DoTERRA Essential oils for Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is one of the most beneficial and beautiful things you can do for your baby. I breastfed all 5 of my children and I loved that precious time with them. BUT it isn’t always easy, is it? Breastfeeding can come with it’s own set of challenges. Especially if it’s your first time nursing there can be a lot of stress and anxiousness. I actually wasn’t able to nurse my 5th child very long due to a missed tongue tie but I pumped for her for a total of 19 months! It was very stressful and all new despite being so experienced with breastfeeding. Essential oils were such a tremendous blessing to me during that time because not only was it a stressful, trying time but my supply was very precarious. I was so blessed to have my oils and now I want to share with you all the benefits of doterra essential oils for breastfeeding.
Here are some common issues and some oil suggestions…
Essential oils for breastfeeding: A healthy Milk Supply
Some women have a robust supply and they don’t have to worry about it “dipping” or not having enough or their baby. I was like that with my first few children – milk for days. But with my last child and the issues we had with her not wanting to nurse (and it hurting like nothing else) and then pumping, my supply was an issue I was always worried about.
Good news! There are 3 oils that are fantastic for boosting your supply: Fennel, Basil, and Clary Sage. Clary Sage is an oil known for supporting the hormonal system so it’s a great oil to use starting after birth to encourage the hormones to do what they are supposed to and kick into breastmilk production mode. You can use one, two or all three it’s really up to you. I personally used Fennel while pumping and had AMAZING results. I’d apply over the upper portion of the breast 1-2 times a day and within 3 days my supply was always happy and robust again. You can take these oils topically or internally but I recommend topically while nursing. *Note: do not use Fennel more than 10 consecutive days. Take breaks using it. But you shouldn’t need it more than a few days anyway.
Essential oils for breastfeeding: Peace and Calming
Breastfeeding can be stressful. Sometimes baby is having a hard time, maybe they are teething or overtired or just still adjusting to nursing. And sometimes we as moms can have a ton going on or not feel well ourselves and need help calming down and connection. Here are some oils you can apply to yourself to help you both find peace and calm for your time together (click here to learn about using oils on newborns and babies)
- Balance. Apply this to your feet to help you feel grounded and calm. I also like to apply it to the back of my neck if I feel anxious or emotional.
- Lavender, Serenity blend or Peace blend. These are all very calming oils. You can apply these to yourself on your wrists, neck, the bottom of feet or even your shirt to help you feel peaceful. Just using them on yourself releases the oils into your air and is enough aromatherapy to calm baby too. And perfectly safe.
Essential oils for breastfeeding: Support healthy milk flow:
Sometimes if we wait too long to nurse or have a lot of stress in our lives (or who knows why else this happens), we can get areas of the breast that become plugged and hard. This has happened to me many, many times, especially before I had doTERRA oils in my life. Here are my best tips to tackling this issue right away – the sooner the better when it comes to plugged ducts!
- First of all – Nurse, nurse, nurse. It may be tender and you may want to shy away from nursing but draining the breast is the very best thing. Using massage or the comb (see below) after the initial letdown can help the milk release from that area.
- The very best tool for a plugged duct is a fine tooth comb. My midwife taught me this. Stand in a warm shower and let it run on your breasts which will help the milk release. Then comb your skin from above the affected area, down towards the nipple. This works SO amazingly well. Random and weird tip: You can also use hot water in a newborn diaper to heat up the breast before combing
- Apply diluted Citrus Bliss blend over the hard area to help the extra milk release. (Plus you’ll smell amazing and feel happier!)
- It is important to support your body when this happens so unwanted bacteria does not develop. Use immune supporting oils like On Guard and Oregano on the bottom of your feet (not on the breasts) to stay healthy.
DoTERRA Essential oils for breastfeeding: Sore Nipples
Sore nipples just happen. It is especially common in the first few weeks as you adjust to nursing. We can use gentle oils to help soothe the nipples but make sure to wipe off before baby nurses
- Dilute oils applied to the nipple to avoid drying out the skin. I love Lanolin for sore, cracked nipples and its a great carrier (and works great as a lip gloss too – seriously, I’ve gotten compliments before!)
- Apply after baby nurses so there is plenty of time for it to absorb and fade before nursing again
- Wipe or wash nipple before nursing again
- Best oils for sore nipples: Frankincense and Melaleuca. These oils are gentle and great for skin support. They will calm irritation and support a healthy bacterial environment as well.
