve been there too and I’m cheering you on.
I’ve found so much support from my oils community in all things pregnancy and postpartum and would love to answer any questions you have about getting started. You can always reach out to me through the contact form on this site or on my oils Instagram account, @overlandhomestead
The content shared on this site, is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice or treatment. It’s always best to check with a qualified health provider for questions you might have. Moreover, this information has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Pregnancy is one of those times in life when you definitely want to pay attention to your nutrition and vitamin intake. You may find yourself experiencing symptoms you’ve never had before and you may be suffering from a lack of energy. For me, it was really important that I add some specific supplements to my routine during pregnancy and postpartum and I felt so much better thanks to some specific high quality supplements during pregnancy.
Why take supplements during pregnancy?
Taking supplements during pregnancy serves two main purposes—supporting your own health and ensuring proper fetal growth for your baby. Your baby needs specific vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in order to grow and you are much more likely to become depleted in certain areas during pregnancy and postpartum. Ideally, we could all get the proper nutrients from the food we eat but it can be hard to maintain a well-rounded diet when you’re experiencing morning sickness or nausea or you just aren’t the best about eating your veggies! In order to feel your best and know that your baby is getting what they need, there are a few things to keep in mind. Of course, you should always talk to your care provider when taking new vitamins and supplements.
10 supplements that are safe to take during pregnancy
1. Prenatal vitamins
All women of childbearing age should be taking a prenatal vitamin. It’s important to be taking a prenatal vitamin before you even become pregnant because your body needs certain vitamins in the very early stages of pregnancy, namely folate. There are many different varieties of prenatal vitamins and most only require one pill per day. Experiment with different ones if you find that yours is upsetting your tummy.
2. Folate
Folate or Folic acid is a B vitamin that is extremely important for fetal development and taking it before you get pregnant and in early pregnancy has been proven to prevent birth defects in your babies brain, called neural tube defects. There is also evidence folate can reduce the risk of heart defects and cleft lip/palate. You should be taking at least 600mcg of folic acid well before you become pregnant. If you are pregnant and haven’t been taking folate, start immediately. Your prenatal may have this amount already in it.
MTHFR is a gene mutation that affects the way your body processes folate. Most people don’t even know they have this gene even though it’s estimated that 40% of individuals do. For moms with MTHFR, it’s important to take a prenatal vitamin that uses methylfolate instead of synthetic folic acid.
3. Vitamin D
Vitamin D affects your body’s nerves, muscles, and immune system. It is also important in helping your body absorb calcium. Vitamin D is crucial in the development of your baby’s bones and teeth. During pregnancy, you need 600 IU of vitamin D each day. During postpartum, and if you are breastfeeding, you should actually up your Vitamin D intake to 6400 IU or be giving your baby a Vitamin D supplement. Here’s a postpartum multivitamin called Lactation One that has 6400 IU of Vitamin D.
4. Fish Oil
Fish Oil is a great source of DHA which stands for docosahexaenoic acid. DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that is super important for your babies brain and eye development. During pregnancy, you need 200 milligrams of DHA and not all prenatal vitamins have DHA, so you may need to add a separate DHA supplement. Many women prefer to take a DHA supplement derived from algae instead of Fish Oil due to concerns with mercury.
5. Calcium
Your baby is going to need calcium to grow and if you aren’t getting enough calcium daily, your body will take it from your bones and give it to your baby. Sounds fun, right?! Luckily, most prenatals will have the recommended 1,000 milligrams of calcium. Other good sources of calcium include dairy, broccoli and kale and fortified orange juice.
6. Magnesium
Magnesium works in conjunction with calcium and is important during pregnancy. While magnesium serves the purpose of relaxing your muscles, calcium causes them to contract. There is research that shows that taking magnesium during pregnancy can prevent premature labor caused by uterine contractions. Magnesium also plays a part in growing your baby’s teeth and bones. In my personal experience, taking a magnesium supplement before bed helped with my charley horses and leg cramps. My favorite magnesium and calcium supplement is called Super Cal Plus.
7. Iodine
Iodine is a mineral crucial to your baby’s developing nervous system and is used to make thyroid hormones. During pregnancy, you need 220 micrograms of iodine every day. Iodine isn’t always included in prenatal vitamins so be sure to check the label and consider adding an iodine supplement. Iodine is also found in iodized salt, dairy, fortified cereal, and bread as well as fish.
