Using Essential Oils to Decrease New Mama Stress & Anxiety

As a new mama, I am sure you don’t have any idea about what I am talking about when it comes to stress and anxiety. Right?! Ha-ha! This is exactly why I wrote this blog post to help you to understand what essential oils are and how and why you would use them to help you naturally decrease stress. 

What are ESSENTIAL OILS? 

Essential oils naturally come from plants. The oils are extracted through the different parts of the plant (leaves, seeds, roots, flowers, rinds, or bark). They are processed through steaming or pressing so we can then use the oils. Pure grade essential oils are 100% plant derived. There are no artificial ingredients, fragrances, synthetics or fillers. To get the best results with essential oils, QUALITY of the essential oil is everything to make sure you get the best results! 

Why use ESSENTIAL OILS? 

First ask yourself, as a new mom, what are your main concerns and goals? Is it to feel less stressed and boost your mood? Is it to be more calm and less reactive? Is it to sleep better? Is it to be more focused?  Your answer will lead you to what specific oil you can use to make improvements in those areas. Essential oils work at the cellular level to help the body promote balance and health. The great thing is that they are safe without side effects like medicine. If you are new mama who is interested in learning more about natural means to support your emotional health, essential oils are a great way to do that! 

How to use ESSENTIAL OILS? 

1. Aromatically-You can use essential oils by breathing them in through your nose. You can do this by directly smelling the oils from the bottle, by misting it into the air from a spray bottle or using a diffuser. 

2. Topically-Apply the oils directly to your skin. You can apply to use your pulse points on your wrists or neck. You can also apply to the bottoms of your feet and to the back of the neck. If you have sensitive skin you may have to dilute the oils with a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil. You can also put them in your bath along with Epsom salts which is so nice! 

3. Internally-Some oils are safe to take internally by placing a drop in water, warm water as a tea, under your tongue, in a veggie capsule or while cooking or baking. It is always best to check the label on the bottle to make sure they are safe to take internally. 

So where do you start if you have never used oils? 

My 3 favorite oils for new mamas are Lavender, Peppermint and Orange. 

• Lavender- “The oil of CALM”. This is at the top of the list for all new mamas! It can be applied directly to the skin (wrists or bottoms of feet), as a mist to your pillow at bedtime, diffusing it in a room to promote calm, put drops into your bath water with Epsom salt, and can be taken internally with cooking and baking to reduce depression and anxiety. 

• Peppermint-“The oil of FOCUS”. Mom brain is real after having a baby! Peppermint is one of the best natural ways to increase alertness and help create clarity. It can be diffused, inhaled or applied directly to the wrists, temples and nape of the neck. It is great for headaches but may need diluted with a carrier oil if you have sensitive skin. Be careful not to get it too close to the eyes.

• Orange-“The oil of UPLIFTING ENERGY”. If you have ever walked into a room and someone recently peeled an orange, you will quickly recognize that fresh aroma. Orange essential oil can be applied directly to the wrists, placed in a diffuser to purify the air, placed in your bath water with Epsom salt, or added to your drinking water or used on surfaces as a natural cleaner. 

If you are looking for more information on essential oils check my Doterra site. 

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With love & gratitude,

Stacy