Summary
see also Breastfeeding
Pregnancy is a wonderful period in life where a great
deal of personal time and energy is given to one of God’s
other children. A period where, during times of
relaxation, one can meditate and communicate positive
affirmations to the yet to be born child. But!!! It is
not as simple as that may sound, it is also a time where
tremendous changes are going on in the body. Hormonal,
circulatory, structural, and emotional changes all present a
variety of physical and emotional challenges that need to be
addressed while the one carrying the child is usually trying
to carry on a busy, “normal” life. Essential oils,
blends, supplements, and other products can help make this
whole period a lot easier. Read below and on the other
tabs many suggestions and experiences using essential oils
and derivative products.
For a more information on essential oils and pregnancy
Valerie Ann Worwood has an excellent section in her book,
The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy, first
published in 1955.
Morning sickness
Even in a normal pregnancy morning sickness may be one of
the unwanted side effects. This nausea normally occurs
during the first trimester but on occasion can extend into
the second and even the third (sorry). If morning
sickness is experienced it is because of the hormonal
changes occurring in the body which usually levels off as
the pregnancy progresses. There are a few steps that
can be taken that help many in reducing the uncomfortable
nausea.
· Get sufficient rest
· Get plenty of water (and a drop of
lemon essential oil with each glass of water will help)
· Small, multiple meals (avoid fatty
foods)
· Have good nutritional supplements (the
doTERRA Life Long Wellness trio is a perfect supplement)
When nausea is eminent or occurs use essential oils;
ginger, peppermint, and the blend DigestZen are all
known for quieting an upset stomach. Either
topically rub the oils, with a carrier, on your tummy,
or take them internally in a capsule or sipped with
water or juice.
Bleeding
Bleeding during pregnancy can be serious and seeking
professional medical counsel is advised. The first
trimester of pregnancy is when most miscarriages happen and
bleeding usually precedes them. On the other hand
about fifty percent of those experiencing early bleeding go
on to have successful births.
Back Pain
With the added weight of the pregnancy and a new and
changing “center of gravity” your back will experience extra
strain so it is important to take good care of it.
Consider:
· Use normal good posture techniques.
· Straight spine and
shoulders back when sitting or standing.
· Give up the high
heels
· Some recommend sleeping on the left side and roll to
the side when getting up from a sleeping position.
Periodic massage with essential oils will help a lot.
Use those oils that would normally relax your muscles and
sooth your emotions. To relax muscles consider
lavender or marjoram and for you emotions frankincense,
lavender, or ylang ylang. Many find the blends even
more very helpful, AromaTouch, Deep Blue, Balance, Serenity
or your own favorites.
Edema
Edema (Oedema if you are British) is swelling in any part
of the body. During pregnancy, especially in the third
trimester, some swelling is not unusual. This is
typically in the feet and legs but can be in the hands or
face as well. The cause of the swelling is the normal
increase in bodily fluids required by the body to sustain
mom and baby. Although some swelling is not out of the
ordinary it is complicated by the fact that edema is also
one of the early symptom of pre-eclampsia (toxemia) that can
be a very serious condition. Toxemia could include
other symptoms such as headaches, blurred vision, dizziness
or stomach pains. If at all suspicious about such a
complication consult a medical professional who will test
for the other indicators of toxemia; high blood pressure and
excess protein in the urine.
To reduce normal swelling consider local massage,
especially on the feet and legs. Valerie Worwood
recommends using a blend of 3 drops ginger, 2 drops cypress,
2 drops lavender added to 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
The local massage should always start with the feet and
movements should always be towards the heart. Again
the AromaTouch blend or other oils that you find beneficial
can be used.
Varicose Veins
During pregnancy the weight of baby coupled with the
additional blood produced by the body puts pressure on veins
and arteries in lower abdomen. This can cause varicose
veins in the legs where the veins become swollen and itchy.
Although not dangerous to the mom or baby that can cause
discomfort and be unsightly and unhealthy longer term.
Here are some ways to help. Not over exerting,
especially in lifting, would be a good precautionary
measure. Also resting periodically with the legs
higher than the heart is another help. Couple with
this a massage using an essential oils blend of 3 parts
geranium, 1 part cypress mixed with a
carrier oils like VCO
and topically applied twice a day. The massage strokes
should not apply a great deal of pressure directly on the
veins and should be gentle strokes from the ankles to the
thigh with the motions towards the heart.
