Exploring Essential Oils in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
By Chris Colón, Certified Genetic Counselor at MotherToBaby Arizona
At MotherToBaby, we constantly seek out new and engaging topics for our blog, aiming to address our readers’ essential questions and concerns. While we often focus on over-the-counter and prescription medications, it’s important to acknowledge the growing interest in alternative medicine, including practices such as hypnosis, massage therapy, and essential oils.
As a teratogen information specialist, I’ve frequently received inquiries about the use of essential oils during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Although information on FDA-approved medications is becoming more accessible, reliable data on non-FDA regulated products is scarce. Nonetheless, our responsibility is to provide the most current and accurate information available.
Lacking personal experience with essential oils, I turned to my friend and colleague, Nicole Greer, a mother of three, who shared her journey. “Three years ago, a friend invited me to an ‘oils’ party. I was skeptical but curious,” Nicole recounts. “I witnessed people sharing stories about how oils elevated mood, improved digestion, and enhanced overall health.”
Nicole embarked on a quest for credible sources to validate these claims. “I wondered why these oils weren’t more prevalent in medical settings,” she admits. Her research revealed that institutions like Vanderbilt University and Beth Israel Hospital have integrated essential oils into patient care, noting benefits such as reduced stress and improved wellness.
Essential Oils: Considerations for Expectant and Nursing Mothers
For those contemplating the use of essential oils during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it’s crucial to consult healthcare providers to discuss potential risks and benefits. Here are some key considerations:
- Limited Research: Many essential oils lack comprehensive studies on their use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This absence of data doesn’t automatically imply harm or benefit but highlights the need for caution.
- Source Reliability: Differentiate between anecdotal experiences and scientifically-backed information. Ensure your sources are credible and reliable.
- Consult Professionals: While books and online resources provide insights, they cannot replace personalized medical advice. Every pregnancy is unique, and a healthcare provider’s guidance is invaluable.
In case of unintended use of essential oils, don’t panic. Contact your healthcare provider for advice. Typically, topical application results in minimal absorption, but factors like skin condition, application area, and ingestion can increase absorption levels.
Nicole’s personal experience with essential oils was transformative. “Using oils relieved my lifelong headaches and seemed to improve my children’s overall health,” she shares. “It’s a personal decision, and one that requires thorough information gathering.”
MotherToBaby remains a reliable resource for information on essential oils during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Contact our teratogen information specialists at 866-626-6847 or visit www.MotherToBaby.org.
Chris Colón, a certified genetic counselor based in Tucson, Arizona, works for The University of Arizona as a Teratogen Information Specialist at MotherToBaby Arizona. Her extensive experience includes prenatal and cardiac genetics counseling.
MotherToBaby is a service of the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS), recommended by agencies like the CDC. For inquiries about medications, vaccines, or other exposures, reach out to MotherToBaby at 866-626-6847 or try our text counseling service at (855) 999-3525.