Essential Oils to breastfeeding: what oils to Avoid
We don’t know for sure how much of the oils we use gets into breastmilk. We know the food we eat and medicine we take internally enters the milk in a diluted form. However, its harder to say how much ends up in the milk through the skin. According to Kellymom.com (the best breastfeeding information site), topical medications are safe because “virtually nothing” ends up in the milk. Essential oils may have a higher/deeper absorption rate but even so, it’s not likely that using oils will affect your milk and your baby at all. That said there are a few precautions …
- Oregano, Cinnamon, Cassia – Avoid the most strong oils unless absolutely needed. When you do them, dilute well (1 drop per tsp carrier). Note that oils used in a blend are much more gentle, such as Cinnamon in On Guard. Oregano may have a cleansing effect if used excessively (see #3).
- Wintergreen. It is fine used as part of a blend like Deep Blue, diluted properly but avoid using Wintergreen excessively.
- GX Assist – avoid cleansing while nursing as many believe that toxins released can be dumped into the breastmilk.
- Internal use while breastfeeding is a divided topic and up to your discretion. I personally used oils while breastfeeding and I would again. Of all the things I am exposed to by breathing and eating food, I believe the oils could only help her. She is a strong, healthy 4-year-old so it went well for us!
- Do not apply strong oils in a place where the baby will breathe them in. So, for example, do not apply Breathe or Peppermint to your chest and then hold baby to it. Cover with a shirt, towel, etc., apply somewhere else or wait to hold baby.
Essential oils for Breastfeeding
The biggest question is always – Is it SAFE?
According to the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy, there are 5 factors that influence the safety of an oil:
1. Quality of essential oil being utilized.
2. Chemical composition of the oil.
3. Method of application.
4. Dosage/dilution to be applied.
5. The integrity of skin.
6. Age of client.
To address these when it comes to using doTERRA essential oils while nursing:
- I ONLY recommend using doTERRA oils which we know are thoroughly tested with more tests, more often, than any other company in the world. (Learn more: 10 reasons why I choose doTERRA)
- Because of their testing, they offer only the purest and most safe and therapeutic chemically composed oils.
- I always recommend proper dilution and extra dilution should be used for pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- See number 3 🙂
- Dilute more for sensitive skin or areas such as the breast, face, etc.
- It is possible that some oils do end up in breastmilk when used topically
All that to say: It’s safe! Use common sense and you’ll be good to go 🙂
Marisa says
What great information! Could fennel be made into a roller to apply or would it be best to apply topically with FCO? Thanks!
Healing in our Homes says
either one is great!
Cara Heckathorn says
Can you use On Guard while nursing? I have a 7month old that is nursing and I have a sinus cold and I didn’t know it is it safe to use internally or topically.
Healing in our Homes says
Yes, its safe to use both ways when nursing. Just keep it away from baby’s face as its so strong.
Emily Dabiani says
My baby is 12 days old and I’m exclusively BF. I found out yesterday I have a bladder infection. The dr told me to try and flush out with tons of water and going to the bathroom every 1-2hours and wait until Monday to see before prescribing antibiotics bc I’m BF. I decided to also take onguard beadlets. I took 20 beadlets three times over the course of twelve hours. I didn’t even think about it going through my BM until now. Of course now I’m worried for the baby and googled and came across your blog. Did I take too much to continue to BF? Baby seems ok…
Healing in our Homes says
You are completely fine. The beadlets are just 1/4 of a drop. Im sure very little if any made it through and even so it would be very diluted and safe for baby.
Teresa says
Hi there! About what portions of clary sage and fennel should I use in a roller bottle? About 6 drops and top with carrier oil?
Healing in our Homes says
6 of each would be good. I used the Clary Sage undiluted so if you need it stronger feel free to add some more.
Teresa says
Thanks!!
carla says
Hello! Can you tell me if someone who’s breastfeeding can use peppermint for allergies? thank you!
Healing in our Homes says
It is safe. However, peppermint does affect some mama’s supplies. If your supply is precarious take extra care. Some can use it with no effect whatsoever so you’ll have to try it out and see.
carla belo says
thank you!!!
Rebeccah Katz says
Can you use tea tree while nursing?
Healing in our Homes says
Yes, absolutely.
A Snyder says
Hi, I have a few questions, I am trying to wean my baby from nursing. She is 2 1/2 and only nurses a few times a night. But I am having trouble getting her to stop. Do you know of any oils that I could use throughout the day to help dry up my milk?
Also, I really want to do a cleanse, I have the zendocrine softgels, do you know if it is safe to take these while nursing? Like I said – she only nurses about 3-4 times a night, not at all during the day. Maybe I could take one in the morning? Thanks for any help!