Constipation
Constipation, for some, accompanies pregnancy. This
highlights the importance of a good diet that in our day and
time must include dietary supplements. As referenced
elsewhere the doTERRA Life Long Wellness trio is an ideal
set of dietary supplements. Beyond this lots of fiber
should be in everyday meals along with lots of raw fruits
and vegetables.
For those episodes where relief is needed from
constipation consider the oils ginger and peppermint or the
DigestZen blend. These can be taken internally by
mixing with water or a warm tea or with 1 to 3 drops in a
capsule.
Hemorrhoids
Unfortunately pressure from constipation can result in
the uncomfortable condition of hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids have as a root cause the same elements as
varicose veins with the additional blood produced by the
body and downward pressure of the baby putting additional
pressure on the veins than then might be weakened by the
strain from constipation.
The blend of geranium and cypress mentioned with varicose
veins is highly recommended. Others have used
helichrysum very successfully. Topical application,
with a carrier oil, to the affected area 2 or 3 times a day
will be helpful.
Stretch Marks
Most women are susceptible to stretch marks as a result
of pregnancy, but with proper use of essential oils there is
no need for these reminders. Stretch marks come in the
obvious places where excess fat resides or from the natural
enlargement from the baby. Start early, even before
the reddish-purple streaks appear, moisturizing and healing
the skin with an essential oil ointment.
DoTerra makes a moisturizing skin lotion with lavender,
jasmine, geranium, and frankincense essential oils that is
prepared and ready to go. Or, like many, mix your own
cream with the blend that suits you perfectly. An
important part of this cream will be the base or
carrier oil you use. Virgin Coconut Oils (VCO) is excellent.
Oils for skin care include lavender, frankincense,
helichrysum, and geranium.
Toxemia
Pre-eclampsia occurs in the latter half of pregnancy and
includes high blood pressure (headaches, dizziness, nausea),
protein in the urine, and edema (swelling in the feet and
legs). Cases may be mild or severe. Serious
cases pose dangers for mother and baby so if more than mild
symptoms occur professional medical help should be
consulted.
Some have reported help using essential oils and you will
find their experiences by clicking on the Procedures tab on
this page.
Oils, blends & products
recommended:
Oils & Blends:
Morning Sickness:
ginger, peppermint
Back Pain:
AromaTouch, Balance, Deep Blue, frankincense, lavender,
marjoram, Serenity, ylang ylang
Edema (swelling):
AromaTouch, cypress, ginger, lavender
Varicose veins: cypress,
geranium
Constipation: DigestZen,
ginger, peppermint
Hemorrhoids: cypress,
geranium, helichrysum
Stretch marks:
frankincense, geranium, helichrysum, lavender
Essential oils based
products: Life Long Vitality supplements
Suggested protocols:
see the Summary tab above for suggested protocols for a
variety of conditions.
Cautions
"Be cautious about using essential oils during pregnancy,
especially during the first trimester. Even oils that
are generally safe during this time may be too stimulating
for women who are prone to miscarriage.” (Aromatherapy, A
Complete Guide to the Healing Art, by Kathy Keville & Mandy
Green).
The following partial list of essential oils gives the
prevailing wisdom on how essential oils may be used during
pregnancy:
· Those oils ok to use: bergamot, coriander, frankincense,
geranium, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, sandalwood, wild
orange, ylang ylang
· Oils that for some would be better used with a carrier
oil or diluted in other ways: clove, cypress, eucalyptus,
ginger, helichrysum, lemongrass, marjoram, melaleuca, myrrh,
oregano, peppermint, Roman chamomile.
· Consult a physician before using these oils: basil,
cassia, cinnamon bark, clary sage, rosemary, thyme, vetiver,
wintergreen, white fir.
· Additionally
it is noted that peppermint used during the latter part of
pregnancy or after child birth can limit milk production in
some mothers.
It should be noted that included in the
Experiences & Testimonials tab of
this web page are a number of personal experiences of those
that have used a variety of doTERRA essential oils during
their pregnancies with no ill effects. The thoughts
expressed are that the doTERRA oils are tested and certified
(CPTG) and this extra measure of purity explains why these
oils can be used with confidence.
Experiences and Testimonials of others
Go to the Everyday Example tab
above for a month by month narrative on using essential
oils during pregnancy by Tamalu.
