Pregnancy has always been a time when I have been so thankful for my knowledge of essential oils and aromatherapy.  I am not one of these women that carry pregnancy beautifully, I gain tons of weight, swell, have heartburn, gas and sleep all the time.  

Even though I am not the perfect pregnancy specimen I feel like it.  I first saw the results of aromatherapy and pregnancy when I lived with midwives as a teen. I then took and expanded upon this knowledge when I myself became pregnant. 

Another wonderful thing I discovered about aromatherapy when pregnant and after the babies are born is that it gives you a reason to take the time to heal yourself and pamper yourself.  What better that pampering “medicine”.

I originally formulated these blends for myself over five years ago they have since become ones used by pregnant woman, midwives and doulas all over the country.

Nausea Spray

In four ounces of distilled water in a spray bottle, add:

• 20 drops Spearmint
• 15 drops Lemon Essential oil
• 5 drops Sweet Orange Essential oil

Shake well and mist air when feeling nauseous.

You can also try using Ginger, Neroli and Rosewood to find a mixture that works for you.

• 2 ounces St. John’s Wort Oil
• 5 Drops Neroli
• 5 Drops Grapefruit Essential oil

This leg oil is fabulous. This is so soothing and relaxing on tired muscles.

• 1 cup coconut oil
• ¼ cup Cocoa Butter
• 1/8 cup Apricot, Almond or Grapeseed Oil
• 1/8-cup Kukui nut oil, Shea Butter or Mango Butter ( I love using Mango Butter)

When the oils are all melted, allow it to cool and add the essential oils and pour into another container for the mixture to be stored in.

• 10-20 drops Sandalwood (try to find an ethical source)
• 15 drops Patchouli
• 15 Drops Sweet Orange

You can try varying amounts of oils and types of essential oils but I love this combination. You can also use Rosewood, Rose, Lavender, Tangerine and Neroli.

Massage all over thighs, breasts, stomach and everywhere else that needs nourishing and moisturizing. I have also used this on my face, living in the Green Mountains we get frigid winds and my fair skin often needs a protector.

Relax and Focus

This is a relaxing blend to promote clarity and focus. In a four-ounce spray bottle almost filled with distilled water, add:

• 20 drops Grapefruit essential oil
• 15 drops Sweet Orange Essential oil
• 10 drops Spearmint Essential oil

Shake well and mist labor room, or you can make a compress using a wet cloth and misting the cloth, apply to forehead or the laboring Mom’s back. This mist is great for Dad too.

Transition can be a trying and tiring time for the mother. We want to support her and use a mist blend that will ground, calm and help uplift her spirits.

Add water to mister container as above and add:

• 15 drops Mandarin
• 10 drops Bergamot
• 10 drops Lavender
• 10 drops Clary Sage

This is a strong blend and it should be used away from the mother. Never spray the mother directly. The point of using mists during labor is to be as non invasive as possible. Every person is different and their needs are individual and different also.

Make sure that you understand the person you are making the blend for. The wrong blend can assault the senses and we must all realize in our need to help we make may something not so beautiful for the mother.