Healing in our Homes says
It is not safe to fully cleanse while nursing as its too much stress on the body. Using just the softgels is fine though and should not cause any detox reactions. I think the morning is a great plan. Peppermint may help dry up your milk
Mayra H. says
Okay I’m in a bit of a panic now, I’m new to essentials oils and recently I had MRSA. (About a month ago) I was put on Bactrim and now it seems to have come back, I came across a blog about OnGuard helping with MRSA, so I decided to put one drop Into a water bottle (16 oz) and have drank about half of it. Now I’m breastfeeding, and since you stated cinnamon is one to avoid, will my daughter be okay? Lol, or since it’s a blend , it’s fine? Would it be okay to do this once a day ?
Healing in our Homes says
oh yes! Im so sorry. Its completely fine, I used On Guard all the time when nursing and much more than 1 drop. Its just one to be careful of topically being such a hot oil topically. Take what you need internally
Erica says
Hi. Doterra already has the pre-made rollers. Is that okay to use on infants or is it better to make your own roller?
Cathy says
Hi, I have a friend who has been breastfeeding for about the last 6 months. She recently said her milk supply has dried up and has tried everything to get her supply back, but nothing has worked. Any suggestions on getting it to start again with essential oils? I did give her a roller with only 3 drops Fennel filled with fractionated coconut oil, but she said it didn’t work. Your help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.
Healing in our Homes says
I think you’ll need it to be stronger. I used fennel undiluted (not recommending that, I just didnt know better back then). But I’d do a 25% dilution at LEAST for her. Use Fennel and basil.
Cathy says
First, I want to say…Thank you so much for your help!! Would you suggest combining the Fennel & Basil with fractionated coconut oil together in a roller at 25% dilution? How many times a day should she use it and for how long? How long do you think it will take for it to start working? Thanks again!
Cathy says
She said her supply has been completely gone for 3 weeks now. Her baby is 7mos old. Just wanted to give you a few more details about her.
Jodie Moohin says
I’m wondering if it’s OK to take on guard beadlets while breastfeeding. I took one a day while abroad and we never got sick the whole time, but I’ve seen online that it may not be safe while breastfeeding? What are your thoughts? Thanks lovely
Healing in our Homes says
I personally would be 100% comfortable using them. I used On Guard while nursing and even stronger oils as well. The beadlets are only 1/4 a drop so none will make it to your milk.
Heather says
Can I take Serenity capsules while breastfeeding?
Healing in our Homes says
absolutely!
Kimberly Monks says
My midwife said it’s not safe from the L-Theanine.
Cherith says
I’ve been trying to get rid of a spot of ringworm on my ankle for a few months and decided to try oregano EO. I put 10 drops into 1 1/2 tsp of coconut oil in a roller bottle. I’m also nursing my almost 10 month old and am wondering if this is too much and will affect my supply as we are not ready to stop nursing.
Healing in our Homes says
That is totally fine and shouldnt effect your supply.
Allyse says
Hi, I’m trying to make a roller baller up. How many drops in a 1O ml carrier and which oil, grape seed or fractioned coconut? I’m new to oils
Healing in our Homes says
what oil are you using, fennel? I’d do 20-40 drops. It really depends on the oil and where you want to apply it. Search my site for my dilution article which may help 🙂
Allyse says
On guard 🙂
Thanks so much
Ashley says
Hi lovely, would taking the DDR Prime Softgels and topical oil be ok for breastfeeding? My son is 1 year old.
Thank you for your advise.
Ashley
Healing in our Homes says
Yes that is safe. As long as you feel fine then you know its not too much for you
Terri Brakke says
Will the doterra vitamins help my supply? I am a VERY low producer.
Healing in our Homes says
They definitely could, especially if you have any mineral or vitamin deficiencies contributing. Try the fennel oil too though!
Mary Parker says
Hi! Thanks for this useful info. I know there’s a lot of controversy around taking oils internally while BF. I’ve been taking a drop of frankincense and copaiba under my tongue each morning to help with stress/anxiety/PPD. Just wondering if you’d say this was safe or to stop while BF. Thanks again!!
Healing in our Homes says
I would personally feel 100% safe using those oils daily while nursing. Keep up that breastfeeding girl! Its great for baby and the endorphins are great for you and your stress levels too. win win!
Mary Parker says
Ha! Thank you so much!! The breastfeeding wasn’t going to stop, the oils were, for the time being. It sounds like we are good to go though. I really appreciate your help (as I’m sure my 3 children do as well)!!!
Mandi Dyer says
Can I use slim and sassy products while breastfeeding?
