Essential Oils for Postpartum Support

There are many ways to offer support postpartum. Essential Oils are a low risk way to support positive moods, deeper sleep, and postpartum healing.

When I had my first baby, essential oils were only just beginning to gain popularity. I had read a bit here and there about it, but I didn’t really experience their benefits until my son was over a year old. I tried some for a bad cough he had at the time and they helped enough that I ordered more. The more I researched essential oils, the more oils I ordered.

I now have a whole tool belt of essential oils and use them regularly in my home. I have used them through pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery. Essential oils can really help with postpartum support! One of the things that helped me most when I was first healing from postpartum depression and anxiety was having things that smelled good around my house. Essential oils have been proven to lift moods and help with many different things (depending on the oil you use).

Essential Oil Safety Tips

While using essential oils is a low risk method for postpartum support, it’s important to remember a few safety measures. The most important thing to remember is to dilute your essential oils before you put them on your skin. Some oils are “hot” and can actually burn sensitive skin. By diluting, you will be more likely to avoid skin sensitivities. Diluting also helps your skin absorb the oils, and the aroma will last longer. For more info about carrier oils for dilution, check out our oily house.

Also, if you’re postpartum then you most likely have a baby around. Essential oils are safe to use around babies. However, if you’re diffusing the oils in the same room as the baby, make sure the diffuser is not right next to them. While a babies sense of sight isn’t strong, their sense of smell works well. This can mean they’re sensitive to scent, so placing the diffuser across the room and putting it on a low setting should work well.

Clary Sage

I am starting with Clary Sage. I know so many of you must have some left from those last few days of pregnancy or during labor when you were so ready to meet your baby. Clary sage helps with postpartum too! Check out the benefits:

• Helps with afterbirth pains due to antispasmodic components (relaxes nerves we can’t control)
• Helps with baby blues
• Balances hormones
• Helps relieve insomnia

Lavender

If you don’t love the scent of clary sage, try adding lavender to it. Lavender is one of the more well known essential oils for its natural relaxing properties. Here are some of the other benefits that make it a great postpartum oil:

• Helps with afterbirth pains
• Helps with baby blues
• Supports skin in all areas including perineum
• Promotes deep sleep

Roman Chamomile

Roman Chamomile is well known for relieving anxiety all over the world. One of the best ways to use this oil is to inhale it. You can put a drop or two in the palm of your hands, cup your hands over your nose and breathe deeply. Here are some other benefits of Roman Chamomile:

• Helps with afterbirth pains
• Supports skin in all areas including perineum
• Helps relieve insomnia
• Can help relieve cracked nipples (although, if breastfeeding, make sure you wash this off before baby feeds)
• Can also relieve diaper rash for baby

Frankincense

This oil is often recognised from the historical account of the birth of Jesus Christ. The wise men brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh as gifts for Jesus. When I look at all the uses and benefits of frankincense, I can see why they chose it as the perfect gift for the Christ child. Here are a few of the many benefits:

• Reduces anxiety and stress
• Prevents sickness and boosts immune system
• Anti aging
• Promotes sleep

Other Essential Oils to Support Postpartum

There are too many oils to list that can help with many different aspects of the postpartum season. Here are a few more that may help with depression and anxiety in the postpartum season:

• Helichrysum
• Rose
• Tea Tree
• Peppermint
• Bergamot
• Wild Orange
• Lemon

There are many ways to support a woman postpartum. Essential oils are a low risk method for recovery and mood disorders in postpartum and beyond.

This is part 5 of my “6 Things to do When You Feel Depressed” series. 

Check out part 1: Getting Dressed Helps Postpartum Depression 

Part 2: The Benefits of Reading Your Bible

Part 3: The Benefits of Going Outside

Part 4: Why It’s Important to Do the Things We Love

Part 6: Why You Should Add Deep Breathing to Your Life

Related Posts:

6 Things to Do When You Feel Depressed

The Fourth Trimester: Bonding With Baby and Adjusting to Motherhood

How to Build a Daily Break into Your Day as a Mama