Feathers in Our Nest

a blog about faith, family, food, & more written by a wife and stay at home mom of five

Essential Oils for Labor

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Essential Oils for Labor: creating a kit for natural birth and postpartum healing | Feathers in Our Nest This birth is the first one where I’m planning on using essential oils in labor.  I’m pretty excited about it!  I think I packed lavender for my other births, but I can’t remember using it (except maybe on my pillowcase to help me relax).  I’ve been doing lots of research on what essential oils are best for during labor and delivery, and I’m packing up my birth kit accordingly!

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, so if you are seeking medical advice, please talk to your doctor or midwife. Please discuss using essential oils in labor with your medical professionals.

My essential oils for labor

(Note: I most likely will not end up using all of these, but I want to be prepared for anything! Over the last few months, I have added some oils to my collection that are specifically for this labor.)

I’m not sure whether I will be able to use my diffuser in the hospital room or not, so I will just see when I get there!  I can just inhale directly from the bottle if I am unable to diffuse in the room (which is totally fine).

clary sage  /  blend of jasmine  /  myrrh

For strengthening contractions and helping a stalled labor
Dilution: 10% in fractionated coconut oil
Application: Roller ball glass bottles – one bottle of each oil

lavender

For aiding in relaxation and for diffusing in the room
Dilution: n/a for diffuser
Application: Inhalation directly from bottle  /  Diffuser (will use 3-5 drops)

frankincense

For easing labor pains  /  For grounding, focus, and clarity  /  For massage during labor
Dilution: 10% in jojoba oil
Application: Roller ball glass bottle

bergamot

For diffusing in the room  /  For relaxation
Dilution: n/a for diffuser
Application: Diffuser (3-5 drops)

Pregnancy Blend

(this is a blend of peppermint, lavender, Ylang Ylang Extra, ginger root, frankincense, and vetiver)
For diffusing in the room (smells great)  /  For helping focus
Dilution: n/a for diffuser
Application: Diffuser (3-5 drops)

peppermint

For nausea and dizziness during transition /  For headaches  /  For helping turn the baby to an optimum birthing position if needed
Dilution: n/a
Application: Inhalation directly from bottle  /  For turning baby, one drop applied to lower back to help turn a posterior baby (side note: use on top of belly for turning a breech baby)

frankincense + myrrh blend

For perineal massage during crowning and pushing
Dilution: 10% in cold pressed extra virgin olive oil (blend of equal amounts of each oil)
Application: Glass dropper bottle for ease of use during perineal massage

Trauma-Gone

For healing after the birth  /  For preventing anxiety
Dilution: n/a for diffuser
Application: Inhalation directly from bottle  /  Diffuser (3-5 drops)

Other Sources:  cosmetic bag – Target (in store)  /  glass roller bottles  /  glass dropper bottle – Whole Foods (in store)  /  tiny amber bottles  /  washi tape for small labels

Have you ever used essential oils in labor?  Which one(s) did you find to be most helpful?Essential Oils for Labor: creating a kit for natural birth and postpartum healing | Feathers in Our Nest

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to the essential oil company I use and trust. 
ALIESHA CALDWELL IS A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR SITES TO EARN ADVERTISING FEES BY ADVERTISING AND LINKING TO AMAZON.COM.

DIY Bug Repellent

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all natural DIY Bug Repellent made with essential oils and safe for pregnant women | easy and fast to make | Feathers in Our Nest


I tried out a new bug repellent recently that I made using essential oils.  It worked really well at a cookout we went to this week!  It’s nice to know exactly what’s in your bug spray and that there aren’t any “questionable” ingredients!  It also only takes a minute to make.

These oils are very safe, and this blend of citronella, lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus citriodora is specially created to be safe for pregnant women and kids.  I tend to attract a lot of mosquitoes when I’m pregnant, so I was happy to see that this DIY bug repellent worked so well!  It also provides relief to existing bug bites, especially if you spray it on right when they happen.

As always, wearing more clothes (long pants, etc.) and avoiding scented perfumes and lotions can help prevent mosquito bites too!

