Essential oils during conception, pregnancy and beyond

Tisserand Aromatherapy Product Development Director Julia Haywood gives her views on the safe and effective use of essential oils during conception, pregnancy and birth to enhance wellbeing.

Conception

Conceiving a baby for many is a straightforward (or even a little too straightforward!) process, but for thousands of women around the world, conception can prove elusive, incredibly tiring and stressful, putting a huge amount of counter-productive stress on the couple involved.

It goes without saying that encouraging relaxation and easing the symptoms of stress will help to create a more peaceful atmosphere for creating a baby, both in and outside of the body. If you are struggling to conceive try to take a break from thinking about it as often as possible. Step back and carve out some ‘you time’.

Create a cocoon of calm in your bedroom by diffusing a blend of Sandalwood and Lavender in the evening. Our Aroma Spa Diffuser is perfect for this and features a mood-enhancing light to help further induce a state of calm. Jasmine essential oil’s aphrodisiac properties may also prove useful here! Blend 2 drops in 10mls of blending oil and apply to the chest when needed.

Our collection of pre-blended wellbeing solutions can also help you to relax in a natural way. Try a soak in our Total De-Stress Bath Oil and a spritz of our Sleep Better Pillow Mist on linen before bed.

Pregnancy

Congratulations! If you have successfully conceived you’ll be over the moon and rightly so. Pregnancy is a wonderful time in a woman’s life but can bring with it a whole plethora of concerns and anxieties. The key here is to remain calm where possible. If you are first time mum you may need extra help to navigate your way through the 9 months. Don’t be scared to get in touch with your midwife or medical practitioner if you have any concerns affecting your stress levels. Stress can be negative for baby too!

Whilst essential oils are not suitable for using on the skin within the first trimester, diffusing oils in the home can be useful to ease some of the side effects relating to pregnancy. To help beat morning sickness, blend together 2 drops of Peppermint or Ginger essential oil with 3 drops of Lemon essential oil in a diffuser and take deep breaths to settle the stomach. Be careful not to overdo it though and limit the time the diffuser is on for no longer than 1 hour in every 24.

Essential oils can be used on the skin after the first trimester, but it is best to check first with a medical professional or qualified aromatherapist You can find details of aromatherapists local to you on the IFPA Website.

After Birth

Bringing a new born baby in to the family is a truly wonderful thing, but sleepless nights and erratic days can leave families with new arrivals feeling burnt out and overwhelmed.

Try diffusing an energising blend to give you a boost. Add up to 4 drops of Grapefruit, Orange, Lime or Lemon essential oil to a diffuser and gently fill the room with an enlivening aroma. Again, be careful not to overdo it and do not use the diffuser for any longer than 1 hour in 24.

Our Wellbeing Collection is also a wonderfully simple solution for pushed-for-time new parents. Try a spritz of our Energy High MoodFix Mist to give you an instant uplift. Roll our Happy Vibes Roller Ball  over pulse points for instant uplift whilst out and about.