The bond between a mother and her baby is easily one of life’s most beautiful connections. But let’s be honest, breastfeeding is no walk in the park unless you are one of those rare lucky mothers who don’t experience breastfeeding struggles. If you know something is not working but are struggling to find a solution, I recommend this step-by-step blog to guide you to helpful resources, support, and providers to improve breastfeeding for you and your baby. Whether you’re dealing with sore nipples, improper latching, the cover or not-to-cover debate, milk supply issues, or exhaustion and mama just needs some support, essential oils might be a wonderful tool in your arsenal.
And I know you’ve heard that the use of essential oils when breastfeeding is a bit controversial. So next, you open Google and search “Are essential oils safe to use while breastfeeding?” and find no information. You’re feeling bummed, right? Although mainstream medical sources won’t provide advice on the subject because of a lack of research, some alternative healing forums, companies, and websites will.
There isn’t much human research on using essential oils while breastfeeding, so most say to err on the side of caution. Of course, it’s important to remember that essential oils have the potential to cross over into your milk supply since they are so easily absorbed into your skin.
Did you know that one drop of essential oil is equivalent to 15-40 cups of tea or 10 teaspoons of a tincture? They surely are powerful, which is why it’s important to practice essential oil safety while breastfeeding, because not all oils are safe for babies. (S)
High-Quality Essential Oils Matter
There are so many essential oil companies out there; sometimes, it can be difficult to know if you’re choosing the right one. Seriously, it can be overwhelming. What matters is that the company is using 100% pure essential oil. Pure essential oil is derived from plants, whereas oils not labeled as such are often synthetic and will not give you the therapeutic qualities you want. If possible, you want to find a company that is transparent with third-party testing.
Essential Oils Dos and Don’ts
Before we dive into using those essential oils to support our anxiety, stress, milk production, and discomfort when breastfeeding, let’s have a brief refresher on how to use essential oils safely. It’s important to keep these basic dos and don’ts in mind:
DO dilute essential oils with a carrier oil.
DO use essential oils topically.
DO use caution around pets and children.
DON’T ingest essential oils.
DON’T apply directly to your skin without a carrier oil.
DON’T disregard safety information on the bottle.
How To Apply Essential Oils While Breastfeeding
You might wonder, “How can I use essential oils while I am still breastfeeding my baby?” Honestly, it’s a good question. Two of the safest ways to use essential oils are in a diffuser or by massaging them into your skin with a carrier oil. It is highly recommended to use 1% essential oil instead of 100% that comes straight out of the bottle.
Applying 1% diluted essential oil to your body is easy! For every single drop of essential oil, you need 1 teaspoon of carrier oil. The best carrier oils to use are jojoba oil, almond oil, olive oil, avocado oil, and rosehip seed oil. When applying this mixture to your body, especially your breasts, avoid your nipples, and always apply it after a feeding. If you apply the oils shortly before a feeding, just make sure to wipe down your breasts before latching.
Breastfeeding Safe Essential Oils
Here is a list of some of my favorite breastfeeding-safe essential oils and how they may support you during this time. Remember, before you start rubbing these all over your body, do small patch tests to see how your body reacts, and also check to see if your baby has any reactions after a feeding.
Trusted aromatherapist Wendy Robbins, founder of AromaWeb, states that all the oils listed below are safe for children and use postpartum.
Cedarwood Essential Oil
There are so many types of cedarwood essential oil, and it can be difficult to choose one. Some of the most popular are Atlas, Himalayan, Virginian, and Texas. Cedarwood is a great ally postpartum because it promotes mental clarity and calmness. Some studies have even found that cedarwood essential oil can reduce anxiety because it has a similar effect as benzodiazepines do on the body (S). It also helps balance oily skin and is a must-have for supporting and maintaining a healthy respiratory system. It is an all-around great oil!
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is a perennial favorite with its excellent calming and soothing properties, but it’s so much more than just that. Lavender essential oil can have a discomfort-relieving effect, reduce inflammation, and bring a sense of calm as well as soothe anxious feelings. A Study even found that lavender essential oil compares to lorazepam in its starting dose for patients with anxiety (S). Lavender is one of the greatest friends to have during postpartum and breastfeeding because not only can it calm you, but it can also support discomfort.
Orange Essential Oil
Two of the most popular types of orange essential oil are Blood and Sweet, and they are both known for their uplifting scent. Orange essential oil can help soothe anxiety and bring a sense of peace. It just feels and smells like happiness! When diffused, it can help with nervous tension and sadness and improve the aroma of a stale room. Orange essential oil can also help support and promote natural immunity.
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
Ylang Ylang essential oil is an intensely sweet oil often used in romantic blends for its aphrodisiac properties. And though it is great at helping set the sensual mood, it’s also calming, soothing, and uplifting when stress takes over. Ylang ylang can help encourage full-body relaxation and uplift your mood, making it a great friend during this time.
Not sure where to start, and love the sound of all of these oils? You’re in luck! The perfect blend of all four already exists at Earthley. Calming Essential Oil Blend combines all four of the essential oils mentioned and is designed to promote a calm mood and reduce feelings of anxiety. We even offer an on-the-go, pre-diluted essential oil roller version! Both options are safe while breastfeeding and are safe for children and pregnancy.
More generally understood as safe breastfeeding essential oils (S, S):
- Bergamot
- Chamomile
- Citronella
- Clary Sage
- Clove Bud
- Cypress
- Copaiba
- Coriander
- Balsam Fir
- Fennel
- Frankincense
- Grapefruit
- Geranium
- Helichrysum
- Jasmine
- Lemon
- Lemongrass
- Lavender
- Lime
- Myrtle
- Mandarin
- Marjoram
- Neroli
- Orange
- Palmarosa
- Patchouli
- Petitgrain
- Scotch Pine
- Rose Otto
- Rosemary
- Sandalwood
- Spikenard
- Black Spruce
- Tangerine
- Tea Tree
- Vetiver
- Ylang Ylang
Unsafe Essential Oils
Here’s a list of oils considered unsafe for breastfeeding by the International Childbirth Education Association.
- Aniseed
- Basil
- Camphor
- Carrot Seed
- Dill
- Hyssop
- Mugwort
- Myrrh
- Nutmeg
- Parsley seed or leaf
- Sage
- Tansy
- Tarragon
- Thuja
- Wintergreen
- Wormwood
- Cinnamon Bark
- Wintergreen
Things to Keep in Mind
If you’re choosing to use essential oils during your breastfeeding years, always remember to do so with you and your baby in mind. You don’t necessarily need to be cautious because the use of essential oils during this time is unsafe, but just because there isn’t a ton of research.
