The practice of aromatherapy has been used for centuries to treat a whole variety of different health conditions, particularly as a form of stress relief and to reduce anxiety. However, before using essential oils, it is necessary to be aware of some safety guidelines, especially when pregnant.

Aromatherapy Oils for Pregnancy

Before purchasing high-quality essential oils whilst pregnant, it is important to understand which aromatherapy products have been identified as safe during pregnancy and which must be avoided.

* Avoid massage blends with essential oils/bath oils until after three months of pregnancy.
* Use massage blends with half normal drops of essential oils.
* Take special care when blending oils to keep to low dosage.
* Do not use intensive, strong purifying oils during pregnancy.

There are several essential oils which are identified as being too strong for usage whilst pregnant, such as rosemary, fennel, tulsi, sweet basil, myrrh and angelica root. Aromatherapy oils are beneficial for massage after the first three months of pregnancy, to include as follows:

* Roman chamomile
* orange leaf
* lavender
* geranium

Aromatherapy Essential Oils for Babies, Toddlers

While aromatherapy essential oils are not safe for babies under three months old, there are recognised benefits for using oils on babies older than three months.

* baby bath: 1 drop essential oil diluted in 4 tsp carrier oil
* baby massage: 1 drop rose otto in 4 tsp sweet almond oil
* for healing a sore bottom: Roman chamomile
* to aid sleep and soothe skin: lavender
* to calm a baby or toddler: neroli
* to moisturize the skin: rose otto

Aromatherapy Safety for Children (2-10 years)

Aromatherapy has been identified to have multiple healing properties when used safely, following key guidelines. While children aged over ten are able to use essential oils as recommended for adults, those aged between two and ten must not have more than two drops of oil in a massage blend.

* to soothe nerves: Roman chamomile
* to aid sleep: lavender
* to relieve cold symptoms: lemon-scented eucalyptus
* to unblock the nose: lemon
* to calm emotional stress: sweet orange
* to relieve tummy troubles: spearmint
* to soothe irritated skin: rose otto

As highlighted above, special precautions are necessary for using aromatherapy oils during pregnancy and for babies, toddlers and children under ten years old. Roman chamomile helps soothe nerves and heal sore bottoms, while lavender aids sleep and soothes irritated skin.

With a baby on the way, there’s plenty of people and literature – not to mention marketing materials – that are more than willing to fill you in on how to prepare for the birth. Whether it’s how to decorate a nursery so it’s cutesy and practical, what you need to do to baby proof your home, or the endless array of advice on routines, it seems that the whole world and his ‘good-with-children’ dog are dishing out pearls of wisdom.

Of course, baby is bound to be on your mind. It’s only natural. That said, while it’s tempting to focus your energies on clothes, sterilisers, and the perfect décor, this is the time for some serious self-soothing.

When you realise you have a little one on the way, Mother Nature usually hands you the gift of time. You have months to sort all the practical stuff. Seriously, as standard, it’s ten months. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s nine! Whether this is your first baby or not, when your bundle arrives, your world will be turned upside down. Pregnancy is your time to prepare mentally and spiritually for what’s ahead. And you can always pepper that with some must-do decorating.

Maybe you consider yourself a young mum, an old mum, a not-so-maternal mum. Maybe you’re a thrown-in-the-deep-end mum, a planned-pregnancy mum, or a struggled-to-make-this-happen mum. However you identify, when you’re going to rock this, and mindfulness strategies can really help you through.

Invest in a little notepad. Choose some affirmations and reassure yourself that you can totally do this. You got this!

Affirmations are positive statements that you repeat to yourself, whether out loud or internally, to wash away any negative thoughts that may come to mind. The science behind affirmations is that your thoughts become your reality. Think positive and you are more likely to have a positive pre- and post-natal experience. Affirmations can be written by anyone and work best when they specifically address individual qualms. It’s as simple as saying, ‘I am a strong woman. I will be a loving, caring, and supportive mother. I can do this and I believe in myself.’

Rest! It might be hard when you’re uncomfortable, sore, and hot, but do all you can to make sleep happen. Take relaxing baths, read before bed, fill the air with calming scents. Ditch screens in the bedroom, and allow yourself to drift into natural sleep. Sleep nurtures the body, allowing it the time and resources it needs to rejuvenate during this exhausting period of prenatal development. Likewise, gentle exercise such as swimming or leisurely strolls can be a real energy booster, releasing hormones that leave you feeling fab.

Don’t forget to spend time with your partner, too. While the pregnancy part of things is very much you, it’s important to share the experience with that special someone in your life. Sure, you may well attend appointments together, but don’t ditch date night. Cosy up, catch a film, go for a meal, enjoy one another’s company and build a stronger bond that you’ll cherish and appreciate all the more once your newborn enters the world.