August is such a great month. It houses World Breast Feeding Week – August 1-7, Respect for Parents Day, and is my favorite month of summer.
There is nothing more joyful than being a parent. What a blessing to bring a new person into this world. It’s also a time of worry for mom and dad- especially your first time around. Essential oils were a major support for me when bringing my son into the world and they continue to soothe our entire family each and every day.
Breastfeeding is important to many new families and that’s why I wanted to educate during Breast Feeding Week.
Breastfeeding is exhilarating, rewarding and worth it, but not easy or free of stress. It comes with pains and concerns from sore nipples to worries over my milk supply, to lack of sleep for both mom and dad – it was definitely a journey filled with joys and challenges.
Find comfort and solace with the help of dōTERRA oils. I found the following 3 oils are incredible for providing strong milk supply: Basil, Fennel and Clary Sage. Just by diluting 1-2 drops of these oils, our hormones and bodies become supported during this time of physical stress. Breastfeeding, like anything physical, needs to be supported with proper nutrition, hydration, and sleep. Fennel required a bit more caution in terms of how long you use it and of course you want to make sure to dilute properly. (Note: You may want to check out my blog and videos from July 2017 for great dilution tips.)
With a healthy milk supply, we all still find ourselves with sore nipples. And yes, it can take away some of the joy of breastfeeding. Although you have to make sure to dilute and wash your nipples after using and before nursing; Melaluca and Frankincense can be a lifesaver – they work to soothe, cleanse, and support our nipple health.
Emotional support is also key for both mom and dad. From the ups and downs of our moods, to loss of sleep and lack of focus; essential oils can become like a best friend to your little family – adding support and strength.
During breastfeeding, we diffused oils for emotional support. My favorites are Cheer, Balance and Peace blends. When diffusing wasn’t an option, I would dilute and place topically on my wrists, behind the ears or bottom of the feet. Start with just 1-2 drops of these oils in a diffuser, or dilute and apply to the feet just 1-3 times a day. Then note how you feel and modify safely. The second and third trimester is an incredible time to diffuse and use Frankincense, “The King of Oils.” Frankincense has been used since ancient times for numerous health reasons. Emotionally, it helps bring a sense of peace, relaxation, satisfaction and overall wellness.
As always, please dilute & cleanse properly, talk to your healthcare team, and avoid the strongest essential oils when breastfeeding. Some of the strongest are worth avoiding while nursing and include Oregano, Cinnamon, Cassia, and Wintergreen. Most of these when used in a blend are fine because of dilution. Also be sure to store essential oils out of reach from little ones and animals.
I personally only use and recommend doTERRA oils, as they are the most rigorously tested oils and only sourced where nature originally placed them on this Earth, to grow in abundance. I always recommend extra dilution during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as it is possible for some oils to end up in breastmilk when used topically.
Prepare yourself or a friend for breastfeeding early, by using the dōTERRA’s Emotional Aromatherapy System and add in an order of Frankincense. The kit supports your emotional needs and contains Cheer, Console and Peace. Once you experience the emotional support of essential oils for yourself, then start to explore the oils for sore nipples, and boosting your milk supply.
My wish is for you, your baby and family to live a happy, healthy life. As always, if you are ready to boost not only your life – but the lives of others by sharing essential oils and create a side income or full time business, I am here to help you. I am so honored to help support people through the joys of life.
Hoping you Grow.Shine.Thrive. with Wellness Essentials,
Heather
HeatherMcKinney.com