Felicia Stoddard says
I was taking PB Assist, Mito 2Max prior to pregnancy Is it safe to take Mito2Max and PB assist while breastfeeding?
Alesha says
Hi, I have 5.5 week old twins that I’m breastfeeding and we have had an onset of influenza at home. Not even thinking I started using my onguard roller I made up myself and now I’ve read that it’s not safe to use during breastfeeding and I’m really worried. Just want to know should I stop using it?
Rachel - HealinginourHomes says
It is 100% fine and safe for you to use! There is caution for the cinnamon and skin irritation so just keep it away from your little ones. Oil up often mama, that’s the best thing you can do for yourself. You’ll pass some amazing antibodies to your babies. 🙂 hope everyone feels better soon!
Alesha says
Oh phew. Thank you so much. I will put some on now ?
Nikki says
Hi!Struggling with acid reflux and wondering if it would be okay to take digestzen capsules while breastfeeding my eight month old? Thanks!
Healing in our Homes says
Yes just keep an eye on the effects on your supply. Some people’s supply will dip with peppermint. But if you usually use it without issues then its no problem. 🙂
Coral Anne McInnes says
I’m sick and would like to diffuse on guard is this safe?
Healing in our Homes says
Absolutely! Just make sure baby isnt too close and there’s air circulation, just so it isnt too strong. I like to mix with Wild Orange to make it gentler
andrea medina shibi says
Hi!
My whole family has been with a cold so I took 2 drops of oregano in a glass os water to boost my inmune system.
Will breastfeed exclusively! Now Im worried It will pass to my baby?
Healing in our Homes says
That is perfectly fine 🙂
Ashley says
Will eucalyptus oil have the same effect as peppermint oil? Peppermint oil drys me up.
Healing in our Homes says
It should not
Michaela Zemaitis says
Hi, so i have a little bit of a cough and was wondering if its safe to use the On Guard soft gels while I’m breast feeding?
Healing in our Homes says
Yes! absolutely 🙂 Hope you feel better soon
Jennifer says
Hi there! I have some pp anxiety. What do you recommend for that while breastfeeding?
Healing in our Homes says
Im so sorry Jennifer, I’ve been through that myself. The new adaptive blend is wonderful for lifting low moods, its an oil blend and a capsule. Both have been helping me tremendously with feeling anxious. Oils wise try Clary Calm to help balance your hormones, rolled over your low abs/ovaries, balance on the back of the neck and smelling and diffusing some citrus oils such as Wild Orange. Getting on doTERRA’s Lifelong Vitality supplements could also really help. Big hugs mama.
Andy says
Hello,
My wife is breastfeeding, our baby is 12 days old, but my wife is constipated, any recommendations on which oils may help her and safe in breastmilk if it gets to it? Thanks so much!
Healing in our Homes says
I’d suggest some diluted Digestzen blend as often as every 20 mins, with a gentle circular massage from her right to left and lots of water!
Cindy says
I put Onguard on my neck and behind my ears per a recommendation to help a sore throat. Baby was strapped to by chest sleeping. The smell is so intense. Should I be worried about her?
Do you feel onguard is safe while nursing when used externally?
Chelsea says
Due with baby number 2 in a few weeks and wondering how to apply the clary sage, fennel and basil. If undiluted, did you just rub it on each breast? If so, how often.
Also, my husband diffuses breathe almost every night. Will the peppermint in that affect my supply?
Thanks for all your help!
Kristin Alvestad says
Thank you for this article.
I tried sharing the link in my FB group but FB denied it cause it goes against community guidelines. I’m guessing it’s cause it has breastfeeding and essential oils in the title. Horrifying that they sensor like this!
Healing in our Homes says
FB is driving me insane! Its so crazy how they are sensoring us. They do the same with my copaiba post
Amber says
I’m lathered in past tense to try and get some relief from a two day migraine. Is this going in to my milk? Is it safe for my toddler to breathe in while nursing?
Healing in our Homes says
Hopefully the peppermint didnt affect your supply. Its safe as long as its not too strong for them. Other options are copaiba and frankincense if its too strong
Ashley says
I just got the new Adaptiv oil, is this safe for breastfeeding?
Rachel loth says
Yes! 🙂 it does have peppermint so keep an eye on your supply.