Autumn - I am
pregnant with my second child. The first round found me
in the hospital a few times for dehydration, due to
hyperemesis gravidarum, extreme nausea. I am looking to
see if anyone has some advice to help me out with this
one. I'm only 8 weeks and it's already kicked into
overdrive, even the high end prescription medication
Zofran (given to chemo patients for nausea) doesn't work
that well on me, just takes away the edge. I know that
ginger, rubbed onto the wrists can help, and it does,
slightly. I've also taken a bath with peppermint,
lavender, and ginger and that didn't do anything at all.
Does anyone else have some advice, I'll try almost
anything to have a normal moment again.
Natalie - I am sorry about the
nausea! Some of the best results I've seen have been
with peppermint under the nose, across the forehead and
where your ribs come together about mid chest. Then keep
a pretty steady flow of something calm but nutritive
like raw almonds. I would use the peppermint often,
maybe even 10+ times a day, whenever you need it. All
best!
Kathy - I have had success with both
ginger and peppermint. Don't give up on them yet. Be
consistent use synergistic methods of application.
Stimulate the Pericardium 6 or P6 acupuncture point on
your wrist. Apply topically to your stomach, put 4 drops
in a 00 capsule and take internally.
You can also apply to a pressure point on the outside
edge of your ear - right across from the opening. Stick
your finger in your ear and then slide it across to the
outside edge. You can run your finger down the inside of
the outside ridge of your ear and most will feel a
little bump. The pressure spot is just below it. Many
people notice a sore spot there when you squeeze it. If
you feel a tender area there, you’ve found the right
place. Apply pressure with a drop of ginger, peppermint
or DigestZen whenever you feel the nausea, just find the
place and squeeze that area with a good amount of
pressure and hold it for 30 seconds. If the nausea is
still there, you can hold it for up to 2 minutes. And
you can use either ear or even alternate if you wish.
Apply essential oils hourly or more if you are dealing
with severe nausea.
Jen - My
sister-in-law is 38 weeks pregnant and is wondering if
it is okay to use breathe on herself. She has come down
with some kind of cough.
Tamalu - Speaking for myself, in the
babies I have carried while using oils, they are
healthier than the babies I carried without using oils.
Dr Schnaubelt, in his book Medical Aromatherapy,
addresses this topic by asking why, as a society, it is
okay to trust over-the-counter and prescription drugs,
which have been tested only months to years, and be
fearful of these amazing God-given substances which have
been used as medicine for millennia? My baby is due
within the next few weeks as well! She is free to
contact me if you need a backup person!
As always, encourage people to drink a lot of good
water, especially when pregnant. She will be
pleased with the effectiveness of our excellent doTERRA
oils, with the absence of negative side effects, when we
allow ourselves to listen to the truth and step outside
of the fear. With this perspective, encourage your
sister to sit back, take a deep breath, and feel for
herself if it is okay to use Breathe, or any doTERRA
oil, on herself and her baby. Personally, I wouldn't do
this pregnancy thing any other way! I look forward to
hearing more about your sister--- we may deliver at
about the same time!
Denae - This
request is from my sister. It is her first pregnancy.
We were wondering if you have any suggestions to help.
Thanks a bunch!
I have a couple of questions for you. I know all
pregnancies are different . . . I have had just a heck
of a time. I have no normal symptoms, but a lot of
unnerving weird ones. I have been having such bad
cramping (and then bleeding too) that I thought I was
going to miscarry or had an ectopic pregnancy. The
bleeding has stopped but the cramping persists . . .
1000x worse than menstrual cramps. No nausea or
vomiting. Then I have a terrible sinus thing going, and
I developed HIVES all over my legs up to my waist for a
week now. So my question is do you know if any DoTERRA
oils would help with hives and be safe to use during
pregnancy? Additionally I have been using eucalyptus in
the diffuser as much as possible, but do you know if the
Breathe blend is okay to use too? I am desperate and
pretty darn miserable.
Tamalu - The oils are so much safer
than so many other commonly used methods. If I can be a
resource for your sister, I would be honored, but
encourage her to just try the oils and see how she
feels. Breathe is great for the sinus stuff, but
lavender would be helpful applied topically as well for
both sinus and hives. You might try lavender or wild
orange for the cramping. If there is anything I can do,
don't hesitate to contact me!
ftballwidow - I just gave a friend
of mine samples of citrus bliss, peppermint oil, and
Breathe. She is in her first trimester. I read in the
Essential Oils Reference Guide that she should be
careful in their first trimester and that oils that are
generally safe may be too stimulating for women who are
prone to miscarriage (since she is a new friend, I have
no idea about her medical history). She just found out
she was pregnant. Should I caution her or should she be
okay since she only has a few samples?