DIY Bug Repellent
 
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Make this DIY Bug Repellent to prevent mosquito bites this summer! Easy and fast to make with a blend of four safe essential oils.
Author:
Ingredients
  • 15 drops citronella
  • 8 drops lavender
  • 8 drops peppermint
  • 4 drops eucalyptus citriodora
  • 4 ounces distilled water
  • glass spray bottle
Instructions
  1. To a 4 ounce glass spray bottle, add essential oils.
  2. Fill remainder of the way with distilled water.
  3. Shake well before using!

Sources: citronella  /  lavender  /  peppermint  /  eucalyptus citriodora  /  glass spray bottle


all natural DIY Bug Repellent made with essential oils and safe for pregnant women | easy and fast to make | Feathers in Our NestHave a happy, bug-free summer!

For other “recipes” using essential oils, click here!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to the essential oil company I use and love. If you choose to make a purchase through my links, it will help support my family and this blog. Thanks!

DIY Fragrance Sticks {Using Your Favorite Essential Oils!}

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Make your own fragrance sticks (solid perfume) using your favorite essential oils or blends! Three simple ingredients and easy to make! | Feathers in Our Nest

Today I wanted to share another fun way to use the essential oils you have in your “stash”!  Making personal fragrance sticks (or solid perfume, as some call it) couldn’t be easier.  Simply choose your favorite essential oil or a blend of oils and whip up these fragrance sticks in a few minutes!  While they look like lip balm, they are intended to be applied to your neck, wrists, or behind your ears as a light personal perfume.

When I made these to give away as a gift, I used Blend of Jasmine for a pleasant floral scent.  You can use many different oils!  I recommend starting with an oil or blend that you love the fragrance of and have used topically before with no problems (skin irritation, etc.).

Here are a few suggestions:
–Bergamot
–Pink Grapefruit
–Lavender
–Blend of Jasmine
–Citrus Blend
–Blend of Vanilla
–Calming
–Citrus Passion
–Sonata
–Peace and Quiet

These make great little gifts (and you could plan ahead to make stocking stuffers!).  They are super cute to enclose with a birthday card.

I used white beeswax when I made these, but if you use yellow beeswax (which is totally fine), the sticks will be a light yellow color.  You can also use sweet almond oil in place of the olive oil if you prefer.

This recipe yields 5 sticks, but you can easily double or triple the recipe to make more!

DIY Fragrance Sticks {Using Your Favorite Essential Oils!}
 
Print
Easily make these fragrance sticks so you can carry your personal perfume with you anywhere you go! Use your favorite essential oil or blend to customize it for you.
Author:
Serves: 5 sticks
Ingredients
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp. + 1 tsp. beeswax pellets (white or yellow)
  • ¼ tsp. essential oil
Instructions
  1. Prepare empty lip balm containers by opening the lids and standing them on their ends. Group together and secure with a rubber band. (Alternatively, you can use tiny round tins.)
  2. Place olive oil and beeswax in a glass Pyrex measuring cup OR a mason jar and set it inside a saucepan on the stovetop filled with an inch or two of water. (The advantage of the measuring cup is the pouring spout!)
  3. Heat the saucepan over medium heat and stir the contents of the glass measuring cup or mason jar until melted and combined.
  4. Remove from heat and add essential oil(s).
  5. Immediately pour into empty tubes, working quickly as it will harden rapidly.
  6. Allow to cool, then label or package! (You don't want to get confused and think they are lip balms!)

Sources: beeswax pellets  |  essential oils  |  lip balm tubes

Make your own fragrance sticks (solid perfume) using your favorite essential oils or blends! Three simple ingredients and easy to make! | Feathers in Our Nest

Let me know if you make these!  I’d love to hear what essential oils you use!

Make your own fragrance sticks (solid perfume) using your favorite essential oils or blends! Three simple ingredients and easy to make! | Feathers in Our Nest

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase through my links, it will help support this blog and my family. Thank you!

ALIESHA CALDWELL IS A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR SITES TO EARN ADVERTISING FEES BY ADVERTISING AND LINKING TO AMAZON.COM.

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