Abby says
Hi,
I am breastfeeding my 2 month old, he is now sleeping well through the night but I can’t fall back to sleep after our 3am feeding thus giving me some anxiety right before I go to bed! I really don’t want to stop breastfeeding but I need to sleep, I have your lavender and calming oils- how should I use them or what else should I use thanks
Healing in our Homes says
I would use Cedarwood and/or the Peace roller. You can also take copaiba softgels to help relax you when you have to wake to feed
Helen says
I’ve used my oils before to lessen my milk supply. (Peppermint worked great) What oils can be used to wean a baby from wanting to nurse. Especially if she won’t take a bottle and she’s so mad about it. Having to stop nursing because chemo treatments that need to start ASAP. Doctors are insisting to stop right away. But she is not making it easy, it’s adding to an already stressful situation.
Healing in our Homes says
Im so sorry for my delayed response and also for all you are going through. I hope you found some calming oils to help you both through.
Meagan says
Is ingesting zengest for my stomach ok while breastfeeding
Healing in our Homes says
yes! always dilute your essential oils when pregnant.
Valentina says
Hi¡ Put Balance oil on my feet and take one drop of lemon oil in the morning is this safe for breastfeeding?
Thank you.
Healing in our Homes says
yes, completely safe 🙂
Emily says
My daughter is 3 weeks and I am nursing. My stomach has been sour for a couple days and I wondered if digestzen capsules are safe to take.
Alicia Janssen-Thayer says
Would you agree that on guard is safe for baby?
My baby is 3 months old and I’ve been using topically everyday, but I’m trying out drinking 2 drops in hot water as a tea this morning.
I also made a baby roller which is 1 drop and the rest of the roller size is coconut oil according to doTERRA standards this is alright for baby.
Healing in our Homes says
That all seems perfectly reasonable and safe to me. Stay well!
Mj says
I have a 5wk old and we both have thrush that I can not get rid of. I was thinking of using correct x on my nipples to see if that would help with both the pain and killing the Candida. Any thoughts?
Healing in our Homes says
I personally would not as its hard to wipe off and is not meant for internal consumption.
Jane says
Can I use blue heat on my knee while breastfeeding my 14 week old?
Jane says
I mean ‘deep blue’
Healing in our Homes says
Absolutely! Just wash your hands well afterwards
Jen says
Hello,
JenCan you give your recommendation for sore nipple oil amount? How many drops of the oils you mentioned would you add to the carrier oil? Thank you!
Healing in our Homes says
regular coconut oil is best. I’d probably mix 5-10 drops in a TB of coconut oil in a little bowl and use that. Wipe off before nursing. Its not harmful just may not taste so great.
Tana says
I used young living panaway blend which contains wintergreen and breastfed my baby, then I found out we’re not supposed to use wintergreen when breastfeeding.
I’m panicking now,
Help!
Healing in our Homes says
You are fine, Im sure. Wintergreen is just strong but its not inherently dangerous to you or baby. You’d have to use copious amounts to get even a tiny bit in your milk. I do recommend switching to doTERRA so you and your little one are safe!
Emma Biernacki says
Is the Lifelong Vitality Pack safe while breastfeeding? I noticed it has peppermint in it. Will it affect my supply? Also it has Ginko Biloba which I thought was not recommended while pregnant/breastfeeding?
Healing in our Homes says
It is absolutely safe while pregnant and breastfeeding. Thousands of doTERRA mamas have used it as a prenatal with great success! The peppermint is minimal so you’d have to be extremely sensitive for it to affect your supply
Andi says
Hey! We are adopting a baby and I haven’t breastfed for 8 years! Hoping and praying these oils will help me produce enough milk!!
Thank you!!
Healing in our Homes says
Oh my goodness, what a blessing! I hope they help too!
Caity says
Can you use clary calm while breastfeeding? Missing it so much!!
Alona says
Is it safe for a 2 year old to ingest on guard ? I do use it on her externally diluted with coconut oil. Would easy air be ok to apply on the chest ?
She has a wet cough sometimes so wanted to know what options would you suggest?
Thank you !
Healing in our Homes says
A 2yr old should absolutely not ingest On Guard. For a cough Id use something gentler since that’s such delicate skin – lemon, frankincense and lavender are great for respiratory support for little ones. Use the diluted On Guard on the bottoms of her feet for immune support.
Leanne says
Hi, I loved using several of DoTerra’s supplements before I became pregnant like Mito2Max and Phytoestrogen. I’d like to use them again now that I’m breastfeeding, but I’m not 100% sure that it’s safe. Do you have any experience with those?
Brittney says
Good evening!
I was just wondering if you could give me a list of what oils are safe to use while breastfeeding?
Hannah says
My son is a year old and still nursing. Is Wild Orange safe to take in water while breastfeeding?
Rachel LothTachel says
Yes, very safe 🙂 – Rachel