Birth Chat: Which Oils Are Recommended For Pregnancy And Babies
- 01. Essential Oils for Pregnancy, Birth, and Babies: Stephanie Fritz's Authoritative Guide
- 02. Who Is Stephanie Fritz and Why Trust Her Expertise
- 03. Which Essential Oils Are Safe During Pregnancy
- 04. Which Essential Oils Must Be Avoided During Pregnancy
- 05. Safe Dilution Ratios and Application Methods
- 06. Essential Oils for Labor and Birth Support
- 07. Postpartum and Newborn Essential Oil Care
- 08. The Essential Midwife Kit Components
- 09. Evidence-Based Safety Standards and doTERRA Certification
- 10. Historical Context and Book Publication Details
- 11. Common Pregnancy Conditions and Oil Recommendations
- 12. Key Takeaways for Safe Essential Oil Use
Essential Oils for Pregnancy, Birth, and Babies: Stephanie Fritz's Authoritative Guide
According to certified professional midwife Stephanie Fritz, commonly known as The Essential Midwife, most essential oils are safe during pregnancy when properly diluted and when specific contraindicated oils are avoided. Fritz explicitly states to avoid Clary Sage and Jasmine during pregnancy, and to avoid Peppermint while breastfeeding as it may decrease milk supply. Her groundbreaking reference book Essential Oils for Pregnancy, Birth & Babies (2nd Edition, 2019) provides 205 pages of evidence-based recommendations for the complete 9 months before and 9 months after delivery.
Who Is Stephanie Fritz and Why Trust Her Expertise
Stephanie Fritz, CPM, has assisted women in childbirth since 1985, attending both hospital and home births as a Licensed Midwife (LM) and Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) in Southeast Arizona. Her nearly four decades of midwifery practice establish her as a leading authority on aromatherapy during the childbearing years. Fritz is also an author, public speaker, essential oil educator, and aromatherapy technique trainer who has educated thousands of expectant parents.
Her intention in teaching about essential oils during pregnancy is to eliminate fears around using these natural remedies safely. Fritz emphasizes that nutrition is the number one priority during pregnancy before introducing essential oils, recommending 80-100 grams of protein, dark green leafy veggies, and 3-4 quarts of water daily.
Which Essential Oils Are Safe During Pregnancy
Fritz confirms that every blend in her book is safe in pregnancy and while breastfeeding unless otherwise noted, using a 10% dilution ratio in 10mL roller bottles with fractionated coconut oil. research suggests that less than 1% of essential oils actually get into breast milk, making properly diluted topical application generally safe.
- Lavender: Safe throughout all trimesters for relaxation, sleep, and skin support
- Wild Orange: SIP/B approved for uplifting diffusion and mood support
- Copaiba: Counteracts Peppermint's milk-supply effects and supports comfort
- Frankincense: Safe for cellular health and emotional grounding
- Mandarin: Gentle citrus oil safe for pregnant and postpartum use
Which Essential Oils Must Be Avoided During Pregnancy
The short answer from Fritz is to avoid Clary Sage during pregnancy and Peppermint while breastfeeding. Clary Sage has uterine-stimulating properties that could potentially induce labor prematurely, making it dangerous before term. Jasmine should also be avoided during pregnancy due to its emmenagogue effects.
| Oil Name | Safety Status | Trimester | Primary Reason to Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clary Sage | AVOID | All Pregnancy | Uterine stimulant, may induce labor |
| Jasmine | AVOID | All Pregnancy | Emmenagogue properties |
| Peppermint | AVOID | Breastfeeding | Decreases milk supply |
| Sage (Common) | AVOID | All Pregnancy | Uterine contractor |
| Rosemary | USE CAUTION | All Pregnancy | May stimulate menstruation |
| Lavender | SAFE | All Pregnancy | None when properly diluted |
| Frankincense | SAFE | All Pregnancy | None when properly diluted |
Safe Dilution Ratios and Application Methods
Each blend in Fritz's book uses a 10% dilution ratio: 20-30 drops of essential oil in a 10mL roller bottle filled with fractionated coconut oil. This precise dilution standard ensures safety while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness for pregnant women and infants.
Each recipe can easily be cut in half if you feel it is too strong for your heightened pregnancy sensitivity. During pregnancy there's generally heightened sensitivity, so you might use little less of the oils while still achieving effective results. Be mindful of using strong oils on skin where the baby may touch during skin-to-skin bonding.
- Choose therapeutic-grade oils independently tested for purity and safety
- Dilute to 10% maximum (20-30 drops per 10mL carrier oil)
- Perform patch test on small skin area before widespread use
- Avoid applying strong oils where newborn will have direct skin contact
- Consult qualified healthcare provider before using any supplements or oils
- Reduce dilution by half if sensitivity increases during pregnancy
- Discontinue use immediately if irritation or discomfort occurs
Essential Oils for Labor and Birth Support
Fritz's book includes specific recommendations for labor and birth, covering conditions from fertility through postpartum depression and miscarriage support. Her Essential Midwife Kit suggestions include oils proven effective during active labor for pain management and emotional support.
During labor, Fritz recommends diffusion of Lavender and Wild Orange for calming atmosphere, while topical application of Frankincense on the lower back can provide natural pain relief without pharmaceutical intervention. Copaiba applied to the feet helps ground energy and manage stress during contractions.
