Written by Editorial Team
The practice of using essential oils has been present in cultures around the world for centuries. For a long time, mechanical presses and steams were used to extract oils from many plants. Now, essential oils are entering the mainstream public view – in supermarkets and wellness stores. Aroma therapists today are working to make the use of essential oils more widespread and mainstream. But as a new parent, you should know all the necessary facts, tips, and suggestions before using essential oils during breastfeeding, so that you do not put yourself or your baby in harm’s way.
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that are known for their aromatic and therapeutic properties. While they can offer various benefits, it is crucial for breastfeeding mothers to exercise caution and make informed choices when using essential oils. Certain essential oils are generally considered safe to use during breastfeeding, such as lavender, chamomile, and lemon. However, it is important to remember that every individual is different, and some babies may be more sensitive to certain oils. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a certified aromatherapist to ensure the safe and appropriate use of essential oils while breastfeeding.
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These oils are called “essential” because they are thought to embody the very essence of the fragrant plants they are extracted from – be it in smell, flavor, or other properties. Essential oils are extracted from the plant through different procedures. More often it is extracted by means of distillation, steam or water is used for this. Another technique used to extract the essential oil from the plant is cold pressing. Common essential oils include those made from spearmint, lavender, eucalyptus, and dill.
The short answer? Yes. But it is definitely more complicated than that. Essential oils can really help a new parent during the period of nursing. But not each and every oil should, or can be used while nursing. Post-delivery recovery takes time, and with sleepless nights tending to the baby, often whole weeks go by without you pausing to take of yourself.
Thus, when used in moderation and with proper knowledge, these oils soothe your tense and sore muscles, increase your milk supply, and more without the need for medicines or pills. The key is to choose an oil that is of good quality and that is safe for the babies.
As mentioned, essential oils can do wonders for you during breastfeeding, if you use them in an informed manner. As more and more people are looking to use essential oils, companies that manufacture these oils are openly misleading the customers, wherein they gloss over the side effects or possible adverse reactions, and only focus on the positive aspects of using essential oils. This practice often goes unnoticed and leads to misuse of the oils, ultimately resulting in rashes, allergic outbreaks, etc. So, care should be taken to not fall into the hyped-up idea of essential oils.
Use them, but use them wisely. For example – Do not use an essential oil without diluting it in coconut oil, sweet almond oil, olive oil or hemp seed oil – these oils function as carriers
Read the labels to check if solvents like butane were used in the oil’s extraction. If yes, do not buy them because their traces can still be present in the final product and prove to be harmful.
While using essential oils to increase milk supply, first make sure that they are suitable for your newborn too. After you properly dilute them with an available carrier, you can apply the essential oil to your breasts, but never apply it to your nipples. You can also apply it on the pulse points. Did you know the pulse points are connected to the breast?
The quantity matters. Try to use three to four drops of essential oils. If you like to put essential oil in a diffuser put only 3 to 4 drops in your diffuser and never use it for more than one hour as well. Once you practice moderation, since they help you relax, these oils make it easier for the body to produce more milk. If you use a breast pump or even otherwise, make sure you wipe off the oils so that the baby doesn’t come into contact with it.
Essential oils can be used in various ways to relax you mentally and physically. Remember, relaxation and comfort are two major factors that help with successful breastfeeding. Essential oils offer a range of benefits when used during breastfeeding. For example,
Keep away from these essential oils while Breastfeeding
Mothers often contemplate the addition of essential oils to their breastfeeding routine. Before making a decision, it is advisable to take precautionary measures by practicing the following steps:
Customers and consumers in this day and age need to be aware and cautious when buying products like essential oils. Do not fall for the farfetched marketing schemes and ads. Essential oils come with benefits, but also their own set of harmful effects. Thus you should do thorough research on essential oils – read labels, and double-check with your doctor before you proceed to use essential oils.
Yes, essential oils can potentially pass through breast milk. The components of essential oils can be absorbed into the bloodstream when applied topically or inhaled, and they can subsequently be excreted in breast milk. This means that if a breastfeeding mother uses essential oils, there is a chance that those oils may be present in her breast milk.
There is limited scientific evidence to support the claim that essential oils can increase milk supply in breastfeeding mothers. While some essential oils, such as fennel and basil, have traditionally been used for their potential galactagogue (milk supply enhancing) properties, their effectiveness has not been thoroughly studied or proven.
With a rich experience in pregnancy and parenting, our team of experts create insightful, well-curated, and easy-to-read content for our to-be-parents and parents at all stages of parenting.Read more.
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