8. Probiotics
Probiotics help your digestive system work properly. They are comprised of the good bacterias that help gut health. They can be particularly helpful if you are prone to yeast infections as many women are during pregnancy. My favorite probiotic is called Life 9 from Young Living.
9. Iron
Iron is a very important mineral during pregnancy and something many women end up being deficient in. I personally bordered on anemic with all three of my pregnancies and needed to add an iron supplement in addition to the iron in my prenatal vitamin. In fact, your blood volume increases so much during pregnancy and your baby is busy making their own blood, that you need twice as much iron when you’re pregnant! Most prenatals will have the recommended amount of 27 milligrams of iron but if you are finding that your energy is low or that you’re frequently dizzy, you should get your iron levels checked and consider adding another supplement or upping your intake of iron-rich foods. My favorite supplement is a plant-derived iron called Floradix.
10. Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is found in green vegetables but can also be taken as a supplement. Chlorophyll has similar properties to hemoglobin which essential to your blood cells and carries oxygen through your body. My midwife recommended I take Chlorophyll at the same time as my iron supplement as they work well together. I currently take a supplement called Multigreens which is a chlorophyll formula made from spirulina, alfalfa sprouts, barley grass, bee pollen, eleuthero and Pacific kelp.
3 supplements to avoid during pregnancy
1. Vitamin A
Vitamin A is actually really important for fetal eye development but the problems occur when too much Vitamin A is consumed as your body will store excess amounts in your liver and can cause liver damage or birth defects for your baby. Your prenatal vitamin will have the right amount of vitamin A in it and you shouldn’t consume any additional Vitamin A supplements.
2. Black and Blue Cohosh
These herbs are often found in the form of a tincture and are used by many midwives to augment labor when a woman is past her due date or has premature rupture of membranes. I’ve personally done a black and blue cohosh regime for two out of my three births. Since these herbs can cause uterine contractions, they should not be used during pregnancy as they could lead to early labor. If using them to augment labor, only do so under the supervision of your care provider.
3. Dong Quai
Dong Quai is a very popular herb in Chinese medicine and similarly to black and blue cohosh, can cause uterine contraction so should be avoided while pregnant.
Here are some other herbs to avoid in pregnancy:
Saw Palmetto
Goldenseal
Passion Flower
Roman Chamomile
Pennyroyal
Ephedra
Yohimbe
Pay D’ Arco
Take the following precautions when taking supplements during your pregnancy
Inform your care provider
It is always a good idea to talk to your doctor or midwife before taking any new supplements during pregnancy.
Start slow
When using supplements during pregnancy or breastfeeding, it’s a good idea to start with a small amount and see how your body reacts. You are likely dealing with many symptoms that you aren’t used to and while supplements can often help with these symptoms, you certainly don’t want to make any of them worse.
Read the labels
One thing to keep in mind is that herb and vitamin supplements often are not evaluated by the FDA the way prescription drugs are. Many times the labels will say “avoid use if pregnant or breastfeeding” even though your care provider may have recommended it. This is because there is no official testing done to prove that they are safe for pregnancy so the company is required to include that disclaimer. Another thing to keep in mind is that the quality and strength of supplements may vary between different products or brands.
3 places to buy pregnancy supplements
Local pharmacy
Your local pharmacy will have many of these supplements and vitamins. Most large box stores like Target or Walmart also carry many supplements these days.
Health food stores
Your local co-op or Whole Foods will have a very large selection of supplements and these will often be organic and of higher quality than ones you may find elsewhere.
Online through Young Living
I personally prefer to order the majority of my supplements through my wholesale membership with Young Living. I get 24% off everything I order and they have very high standards for quality control. Several of the supplements I mentioned above are from Young Living and you can find out more about getting your own wholesale membership here. I’d love to help you learn more!
Pregnancy is a time of many changes physically, emotionally and mentally. Some vitamins like your prenatal, folate and DHA are essential for your baby’s development. Other supplements mentioned here may give you more energy and make your pregnancy a little easier. Consult with your care provider and find the supplements that are going to be best for you.
The content shared on this site, is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice or treatment. It’s always best to check with a qualified health provider for questions you might have. Moreover, this information has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