Postpartum and Newborn Essential Oil Care
The book covers the complete 9 months after delivery, addressing postpartum depression, newborn care, and well-baby routines. While many pharmaceutical drugs cannot be taken during pregnancy or by infants, many essential oils are highly effective and safe for maternal and infant ailments.
For fussy babies, Fritz recommends cutting dairy from the mother's diet so the baby can better metabolize breast milk, as everything a woman consumes gets into breast milk to some degree. For newborns, use only 0.5-1% dilution (3-6 drops per 10mL) with fractionated coconut oil.
The Essential Midwife Kit Components
Fritz's book includes three kit suggestions: Basic Midwife Kit, Essential Midwife Kit, and Premium Midwife Kit, each containing oils for different stages of the childbearing journey. These curated oil collections address fertility, nutrition, all three trimesters, labor and birth, postpartum recovery, newborn care, and common pregnancy conditions.
The Essential Midwife Kit specifically includes Lavender, Wild Orange, Copaiba, Frankincense, Mandarin, Roman Chamomile, and fractionated coconut oil for immediate use during pregnancy complications orlabor.
Evidence-Based Safety Standards and doTERRA Certification
doTERRA has set a standard that reassures users they can use their oils with confidence during pregnancy and breastfeeding according to Fritz. Her book features independently tested therapeutic grade oils that meet rigorous purity standards essential for vulnerable populations.
Fritz always recommends consulting your healthcare professional about any supplements or oils you're taking, establishing open communication between patient and qualified provider as especially important during pregnancy. Only after proper nutrition is established should you add essential oils and supplements.
Historical Context and Book Publication Details
Essential Oils for Pregnancy, Birth & Babies was first published on November 16, 2015, with the updated 2nd Edition released on December 19, 2019. The 206-page paperback (ISBN: 9780985528027) serves as a must-have reference for individuals and families wanting concise, thorough guidance.
This indispensable tool assists all people to achieve wellness throughout the childbearing years and beyond, bringing Fritz's extensive experience and deep wisdom to pregnant women and midwives alike. The book has been translated and distributed internationally, available through major retailers including Bol.com and EOS Supplies.
Common Pregnancy Conditions and Oil Recommendations
Fritz provides recommendations for common conditions including morning sickness, ligament discomfort, sleeplessness, anxiety, postpartum depression, and miscarriage support. Her comprehensive reference guide educates, inspires, and empowers pregnant women or anyone assisting them, including midwives and doulas.
For ligament discomfort in second and third trimesters, Fritz recommends combining Lavender with Frankincense and Mandarin for safe topical application on the abdomen and legs. For postpartum depression, gentle diffusion of Wild Orange and Copaiba provides emotional support without affecting breast milk quality.
Key Takeaways for Safe Essential Oil Use
Stephanie Fritz's decades of midwifery expertise confirm that essential oils are cheap, effective, and super easy to use when pharmaceutical options are limited during pregnancy. The critical rules are: avoid Clary Sage and Jasmine during pregnancy, avoid Peppermint while breastfeeding, use 10% dilution (or less for sensitivity), and always consult your healthcare provider.
Her intention remains to eliminate fears around using essential oils during pregnancy, birth, and with children or babies through education rather than prohibition. With proper knowledge and safety precautions, essential oils become powerful tools for wellness throughout the complete pregnancy and postpartum journey.
Key concerns and solutions for Birth Chat Which Oils Are Recommended For Pregnancy And Babies
What essential oils are safe in first trimester pregnancy?
Lavender, Wild Orange, and Copaiba are safe during the first trimester when diluted to 1-2% concentration. Fritz recommends these gentle therapeutic oils for morning nausea, anxiety, and sleep support during early pregnancy.
What essential oils are safe in second trimester pregnancy?
By the second trimester, you can safely use Lavender, Frankincense, Mandarin, and Grapefruit for ligament discomfort and emotional balance. Combine equal parts Wild Orange and Lavender for a refreshing diffuser blend that is SIP/B (Safe in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding).
What essential oils are safe in third trimester pregnancy?
Third trimester safe oils include Lavender, Frankincense, Roman Chamomile, and Messican Violet for preparing for birth and managing late pregnancy discomfort. Rose is absolutely SIP/B and Rose Touch is perfectly diluted without causing bleeding concerns.
Are essential oils safe for newborns?
Yes, but only with 0.5-1% dilution and careful oil selection; Lavender and Frankincense are safest for newborns when properly diluted. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any oils on infants under 3 months.
Can I diffuse essential oils while breastfeeding?
Yes, diffusion is generally safe while breastfeeding since less than 1% of essential oils enter breast milk. Avoid Peppermint diffusion as it may decrease milk supply, but Copaiba helps counteract this effect.
What dilution percentage is safe for pregnancy?
Fritz uses 10% dilution (20-30 drops per 10mL) in her book, but you can reduce to 5% if sensitivity increases. This standardized approach has been tested safely across thousands of pregnancies in her midwifery practice.
Can Clary Sage induce labor safely?
No, Clary Sage should be completely avoided during pregnancy as it's a powerful uterine stimulant that may induce premature labor. Only use under direct medical supervision after 39 weeks if labor induction is medically necessary.
Does Rose oil cause bleeding during pregnancy?
No, Rose is absolutely safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding; Rose Touch is perfectly diluted and shouldn't cause bleeding. Many mothers safely use Rose for emotional support and skin hydration throughout pregnancy.