Rob - I have never heard of
essential oils causing miscarriage or any kind of
pregnancy problems. I have heard of many mothers to be
using essential oils. Having said that. The book is
correct. If they are prone to miscarriage, some oils
may be too stimulating. I would use them in moderation
in this case and if there are concerns, talk to her
doctor.
If you asked Tamalu how she used the oils during her
pregnancies, it would likely be "everyday in everyway!"
Jenyce - I know
it is OK to use doTERRA oils while pregnant but I have a
few people concerned about that and I can't search
previous discussions. Can someone be so kind and email
me some past discussions on using eo while pregnant so I
can forward to friends. Thanks
Shanna - "Be cautious about using
essential oils during pregnancy, especially during the
first trimester. Even oils that are generally safe
during this time may be too stimulating for women who
are prone to miscarriage (Aromatherapy, A Complete Guide
to the Healing Art, by Kathy Keville & Mandy Green)."
However, Rob James continues with the report that at
this time there have been no reports of injury to the
fetus with topical use. Consult a physician before
using basil, cassia, cinnamon, clary sage, helichrysum,
rosemary, thyme, vetiver and wintergreen.
My daughter-in-law, just a few weeks out of the first
trimester, has opted through personal intuition to use
the oils topically, not internally, and has had great
success with DigestZen and peppermint for nausea, cassia
for constipation, peppermint and lavender for headaches.
Joni - I took my wellness pack with
me to my OB/Gyn appointment last week specifically so I
could find out if they were safe for pregnant women (I
am not pregnant, too old). She looked them over and was
very impressed. She said there was nothing in them that
could harm a pregnant woman.
Chelsea - I am so inspired by others stories that I had
to share.
I am 33 weeks pregnant and this past week started
experiencing swelling in my ankles and hands. I have been
drinking lemon water just as a daily regimen the entire time
so I was a little concerned. I am having a home birth so
toxemia is out of the question. So I did a little research
and created a list of some daily things I need to be doing
to keep things flowing, lemon water, deep breathing and
small amounts of yoga, chiropractor visits, walking, etc.
and of course looked up what oil was good for toxemia.
Cypress was the only one mentioned so I had my husband
rub some along with frankincense, of course, on the bottoms
of me feet and I put some on my belly. In the middle of the
night I woke up drenched in sweat! When I woke up, my ankles
were back to normal!! Looks like all that water came out
through my pores! We have done it nightly now but by the end
of a typical day of being on my feet the swelling hasn't
gotten as bad as the first day since! Oh how I LOVE these oils!!!
Ramona - That is such an amazing story! Thanks for
sharing! These oils are the best! Sweet Dreams!
Chelsea - Okay so now I am about 35 weeks pregnant and
have recently been experiencing swelling in my lower legs,
feet, and hands. I have used cypress on the bottom of my
feet at night and had amazing success so far. I also drink
lots of lemon water, maybe I need more. I was pushing
on my shin this morning and it stayed, ahh! My husband just
spent the morning looking in the book and oiling up my legs
and feet with cypress & lemongrass. The edemish stuff isn't
really bad but I imagine it could get worse if we don't keep
on it. We are also diffusing cypress. Any other ideas? I
don't think toxemia is an issue because my blood pressure is
actually low. Also, I have pelvic floor and upper leg achy
bruisy pain. I am thinking it is varicose veins. How would
you treat them when they are so internal? Could they be
contributing to the lack of circulation in my legs?
Pat - Don't forget the obvious with
swelling and that would be potassium deficiency. So it won't
hurt to start eating some bananas. Are you on the
LLW?
Here are a few blends for your condition:
· Rub Aroma Touch on
legs and ankles, that has all the good oils in it.
· Drink plenty of water with
lemon.
· You can alternate
Wintergreen with the Aroma Touch.
· Evening blend in a capsule,
8 drops geranium, 5 drops cypress and 5
drops helichrysum.
· When you are rubbing the
oils on topically use coconut oil for smooth
coverage and it is good for you also.
Good luck with this new baby, you have all the tools to
make this go well.
