“The short answer is to avoid Clary Sage during pregnancy and peppermint while breastfeeding.
You will find warnings everywhere about which oils you should and should not use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. These previously were very valid concerns because of the impurities that were so prevalent in the oils available and the threat that they posed in pregnancy, but now that we enjoy the purity of oils that we have with dōTERRA it is no longer an issue.
It is dōTERRA’s sourcing and commitment to pure oils that makes them safe. Toxic oils are either harvested from the wrong species of plant, not distilled properly, harvested at the wrong season, tampered with, chemicals and fillers added and other such things. This is the very reason we can use dōTERRA oils safely, because of their care and commitment to pure safe oils.
You may see mixed information out there in different books about oils and their safety in pregnancy and with your newborn. Please understand these books were written with all oil users in mind. They will be ultra conservative because their readers may not necessarily be dōTERRA users. The information I give in my book comes from personal experience in my midwifery practice.
dōTERRA has set a standard that reassures us we can use doTERRA oils with confidence in pregnancy. During pregnancy, there is heightened sensitivity so we might use a little less of the oils but they can be used very effectively. In pregnancy, we are very protective about what we put into our body. We should have confidence in the oils through pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Clary Sage is relaxing, calming and soothing. In general, women should not use it during pregnancy unless they have a lot of experience with the oils, simply because there are so many oils that can accomplish the same thing that maybe aren’t quite as aggressive as that one is.
Peppermint is a caution only for lactating moms, but only a minor caution, it “may” decrease milk supply for some. Other than that, oils are very well founded for pregnancy.
I always say to follow your own intuition. You are the one who was given stewardship over your body, and everyBODY is different, so do what you feel comfortable with.” Stephanie Fritz, The Essential Midwife
Here are some additional resources to include Dr. Hill’s perspective when it comes to using essential oils while pregnant and/or breastfeeding.
Additionally, check out our ‘Unit’ on Pregnancy in this Facebook Group. There is TONS of information as well as recipes to help support your body during this amazing time😊
Here are a few ideas for how to use essential oils during pregnancy:
Essential oils for morning sickness and nausea:
- Peppermint oil and Cardamom oil can alleviate occasional stomach upset when taken in veggie capsules or added to water.
- Ginger oil may help reduce occasional nausea when taken internally.
- Spearmint oil offers many of the same benefits as Peppermint oil, but serves as a milder option to help with sensitivity or stomach upset that occurs during pregnancy.
- The DigestZen® Digestive Blend is doTERRA’s tummy tamer blend and provides a healthy, natural way to soothe an upset stomach.
Essential oils for heartburn: DigestTab® Chewable Tablets are infused with the DigestZen tummy tamer blend, delivering digestion-supportive oils, and the acid-neutralizing benefits of calcium carbonate. Calcium carbonate helps maintain stomach acid balance to help you deal with the discomfort that comes from heartburn and indigestion—without the chalky aftertaste.
Essential oils for pregnancy back discomfort: Massaging soothing essential oil blends like Deep Blue® on the lower back can be helpful when experiencing back discomfort. When discomfort in the legs or feet arise, rubbing the AromaTouch® Massage Blend on the lower extremities can help these problem areas.
Essential oils for better sleep during pregnancy: Good sleep and rest are paramount during pregnancy. Blends like doTERRA Balance®, doTERRA Breathe®, doTERRA Serenity®, are full of calming and soothing essential oils and can be used aromatically create a relaxing environment. Other essential oils like Clary Sage, Dill, Lavender, and Sandalwood promote feelings of calmness and can create an ideal atmosphere for achieving a good night of rest. In addition to diffusion and aromatic use, these oils can also be applied topically or used internally when appropriate.
For restful sleep during pregnancy, try the following suggestions:
- Place a few drops of essential oil on your blankets or pillows at nighttime.
- Diffuse calming essential oils for 30 minutes before going to bed.
- Add one to two drops of Lavender oil to a cup of hot water for a relaxing tea that can help you unwind at bedtime.
Essential oils for better skin during pregnancy: A pregnant woman’s body is ever changing, and this includes changes in the skin. As the body works to keep up with a growing fetus, the skin can often become stretched and taut. Another challenge that many women experience during pregnancy is an increase in oil production of the skin. Thankfully, many essential oils can help to reduce the appearance of oily skin, reduce the appearance of blemishes, and beautify the skin.
Here are a few of the best essential oils for skin during pregnancy:
Essential oils for emotional support during pregnancy: In addition to all of the changes occurring in the body during pregnancy, the changes in a woman’s hormones can cause heightened emotions. To manage mood during pregnancy, consider using any of the essential oils from the doTERRA Emotional Aromatherapy System™. This collection provides a variety of oils to help you deal with the wide range of emotions that you’ll encounter throughout your pregnancy. Use these oils and any of your favorite calming, soothing, or uplifting oils to help manage your mood during the emotionally taxing months of pregnancy.
Essential oils for labor and delivery:
Because essential oils promote uplifting and calming feelings, they can be extremely useful during labor and delivery when stress, anxious feelings, and emotions are running high. Research shows that women who use essential oils during labor and delivery have reported less anxious feelings and felt more positive about their experience, when compared to women who did not use essential oils.
- Use Black Pepper and Basil oil diluted with Fractionated Coconut Oil on the lower back to ease discomfort during labor.
- The combination of doTERRA Balance® and Wild Orange oil make a good blend, especially during delivery when you want to balance emotions and dispel anxious feelings.
- Try using the AromaTouch® blend topically for comforting and relaxing effects. This blend helps to soothe the mind and the body, and is especially helpful for soothing areas of tension and stress when applied to the back and shoulders.
- Clary Sage oil can be used to reduce tension, which is helpful for contractions. Consider blending Clary Sage with other calming essential oils like Lavender oil or Geranium oil.