The essential oils described in this post refer only to therapeutic grade essential oils. I only recommend Young Living essential oils, as I am certain of their high quality.

Not too long ago, I shared with you how my daughter, Tiffany, used essential oils during her labor and delivery.

The “other grandma” (we call ourselves grandsisters!) was giving me blow-by-blow updates as labor progressed. We were both praising God for His gift of peppermint that day! He surely gives His children good gifts!

I also shared with you how Tiffany had prepared an essential oil “birth stash” ahead of time for all the various needs she may have during her home birth.

I’m including her personal list here, as well as some various helpful tips I’ve learned from other moms over the years (including my own experiences!). As usual, the information provided on The Common Scents Mom is for educational purposes only.

It is not intended to prescribe, diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It is your responsibility to educate yourself and address any health or medical needs you may have with your physician. Please seek professional help when needed.

Tiffany’s Essential Oil Birth Stash in order of importance

Geranium
Lavender
Frankincense
Peppermint
Valor Blend
Clary Sage
Peace & Calming Blend
Deep Relief (roll on)
Lemon
Cypress
Bergamot
Spikenard
Thieves Blend
Gentle Baby Blend
Clara Derm Spray
Home Diffuser
Crock Pot or Instantpot
Ninxia Red
Ningxia Nitro

Occasional Nausea During a Normal Pregnancy

Ningxia Red, Orange, Lemon, Peppermint, Ginger, or Di-Gize blend

Perineum Care:

Regularly massage into perineum three weeks prior to labor:

8 drops Geranium
5 drops Lavender
1 oz. almond oil

Stretch and Massage vaginal opening during labor using:

• 2 drops Helichrysum
• 2 drops Geranium
• 2 drops Lavender
• 1 drop frankincense
• 1-2 T. olive or almond oil

The Frankincense also helped to sooth the “burning” feeling that sometimes comes when baby is crowning.

Cleansing Perineum After Birth:

6 oz. warm water
5 drops Lavender oil
5 drops helichrysum or frankincense

Cleanse perineum area with entire contents of the bottle of warm lavender water after each trip to the bathroom. This is very soothing!

After Child Birth:

Soak clean wash cloth in water with five drops of lavender oil and 2 drops of geranium oil. Wring out cloth, place in a Ziploc, and refrigerate until well chilled. Apply to sore area. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

For Anal Soreness (there’s been a whole lot of pushing going on):

1 oz. almond oil (optional)
5 drops geranium oil
5 drops lavender oil
2 drops cypress oil
2 drops frankincense

Gently cleanse area, and apply directly to area of discomfort twice per day, or after each bowel movement.

I used this recipe after my last two 8 lb. babies and it was the only thing that gave me major, instant relief (and I had tried everything). However, one mom told me that it was too strong for her sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin, or if you find it burns, you can dilute it easily by diluting with a carrier oil or immediately applying plain almond or coconut oil (or another carrier oil) to the area. Helichrysum can also be used.

This oil blend can also be used in homemade suppositories. It is amazing!

Clara Derm Spray:

Especially suited for the vaginal area before and after childbirth.
Contains: Coconut oil, Myrrh, Tea Tree, Lavender, Frankincense, Roman Chamomile, Helichrysum.

Moving Things Along:

Clary Sage (Warning: Some people believe this may induce labor and don’t recommend it for use during pregnancy. Read our experience HERE.

Strengthen Contractions:

To help encourage regular and strengthened contractions, Tiffany applied Clary Sage around the inside of her ankles. Others have applied the essential oil, along with a carrier oil, directly to the abdomen.

Some have found it helpful to take one drop of Clary Sage internally in a glass of milk or almond milk every hour or so during labor. Still others prefer taking a few drops of Clary Sage in a capsule, which is what my daughter, Tiffany, did.

WARNING: Young Living is the only essential oil I would ever feel comfortable taking internally. Lower quality oils may actually be toxic. Know your product.

Alignment Help and Relaxation

Valor along inside and bottom of feet, and massaged into hips.

Managing the Discomforts of Pregnancy and Labor

Uterine Discomfort:

My personal favorite form of relief during my labors was this:

Keep by the bed, an InstantPot with a dozen wash cloths. I used to use a crockpot, but the Instant is now my BFF! I so, so wish I would have had this during my own labors – it would have made this process so much easier!

Place 1-2 drops of lavender and frankincense on each washcloth. Copaiba is also a great addition! Wet each wash cloth, wring out, roll up, and place in Instant Pot. Steam on lowest setting for 3 minutes with the vent closed. Best. Thing. Ever.

Have someone assigned to putting one of these steaming cloths across your belly during contractions.

As soon as it cools, replace with a new cloth. This can be a big job when mom is in transition, so having someone assigned to this is very helpful. It was a lifesaver for me (and I got rather demanding about it!) “New washcloth….NOWWWWW!”

Lavender is very helpful for dulling and easing uterine contractions; but, it is also good for relieving back and leg soreness too.  In addition, it is a balancing and calming oil that can help to relax the body and ease nervousness.  It restores emotional balance, and has been said to strengthen contractions.

Copaiba contains betacaryophyllene. Look it up!

Frankincense

During transition, apply Frankincense to abdomen in a carrier oil or on warm washcloth as described above.

Soreness During Normal Labor:

Frankincense, Valor, Pan Away, or Deep Relief. Apply to sore areas of back, legs, or hips.

Deep Relief applied to the back of neck or temples (be careful not to get in eyes). Peppermint or lavender may also be good choices.

Emotional Stress/Tension

Bergamot:
Apply to forehead and temples, or on location for relaxation.

Gentle Baby:
Diffuse in room (Tiffany and Ben diffused this during her entire labor and she said it was so soothing and relaxing.)

Valor:
Rub into shoulders to stay relaxed. Apply to inside and bottom of feet to help focus and to calm anxious feelings.

Spikenard, Peace & Calming, Sensation, Sacred Mountain:
Diffuse directly into air for a calming atmosphere. Dilute with carrier oil and massage to help with relaxation.

To Alleviate Nausea during labor:

Peppermint: Put one drop on tongue to alleviate nausea. Make sure husband or birth coach does this too. No laboring mama wants stinky breath in her face!

Rosewood: Inhale in a compress to alleviate nausea.

Sips of NingXia Red, NingXia Zing, NingXia Nitro, or water with Vitality Drops

Miscellaneous Aches and Discomforts of Childbirth and Postpartum:

Light Headed: If feeling light-headed or dizzy:
Peppermint – Apply behind the ears.  Put a drop on tissue and inhale slowly.

Tinkle Time: If having a hard time urinating after labor:
Peppermint – Put a few drops in the toilet before being seated.

Chilled: Warm a blanket in the dryer and wrap mama. Diffuse lavender. This also refreshes the air.

Contractions experienced after labor: After labor, apply a warm, wet washcloth with a few drops of Frankincense and lavender to the abdomen to sooth the discomfort.

Stretch Marks – Myrrh mixed in your hand with a little Sandalwood Boswelli Firming Cream. Also, Animal Scents or Rosewood Ointment mixed with a little myrrh can be helpful (but a little sticky).

Occasional Difficulty Sleeping after Baby – Peace and Calming, Harmony, Sandalwood, or Lavender diffused into the air. Also a drop or two of lavender on the blankets or sheets make for a peaceful sleep for mommy and baby (test fabric first). RutaVala or Vetiver rubbed into feet. Sleep Essence taken by mouth.