Chelsea - Thank you Pat. I always know I
can count on you for great wisdom and insight. Yes, I
am on the LLW both morning and night. I will try all of
those ideas that I am not doing yet.
Marci - Lemongrass is wonderful for
circulation too.
A
submission directly to
EverythingEssential.me.
Our thanks to:
Tanya
Tanya - Here is a sheet I put together for
the local labor/delivery class in my town. Much of the
information was taken from Modern Essentials book. Feel free
to use it as you please!
Use of Essential Oils During
Pregnancy and Beyond.
Oils to use to support pregnancy:
Geranium (topically or inhalation)
Ylang Ylang (topically or inhalation)
Lavender (topically or inhalation)
Grapefruit (topically or inhalation)
Roman Chamomile (topically or inhalation)
Breasts (to soothe sore breasts and nipples):
Lavender -soothes (topically)
Geranium -soothes (topically)
Roman Chamomile -sore nipples (topically): Add 3-5 drops to
1 Tbs. carrier oil and massage on location.
Delivery:
Lavender (topically or inhalation)- stimulates circulation,
calming, antiseptic
Clary Sage - Topically- Dilute as recommended, and apply 1-2
drops on hips, bottom of feet, or abdomen. Add 3-5 drops to
1 Tbs. carrier oil, and massage on hips, of feet, or
abdomen. Inhalation – Diffuse into the air
Avoid episiotomy:
Geranium (topically) – Add 5-10 drops to ½ tsp of olive oil,
and massage into perineum. Diffusion: Serenity or Elevation
Early Labor:
Lavender (topically) - Rub 1-3 drops on stomach to help stop
pre-term labor.
Energy: Blend:
2 drops Roman Chamomile, 2 drops Geranium, and 2 drops
lavender in 2 tsp. carrier oil and massage into skin.
Hemorrhaging:
Helichrysum (topically) – Apply 1-3 drops on lower back to
help prevent hemorrhaging.
High Blood Pressure:
Ylang ylang, eucalyptus, lavender Bath 1: 3 drops ylang
ylang in bath water, and bathe in the evening twice a week.
Bath 2: 5 drops geranium, 8 drops lemongrass, and 3 drops
lavender in 1 oz. fractioned coconut oil. Rub over heart and
reflex points on left foot and hand.
Labor (during):
Clary Sage (topically) – apply 3 drops around ankles or
abdomen.
Labor (post):
Lavender, Geranium
Lactation:
Clary sage (starts production), fennel or basil (increase
production), Peppermint (decrease production) Dilute as
recommended, and apply 1-2 drops on breasts. Apply
peppermint with a cold compress to help reduce production.
*Caution- fennel should not be used for more than 10 days,
as it will excessively increase flow through the urinary
tract.
Mastitis:
Lavender, Citrus Bliss (combine with lavender) Dilute and
apply to breasts.
Morning sickness:
Ginger (topically, inhalation, or internal), Peppermint
(topically or inhalation): Dilute as recommended, and apply
1-3 drops on ears, down jaw bone, and on reflex points of
feet. Internal: Place 1-3 drops in empty capsule, and
swallow. Inhalation: Diffuse into the air. Inhale directly
or applied to hands. Apply 1 drop on pillow to inhale at
night.
PPD:
Elevation, Lemon, Lavender, Frankincense, Clary Sage,
Geranium. Inhalation: Diffuse into air. Inhale directly or
apply to hands, tissue or cotton wick. Topically: Dilute as
recommended. Apply 1-2 drops to temple or forehead. Add 5-10
drops to 1 Tbs. coconut oil, and use as a massage oil. Add
1-3 drops to warm bath water.
Stretch Marks:
Lavender. Myrrh Topically: Add 5-10 drops to 1 Tbs coconut
oil or hazelnut oil, and apply on location.
Baby (newborn):
Frankincense (1 drop on crown), Myrrh (1 drop on umbilical
cord and navel), Balance (1 drop on feet and spine)
Care should be used with essential
oils...they are extremely potent. This especially applies to
clary sage and fennel during pregnancy. These oils contain
active constituents with hormone-like activity and could
possibly stimulate adverse reactions in the mother, although
there are no recorded human cases.
Joyce - My daughter
is pregnant and has restless leg syndrome. She is
miserable. She has been using the oils, marjoram, AromaTouch
and Roman chamomile. The oils have really helped her.
