Introduction
The postpartum period has a huge effect on both physical and emotional health. Essential oils help to deal with this and make the person feel relaxed. However, there are doubts about using essential oils when the mother is breastfeeding. Certain selected essential oils are good to use during breastfeeding, while some are not allowed to be used. When a mother plans to use essential oils during breastfeeding there are many rules to be followed, like only pure essential oils should be diluted and used. Read the article to learn more about the use of essential oils during breastfeeding.
What Is Meant by Breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is a process that is essential and beneficial for both the mother and the newborn. Breastfeeding is when the mother provides the milk to the newborn, which contains all the nutrients the baby requires. Breastfeeding also has many benefits for the mother, such as preventing breast cancer, etc. If the mother cannot breastfeed, formulated milk can be provided as an alternative.
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are expressed plant oils extracted from different parts of the plants, such as the flower, rind, or root. How the essential oils are processed from the plant will exert an aroma. Essential oils are used as an aromatherapy. The aroma of these essential oils makes the mother feel relaxed and rejuvenated.
Can Essential Oils Be Used During Breastfeeding?
Certain essential oils are safe and can be used during breastfeeding, but certain oils should not be used. Before using any essential oil during breastfeeding, it should be consulted with the doctor. Some safe essential oils are:
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Chamomile oil.
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Eucalyptus oil.
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Jasmine.
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Lavender oil.
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Tea tree oil.
Some oils which should not be used when the mother is breastfeeding are
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Aniseed.
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Birch.
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Parsley.
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Sage.
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Wormwood.
When the essential oils are used around the newborn, they must be diluted. When the essential oil is used around the newborn, it should be ensured that it does not come in contact with the baby’s mouth. The mother or the newborn should not ingest essential oils; they should be used for aromatherapy. It should ensure that all the oils are wiped entirely from the skin. If essential oils are being used to heal the cracked nipples, they need to be wiped off entirely before breastfeeding the baby.
What Are the Safety Precautions to Be Taken While Using Essential Oils?
Some rules need to be followed before using essential oils; some are.
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The Essential Oils Should Not Be Confused With Herbs:
Essential oils are usually extracted from plants produced in higher concentrations. These oils need to be diluted before use.
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Essential Oils Should Never Be Ingested:
Even though it is safe to breathe in or apply the essential oils over the skin, ingesting them at any cost is unsafe.
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Some Essential Oils Should Be Avoided During Pregnancy or Lactation:
Those oils considered less safe should not be used during breastfeeding or pregnancy. Even though the dose of these oils may be very low in breast milk, the side effects caused should be considered.
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Some Essential Oils Can Also Have a Negative Impact on the Milk Supply:
Certain essential oils can affect the milk supply and produce reduced milk. As an example, peppermint can reduce the amount of breast milk produced.
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Some Essential Oils Should Not Be Mixed With Medications:
Certain medications can be prescribed if the mother has complications during pregnancy or delivery. Essential oils can worsen the effect of prescribed medications such as Warfarin or Heparin. Essential oils and these medications will have a positive impact, but when used together, they will have some issues.
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Make Sure the Baby Is Not Directly Exposed:
Certain essential oils tend to be harmless to the baby when exposed through breast milk, but the newborn must not be directly exposed, which can result in many problems.
What Are the Effects of Essential Oils?
Essential oils usually enter the body through inhalation or the skin. When the aroma is inhaled, it is directed to the brain's limbic area, which is related to emotions, memories, and some functions. Once the aroma enters this region, it evokes good and bad memories. Some essential oils can help to relax and rejuvenate. Each individual will have their response to each essential oil.
What Are the Benefits of Using Essential Oils?
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Healing:
Essential oils help in the healing process of cracked nipples. In the initial stages of breastfeeding, the nipples may get cracked and can cause pain. Some essential oils can help to heal such nipples.
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Enhances Sleep and Relaxation:
In the initial stages after birth, the mother can be sleep deprived and go through postpartum depression, but essential oils help to relax and rest, which is essential for the physical and mental health of the mother. Some oils like lavender oils, help to sleep better.
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Relieves Anxiety:
Some mothers become very anxious after bringing the newborn home. The mother may be worried about the baby getting the required nutrients and rest. This makes the mother very anxious. Some essential oils help calm the mother's anxiety during the postpartum phase.
How Can Essential Oils Be Used Safely?
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Dilute the Essential Oils:
Essential oils are produced in high concentrations and must be diluted before use. Essential oils can be diluted using a carrier oil such as vegetable oil.
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Topical Use:
Essential oils can be inhaled or can be applied over the skin. At any cost, the newborn or the mother should not ingest essential oils. Wipe away or wash the oil before breastfeeding the baby.
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Approved Oils:
Not all essential oils can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding phase. Before using any essential oils, consultation with the doctor must be done to ensure the essential oil is approved for use during breastfeeding.
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Pure Essential Oils:
Only pure essential oils should be used. Only those extracted directly from the plant need to be used; no essential oils that are synthetic or have any other ingredient should not be used.
Conclusion
Essential oils are plant extract that helps the mother to relax during the postpartum phase. Some essential oils have good benefits and must be used cautiously around the newborn. Essential oils need to be inhaled or can be applied over the skin. At any cost, the mother or the baby should not ingest these oils. Not all essential oils are safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so before starting with any essential oil consultation with the doctor should be done.