She can now sleep through the night without being disturbed
with her restless legs. However, today we read that basil,
which is in AromaTouch should be completely avoided in
pregnancy. Also, marjoram, is to be used with extreme
caution (the book says) in pregnancy. What should we do? Are
these oils really to be avoided during pregnancy.
Natalie - I attended the AromaTouch
training last year that Dr. Hill directed. I was about 6
months pregnant and concerned about having the AromaTouch
Technique done on me as well as doing it on others. I asked
and Dr. Hill stopped everyone to address my concern. As I
remember it, he said you will find warnings everywhere about
which oils you should and should not use during pregnancy.
They previously were very valid because of the impurities
that were so prevalent in the available oils and the threat
that was to a developing fetus. But now that we
enjoy the purity of oils that we do with doTERRA it is no
longer an issue. He advised to stay away from Clary Sage if
you were threatening or had tendency to early labor but
other than that he said that he would use any oil during
pregnancy. He advised to pay attention to your body on
dosages, as you may need more oil because of increased
weight or less oil because your body was at a place of
heightened sensitivity.
My experience is that: I felt to use more oils in the
beginning of my pregnancy and then I used a plethora during
my final trimester, delivery and during postpartum. My
midwife has since converted to doTERRA and uses the oils
exclusively to assist her mothers. All best to all of you
however you are involved in assisting in this vital work of
bringing children into this world!
Brenda - I actually asked Dr. Hill about
this caution about "certain oils" during pregnancy,.
It was frustrating me because everyone uses them but some
writings say to avoid. Well, he said, there were not
any oils that he would avoid except for peppermint and the
possible impact on breast feeding.
Editor’s note: On
cautions side the following doTERRA blends include some
peppermint: AromaTouch, Breathe, Deep Blue, DigestZen,
PastTense, and Slim & Sassy. Clary Sage is not in any
doTERRA blends.
Yoshihami - I am
thrilled and happy to learn AromaTouch Technique! Now one of
my girlfriends asked me if I could give her ATT (she is in
2nd trimester). She had a back surgery 10 years ago and was
taking pain medications until she got pregnant. I would
appreciate if anyone could let me know which position she is
supposed to lay down in if she is uncomfortable laying on
her belly. Thank you very much for your feedback in advance.
Karen - I took the AromaTouch class last
week also with a friend who is 3 weeks from her due date.
Dr. Hill was very happy to see her there also! What we did
was make a little nest with a hole in the middle with
blankets and she was able to lay face down. You can also use
a couple of pillows and do the same thing. If you aren't
comfortable with that, you can also use a body pillow and
they can lie on their side, supporting the head also. Or, in
a kind of modified face down where they are somewhat on
their side with one leg bent and out to the side. The goal
is for them to be comfortable so you might just want to
experiment a bit. Another alternative is to have them
sitting in a chair and leaning forward onto a table with
lots of cushions. Have fun with it! Karen
Mardi - What about
the peppermint used at the end of the ATT? Dr. Hill said
that all of the oils were safe to use on mother's to be?
Just curious.
Pat – You only use a couple of drops,
there really should be no problem.
Robert James recommends this true life
example!
Jenyce, Here is
an excellent post by Tamalu. Tamalu has had a number of
children, and has made essential oils a central part of
her pregnancy and birthing.
Tamalu - We thank everyone who
participated in our recent miracle, and share our
experience that hopefully it may benefit someone.
I started this last pregnancy several months after
discontinuing nutritional supplementation, so very
quickly I became tired and dragged out. When the first
two components of the Lifelong Wellness Trio became
available, I loaded up on them and began double dosing,
just to get caught up. I noticed a difference
immediately. I had already been using the essential
oils, a lot, in my bodywork practice and in life with
seven active children and a husband in the building
trades. Despite warnings against the use of essential
oils in pregnancy, I have learned to trust these gentle
and effective plant “medicines” before turning to the
more experimental and often dangerous man-made ones. I
continued double dosing for several weeks after getting
the entire Life Long Wellness trio, and periodically as
I felt it was needed. The Trio made such a huge
difference to my energy level, to my spirits and
ultimately to every aspect of my life. I could enjoy my
family again, and accomplish everything that needed to
be done. I continued in my bodywork practice, taught
classes, and traveled.
Six months into my pregnancy, it became clear that
there was a problem with the muscles in my abdomen. No
longer bulletproof (getting older?), I should not have
been lifting my massage table into the back of my
Suburban. As the pregnancy progressed, so did the
problem. AromaTouch and Deep Blue, alternated, eased the
pain in my lower back and hips. I worked with a friend
over a period of two weeks, using a lot of prayer, the
oils (mainly frankincense, lavender, peppermint and
lemongrass) and energy work, and the damaged muscle was
repaired. I went from being in a great deal of
discomfort to being able to fully function with no
problems. People would ask me why my stomach looked
different than before, and why I could get so much done
without tiring. It was great!
As the due date neared, I determined to test out some
old clary sage research for myself, and began using
clary sage on my ankles and abdomen. I smelled it, wore
it and had my husband and children rub more of it on me.
We waited, sometimes not so patiently, for labor to
start. For something that was claimed by researchers to
be a possible cause of miscarriage, we were not
impressed. We went over our due date by several weeks,
which this baby obviously required.
When labor finally started, I did apply some of a
labor blend I had mixed in a white fir bottle. This
blend consists of equal parts clary sage, white fir,
helichrysum, geranium, and ylang ylang. (Bases covered:
Pain, Bleeding, Emotional and Physical Stress, etc.)
Because labor progressed very rapidly (Stephanie tells
me that later babies often result in 30- to 90-minute
labors), I only applied Deep Blue once to the lower
back, and helichrysum twice to the lower back and
abdomen. I did not require helichrysum to the perinea
area during delivery, as there was only slight
discomfort despite the size of this baby. We had
planned to use it for pain and to assist the baby with
bruising (she is the first of our eight children with no
bruising whatsoever at birth!) Delivery was quick and
easy, with no complications, and Mark applied myrrh to
the cord as he waited for it to quit pulsing. We
anointed her with frankincense, applied Balance to her
feet and along her spine, and did a quick spinal
adjustment. I had mixed a few drops of lavender in a
teaspoon of virgin coconut oil to apply to her face for
bruising—it is still in my oils bag, unused. Her weight:
10 lbs 6 oz, 22 inches long.
When we delivered the previous baby with a midwife,
there was concern that I did not bleed “enough”, that
there might be a hemorrhage later. It may be
interesting to note that even after delivering the
placenta, I had zero blood loss. Yea for helichrysum,
geranium and white fir! The sloughing off period that
generally lasts a few weeks, lasted 2 days. Even as
long as she was in the womb, the placenta was still
fairly firm (I attribute this to the powerful nutrition
received from the Lifelong Wellness Trio).
I had loaded up on oils for the "after pains", but
only used them once, as there was very little discomfort
afterward. Nice!
We expected that as “late” as she was, our new
daughter may have liver issues, but she worked through
the biliruben as quickly as our other babies. She did,
however, at 3 ½ weeks, manifest torticollis, a condition
where the muscles in the neck are tweaked and pull the
head to one side (right) and chin upwards toward the
other side (left). I had also noticed a slight flatness
on the left side of her head (plagiocephaly). Babies
with torticollis have a higher risk of plagiocephaly. Torticollis
can be acquired in the womb due to cramped conditions,
but can also be acquired due to injury. I had been
doing spinal adjustments on her nightly (maybe that is
partly why she sleeps 5-6 hours most nights?), and her
neck was pliable. She did not seem to be in any pain;
her head just sagged to the one side. At this point, her
neck only pulls her head to the right when she is very
tired, and her head is almost completely filled out.
I will update at a later date.
As we have said before, everyone is different. I
continued throughout my pregnancy, and still today as a
nursing mom, to use essential oils every day in every
way. I take my Lifelong Wellness Trio daily. That is
what my body loves. Education is the key to success in
any program. Learn all you can from pure sources. Those
of us with unshakeable confidence in what we do, have it
because we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that we are
making the best choice right now. Dr Hill tells us that
often health is making the best choice at this moment,
and every one of us have done that at one time or
another. You may not be perfect in your knowledge or
belief, but you can be perfect in your confidence when
you know that, of the oils you have, lavender (or
frankincense, or Deep Blue) is the best choice for the
need at hand. We went into this delivery knowing that we
had been and were being schooled for this, and would be
taught more as the need arose. Search this site and
learn all you can. There are some amazing mentors that
have contributed information. Find those who click with
you and do not be afraid to approach them. It is
another step out of fear, and I promise you will be as
delighted with your outcome as we have been with ours!
Love, Tamalu
Ready, Set, Grow
